Every time I’m given a new reusable tote, I recall the We Bare Bears animated TV series episode where “Tote Life” took over the bears’ lives, and they were nearly buried in a mountain of tote bags. Reusable totes, when used instead of paper and plastic bags, are wonderful. But the massive amount of brand-new tote bags often just create a small mountain in everyone’s homes.
When I travel, I bring along a ReFleece Limited Edition Patchwork Reusable Tote Bag, for those moments when I need a bag (laundry, shopping, carrying a change of clothes, etc.). I also use it at home whenever I need to carry things around. And every time, someone stops to ask me about it.
The patchwork bag is crafted from reclaimed jackets, which keeps those jackets from being added to the landfill. An additional bonus is that the jacket material makes the tote durable and water resistant, just like your favorite outdoor jacket.
The lightweight bag measures 14 inches tall by 5 inches deep, and 14 inches wide. It’s lightweight and packs down into its own internal pocket—a zip pocket cut from a reclaimed jacket that can keep your wallet, keys, phone, or other small items safe when you’re using the tote. The bag is also fully reversible.
The sustainable bags embody the unique past life of the gear they’re made from, including seams, quirks, and minor wear. It gives each tote its own personality in a way, which may be why they catch people’s attention so much when I’m using mine.
Each Limited Edition Patchwork Reusable Tote Bag is unique in its color pattern, and no two are alike. In general, brighter colors are used on top, with darker colors on the bottom and interior. The tote lists for $56 on the ReFleece site.