I’m kind of a nut for tote bags. I love the versatility of a quality tote, as one is always along for the ride when I travel either by car or plane. For a tote bag to pass muster, it must be able to take a beating, has to zip up to keep my gear secure, and must have plenty of pockets.
Recently, I tried out Filson’s Rugged Twill Tote Bag with Zipper, which completely fit the bill. This bag is 15″ by 7″ by 14″, sized at 25 liters, which makes it perfectly sized as a carry-on accessory on the plane, fitting my laptop, wallet, phone, USB cords and battery, and a light jacket or scarf.
The outside of this twill bag is water-repellent and abrasion-resistant; it’s very stiff and thick material. The interior opens wide, which is essential so I can find my stuff in a hurry, and you get four exterior pockets. The Bridle leather handle adds a touch of class and quality that’s often missing on dur
able tote bags, and the rustproof brass zipper gives the bag a timeless, elegant feel.
This is a tote bag that goes with anything and can still go everywhere. The zipper is substantial, and my only complaint is that it’s sometimes hard to pull closed. Once it is closed, however, you feel very secure that it’s going to stay that way, keeping your gear where it belongs. The side pocket fits a water bottle (not a huge, wide one, but your average S’well or HydroFlask will fit). And the tote looks just as at home in Europe as it does on a fly fishing expedition. The bag is a classic!
Pick up the Filson rugged tote in one of three colors: sepia (a cinnamon brown), natural (a cream), or cinder (gray) for $225. Don’t want it to zip closed? You can pick it op for $195.