1
Best Overall
DeWalt DG5543 Tool Bag
Pros
- Wide opening for accessibility
- Twenty-nine total pockets
- Padded shoulder strap
Cons
- Fabric weight not specified
This DeWalt model has been my primary tool bag for years, and I’m still impressed with how well it’s held up. This duffel-style bag packs a lot into its wide variety of storage pockets.
My personal favorite is the square-shaped velcro pocket on the exterior of the bag that’s perfectly sized to hold a tape measure. Its main compartment is spacious, and I also appreciate the yellow bottom of the interior, which helps me spot dropped screws or other small fasteners.
It’s an incredibly durable bag, made of heavy-duty fabric that’s thick enough to withstand both the abuse of a job site and the jostling of sharp and pointy tools you store inside. Its rubber feet keep it upright and also prevent the bottom from coming in contact with liquid spills. If you’re looking for a slightly bigger bag, DeWalt has a similar one that’s 16 inches long.
Key Specs
Dimensions | 12.9 x 10 x 9 in. |
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Storage | 29 pockets |
Max Weight | 25 lbs. |
Material | Polyester |
Bag Weight | 2.2 lbs. |
2
Best Water-Resistant
Carhartt Legacy Tool Bag
Pros
- Made of water-repellent fabric
- Available in two colors
- Abrasion-resistant base
Cons
- Relatively low capacity compared to larger bags
Carhartt makes high-quality, durable products, and this tool bag is no different. Triple needle stitching, YKK zippers, and metal clips help this model stand up to typical wear and tear, and its water repellent fabric gives your tools extra protection against splashes or spills in your workspace.
Unlike flimsier models that can collapse or fold over, this bag has an integrated metal frame, keeping it upright and sturdy while you dig through it for that one tough-to-locate bit. Reach your most frequently used tools quickly when you place them in one of the bag’s 17 exterior pockets, and carry bulkier items around with ease in one of its large sleeves.
Key Specs
Dimensions | 14 x 9 x 10.5 in. |
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Storage | 27 pockets |
Max Weight | N/A |
Material | 1200D polyester |
Bag Weight | 2.2 lbs. |
3
Best Roll-Up Option
Bucket Boss Tool Roll
Pros
- Made of durable heavyweight canvas
- Absorbs excess oil from tools
- Impressive storage for its size
Cons
- Too compact for larger tools
Keep small tools and tool sets protected and organized with the Bucket Boss tool roll. Made of heavy-duty canvas that weighs 18 ounces per square yard, this roll is durable enough to withstand drops and abrasions, and two quick-release buckles secure it from unraveling and scattering tools everywhere.
Unlike synthetic materials, the canvas construction also absorbs any excess oil left on your tools. This is especially convenient for those who prefer to keep a coating of oil on their hand tools to prevent rust.
This roll includes 11 pockets on each side, 17 loops in the center, and 3 velcro pockets on the end for smaller items—more than enough for many mobile DIYers.
Key Specs
Dimensions | 14.5 x 4 in. (rolled) 26 x 14.5 in. (open) |
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Storage | 25 pockets, 17 loops |
Max Weight | N/A |
Material | Canvas |
Bag Weight | 5.1 oz. |
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4
Best Backpack
DeWalt DGL523 57-Pocket LED Lighted Tool Backpack
Pros
- Padded shoulder straps and back pad
- Huge quantity of compartments
- Built-in LED light
Cons
- Not water-resistant
I used this backpack for over two years as a carpenter in New York City and confidently vouch for its winning combination of durability and comfort—not to mention its convenient layout. Its 57 pockets provide a ton of storage options.
A roomy main compartment safely stores power drills and other bulky items. The main zipper extends all the way down to the base of the bag, opening it like a clam shell for complete access. Thick padding on the shoulder straps and back pad add comfort, but two heavy-duty carrying handles give you an alternate carrying option if your back and shoulders need a rest.
I initially saw the built-in LED light as little more than a gimmick, but not long after I started using this bag, it came in handy much more than I expected. With the push of a button it illuminates the interior of your bag to help you find lost items. It also flips outward to cast additional light on a dark workspace.
Key Specs
Dimensions | 8 x 19 x 15.5 in. |
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Storage | 57 pockets |
Max Weight | 45 lbs. |
Material | Polyester |
Bag Weight | 4.6 lbs. |
5
Best Bucket Organizer
Bucket Boss Bucketeer Bucket Tool Organizer
Pros
- Wide opening for easy access
- 30 exterior pockets
- Fits 3- and 5-gallon buckets
Cons
- Lacks the security of a zippered tool bag
Although not technically a tool bag, this bucket organizer serves a similar purpose. Essentially a sleeve that fits over a separate 3- or 5-gallon bucket (not included), this carryall provides a ton of storage options while still taking advantage of the rigid shape and strength of a plastic bucket. And if you are using larger, heavier tools that don’t fit into the organizer’s 30 pockets, simply toss them into the wide, open top, and retrieve them when you’re ready to work again.
Although the 600D polyester is relatively less durable than other polyester tool bags, it’s not much of an issue because the bucket itself supports most of the weight.
Key Specs
Dimensions | 11 x 11 x 11 in. |
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Storage | 30 pockets |
Max Weight | 85 lbs. |
Material | 600D polyester |
Bag Weight | 2 lbs. |
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7
Best for Mobility
Klein Tools 55419SP-14 Tool Bag with Shoulder Strap
Carry this bag with its wide compartments on your person while you work. It’s that lightweight and compact. Of course, that also means it’s not large enough to hold a full tool collection, but with 14 pockets and an open top, it still has enough room for a variety of hand tools.
The heavy-duty carrying handle and padded shoulder strap add comfort and are strong enough to easily support up to 11 pounds of weight. The molded, flat bottom prevents the bag from tipping over when set on the ground and protects the interior from nearly an inch of standing water. I’m also a big fan of the orange interior color, increasing visibility when searching inside.
Key Specs
Dimensions | 9.9 x 9.7 x 4.5 in. |
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Storage | 14 pockets |
Max Weight | 11 lbs. |
Material | 1680D ballistic weave polyester |
Bag Weight | 3 lbs. |
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider’s Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
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