Packing for a trip often feels like a strategic challenge, requiring a bag that is both spacious and manageable. An extra large tote bag is the ultimate solution, offering the generous capacity of a duffel with the easy access and style of a handbag. Whether you’re heading to the beach, navigating a weekend city break, or simply need an oversized carry-all for the airport, the right tote can make all the difference.
The ideal travel tote combines durable materials with smart organization, ensuring your belongings are secure and easy to find. From waterproof packable options to sturdy canvas workhorses with dedicated compartments, there is a perfect oversized tote for every type of traveler. This roundup features ten of the best options available, designed to carry your essentials and more with ease and reliability.
Our Recommended Extra Large Tote Bags
- Shappy 6 Pieces Extra Large Reusable Shopping Grocery Bags
- Extra Large Canvas Tote Bag – Big Largest Reusable Grocery
- Longchamp ‘Medium ‘Le Pliage’ Nylon Tote Shoulder Bag
- Laptop Bag for Women 15.6 inch Laptop Tote Bag Leather
- Baggallini Trifecta Convertible Backpack Crossbody Tote Bag
- TUMI – Just In Case Tote – Foldable, Lightweight and Compact
- Vera Bradley Women’s Cotton Vera Tote Bag, Pastel Plaid
- Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote – Spacious Canvas Travel Bag
- BAGSMART Tote Bag for Women, Foldable Tote Bag With Zipper
- BAGGU Duck Bag Large Canvas Tote
Shappy 6 Pieces Extra Large Reusable Shopping Grocery Bags
For the traveler who needs to move a lot of items or prefers to keep things sorted, this six-piece set from Shappy is a practical choice. The bags are constructed from wear-resistant woven coated polypropylene, making them both sturdy and waterproof. They are designed to bear heavy weight, which makes them useful for more than just shopping; they can handle beach gear, picnic supplies, or even act as organizers within a larger suitcase.
The set comes in six bright, rainbow colors—red, yellow, blue, green, purple, and orange. This colorful design adds a fun element to your tasks and makes it easy to color-code your packing for different family members or types of belongings. With dimensions of 21.7 x 14.2 x 13.8 inches, each bag offers substantial capacity, and having a pack of six ensures you are always prepared for a variety of needs.
Extra Large Canvas Tote Bag – Big Largest Reusable Grocery
This heavy-duty canvas tote is a true workhorse, built for those who need a simple, reliable, and massive bag. Made from premium 14-ounce cotton canvas, it is both eco-friendly and remarkably durable. The open-top design provides effortless access to your items, making it perfect for quick packing and unpacking.
Measuring 27 x 16 x 8 inches, it offers one of the largest capacities on this list. Its versatility is a key strength, functioning equally well as a grocery bag, laundry bag, or a carry-all for beach trips, camping, and picnics. The robust material and construction mean it can handle heavy, bulky items without showing signs of strain, making it a long-lasting addition to your travel accessories.
Longchamp ‘Medium ‘Le Pliage’ Nylon Tote Shoulder Bag
The Longchamp Le Pliage is a timeless and iconic travel tote, renowned for its blend of style and functionality. Crafted from durable, lightweight nylon with embossed leather trim and golden hardware, it offers a sophisticated look that transitions seamlessly from day to night. The contrasting logo embroidery adds a touch of classic branding.
One of its most notable features is its packability; the bag comes folded and can be easily flattened for compact storage in your luggage when not in use. With dimensions of 11″W x 9″H x 5.5″D and an 8-inch strap drop, it’s a medium-capacity bag ideal for carrying daily essentials, a light sweater, and personal items while exploring a new city or as a supplemental in-flight bag.
Laptop Bag for Women 15.6 inch Laptop Tote Bag Leather
This Lubardy tote bag is an excellent choice for the professional traveler who needs to carry and protect their technology. Made from prime crocodile-pattern leather and polyester lining, it offers a classy, water-repellent, and scratch-resistant exterior. The antique gold-toned hardware and metal feet on the base add to its sophisticated and practical design.
The interior is intelligently organized with multiple sections, including a padded pocket for a 15.6-inch laptop and a separate iPad pocket. It also features two open pockets for documents, a large zippered pocket, and several smaller slip and pen pockets. With both an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap and handles, it can be used as a professional briefcase or a stylish handbag, making it perfect for business trips, work commutes, and office use.
Baggallini Trifecta Convertible Backpack Crossbody Tote Bag
Versatility is the defining feature of the Baggallini Trifecta. This lightweight bag is ingeniously designed to transform from a tote to a crossbody to a backpack with ease. The adjustable and detachable straps allow you to adapt your carrying style to the situation, whether you’re navigating a crowded airport or need hands-free convenience while sightseeing.
Constructed from high-quality, water-repellent nylon, it weighs just 1.6 pounds and measures 11”W x 12”H x 5.5”D. It includes a RFID phone wristlet for added security and is designed to fit securely on a luggage handle. Its TSA-approved dimensions make it an ideal personal item for air travel, providing generous space for a tablet and all your in-flight essentials without being bulky.
TUMI – Just In Case Tote – Foldable, Lightweight and Compact
The TUMI Just In Case Tote is the ultimate backup bag for the prepared traveler. Its core feature is its packability; the entire tote folds down into a small, included zip pouch that can be tucked away in your carry-on or checked luggage. This means you always have an extra bag on hand for souvenirs, laundry, or an unexpected shopping trip.
Despite being a packable bag, it doesn’t skimp on features. It boasts a double-zip entry for easy access, an open pocket, comfortable shoulder straps, and a zip pouch that attaches to the bag’s interior. Crafted from lightweight yet durable materials, it provides a reliable and stylish emergency tote without adding weight or taking up space until you need it.
Vera Bradley Women’s Cotton Vera Tote Bag, Pastel Plaid
Vera Bradley is known for its vibrant patterns and soft fabrics, and this tote is no exception. The Vera Tote is made from recycled cotton, offering a sustainable choice that doesn’t compromise on the softness and comfort the brand is known for. Its cheerful pastel plaid design adds a pop of personality to your travel ensemble.
Measuring 15 x 15 x 6 inches with a 12-inch strap, it provides a spacious and well-organized interior. The bag includes six interior slip pockets and features a front slip pocket, a zip pocket, and a hidden top slip pocket on the exterior, all secured with a zipper closure. This makes it a great option for those who like to keep their belongings neatly sorted and easily accessible.
Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote – Spacious Canvas Travel Bag
The Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote is a masterclass in thoughtful travel design. Crafted from high-quality, sustainably sourced canvas, this bag is both lightweight and built to last. Its clean and chic aesthetic makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from a weekend getaway to a daily commute.
Its most standout feature is the separate bottom shoe compartment, which allows you to keep dirty or clean shoes isolated from the rest of your belongings. The bag also includes a luggage sleeve on the back to slide over your suitcase handle, quick-access slip pockets, and secure zipper openings. This combination of features makes packing and traveling exceptionally organized and seamless.
BAGSMART Tote Bag for Women, Foldable Tote Bag With Zipper
For a balance of organization, security, and packability, the BAGSMART Foldable Tote is a top contender. When unfolded, it offers a generous 20L capacity, measuring 16.5″L x 6″W x 14″H, large enough to hold a 15.6-inch laptop or A4 folders. When your trip is over, it folds neatly into a compact 7.9 x 7-inch pouch for effortless storage.
The bag is made from water-repellent and tear-resistant fabric with strong anti-wrinkle properties. It features a main zipper compartment and five additional external pockets, including a front zippered pocket and several slip pockets, allowing for excellent organization of your items. The full zipper closure provides added security compared to open-top totes, making it a reliable choice for work or travel.
BAGGU Duck Bag Large Canvas Tote
The BAGGU Duck Bag is a modern take on the classic canvas tote, known for its simple, functional, and stylish design. It is crafted from a heavy-duty, 12-ounce cotton canvas that is both durable and soft, ensuring it can handle heavy loads while remaining comfortable to carry. The bag’s minimalist aesthetic makes it a versatile accessory for a variety of outings.
Its large, open main compartment is perfect for carrying groceries, beach towels, or a day’s worth of travel essentials. Reinforced stitching and sturdy webbed cotton handles provide extra strength and longevity. As a reusable bag, it is an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic bags, making it a smart and responsible choice for environmentally conscious travelers.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in an Extra Large Tote Bag for Travel
When I’m picking out an extra large tote bag for travel, I treat it like choosing a travel partner. It needs to be reliable, versatile, and able to handle everything I throw at it, sometimes literally. The main goal is to find a bag that bridges the gap between a personal item and a carry-on, giving you easy access to all your essentials without having to constantly open the overhead bin. Here’s what I always consider before making a purchase.
First up is material. This is non-negotiable for me. I look for something durable like heavy-duty canvas, nylon, or full-grain leather. These materials can withstand being shoved under airplane seats, getting caught in the rain, and the general wear and tear of travel. A water-resistant or waterproof coating is a huge plus, especially for protecting my laptop or a spare change of clothes. The last thing I want is a bag that looks defeated after one trip.
Next, I think about organization. A giant, open pit is my worst nightmare. I need pockets—lots of them. A dedicated, padded laptop sleeve is a must for me, as is a secure zip-top closure for the main compartment to prevent any embarrassing spillage in the airport terminal. I also love totes with interior slip pockets for my phone and passport, and exterior pockets for quick-grab items like my boarding pass or hand sanitizer. Some bags even have clever features like a separate shoe compartment, which is a game-changer.
Comfort is key when you’re hauling a heavy bag through a terminal. I always check the straps. Are they wide and padded? Thin straps might look chic, but they dig into your shoulder painfully when the bag is full. I’m a big fan of totes that offer a crossbody strap option for hands-free maneuvering, which is a lifesaver when you’re also dragging a rolling suitcase. Also, consider the bag’s structure. A completely floppy tote can be awkward to carry and hard to find things in, while a bag with a sturdy base stands up on its own and keeps its shape.
Finally, don’t forget about style and the all-important dimensions. While function comes first, I still want a bag that looks good. I opt for a color and style that fits my personal taste but is also practical (darker colors are better at hiding scuffs). Most importantly, I always double-check the bag’s measurements against my preferred airline’s personal item size limits. The perfect tote is one that I can stuff to the brim and still confidently slide under the seat in front of me. Getting the right one makes all the difference for my journey, which is why I put together this list of the 10 best extra large tote bags for travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for a travel tote bag?
In my experience, the best materials balance durability with weight. I lean heavily towards ballistic nylon or heavy-duty canvas because they are incredibly tough, scratch-resistant, and often have some level of water resistance. Leather is beautiful and durable but can be significantly heavier. For a bag you’ll be carrying through airports, a lightweight yet strong synthetic material is usually your best bet for comfort and longevity.
Can an extra large tote bag be a personal item on a flight?
This is the million-dollar question, and the answer is: it depends on the airline and the specific bag. Most airlines have size restrictions for the personal item that goes under the seat. Before I fly, I always check my airline’s website for their exact dimensions (usually something like 18″ x 14″ x 8″). I make sure my tote bag is soft-sided and flexible enough to squish into that space, even when full. A rigid bag that exceeds the dimensions is likely to get flagged at the gate.
How do I keep my tote bag organized?
I am a huge advocate for using organizers! My number one tip is to use a separate pouch or clutch for your absolute essentials like your wallet, passport, and phone. That way, when you go through security or need to find something quickly, you’re not digging through a black hole. Many travel-focused totes come with built-in organization, but for those that don’t, I use a small travel organizer insert. It has multiple compartments and can be lifted out entirely, which makes switching bags between trips a breeze.
Are there any extra large tote bags with a zipper closure?
Yes, absolutely, and I strongly prefer them! While an open-top tote is easy to access, it’s not secure for travel. Thankfully, many brands now design their large totes with a full zipper across the top. This gives me peace of mind knowing my belongings won’t fall out if the bag tips over and are less accessible to pickpockets in crowded spaces. When I’m searching for a new bag, a secure zip-top closure is one of my top filters.
What features are most important for a travel tote?
For me, it’s a combination of security, comfort, and durability. My non-negotiable features are a zippered main compartment, a padded laptop sleeve, and comfortable, sturdy straps (preferably with a crossbody option). After that, I look for additional pockets for organization, a water-resistant material, and a design that has some structure so it doesn’t become a shapeless sack when I put it down. Finding a bag that ticks all these boxes is the key to a stress-free travel experience. I considered all of these factors when looking at the 10 best extra large tote bags for travel.