Aloha Collection Day Tripper Tote Review: My Go-To Travel Bag
The Aloha Collection Day Tripper tote is a water-resistant, packable travel bag perfect for beach days and excursions. Here's why I never travel without it.
By Jill Robinson 
Regardless of the type of carry-on bag and personal item that accompany me onto a plane, within one of those bags is an Aloha Collection Day Tripper tote bag. My personal item may be great for packing my tablet and plane-necessary items for the trip between home and where I'm going, but once I'm there, I usually like to lighten things up and have a versatile tote.
After years of testing different travel tote bags, the Day Tripper is the one I keep coming back to. It strikes that sweet spot between spacious enough to carry everything you need for a day out and lightweight enough that you barely notice it in your suitcase.
Quick Look: Aloha Collection Day Tripper
- Dimensions: 19" wide x 14.5" high (17.5" expanded)
- Strap width: 1.5" nylon
- Closure: Expandable, zippered top
- Pockets: 1 exterior zip, 2 interior zip
- Material: Water-resistant TPU-coated fabric
- Weight: Lightweight and fully packable
- Price: $72
- Best for: Beach days, daily excursions, shopping, sightseeing
What Makes the Day Tripper a Great Travel Tote Bag
What's so great about the Day Tripper tote? It's comfortable and spacious, so it can be used for a beach bag, daily excursion bag, or shopping bag. It's also water-resistant, and will keep your belongings protected against splashes, spills, and weather while you're on the go.
The lightweight bag measures 19" wide x 14.5" high (17.5" expanded) and has 1.5" wide nylon straps that don't dig into your shoulder. It has multiple zippered pockets (one on the outside and two on the inside) and an expandable, zippered closure.
I've carried this tote fully loaded through all-day excursions in Hawaii, market shopping in Mexico, and rainy walks along the Northern California coast. The wide straps genuinely make a difference when you're hauling sunscreen, a water bottle, a towel, and whatever treasures you've picked up along the way.
Water Resistance: Splash Proof but Not a Dry Bag
One of the biggest reasons I trust this bag as my go-to beach tote is the water-resistant, TPU-coated fabric. I've had waves splash up while I was sitting on the beach and my phone and book inside stayed completely dry. Rain? Not an issue either.
While the bag is splash-proof, that doesn't mean it functions as a true dry bag. Do not submerge your bag with your belongings inside, as the zippers are not watertight. Think of it as a reliable shield against the elements you'd normally encounter during a day out — not a bag you'd take kayaking.
How to Clean Your Day Tripper Tote
Aloha Collection bags are easy to clean. Just wipe your bag down with a damp cloth or hand wash it in the sink and lay flat to dry. The company also says that it's safe to toss in the washing machine on delicate, but I haven't tried that approach because the first two options are simple enough. After sandy beach days, I usually just shake it out and give it a quick wipe — it's ready to go again the next morning.
Packability: Why This Tote Is Perfect for Travel
When you're not using your Day Tripper tote, you can fold it up to pack easily in your suitcase, or even in a closet at home until you need it again. This is honestly one of my favorite features. Unlike structured tote bags that take up valuable suitcase real estate, the Day Tripper folds flat and tucks into a packing cube or along the side of your luggage.
I've even packed two different patterns for a longer trip — one for beach days and one as a shopping bag for when I'm exploring town.
Pros and Cons
What I love:
- Water-resistant fabric keeps belongings dry in rain and splashes
- Wide 1.5" nylon straps are comfortable for all-day carry
- Folds flat for easy packing in your suitcase
- Expandable zippered top adds extra capacity when you need it
- Multiple zippered pockets keep small items organized
- Easy to clean with just a damp cloth
- Fun Hawaiian-inspired prints and patterns
What could be better:
- Zippers are not watertight, so it's not a true dry bag
- No interior structure or rigid bottom — it's floppy when not full
- At $72, it's pricier than a basic tote (but the quality justifies it)
- Limited solid color options if bold prints aren't your style
Who Should Buy the Aloha Collection Day Tripper
This tote is ideal if you're a traveler who wants one bag that can handle beach days, rainy excursions, farmers market runs, and sightseeing without worrying about your stuff getting wet. It's especially great for anyone who values packability — if you're tired of bulky beach bags eating up suitcase space, this is the answer.
It's probably not the best pick if you need a structured bag with a laptop sleeve or rigid compartments. This is a day bag, not a work bag, and it does that job beautifully.
Patterns and Pricing
Day Tripper totes list for $72 and designs range from Ti Leaf to Wavy (pictured) to Coco Palms , so you can choose the one that best matches your travel style. Aloha Collection regularly releases limited-edition prints, so it's worth checking back if you don't see a pattern that grabs you right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Aloha Collection Day Tripper tote waterproof?
The Day Tripper is water-resistant and splash-proof, meaning it will protect your belongings from rain, splashes, and spills. However, it is not fully waterproof — the zippers are not watertight, so you should avoid submerging the bag.
How big is the Day Tripper tote?
The Day Tripper measures 19" wide x 14.5" high, expanding to 17.5" high when you unzip the expansion panel. It's roomy enough for a beach towel, sunscreen, water bottle, snacks, and personal items.
Can you fold the Day Tripper tote flat for packing?
Yes! This is one of its best features for travelers. The Day Tripper folds completely flat and can be packed inside a suitcase, packing cube, or even a larger carry-on bag.
How do you clean an Aloha Collection bag?
Wipe it down with a damp cloth or hand wash it in the sink and lay flat to dry. The company says machine washing on the delicate cycle is also safe, though hand cleaning works just as well.
Is the Day Tripper tote worth $72?
In my experience, yes. The water-resistant fabric, comfortable straps, packability, and durability make it a solid investment for frequent travelers. I've used mine for years and it still looks great.
