The thing about a day at the beach is you need to pack a lot of gear. No one goes to the beach with what’s in their pockets and nothing else. You’re going to need to carry beach towels or beach blankets. Things like sunscreen, sunglasses, sandals, and more. Ideally, you’ll be bringing some snacks too. Maybe you even want to keep them cold.

Another thing to consider is if you’re going to just sit right on the sand or go for a walk. If you’re going to be carrying things with you, you need a solid bag for the beach. Something that is roomy but light. Something that has space to store all the stuff you are going to bring with you and keep it secure. You don’t want a big hiking backpack that you have to unbuckle and unzip to get into it. But you don’t want a small tote bag that can barely fit anything either. Bags for the beach bridge the gap and give you a versatile tote. One with lots of room but easy access. Let’s take a look at some of the best beach bags on the market.

Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag

Featuring 8 oversized pockets, the Dejaroo beach bag has more than enough space for all your gear. That includes a secret compartment inside to stash things like your keys or your cell phone. It also comes in a wide range of bright colors to suit any tastes.

The handles on the bag are longer than most. This allows you to carry it easily, even when it’s stuffed full. The material is a quick-drying mesh so even if it gets wet there are no worries. The material and stitching a top-quality. You won’t have to worry about this one falling apart anytime soon. In fact, the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the bag.

IKEA Large Tote Bag

$4.00 Amazon 

Sometimes the beach bag doesn’t need a lot of bells and whistles. The best beach bag if you just want something to stuff all your things in is this Ikea large shopping bag. It’s 100% polypropylene. If it gets dirty, all you have to do is rinse or wipe it clean. It weighs practically nothing. And it can also fit 19 gallons worth of stuff inside. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a bigger tote bag than this one. It may not be the most fashionable choice, but that doesn’t really matter. If you’re looking for a very cheap bag with a ton of space, the Ikea bag is your best bet.

Bluboon Tote Bag

$19.99 Amazon 

The Bluboon beach bag is incredibly versatile. It is lightweight, yet very durable. The sides are mesh and feature zipper pockets. There’s also a dual zipper detachable insulated cooler section on the bottom. That means if you’re bringing food or drinks to the beach, you’re good to keep them cool in this tote. Also, if you don’t need a cooler, you don’t even have to take it with you because it detaches. The bag is big enough to hold several beach towels. It can also handle snacks, books, and all your accessories. The zippered pockets are good for handling more valuable items like your cell phone and keys.

The handles are padded and reinforced so they won’t strain your shoulder. And because it’s a mesh beach bag, even if it gets wet, it will dry up quickly. The stitching is top quality, so don’t expect this bag to fall apart on you. When it is empty it collapses down easily for compact storage.

CGear Sand Free Tote Bag

The CGear sand free tote bag is made from a double layer mesh weave. That’s where the sand free part comes in. Sand just straight through and won’t stay in the bag once you leave the beach. That’s going to save a lot of cleanup at home and in the car. In case you’re worried about how sand gets in, don’t leave me. Even though the sand sifts out, it doesn’t go in the same way. So you can safely set this one in the sand and not have to worry about it.

AOMAIS Beach Bag

 Amazon 

The AOMAIS beach bag is one of the strongest bags you’ll find. It’s incredibly durable and tough. The bad can handle up to 150 lbs worth of gear. There are eight different pockets inside to keep things organized. It’s also made with mesh to help eliminate the sand problem. The rest of the bag is resistant to tearing as well as mold and mildew. If you’re planning a big day at the beach, consider this bag. When you want to pack everything and then some, this is the best bag for you.

Hydroflask Insulated Tote Bag

$69.00 Amazon 

When you need a cool drink on a hot day the beach can often let you down. The Hydroflask insulated beach bag is the best beach bag for avoiding that problem. The insulated lining can keep your drinks and snacks cool for up to four hours. This beach bag is very heavy duty. You can store up to 35 litres worth of stuff inside. That means a couple of beach blankets in addition to your drinks. And there’s also a zippered pocket to hold valuables like your sunglasses, or other small items.

The zippers are water resistant and very sturdy. The seams are welded and waterproof as well. If something spills inside the bag, it’s not going to leak out. And it’s also going to be pretty easy to clean up. The bag is durable and rigid enough to stand up on its own. Many cheaper bags flop over when they’re empty. It also features a 5 year limited warranty in case something goes wrong.

Esvan Water Resistant Beach Bag

$19.99 Amazon 

The Esvan large beach bag is a waterproof beach bag. It’s also washable. The bag is made from polyester, so it’s strong and easy to clean. There is a zipper enclosure to keep things safe. It’s big enough to hold beach blankets and the rest of your beach gear. There’s also an exterior zippered pocket plus 3 interior pockets. You can carry it around with the use of either straps or an 11 inch handle. Best of all, if you’re concerned with style, there are 25 different designs. This is one of the best beach bags if you’re looking for function as well as form.

ShyLero Beach and Pool Bag

$29.99 Amazon 

The interior of the ShyLero beach bag is waterproof. That means even when you put stuff away wet, it won’t soak the rest of the tote. It also features a second waterproof case inside. You can store your whole or wallet in there to keep it protected. External pockets have room for other accessories. Things like a water bottle on your sunglasses. There’s even a side hook for your keys that includes a bottle opener. It comes in a variety of colors as well.

The rope shoulder straps fit easily and comfortably over your shoulder. It’s soft enough that you can go for a lengthy walk with him getting fatigued. The inside of the bag can hold enough gear for you and the family. You can even seal it shut with a magnetic clip to keep things secure in transit. This is a great beach tote for style and function.

The company offers a 100% money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied. That can give you the peace of mind that this bag is going to last as long as you need it.

Things to Remember

 

Finding the best beach tote bag involves more than just grabbing the first bag you find. There are a number of things to keep in mind that separate this kind of bag for any other bag. That includes everything from material, to space, to comfort. That in mind, these are the features you really want to hone in on to find the best beach bag.

Material

If you’re looking for the best beach bag, the material you choose has a big impact on how useful it will be. Obviously there are a range of potential materials you can go with. Some synthetic materials are exceptionally water resistant. But something like cotton would be machine washable and comfortable to carry. Many beach bags will offer you a combination of materials. Pockets or the body can be made from mesh. A mesh beach bag is also resistant to sand. The straps will often be a softer, padded material. And there can be parts that are insulated to keep drinks cool. A water resistant base is also handy in case you happen to set it on a wet towel or wet sand. Keep in mind if you want heavy duty or something light.

Size

The best beach bag needs to be the right size for what you plan to do. That means if you’re heading to the beach with 3 friends or family members, you can hold everything you need. You want to have room for all your towels, your sandals, your sunglasses, and some drinks. This is really what separates a beach bag from any other kind of bag you can be carrying around. It needs to be spacious but lightweight and comfortable. A large beach bag is always better than a small one for this reason.

Stitching

As important as the size and material of your beach bag is stitching. The best beach bags need solid stitching to be reliable. Even the best material is going to fall apart if it’s not held together well. Cheap bags will often be very poorly stitched together, so they burst at the seams. Considering that a beach bag is often stuffed with gear for the beach and this becomes very relevant. If possible, give the seams a test by pulling at them, within reason, before buying. Pay attention to the seams on a mesh beach bag, as they are sometimes weak.

Closing Mechanism

Sun beach bags I meant to stay open all the time. The best beach bags will give you the option to close them. Whether that means it has a zipper top or some other kind of class. So might use a snap or magnetic closing mechanism. Some even have ties. Whatever it uses it needs to keep your gear secure. If the bag is one that remains open, then you’ll need suitable straps to help you control it so things don’t fall out. If it does have a zipper, you need to make sure it’s one that won’t separate because the bag is overstuffed.

Pockets

A big, open space is handy for storing just about anything. But the best beach bags are going to have pockets to help keep things organized. That makes it easier for you to find things in a pinch. When you have a pocket to hold a water bottle or your sunglasses you won’t have to go digging to find them. Many beach bags have several pockets that you can use. The best beach bags will even have waterproof storage pockets. That way you can keep your phone or keys safe.

Style

The way a beach tote looks can go a long way to making it useful. Even if a variety of colors doesn’t change how it works, it’s a nice option. So are things like having rope handles. A good beach bag should look good and fi your style. The best bag for beach trips won’t make you feel weird or embarrassed. Pick a beach bag that looks good and gets the job done.

The Bottom Line

When you’re looking for the best beach bags make sure it meets all your needs. You need one with adequate space and a sturdy build. You want it to be comfortable and durable. If you’re worried about sand, you need it to be a mesh beach bag. And being stylish with a choice of colors doesn’t hurt, either. Just keep in mind what you need a beach tote for. Whether you need it to keep drinks cold or gear dry, there’s a beach bag for you.