8 Best Carry On Tote Bags to Buy in 2025

This powerhouse tote redefines what a carry-on duffel can do—blending 11 smart pockets, a 35L ultra-organized interior, and airline-compliant dimensions into one sleek black package. What truly sets it apart is its dual-purpose wet pocket and shoe compartment, solving two of the biggest travel pain points: soggy swimsuits and dirty shoes mucking up clean clothes. For women who demand maximum utility without sacrificing style, this bag delivers with reinforced metal zippers, 5 protective feet, and a luggage sleeve that turns it into a hands-free travel companion.

In real-world testing, the 20.5-inch duffle slid easily under budget airline seats and into overhead bins, proving its true carry-on compatibility. The padded shoulder strap made hauling 3–5 days of gear feel light, even during long airport walks. The PVC-lined wet pocket kept damp towels fully contained, while the flat bottom shoe compartment prevented odor transfer—ideal for gym-goers and beach travelers. However, the sheer number of pockets can feel overwhelming at first, and the structured shape, while supportive, makes compression tricky when packing light.

Compared to slimmer totes like the Foldie or BAGSMART puffer styles, this model trades a bit of portability for unmatched organizational depth. It’s the go-to for frequent travelers, yoga instructors, or new moms who need a single bag that pulls triple duty as a gym, hospital, and weekend bag. If you prioritize versatility over minimalism, this duffle outclasses most in functionality—offering far more smart storage than the basic foldable options, even if it’s slightly bulkier.

Don’t let its ultra-light 5.99 price tag fool you—this no-frills duffel punches way above its weight with Spirit Airlines-ready dimensions and surprisingly tough waterproof fabric. At just 17.5 inches long, it slips under seats with room to spare, making it a budget travel warrior for no-check-bag trips. The smooth-gliding zippers and reinforced stitching stand out at this price, offering durability that belies its low cost. For travelers who want a simple, reliable personal item bag without bells and whistles, this is the ultimate stealth workhorse.

During testing, the bag handled a 2-day trip with ease—fitting clothes, a tablet, toiletries, and even a pair of sneakers. The single large compartment keeps packing simple, while the external zippered pocket is perfect for passports and phones. It’s light enough to toss in a suitcase as a backup, and the luggage sleeve adds serious convenience. However, the lack of internal organization means items can shift, and the thin shoulder strap padding starts to dig after prolonged use. On cobblestone streets or long hauls, comfort takes a hit.

Against pricier rivals like the BAGSMART puffer or CAMTOP canvas bag, this model wins on portability and affordability, but loses on structure and style. It’s best for students, minimalist flyers, or last-minute travelers who need a functional bag fast. While it doesn’t offer wet pockets or expandable space, it matches the core utility of bags triple its price—a true value king in the carry-on game.

The Foldie tote is a wet-organization wizard, thanks to its high-density waterproof wet pocket cleverly tucked into the main compartment. When you’re coming off a beach or post-yoga session, this cleverly lined zone keeps damp clothes completely isolated—no more soggy socks in your clean laundry. Add to that an expandable design (from 41cm to 41x37cm), and you’ve got a 35L chameleon that adapts to your load. With airport-ready sizing and a smooth trolley sleeve, it’s built for women who want smart, spill-proof packing without the bulk.

In practice, the pink polyester fabric resists stains and wipes clean, and the four external pockets make essentials like keys and power banks easy to grab. The bag expanded seamlessly to fit a week’s workout gear or a long weekend’s wardrobe. On a Frontier Airlines flight, it slid under the seat with inches to spare. That said, the shoulder straps lack padding, and the main compartment zipper isn’t lockable, which could be a concern for security-conscious travelers. And while the wet pocket is excellent, it’s not removable—so drying it out requires air time.

Next to the BAGSMART puffer or the ELONGRIVER budget duffel, the Foldie stands out for its dedicated moisture control and expansion—features most competitors skip. It’s ideal for fitness enthusiasts, moms, or anyone who regularly carries wet gear. While not as plush as leather-look totes, it delivers superior functionality at a mid-tier price, making it a smarter pick than basic duffels when wet-dry separation is non-negotiable.

This quilted puffer tote is a masterclass in space-smart design, with a bottom-zip expansion that boosts capacity from 22L to 28L—perfect when you need to bring a little more back than you took. The water-resistant, wipeable fabric laughs off coffee spills and rain, while the puffy structure maintains shape without adding weight. Designed with nurses, travelers, and commuters in mind, it features TSA-friendly underseat fit and external quick-access pockets for boarding passes and snacks—solving the “digging through my bag” dilemma in seconds.

On real trips, the 15.6-inch laptop slipped in easily, and the zippered expansion made it adaptable from a workday carryall to a weekend getaway bag. The luggage pass-through strap worked flawlessly with a rolling suitcase, and the dual handles offered a comfortable grip. However, the puffy material attracts lint, and the interior lacks dedicated tech padding, so delicate devices need extra wrapping. While the bag looks plush, the quilted texture can snag on rough surfaces.

When stacked against the Foldie or CAMTOP canvas tote, this BAGSMART model wins on adaptive storage and modern aesthetics, but loses on ruggedness. It’s perfect for professionals, weekenders, or style-conscious flyers who want a bag that transitions from office to airport. Though it doesn’t have a wet pocket, its smart expansion and wipeable build offer better long-term versatility than non-adjustable rivals—making it a more flexible investment than fixed-size totes.

If underseat real estate is your priority, this 16-inch MIAOJIE tote is a space-optimized marvel, designed to maximize every inch beneath the seat in front. At 23L, it’s compact but deceptively roomy, with 7 thoughtfully placed pockets—including a 12-inch tablet sleeve and side bottle holders—that turn chaos into order. The Oxford cloth build shrugs off spills and scuffs, while the softside construction bends slightly to fit tight spaces, making it a top pick for Spirit and Frontier flyers who hate fees.

In testing, it held two days of clothing, toiletries, a camera, and tech with ease—perfect for weekenders or business dashes. The back strap pockets kept phone and passport secure, and the comfortable padded handles reduced shoulder strain. It even worked as a gym bag with shoes tucked in the main compartment. But the lack of a wet pocket is a miss, and the fixed size means no room for souvenirs. Also, while lightweight, the thin shoulder strap padding isn’t ideal for long walks.

Versus the foldable BAGSMART or ELONGRIVER duffels, this model excels in organization and underseat fit, but isn’t as packable. It’s best for frequent short-trippers or nurses who need a reliable, structured bag. Though pricier than budget picks, it out-organizes and out-durables most in its class—offering richer pocket utility than simpler totes, even if it sacrifices expandability.

This folding miracle is the ultimate space-saver, collapsing down to the size of a sweater—ideal for tossing into a suitcase as a spare bag for shopping sprees or return trips. With a 23L unfold capacity and Spirit Airlines compliance, it’s built for travelers who hate overpacking but love flexibility. The anti-wrinkle fabric springs back flat after compression, and the smooth metal zippers ensure durability despite the lightweight feel. For those who need a disposable duffel that doesn’t feel disposable, this is the gold standard.

In real use, it handled gym gear, a weekend outfit, and even a baby-changing kit with ease. The luggage sleeve made airport rolling seamless, and the front zip pocket kept IDs handy. It’s surprisingly sturdy for a foldable, surviving multiple trips without fraying. But the lack of internal dividers means items mix together, and the flat base offers no shoe separation. While water-repellent, it’s not fully waterproof—so heavy rain requires caution.

Next to the non-foldable MIAOJIE or CAMTOP bags, this BAGSMART wins on portability and packability, but loses on structure. It’s perfect for minimalists, shoppers, or international travelers needing a second bag. Though less organized than premium rivals, it beats them in convenience when space is tight—offering smarter foldability than bulkier carry-ons, even if it skimps on pockets.

This classic canvas tote brings timeless charm to travel, with a soft yet durable fabric and solid brass zippers that feel built to last. The black-and-white stripe design stands out with vintage flair, while the 16.2-inch profile fits snugly under seats or in bins. Unlike synthetic bags, this one ages gracefully, developing a lived-in character over time. The adjustable PU leather strap adds comfort, and the luggage slide-back keeps hands free—making it a stylish yet practical choice for weekenders who value aesthetics.

In testing, it handled a 2-day trip with ease, though the lack of wet or tech pockets limited organization. The canvas breathes better than polyester, but isn’t waterproof—so rain demands caution. The dual brass zippers glide smoothly, and the structured base prevents sagging. However, the canvas can stain, and the interior is unlined, making cleanup tricky. It’s heavier than nylon rivals when wet.

Compared to the BAGSMART puffer or ELONGRIVER duffel, this CAMTOP bag trades modern features for old-school elegance. It’s ideal for style-focused travelers, teachers, or gift-givers who appreciate craftsmanship. While it lacks high-tech perks, it outshines most in visual appeal and build quality—offering a more refined look than utilitarian totes, even if it’s less weather-resistant.

This nude PU leather tote is a fashion-forward powerhouse, blending runway-ready style with serious 22-inch capacity. The oversized silhouette swallows clothes, snacks, and tech with ease, making it a go-to for weekend getaways or city commutes. The soft, unlined interior gives it a luxe, minimalist feel, while the magnetic snap closure offers quick access without sacrificing security. For travelers who want a bag that doubles as a statement piece, this tote delivers head-turning elegance without sacrificing function.

In real use, it fit a weekender wardrobe plus a tablet and toiletries, and the lightweight build made carrying effortless. The long handles fit over the shoulder, and the structured shape held its form beautifully. However, the lack of pockets means everything jumbles together, and the magnetic snap isn’t TSA-friendly—so security checks get messy. The PU leather resists water, but deep stains can set in.

Against canvas or nylon rivals, this tote wins on style and volume, but loses on organization. It’s perfect for fashionistas, shoppers, or weekenders who prioritize looks. While it lacks the utility of multi-pocket duffels, it outclasses them in aesthetic versatility—offering a more polished profile than sporty bags, even if it’s less travel-optimized.