Totes with Lots of Pockets

In an age where each day there’s something else you have to lug around with you (that you can’t possibly do without!), totes with lots of pockets are available at lots of good prices to make at least one part of life a bit easier.

A multi-pocket bag makes every day a day at the beach.

Most tote bags, however many pockets they have, will feature their pockets on the outside of the bag. This tends to be much more convenient, because you don’t want to have to stick your head halfway inside your bag to try to remember which pocket your bus pass is in when there are a dozen impatient passengers behind you.

Outside pockets are better for accessing cell phones, keys and cash at the farmers’ market. If you prefer inside pockets, especially for phones and PDAs and things that you don’t want to risk breaking, totes with purpose-built phone pockets can certainly be found. It all depends on what you think will work best for you in your busy daily life.

Since the answer to “paper or plastic?” should always be “neither, I’ve got my own,” you need a canvas or cotton tote bag with lots of pockets to make shopping that much easier. As the popularity of the canvas bag has grown, so has its attractiveness. Many shops and organizations that promote sustainability will have a tote bag for you to buy or as a gift with a donation. In fact, such bags are great gifts if you’re strapped for holiday ideas. But if you and those you love would prefer something pretty or funky, look to Reusable Bags, which has many wonderful shopping totes from which to choose. You can also buy lunch bags, gift bags and reusable drink containers. Popular bags include:

• Reisenthel - Mini Maxi Carryall. A strong bag that’s compressible and expandable, great for shopping or toting school or office supplies. The two exterior pockets are substantial enough to hold a water bottle or compact umbrella, while the interior pocket has several dividers for organizing your wallet, phone, keys and other small items. The bag itself folds into its own zippered pouch, which you can clip onto a key ring.

• Reisenthel - Modern Grocery Tote. This is the perfect bag for serious grocery shopping, although it can also be used as a diaper, travel or beach bag. In lime or flora, this bag features six exterior pockets that are perfect for bottles, so no extra paper needed and no clinking. The main compartment is great for groceries and has ventilation eyelets so food stays fresh. Yet more pockets, including a zippered pocket, are perfect for your phone, wallet and keys.

If you’re feeling crafty and want a great and practical project, go to Got Fabric, where there is a very easy set of directions for making your own six-pocket tote bag. They recommend a Hawaiian print fabric against a solid background, but of course you can use whatever you like to personalize your bag. The kids can get in on this as well! The bag will be perfect for toting school supplies or whatever’s needed for sports or dance classes.

Another craft project for a craft bag that’s great for knitters and quilters, or anyone who wants to carry a fun tote with lots of pockets, is at Repro Depot Fabrics. Don’t be put off by the old-fashioned looking photo – you can choose wild fabrics to make this a very fun, functional tote. Two outside pockets are large enough to hold magazines, while inside there are two side dividers, a small zipper pocket and two end pockets, perfect for phones, keys and a water bottle. The handles are soft and flexible and the bag closes securely, making it perfect for traveling, or just toting around town.

• Silver Evening Bags
• Famous Designer Handbags
• Luxury Handbags Trends
• How to Tell If a Handbag Is Authentic
• What Color Handbag To Get

• Coach Outlet
• Coach Handbags
• How to Tell an Authentic Coach Patchwork Purse from a Fake
• Dooney and Bourke Outlet Stores
• Coach Signature Handbags

• Luxury Leather Totes and Briefcases for Women
• Category:Totes
• Denim Quilted Totes
• Clear Plastic Beach Totes
• Gingham Tote Bags with a Pocket on Front