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Best Tool Bag Reviews 2023

Every tool owner needs a tool bag to organize, carry, store and protect tools. There are many types, designs and features of tool bags available, and selecting the right one for your tools can be confusing. We’ve done extensive research and chosen a range of bags from five top brands known to make the best tool bags. This gives you a sampling of the different types that are available.
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Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Dimensions
Material
Design
Capacity
Extras
Our Top Choice
Custom Leathercraft Tool Backpack
Custom Leathercraft Tool Backpack
Custom Leathercraft makes some of the most stylish and functional work gear available at affordable prices.
It’s a heavy-duty tool carrier that is durable and great quality. The zippers are also strong.
The bottom part of this bag is plastic. When fully loaded, it tends to dig into the back.
8.5 x 13.3 x 16 inches; 4.6 lbs.
Leather
Black; backpack
41 interior and 7 exterior pockets
Abrasion-resistant base pads
Best Value
Rothco Mechanics Tool Bag
Rothco Mechanics Tool Bag
Rothco has provided the military and outdoor retailers with top-quality clothing and the finest bags and packs for over 60 years.
It has a lot of storage space and is made of excellent material. The zipper is sturdy, and the rigid bottom allows it to keep its shape.
It is a rather small bag for larger tools and accessories.
11 x 7 x 6 inches; 1.5 lbs.
Cotton, canvas
Black; handbag
8 interior and 2 exterior pockets
2 durable center handles
VETO PRO PAC Contractor Tool Bag
VETO PRO PAC Contractor Tool Bag
Veto Pro Pac designs professional and authentic tool bags and tool pouches that are durable and functional.
This tool bag is well built and has plenty of storage pockets. It is ergonomically designed and waterproof all round.
It is quite expensive, and the zipper tends to give way. But the five-year warranty has you covered.
16.5 x 9.5 x 20.2 inches; 9.2 lbs.
1800 PVC impregnated denier
Brown; handbag
61 vertical, 6 zippered pockets
Ergonomic design
Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Backpack
Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Backpack
Klein Tools provides functional tools and accessories that satisfy the needs of trade professionals and others.
It is a sturdy bag with good stitching, and has enough room for a laptop. The backpack design makes it easier to carry, especially up a ladder.
There have been occasional complaints about the zipper not being durable.
18.6 x 14.7 x 12.5 inches, 6 lbs.
1680D ballistic weave
Black; backpack
39 pockets
Fully molded bottom
Stanley Technician Tool Bag
Stanley Technician Tool Bag
Stanley is synonymous with reliable tool bags that are functional and durable.
It is well-built and has comfortable padded handles. It folds flat and has reliable zippers and Velcro.
This bag is too small for larger tools.
11.9 x 5.1 x 9.9 inches, 1.4 lbs.
Denier polyester fabric
Black; handbag
Multiple pockets
Strong and durable material

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Watch Our Tool Bag Review

What is the Best Tool Bag?

Now that you’ve read our buying guide, we have no doubt that you’ve learned a lot and that you are better equipped to make the right choice of a tool bag. Simply look for the bag that has the features you consider most important, and you will have found the best tool bag for you. Now let’s look at the first product in our review.
Our Top Choice
Custom Leathercraft Tool Backpack
The Custom Leathercraft Tool Backpack has reinforced padded carrying handles, and 41 interior and seven exterior pockets that can hold any type of tools. It also has two large back pads for extra comfort. For a less expensive tool carrier with zippered side panels and vertical tool pockets, check out the Custom Leathercraft Multi-Compartment Tool Carrier. It has 50 pockets for different tool sizes.

Custom Leathercraft Tool Backpack with 2 Main Zipper Compartments – Available in 2 Styles


Features
Custom Leathercraft is committed to making the best work gear available. It pays attention to every detail necessary to make its gear functionally superior, durable and stylish. From innovative pouch pockets and handles to bag trays and gloves, Custom Leathercraft makes the best products it can at the best price possible.

The Custom Leathercraft Tool Backpack ($98.95 – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is great for repair technicians and installers that need their hands free when working. It has 41 interior and seven exterior pockets of various sizes for any type of tools and small parts. It has a large adjustable exterior pocket that allows you to conveniently access tools stored at the top region, and two main zippered compartments. This backpack has two large back pads for additional comfort, and adjustable padded shoulder straps that are slip-resistant.

It also features a two-way adjustable sternum strap that provides support to the carrier, especially when the backpack is fully loaded. The reinforced padded carrying handles allow you to carry it easily, while the base pads are designed to be abrasion-resistant. With a dimension of 13¼" W x 16" H x 8½" D, this tool carrier is deep enough to provide lots of storage space.

Custom Leathercraft has other tool bags that you might want to check out:
  • Custom Leathercraft 1132 75-Pocket Tool Backpack - Made of ballistic poly fabric. It is a 75-pocket tool bag that includes a 7-inch by 5-inch multi-compartment plastic tray
  • Custom Leathercraft 1523 Ziptop Utility Pouch, Small - Has 21 pockets, made from durable 600D polyester material, and features a rubber handle and padded shoulder strap design
  • Custom Leathercraft 1528 22 Pocket Large Tool Carrier - Has 14 multi-use exterior and seven interior pockets, and an 11-inch by 6-inch multi-compartment plastic tray that slides securely into the bottom for small parts
All Custom Leathercraft tool bags are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
If you want tool bags with more or fewer pockets, check out other tool bags by Custom Leathercraft.
Best Value
Rothco Mechanics Tool Bag
The Rothco Mechanics Tool Bag is a heavyweight cotton canvas tool bag with two outer snap pockets, eight inner pockets and a nylon zipper. It has a large storage capacity and two durable center handles. For a high-end tool bag with larger storage space, check out the Rothco Tanker Style Tool Bag. It measures 9 x 6 x 19 inches and can be used for larger hand tools.

Rothco G.I. Type Quality Tested Mechanics Tool Bag – Available in 7 Colors


Features
Rothco is a family business run by Milton and Howard Somberg. It was founded in 1953, and designs authentic headwear, footwear, bags and packs for the military and the general public. Rothco prides itself on its steadfast service and selection, and today, it serves over 10,000 dealers globally.

The Rothco Mechanics Tool Bag ($15.99 – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is made of heavy-duty cotton canvas material that is durable and can be printed on. It has two exterior snap pockets that can hold smaller tools, and eight interior tool organizer pockets for larger tools. The closure on this tool bag is a sturdy nylon zipper that enables easy opening and closing of the bag. Its overall dimensions are 11" x 7" x 6”, and it has a pair of strong handles that can be used in lifting it.

Other great Rothco tool bags include:
  • Rothco Canvas Jumbo Tool Bag with Brass Zipper, Black - A heavy-duty narrow bag with a strong brass zipper, made of top-notch construction material
  • Rothco Canvas Jumbo Mechanic Tool Bag - A military tool bag measuring 17.5" x 9.5" x 6.5", with a zipper closure on the main compartment and two exterior snap closure pockets
  • Rothco Tactical Tool Bag - Made of polyester, with two small external zipper pouches and one larger zipper pouch with an ID holder on one of the sides. It measures 11.25'' x 8'' x 6.75'’ and allows more storage options
For more tool bags with different materials, look at Rothco's other tool bags.
VETO PRO PAC Contractor Tool Bag
The VETO PRO PAC Contractor Series Tool Bag has 67 beefy pockets and a non-slip shoulder strap. The base, body and pocket fabric are all waterproof with heavy-duty fastenings and zippers for durability. For a nylon backpack with a 3mm thick polypropylene base and two storage bays, try the Veto Pro Pac Service Technician Bag. It has 56 pockets.

VETO PRO PAC Contractor Series Tool Bag with Waterproof Body


Features
Veto Pro Pac designs professional tool bags and pouches. Most of its products feature the latest technology available. With its attention to even the smallest detail, it is no wonder it is a preferred brand of most technicians.

The VETO PRO PAC Contractor Series Tool Bag ($199.99 – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) weighs 8.6 pounds when empty and has a width of 9.5 inches, length of 16.5 inches and height of 14 inches when the handle is folded down. It has 48 interior and three exterior vertical tool pockets, and four interior and two exterior flat zippered pockets. It has a strong, non-slip padded shoulder strap for easy carrying.

The exterior electrical tape loop is made from eight-inch fabric and features a clip closure for extra security. It also has a stainless steel tape clip that holds the tape in place. The two center handles are made from injection-molded nylon plastic with over-molded rubber grips, making it firm and durable. The stitching is made from industrial-strength double nylon, which also makes the bag durable. Other features of this tool bag include:
  • Four large and five small D-Rings for strapping
  • 3mm injection-molded polypropylene waterproof base
  • 1800 PVC impregnated denier nylon waterproof body and pocket fabric
  • Durable power-coated steel D rings
  • 38 zinc, marine-grade rivets used to join the steel plates together
  • Double-stitched, heavy-duty plastic coil zippers
  • Oversized zipper tabs for ease in pulling the zipper
The VETO PRO PAC Contractor Series Tool Bag is covered by a five-year warranty.
For more tool bags with different specifications, see the other tool bags by VETO PRO PAC.
Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Backpack
The Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Backpack is made of 1680 ballistic weave and has 39 pockets. It is a backpack with extra padded shoulder straps and a handle for easy carrying. If you are looking for a rolling tool bag, consider the Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Organizer Rolling Tool Bag. It has 24 pockets and is made from 600D ballistic weave.

Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Backpack – Available in 5 Styles


Features
Klein Tools provides great tools and accessories for trade professionals and others. It continually designs, develops, produces and markets quality products in the bid to become a world leader in tools.

The Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Backpack ($96.54 – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) has 39 pockets for tool storage and comes in five different styles. The front pocket of this backpack has a hard case molded in to protect delicate items like safety glasses. The front pocket can also hold small parts and tools. Inside the bag, there is a taller interior pocket that can be used to hold long screwdrivers and other lengthy tools. The fully molded plastic bottom keeps the contents of the bag from the elements, and can also be used to hold larger tools like PVC cutters and pipe wrenches.
The orange interior allows easier visibility when compared to black interiors. It is a durable bag made from 1680D ballistic weave, and its shoulder straps and handles are extra padded for ease and comfort when carrying.

Klein Tools' other great tool bags include:
  • Klein Tools 5102-14SP Deluxe Canvas Tool Bag - Has 10 pockets and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap. It is made of heavy-duty natural canvas, and its moisture-resistant vinyl bottom has a non-scratch stud on its base to prevent wear and tear
  • Klein Tools 5243 Tradesman Pro 15-Pocket Tool Pouch - Made of ballistic polyester and features a heavy-duty reinforced bottom that keeps the bag standing. It also has multi-pockets of various sizes and a padded shoulder strap for easy carrying
  • Klein Tools 55418-19 Tradesman Pro Organizer Ultimate Electrician's Bag - Made from 1680D ballistic weave, with 55 pockets for tool storage. It has a wide opening that can hold a laptop, and a molded bottom that can protect its contents from the elements
Not the specs you want? Take a look at the other great tool bags from Klein Tools.
Stanley Technician Tool Bag
The Stanley Technician Tool Bag is a hardwearing strong bag with multiple internal and external pockets. It is made of durable 600 x 600 denier polyester fabric and is ideal for small hand tools. If you are looking for a rigid, waterproof bag with more pockets, get the Stanley FatMax 18-Inch Tool Bag. It also has a reinforced handle area and a heavy-duty shoulder strap.

Stanley 12-Inch Soft Sided Technician Tool Bag


Features
Stanley makes quality and reliable tool bags that are both functional and durable. It has a reputation of excellence that stems from continually producing excellent tools and accessories that are quite affordable.

The Stanley Technician Tool Bag ($13.72 – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is a yellow and black multi-pocketed tool bag that weighs 1.46 pounds when empty. It is 9.9’’ long and 5.1’’ wide, and it has a storage capacity capable of holding small hand tools and parts. It features six external pockets, three pockets on each side of the bag, with the larger pocket on one side having a heavy-duty Velcro flap to hold smaller items. It is made from durable 600 x 600 denier polyester fabric. The handles are well-padded and comfortable when held. The adjustable shoulder strap also makes carrying easy.

Stanley has other tool bags that you might want to check out, such as:
  • Stanley - Fatmax Tool Organizer Bag - Has an A-frame structure, durable handle and comfortable padded adjustable shoulder strap. Its body is made of polyester fabric and reinforced plastic sides, which protect the contents of the tool bag from dirt and moisture
  • Stanley - Fatmax Technician's Tool Bag - Measures 28 x 29 x 38 centimeters and is made from heavy-duty 600 denier nylon. It has a removable divider that provides easy access to the tools, and a firm waterproof plastic bottom that prevents the tool bag from tipping over easily
  • Stanley - Tool Bag 12 In - Has eight interior and two exterior pockets, and a mesh pocket for other small items. It is a compact drill bag made from 600 x 600 denier fabric, with cotton-padded handles for comfort and 6mm rubber foam reinforced bottom for cushioning
Not yet decided? See the other tool bags from Stanley for more options.

How Do I Choose the Best Tool Bag?

Many people have questioned the importance of a tool bag. What difference does it make if tools are stored in a random duffel bag or everyday backpack, since those bags can also hold and transport tools?

The answer to this question lies in the specificity of the tool bag. A tool bag is a sturdy bag used by workers to hold tools. While other bags are made for fashion and travel purposes, tool bags are specifically designed to hold tools. A tool bag helps you organize and store your hand tools in the pockets, and helps keep you from leaving any behind.

You don’t need to be a professional electrician, plumber or tradesperson to develop interest in tool bag reviews or to buy one. Homeowners need tool bags to keep tools organized in the house; even if you have a tool storage cabinet, a tool bag helps you store your special tools easily and conveniently. Beyond that, they save you time because you don’t need to walk around the house looking for one tool or another for your DIY projects. You know where everything is kept, and can store it in an organized manner.

For the purpose of this review, we will focus only on the best tool bags from five elite brands. Now let’s now take a look at some of the important factors to keep in mind when shopping for a tool bag.
Price
The presence or absence of high-end features usually determines the price of a tool bag. A bag with more than 50 pockets will cost more than one with fewer than 20 pockets. Another factor that determines the price is the design and level of innovation present. For example, a backpack with reinforced padded carrying handles won't cost the same as a cotton bag with center handles. Currently, there are a lot of cheap tool bags with poor features on the market, but what is the point of getting one that would be discarded almost immediately? That is why you need to consider the features that matter to you most first, regardless of the price.

Some of these tool bags go for as little as $13, while others cost as much as $200. If you pick one from our review, you are sure to get a quality product that represents good value for your money.
Features
The features of a tool bag are probably the most important things to consider before selecting one, because they determine its durability and functionality. Along with a bag's size and weight, there are other important features to consider if you want to make the right choice, such as:
  • Material
  • Backpack design
  • Pockets
  • Storage capacity
  • Extra padded shoulder straps
  • Heavy-duty fastenings and zippers
  • Waterproofing
  • Wheels
  • Velcro attachment points
  • Cotton padded handles
Construction and Design
The material a tool bag is made from determines its durability. One made from 600D ballistic weave is likely to be tougher and thicker than one made from cotton. But bags made from polyester are readily available and less expensive.

The storage capacity and dimension determines the number and type of tools the bag can hold. For example, a bag with 60 pockets, weighing 16 pounds, would hold more tools than one with 15 pockets, weighing eight pounds. Naturally, this affects the price of the tool bag. The right size of bag for you will depend on the type of job you do and the number of tools you carry at a time.

The finishing on a tool bag is also important. A rigid bottom gives shape to the bag, while preventing it from tipping over, and a waterproof bag prevents water from getting into the contents of the bag. If your work requires being outdoors, even in the rain, then you need a bag that is really waterproof. This waterproof feature is crucial if you deal with electrical work; you don’t want to get an electric shock while using your tools.
Performance and Ease of Use
Convenience and ease of use are great factors in the choice of a tool bag. If your work tools are really heavy and carrying them, regardless of how padded the shoulder strap is, would cause you backache over time, then you need a wheeled bag. Tool bags with wheels mean that you can conveniently move the bag from one location to the next without getting tired or injured.

If your tools are not that heavy, and the terrain where you do your job is too rough for wheels, go for a tool bag with an extra padded shoulder strap or cotton padded handle. This provides more comfort during transport.

A good tool bag should be durable, but your actions can shorten its lifespan. It is important not to overload your tool bag, because that can cause damage to both the zipper and fabric material. Instead, get a tool bag with more storage capacity and pockets.

Go back to the start of the reviews

Get the Best Tool Bag of 2023!

Did you see a tool bag that offers you immediate visual inventory and access? We hope that this review has helped you find a great tool bag that can organize, carry and store your tools. You can now go ahead and pick one, knowing that you’ve made the right choice.

Our Top Choice
Custom Leathercraft Tool Backpack
Custom Leathercraft Tool Backpack
Best Value
Rothco Mechanics Tool Bag
Rothco Mechanics Tool Bag
VETO PRO PAC Contractor Tool Bag
VETO PRO PAC Contractor Tool Bag
Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Backpack
Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Backpack
Stanley Technician Tool Bag
Stanley Technician Tool Bag

Go back to the start of the reviews
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