Tote, Drawstring, Fanny Pack or Pouch: Which Bag to Pick
A bag is only the right bag for a specific job. A tote that’s perfect for the market is a poor choice for the gym, and a fanny pack is great for a festival but not for a week’s groceries.
Here’s how five of our bags compare, with real sizes and care instructions, so you can pick one by what you’ll carry rather than how it looks.
The quick pick
| Bag | Price | Best for | Size or material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton tote | $32.99 | Errands, library, market | Cotton canvas, 9.44 oz, one main compartment |
| Drawstring bag | $62.99 | Gym, day trips | Lined polyester, inner zipper pocket |
| Fanny pack | $33.99 | Travel, festivals | Polyester, three zippered pockets |
| Zipper pouch | $14.99 | Organizing a bigger bag | Cotton canvas, 8.3 x 7.8 in |
| Lunch bag | $22.99 | Work lunches | Cotton canvas, 8 x 12.5 x 5.5 in |
The tote: for everyday errands
The “Breathe Darling” cotton tote is 100% cotton canvas in a medium-heavy 9.44 oz/yd² (320 g/m²) weight, with a single main compartment and reinforced, double-stitched shoulder straps. The wide opening makes it easy to drop in groceries, books or a laptop. It’s one size. Wash cold and tumble dry low. For more on sizing and care, read our guide to the canvas tote.
The drawstring bag: for the gym and day trips
The “Keep It Simple” drawstring bag is 100% polyester that holds its shape and dries quickly, with silver grommets, black lining and a small interior zipper pocket for keys. It costs more than the others, so it makes sense if you’ll use it a lot. To clean it, remove everything, pretreat any stains and wipe it with warm soapy water and a washcloth rather than machine washing.
The fanny pack: for traveling light
The “Choose Happy” fanny pack is quick-drying polyester with three zippered pockets, a clip strap and an interior divider. It’s best for the things you need quickly: phone, keys, cards. It’s not for carrying a laptop. It’s one size and air-dries after cleaning.
The zipper pouch: for organizing
The “One Day at a Time” zipper pouch is natural cotton canvas, about 8.3 x 7.8 inches, with a cream zipper and a carrying handle. It holds stationery, makeup, cables or small toiletries. Turn it inside out before washing in cold water, and line dry it.
The lunch bag: for work days
The “Make Peace with Being a Work in Progress” lunch bag is 100% natural cotton canvas, 8 x 12.5 x 5.5 inches, with a strap and a roll closure that fastens with hook-and-loop tape. It’s not insulated, so for perishable food, pair it with an ice pack. Wash cold and air dry.
Two-bag combos that work
- Commute: tote + zipper pouch ($47.98). The pouch keeps cables and a charger from disappearing at the bottom of the tote.
- Travel day: fanny pack + zipper pouch ($48.98). Documents on your body, small things in the pouch.
- Work week: lunch bag + tote ($55.98).
Prices are as listed at the time of writing. Each bag is made to order, so for a gift check the order-by dates. For small gifts in general, our stocking stuffer ideas include some under $20.