If you are a DIYer or a Pro with a toolset, you already know the importance of keeping your tools organized, protected, and all in one place.
Some choose a toolbox, while others opt for a tool bag—it’s really a matter of preference. Tool bags are a lighter and more portable option, providing organization and keeping your tools safe.
We decided to put eight tool bags to the test to find the best tool bag on the market. This review outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each of them, helping you decide which one to choose, depending on your budget, profession, and needs.
Whether you need the most durable, or most light-weight tool bag, we’ve got some great picks for you.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
1. G&F Products Government Issued Mechanics Tool Bag
Features
- Compact but roomy enough
- Made of lightweight, durable material
- Quality reinforced brass zipper
Price: From $13.40
2. Custom LeatherCraft 50 Pocket Tool Bag
Features
- It boasts 50 pockets!
- Incredible spacious
- Vertical pockets for easy visibility
Price: From $79.20
3. Carhartt Legacy
Features
- Water repellent fabric keeps contents dry
- Plenty of inside and outside pockets
- Durable and comfortable padded straps
Price: From $54.99
8 Best Tool Bags for 2021
Occidental Leather 9850 Tool Bag Set
Price from $332.24
Pros
- Lightweight at only 5.2 lbs without tools
- Sturdy multi-material design
- Available in Right-handed and Left-handed models
- Adjustable to fit waist-size
Cons
- More expensive than other tool belts
- Takes time to break-in
This American-made and hand-crafted tool belt is equipped with multi-size pockets for your tools and is one of the best tool bags for carpenters. It is made from high-density neoprene, full-grain leather, and durable industrial nylon, creating an incredibly durable and long-lasting product.
The belt is size adjustable (32–40 Inches), which makes it compatible with any body type. It has 24 pockets and tool holders, with two 10 inch deep main bags. You might be thinking that’s not a lot of space, but this small tool bag has been the favorite of many professionals for more than a decade.
Strong leather FatLip runs around the bags and keeps the bags wide open, providing easy access when working. The deep pockets are the perfect size to store most hand-held tools, including hammers and wrenches, and the leather reinforced pockets prevent tearing and holes from general use.
Even if this tool bag/belt may seem small initially, it is among the best on the market. Occidental Leather has been manufacturing great-quality leather tool bags since 1980, and they take great pride in their products.
The only downside for some consumers may be the price, $296.64—but it is all American and handmade with top-quality leather, so it will undoubtedly give you a bang for your buck and last for years!
It comes in left-handed and right-handed options, customizing it to your individual needs. No wonder it’s one of the top-rated tool bags! They thought of everything to ensure optimal ease while working.
G&F Products Government Issued Mechanics Tool Bag
Price from $13.40
Pros
- Compact but roomy enough to carry all the necessary tools
- Made of lightweight, durable material
- Quality reinforced brass zipper
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a shoulder strap
You don’t always need a huge tool bag, but you do indeed need a good-quality one. For less than $20, you get the room, durability, and organization, all fitted into the simple 11x7x6 inches G&F Products tool bag.
This heavy-duty, government-issued canvas bag can be a perfect mechanic’s tool bag and is also suitable for gardeners, maintenance personnel, plumbers, as well as for all those regular Joe’s (or Jill’s) out there.
Made from 100% military-grade cotton, double-stitched, and with a strong brass zipper, this bag offers enough room even for large-sized tools. It features a main, loose compartment, with four pouches on one side of the interior and two on the other are great for storing smaller equipment. This canvas tool bag has two exterior pockets secured with heavy-duty metal snaps. Each pocket divides into two, providing storage space for smaller tools such as nails, screws, switches, or wires.
Everything on this bag is sturdy: the bottom is reinforced with pliable plastic, the handles are well secured, and the seams on the edges are double stitched. This military-grade tool bag made of rugged canvas is the best option among the cheap tool bags. You really can’t find something similar in this price range.
The only downside to this bag may be its lack of a shoulder strap. It is a lightweight bag, however, weighing just 1.5lbs empty. It wasn’t designed to carry your entire tool collection, but it is better suited for mechanics, gardeners, or other workers who need to carry small tools around wherever they go. This really is the best portable tool bag you can get for the money.
Klein Tools Tradesman Pro™ Organizer Rolling Tool Bag
Price from $168.58
Pros
- A robust frame, molded kick plate, and tight weave making it extremely tough
- Spacious design, fill the interior with tools, and still have more room on top
- The unique orange lining helps you see and find your tools easier
Cons
- It gets heavy when fully loaded
- More expensive than non-rolling bags of its size
If you’re big on portability and in need of a durable bag on wheels, we’ve found the best rolling tool bag on the market!
For around 200 bucks, you’ll get a one-of-a-kind “tank on wheels.” Thanks to the solid metal frame, it transports up to a whopping 200 Ibs of tools (100 lbs fit inside and another 100 on top)-
It measures 19-Inch x 14-Inch x 12-1/2-Inch and is constructed out of a rugged, water-resistant 600D ballistic weave. A Molded kick plate protects the contents from the elements.
Wheels are 6 inches in diameter—ideal for rough terrain.
This American-made best tool bag with wheels is very spacious; you can organize your tools in 24 different pockets and put larger tools into the main wide-open compartment. Not to mention the bonus of the bright orange interior that helps you find whatever you need in no time.
A heavy-duty telescoping handle extends up to 39-1/2”, 6” dia, making it possible to cart your tools quickly and with comfort. However, you should avoid dragging this bag through the snow. It is water-resistant, but the snow can build up and block the wheels.
It might not be a snowmobile, but this is probably the best tool bag made in the USA for carrying a lot of heavy tools around.
Custom LeatherCraft 50 Pocket Tool Bag
Price from $79.20
Pros
- It boasts 50 pockets!
- Incredible spacious
- Vertical pockets for easy visibility
- Heavy-duty material for durability
- Adjustable textured padded shoulder strap and padded handles for a comfortable grip
- Bonus feature tape measure clip and carabiner
Cons
- Not waterproof
This lightweight bag is one of the best tool bags on the market. It is made of durable polyester, has a ballistic trim and binding, and is heavy-duty with triple-stitch seams and YKK zippers.
The top has a double-zippered closure, and the metal frame prevents the bag from collapsing. There is no question the large main compartment and 50 pockets will hold every power and hand tool you frequently need on a job.
Aside from a metal-framed spacious central compartment, this large tool bag has two zippered outer compartments that offer 18 vertical pockets each. It’s more than sufficient to store smaller tools, accessories, and parts. The zippers ensure that the contents won’t spill, while seven exterior pockets hold critical tools that you might need to grab quickly.
Many professionals, as well as ordinary homeowners, have found it to be the perfect fit.
If you are someone who experiences back pain (and even if you’re not), you’ll probably prefer a tool bag with a shoulder strap. Straps can become uncomfortable, though, especially as the weight of your bag increases. With the CLC 50 pocket tool bag, you’ll find the textured padded shoulder strap very comfortable and helpful in carrying a heavy load. Even if you like to carry it by hand, it comes with padded handles for hand protection.
As an added bonus, It offers a large carabiner, an exterior tape measure clip, and loops on the back to hang longer tools.
This heavy-duty tool bag is so good at organizing your tools you won’t even notice how much weight you put into it. Until you try to lift it, that is. It’s a pro and a con at the same time.
We did find one downside, which is that the bag is not waterproof, so it might not be ideal for taking to the construction site and leaving it outside when it’s raining.
All in all, this $93.55 reliable CLC monster could be everything you’ll ever need, it might not be one of the best tool bags on the market, but you likely won’t have to replace it for years.
DEWALT DG5582 Electrical and Maintenance Tool Carrier
Price from $60.73
Pros
- Innovative open-top design for visibility and quick access
- Measuring tape clip, electrical tape strap, and spring clip
- Twenty-three pockets
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Uncomfortable and not-so-strong shoulder strap
We agreed to crown this 23-pocket open-top tool carrier as the best tool bag for electricians. Service electricians need to have their tools quickly accessible, so this open box design allows you access without thinking.
Its color scheme is cleverly chosen; the yellow-on-black design makes it impossible to miss even at the messiest worksite. It’s not water-resistant, but four rubber feet raise it off the ground, protecting against spills or damp ground.
For the size of this bag (10.5 x 8.5 x 10 inches), it allows you to carry a generous weight and is quite inexpensive.
Perhaps the main reason the DEWALT DG5582 is the best electrician’s tool bag is that it comes with a 6×11 inch parts tray, a measuring tape clip, spring clip, and strap for electrical tape.
If you need to haul larger tools, this isn’t the bag for you. A little research before purchasing spares you the trouble of returning the product, but it kind of goes without saying, right?
An adjustable shoulder strap is included, but, despite its non-slip design, we didn’t find it o be very comfortable, especially when the bag is fully loaded and heavy (and it can get heavy!).
The handle, however, turned out to be top-notch.
Carhartt Legacy Tool Bag
Price from $54.99
Pros
- Water repellent fabric keeps contents dry
- Plenty of inside and outside pockets to keep your tools organized
- Durable and comfortable padded straps for carrying
- The brand offers a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects
Cons
- No reinforced bottom for stability
This 14-inch metal-framed Carhartt tool bag is ideal for every technician. It has an organized layout that allows for optimal space usage with 27 triple-stitched pockets alongside a main zippered compartment.
This one could be the best tool bag for plumbers, as they need a rugged, good-quality bag with a lot of pockets to organize and grab tools quickly. Exterior pockets allow for rapidly finding tools, and the internal metal frame keeps the whole bag upright and open. Additionally, this tool bag has solid, padded straps.
The polyester fabric is water repellent, keeping your tools dry. Like every Carhartt product, this tool bag is covered by a limited lifetime warranty to protect against manufacturing errors.
Carhartt Legacy is very heavy-duty and one of the best-rated tool bags, but it lacks a stable bottom. You should always close it when putting it into the truck or on a tilted surface to avoid its insides spilling out.
If the softer (though abrasion-resistant) bottom is a deal-breaker for you, you may find their 16-inch bag more suitable, as it has a reinforced rubber bottom! Be aware—a 16-inch bag can get a lot heavier when filled up.
Black Stallion (Revco Industries) Extreme Gear Backpack
Price from $84.95
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Helmet storage
- Designed especially for construction workers
Cons
- It is not waterproof (but it is fireproof!)
Out of all the construction tool bags, this one is exceptional. This heavy-duty backpack comes with a place to put your hard-hat, is lightweight, and built to last. It’s comfortable and safe, even when packed to the brim. Every worker that has to climb ladders will appreciate a good tool backpack. That way, they don’t have to worry about falling from the ladder or dropping their toolbox or tool bag.
As for comfort, this box-style backpack has your back in mind. The back panel, handle, and shoulder straps are all padded, ensuring that you stay comfortable while wearing up to 45lbs!
For $84.95, you will, no doubt, get the best backpack tool bag money can buy.
The makers made sure that all the side pockets are reinforced, and the bag is constructed out of rugged nylon (though it’s not waterproof).
The first thing you notice about this backpack is the quick-release helmet catcher integrated into the front part. Its padding will allow you to hold your helmet hands-free and prevent it from getting damaged.
The low weight of the bag makes it portable while still providing plenty of space for tools, gloves, your uniform, and your tools too.
Yes, there is that much space. Did we mention it’s fireproof?
If you decide this is the best tool bag for you, you’ll be glad to hear it also comes with a free utility carabiner and an insulated lunch box (as if the bag wasn’t awesome already).
Veto Pro Pac TECH PAC
Price from $289.95
Pros
- 56 uniquely organized pockets
- Non-tipping platform
- Rugged, waterproof construction
- 5-year warranty
- Ergonomic padding for comfort
Cons
- It’s imported
Made of waterproof 950 and 1250 PVC impregnated Denier nylon, with back padding, quick access to storage, and a thick base, this Veto Pro Pac might be the best HVAC tool bag on the market. It’s the first of its kind to be designed for professional technicians who need to keep their hands free.
It boasts two storage bays, with dual compartments in each, 56 vertical exterior and interior pockets for tool storage. The front interior pockets are made of weatherproof 1800 PVC impregnated Denier nylon, while back interior pockets are neoprene. The exterior holds D-rings, a stainless steel tape clip, memory stick pockets, and an internally stored aluminum hook for hanging.
The bag is ergonomic, with thermal-formed back padding and adjustable shoulder straps. It is easily one of the best professional tool bags out there, designed to comfortably carry tools in a portable design.
While the price might be a little steep, at $319.95, this backpack is tip-free and differs from other tool backpacks on the market by using an aluminum hasp to provide easy access to the rear pockets. Its high-quality design ensures durability and longevity, helping to ease the pain of the price at least a bit.
It really is one of the best tool bags for HVAC, but it’s not American-made, raising a few questions about the ethics of their manufacturing.
Tips For Choosing the Right Tool Bag
One of the main reasons to get a tool bag is the organization and protection of your tools and the ability to haul a few tens (or even hundreds) of pounds in only one bag around a worksite. Trying to decide which one is right for you can be a bit daunting considering the variety of the market.
Choosing the Best Tool Bag: Types
Since there are many different reasons for needing a tool bag, consider what you intend to use it for. All tool bags differ based on two main factors: Appearance and carrying method.
Tool backpacks, for example, are perfect for those who need to have their hands free to do other things (e.g. climb ladders) and carry tools over long distances.
Tool bags with wheels look like wheeled luggage cases but are more robust for transporting heavy tool collections.
Standard tool bags look like shoulder bags, but they are unique work tool bags made from much stronger fibers with heavy-duty shoulder straps (padded so that they won’t cut into your skin). These are nice multi-purpose bags that can accommodate heavier loads but are still relatively easy to carry around.
What Are Your Tool Bag Needs?
If your job demands that you are constantly hauling heavy loads, you should get a rolling tool bag. If you carry a lot of sharp and heavy objects, choose resilient materials with double-stitched seams and reinforced bottoms.
For basic house calls and more straightforward jobs, choosing a small canvas tool bag or a durable synthetic leather bag will give your back a break and allow you to quickly move around with just the essentials.
Professionals, such as electricians, HVAC technicians, welders, plumbers, or mechanics, who need to have many tools on hand might prefer a bigger-sized option, with lots of pockets and a sturdy metal frame that keeps it open.
Fireproof bags are great for welders, and waterproof ones are always a good pick, no matter the profession.
Construction workers and carpenters should choose heavy-duty tool bags that will keep their hands free while still allowing access to the tools.
Personal Preferences
After covering the real purpose that you want to use a tool bag for, there’s nothing wrong with including some of your personal preferences when it comes to tool gear. If you have any special body considerations, like extra support for your lower back or a shoulder issue – consider the strap types and method of carrying to ensure you don’t aggravate your injuries.
If you are quite particular about where you put your tools, consider getting a tool bag organizer for ease of finding tools, and protection from damage. With so many variations of tool bag products, it’s almost a guarantee that you can find something for all your needs and personal preferences.
What’s Your Budget?
Considering what you’re willing to spend is always a great way to narrow down the selection of products you want to buy, but of course, quality becomes a factor as well.
While the bags produced overseas could be more affordable, you may sometimes find yourself compromising quality for the price. Other times you can find the best of both worlds. For example, we found that Amazon tool bags, called AmazonBasics, are reasonably priced and are reviewed as good quality, despite being imported.
If you want to support local business and are interested in ethical manufacturing, you may end up paying a bit more, but you will be satisfied knowing you bought a quality product.
Where To Buy?
You’ve thought of all your desires and needs and decided on the type. But, where to buy a tool bag? You have two options —either get your best tool bag from a brick-and-mortar hardware store or order it online.
Many prefer buying online because of the ability to browse so many options. One disadvantage, however, is the inability to inspect the quality of the product yourself, test the fit, or feel the weight etc. Additionally, when shopping online, make sure you compare costs on websites. We found a couple of times that prices were almost double on Amazon compared to competing shop pages.
Whichever you decide, make sure you double-check details (especially shipping costs!).
People Also Ask
Our vote goes to the Custom LeatherCraft 1539 tool bag with 50 pockets. DIYers, homeowners, and professionals find it suitable, meeting all different types of needs. It offers everything from durability to organization to complete comfort. Although it’s not waterproof, it’s full of space, and the high-quality leather is undeniable.
The main reason this is the best small tool bag, is the metal frame that allows it to sit upright while you work, preventing spilling and making easy access to tools inside. Vertical pockets inside and outside will hold all the tools you need to have on hand, while bulky tools go into the main compartment.
The leather bag will stay in shape for years and prove to be a faithful companion in many worksites.
Veto and Black Stallion are among our favorites for professional backpacks. CLC, Klein, and Dewalt also make great tool backpacks.
Depending on your profession, needs and budget, you have a lot of different options. We especially like the Black Stallion for construction workers because of the easy-access helmet storage.
Carhartt Legacy tool bag is a great heavy-duty choice for plumbers. It’s made of water-repellent fabric, keeping plumbing tools dry and safe. Inside and outside pockets will keep the tools organized, while the padded handles make carrying them easy. It comes in a few different sizes (14-inch, 16-inch), some of which have a solid base (16-inch).
Husky tools used to be an independent tool manufacturer founded in 1924. Stanley later acquired it, and now it is a home brand of Home Depot. American manufacturers formerly made husky tools and tool bags in the US.
However, they are nowadays made mainly in Taiwan and China due to lower costs of labor and materials. All of the Husky products have a lifetime warranty.
Veto made a monster Pro Pac TECH PAC backpack, designed with HVAC and other technicians in mind. It’s rugged, padded, spacious, waterproof, professional, smartly designed, and offers more than enough room for equipment.
It even has an innovative quick-release metal hasp, allowing easy access to the larger tool bay. Hauling it around is comfortable as a result of their special ergonomic padding. Additionally, it can stand upright because of Veto Pro Pac’s patented polypropylene base.
If you are a technician looking for a great professional tool backpack (and are ready to spend some coin), this is the best tool bag for you. You’ll even get a 5-year warranty against any damage.
