Having everything you need at hand is critical to having a fun day in the sun. Packing all your essentials – from your towel and flip-flops to sunscreen and snacks – in a big enough bag just makes sense. What is the best beach bag to get? We’ve reviewed some of the best brands on the market to bring you our top 10 picks for 2023.
How We Tested and Compared These Bags
The main factors we considered when reviewing the top beach bag brands were the size of the bags, the materials they were made of, their maximum weight capacity, and their functionality. The bags needed to be durable and functional as well.
Best Beach Bag Overall: F-Color Mesh Bag
Overview:
- Size: 17.9”L x 15”H x 9”W
- Maximum capacity: 160 lbs.
- Material: Mesh
- Available color variants: 15
What We Like About It
Top on our list is the F-Color mesh beach bag. First impressions: This oversized beach bag is an absolute beauty. It is made entirely of mesh with a ripstop lining, making it the perfect accessory for your beach trip.
The extra-large storage is enough to pack all your beach essentials. For context, it can fit up to six beach towels and still leave room for your flip-flops, sunscreen, water bottle, and sunglasses. It feels super durable and can easily carry up to 160 lbs. worth of beach gear without ripping. The numerous mesh pocket compartments are a nice touch.
What We Don’t Like
It would have been great if each shoulder strap had some padding, like the kind you would find on a beach backpack. It can get quite painful on your bare shoulders when heavy.
Best Water-Resistant Shoulder Bag: Esvan Floral Beach Bag
Overview:
- Size: 15.4”L x 14.6”H x 4.7”W
- Maximum capacity: 180 lbs.
- Material: Polyester, mesh
- Available color variants: 32
What We Like About It
Everything about the Esvan tote bag exudes a tropical beach holiday vibe. The pineapple prints on the surface are super cute, and its minimalist design makes it the perfect beach day accessory. The bag feels and looks durable thanks to its waterproof polyester exterior, and its roomy exterior is big enough to fit a ton of beach gear.
We particularly love that it comes with multiple pockets inside and outside the bag. You can carry your gym, yoga, hiking, and camping gear when you’re not using it as a beach bag. This waterproof beach bag is an absolute must-have.
What We Don’t Like
While it is a cute beach bag, its carry-on straps feel stiff, especially after it’s been out in the sun. We recommend keeping it away from direct sunlight by placing it in your beach tent or umbrella.
Best Lightweight Option: Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag
Overview:
- Size: 16”L x 14”H x 8”W
- Maximum capacity: 150 lbs.
- Material: Mesh
- Available color variants: 23
What We Like About It
The Dejaroo mesh bag is another favorite. It is exceptionally large with a breathable mesh lining and has several compartments, including a zippered pocket on the inside and eight external ones. This mesh tote embodies everything you would want in a functional beach bag. The cherry on top is that you can haul up to 150 lbs. worth of beach gear.
It morphs into an everyday utility tote bag when you’re not using it as a beach bag. It can double up as a gym bag, pool bag, diaper bag, grocery bag, and anything else you might want to carry.
What We Don’t Like
While the Dejaroo beach bag is great, it would have been nice if it came with a shoulder-carry option. If you prefer a bag that you can sling over your shoulder, this might not be a great option. Consider getting the best beach backpack instead.
Best Versatile Option: QOGiR Beach Tote
Overview:
- Size: 14”L x 12.5”H x 10”W
- Maximum capacity: 150 lbs.
- Material: Neoprene, polyester
- Available color variants: 22
What We Like About It
The QOGiR beach bag is one of the most versatile totes we’ve encountered. It doesn’t look like your conventional beach bag. It is super stylish and elegant, and if you squint really hard, it can pass for a Birkin—almost.
The QOGiR is conveniently large and comes with two zippered compartments inside to store all your beach essentials. It is made of neoprene, which we love because of its quick-dry, easy-to-clean properties.
Our favorite thing is that you can alter the bag’s style and have it look like three entirely different bags. Talk about versatility! This QOGiR beach bag is one of a kind.
What We Don’t Like
Our only complaint is that it is not waterproof. However, the material does dry quickly, so that’s a plus.
Best Eco-Friendly Option: Hibala Woven Straw Bag
Overview:
- Size: 18”L x 14.5”H x 8”W
- Maximum capacity: 120 lbs.
- Material: Cotton, jute, polyvinyl
- Available color variants: 31
What We Like About It
If you are looking for an eco-friendly beach bag, the Hibala woven straw tote is a great option. It is made of 100% jute fiber and laminated with a PVC clear coating to make it a waterproof beach tote.
It is spacious and can fit up to four beach towels while leaving plenty of room for sunscreen, sunglasses, toiletries, flip-flops, and a phone. Our favorite thing about this beach tote is that it is 100% natural. It has no unpleasant chemical odors and is reusable, so it doesn’t create environmental waste.
What We Don’t Like
The Hibala beach bag comes folded in half, so you’ll notice a visible crease running down the middle when you open it up. However, we managed to remove it using a clothes steamer.
Best Option for Sand: Ledaou Beach Tote
Overview:
- Size: 17.5”L x 15.7”H x 8”W
- Maximum capacity: 150 lbs.
- Material: Polyester
- Available color variants: 14
What We Like About It
We’re crazy about pineapple print, can’t you tell? The Ledaou beach tote is stunning. It looks quite similar to the Esvan beach bag, except it’s a little bigger. It is super spacious, and its 45L capacity can haul 150 lbs. worth of beach gear. It means you can comfortably fit up to four towels and even fit a change of clothes, water bottles, and flip-flops for your four-member household. It even has a section for cold drinks.
Unlike most beach bags on the market, the Ledaou has no mesh interior or exterior, making it the perfect beach bag for sand. Now, that’s something you don’t see every day.
What We Don’t Like
If stored poorly, the bag can get pretty wrinkled. Ensure you flatten it completely and fold it neatly before keeping it in the closet.
Best With Pockets: Gotdya Mesh Bag
Overview:
- Size: 24”L x 18”H x 8.7”W
- Maximum capacity: 100 lbs.
- Material: Mesh, polyester
- Available color variants: 3
What We Like About It
The only thing we love more than an oversized beach bag is an oversized beach bag with many pockets. The Gotdya mesh beach bag is massive and boasts four deep exterior pocket compartments and one interior zippered pocket where you can store valuables like your phone, wallet, keys, etc.
We particularly like that it is extremely lightweight and easy to fold for storage. Its mesh design makes it super breathable, so your wet towel, swimsuit, and beach gear can dry quickly. You don’t have to worry about the formation of mildew or mold on damp fabric. The Gotdya delivers outstanding value for the price.
What We Don’t Like
While it is a large beach bag, the zipper opening was a little narrower than expected. Everything still fits, though.
Best Cabana Tote Bag: TopDesign Canvas Beach Bag
Overview:
- Size: 17”L x 11.8”H x 7.8”W
- Maximum capacity: 120 lbs.
- Material: Canvas, cotton
- Available color variants: 55
What We Like About It
If we had to describe TopDesign’s collection of canvas beach bags in one word, it would be—elegant. They ooze class and sophistication and have custom alphabet letters printed on the side. If you’re looking for a beach bag to gift to someone on their birthday, wedding day, anniversary, or holiday, this canvas beach bag will earn you some great brownie points.
It is made of 100% heavy-duty cotton and has reinforced seams perfectly sewn. It’s not going to tear or fray any time soon. Unlike other beach bags, this brand has a built-in baseboard at the bottom to keep the bag upright and protect your belongings.
It is perfect for the beach, poolside cabana, work, shopping, and any occasion that requires you to carry stuff.
What We Don’t Like
This bag can only be hand-washed. Throwing it in the washer will ruin it.
Best Beach Bag for Travel: Bluboon Beach Tote
Overview:
- Size: 17.5”L x 15.8”H x 7.9”W
- Maximum capacity: 140 lbs.
- Material: Polyester
- Available color variants: 11
What We Like About It
The Bluboon beach bag is fun, colorful, and vibrant, everything a beach accessory should be. It is massive, with enough room to carry everything you need to the beach. Its 36L capacity can hold up to six towels with plenty of space for your swimsuits, flip-flops, sunscreen, toiletries, water bottles, and everything else you might need for your beach day.
The straps are long enough to sling the bag over your shoulder. They feel comfortable even when the bag is loaded to capacity. The Bluboon beach tote can also be used as a travel bag, overnight bag, sports bag, gym bag, and carry-on luggage.
What We Don’t Like
Given the size of the bag, it would have been nice if it had a divider to create two separate compartments. That way, you can store snacks and beverages on one side and beachwear on the other.
Best Handmade Beach Bag: Ayliss Woven Straw Tote
Overview:
- Size: 18.9”L x 15.6”H x 14.6”W
- Maximum capacity: 120 lbs.
- Material: Woven straw, polyester
- Available color variants: 2
What We Like About It
The Ayliss line of woven straw bags is a testament to what true masterful craftsmanship looks like. It has a manually hand-woven straw exterior, polyester interior lining, and durable PU shoulder straps. The top of the bag has a zippered closure to secure your belongings and also features an interior pocket to store your phone, wallet, keys, and other valuables.
The rustic style of this tote makes it perfect for the beach, pool, travel, resort, picnicking, or even everyday casual use. It is made to last.
What We Don’t Like
While the interior is waterproof, the exterior is not. It will get wet if it comes into contact with water. On the plus side, it does dry pretty fast.
How to Choose the Best Beach Bags: Buying Guide
Below are a few things to keep in mind when buying a beach bag.
Material
Beach bags are exposed to sand, sun, and moisture—elements that aren’t known to be fabric-friendly. Your favorite leather bag may not be ideal for a beach day. The best materials for beach bags include polyester, neoprene, polyurethane, and treated canvas. Fabrics like woven straw aren’t waterproof, but their quick-drying properties make them beach friendly.
Size
The next thing you need to consider is the size of the bag you’re getting. How much stuff do you intend to carry? You want a beach bag that can fit your beach towel and still leave room for sunscreen, sunglasses, toiletries, flip-flops, and anything else you might need for your day out. The bag you pick should also handle the weight of your packed items without ripping.
Storage Features
Beach bags are supposed to carry a lot of stuff. The idea is to eliminate trips to and from your car to retrieve things you might need. You don’t want to spend much time digging through your beach bag just to find your phone or lip balm. Find a bag with zippered inner and outer pockets to store some of your smaller accessories for easy retrieval.
On the flip side, too many pockets can take up valuable space for your towels, snacks, and other beach essentials. Think about your packing list, packing style, and organizational needs when choosing the best beach bag.
Consider getting a separate cooler backpack for your drinks. If you don’t like the idea of warm beverages on a hot summer day, a cooler bag is a must-have on your beach day out. The best backpack to get would be an insulated cooler to keep your drinks colder for longer.
Handles
The other thing you need to consider is the handles. Beach bags can get quite heavy, so the handles must be sturdy enough to carry the weight. They should also be padded, particularly if you plan to sling the bag over your shoulder. Thin, unpadded shoulder straps tend to dig into your shoulder, which can be quite painful after a while.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—our top picks for the best beach bags. Any of the options we’ve reviewed in this guide would make an excellent choice for your next beach day out. They offer the perfect combination of style, functionality, and price.
In the meantime, check out our guide on the best beach accessories that are a must-have for your upcoming vacation.
FAQ
What should I carry in my beach bag?
Simple, everything you need for your day on the beach. Think—a beach towel, swimsuit, beach toys, sunscreen, sunglasses, toiletries, flip-flops, water bottle, snacks, beverages, lip balm, and a change of clothes. You can also throw in an e-reader or paperback if you like.
Should the best beach bags be waterproof?
Not necessarily. Beach bags aren’t supposed to go in the water, so they don’t need to be waterproof. However, if you’re packing a wet towel and swimsuit after your beach day out, it would help if the bag had a waterproof lining to prevent them from soaking your car seats on your way home. Ideally, you should leave them out to dry before packing them in your bag.
What is the best beach bag brand?
Some of the top brands on the market include F-Color, Esvan, Dejaroo, QOGiR, and Hibala. Bottega Veneta and Bogg Bag are also some excellent versatile options to consider.