For as long as man has walked the earth we’ve manipulated our surrounding environment with the help of tools. This includes everything from the insanely simple invention of the wheel and the hammer, to later simple machines such as the lever, wedge, pulley, and screw. Eventually, our intuitive nature and ever-expanding thirst for knowledge led to the more electronically-powered tools we see today. It comes as no surprise then that with this seemingly endless supply of both simple and advanced toolsets, the need for a vessel in which to house these items grows as well.
That’s why, in addition to a sturdy toolbox, a highly durable tool bag is a must-have for any DIY handyman around the house as well any professional on the job site. Oftentimes these bags are easily transported from site to site and are more ergonomically sound than your traditional toolbox. Plus, several options (outlined in this list no doubt) are also built with specific job duties and occupations in mind – facilitating a work-friendly design to help you work smarter not harder.
WorkPro Close Top
If a simple small tool bag is what you’re after, there’s really no better pick for the price point than WorkPro’s 12-inch close top bag. Here, the brand made sure to hook this piece up with an adjustable strap, a rubber foam bottom for enhanced sturdiness, outer mesh pockets for personal items and small tools, and a top-zipped open mouth for easy access to any and all small hand tools you may be storing on the go.
Bucket Boss Bucketeer BTO
Dubbed the Bucketeer, this is one “tool bag” that stood out to us for its unique utilitarian shape and useful carry aesthetic on the worksite. Each piece comes complete with a 600D poly ripstop construction, 30 assorted storage pockets, three interior loops for those longer tools, and – best of all – it fits most 5-gallon buckets making the Bucketeer an adaptable option for all.
Rothco Mechanics Tool Bag
Nothing beats a classic. And with this military tool bag from Rothco, you’ll be in the clear thanks to a little help from a heavyweight cotton canvas construction, multiple inside tool organizer pockets, two outside snap pockets for quick access to commonly-used items, and a spacious main compartment for larger tools. It’s a perfect option for those looking for a fundamental bag but don’t need anything overly engineered.
Homak Tool Bag
Available as either an 8-inch, 10-inch or 12-inch option, this handy tool bag features over 28 pockets for, is built from a durable polyester material, and comes equipped with a hardware box as well as a shoulder strap to help mix things up a bit. Yet another fine offering from Homak Manufacturing.
Carhartt Legacy
It’s not all workwear all the time. No, instead Carhartt is here to offer a range of work-friendly products for the handyman in all of us. Take their Legacy 14” Tool Bag for example. Each piece features a heavy-duty Poly with Rain Defender construction for first-rate water repellency, a Duravax abrasion-resistant base, 17 combined exterior and interior pockets, and dual webbing comfort grip handles built for the long haul.
Dewalt Contractor’s Tool Bag
Featuring both a heavy duty poly and ballistic poly fabric construction, Dewalt’s Contractor’s Tool Bag is one reliable tradesman essential for on-the-job convenience. Each bag features 28 external pockets (including three flap-covered pockets), a durable base pad to protect the interior from water, pop-open design for easy access to your tools, and an adjustable non-slip padded shoulder strap for carrying purposes.
CLC 50 Pocket Tool Bag
Custom Leather Craft is known for their great work and affordable prices. Which is why including their 50 Pocket Tool Bag in this list was a no-brainer. Aside from its obvious storage capacity, each bag features a large center compartment suited for larger power tools, zippered side panels to prevent exterior spillage, and vertical pockets to keep your most-used tools in eyesight for easy access.
Klien Tools Canvas Tool Bag
Part tote bag, part tool bag, Klein’s 22-inch canvas bag ensures your tools arrive safely to their destination. And with any tool bag positioned for the long haul, this canvas option is built to last. That’s because each bag boasts a steel-frame mouth with a hinge for continued rugged use, a heavy-duty No.8 natural canvas construction with no-scratch studs, and a safety leather strap complete with comfortable riveted leather handles.
Husky Pro Grade Rolling Tote
If carrying these tools is out of the question for you then might we suggest having a look at this Pro Grade Rolling Tote from Husky? Each tote is built from 1680-denier water-resistant material, features a rain flap for good measure, three wheels for easy portability around the job site, and a heavy duty telescoping handle for adjustable mobility and control when you need it most. Also, thanks to 38 storage pockets, a reinforced tool wall, and a five-year limited warranty, this rolling tote is sure to last extended use and abuse without fail.
Milwaukee Jobsite Tech Bag
Just like the tools they produce, Milwaukee’s tool bags are built to stand up to the job at hand. Take their Jobsite Tech Bag, for instance, designed for professional tradesmen and built from 1680D ballistic material complete with an impact resistant molded base. Also, each bag boasts a protected tech pocket for either a laptop or tablet, a total of 53 pockets, a fold-down front storage panel and a puncture-resistant pocket for those sharper items.
Klein Tools Leather Organizer
Not all tool housing vessels need to be built from nylon. Here, we find a comparable rugged construction but with a design-forward feel thanks to extra heavy leather, a stitched and riveted construction, and a double-ply bottom with steel studs. Each Leather Organizer from Klein Tools also measures in at 15 inches long x 6.5 inches wide x 7 inches deep. Built to last without a doubt.
Veto Pro Tech LC
Built to accommodate the demands of a modern-day HVAC service technician, the Tech LC tool bag from Veto boasts upwards of 53 pockets complete with ample room for hand tools, meters drills, and even bulkier items if need be. Plus, with the help of 8 neoprene pockets, keeping all those drill bits and extensions organized will no longer be a separate job in and of itself.
40 Essential Tools Every Man Should Own
As some would claim, it’s really what’s inside the bag that counts. Knowing this ourselves, we went ahead and put together this list of 40 essential tools every man should own. Because there’s nothing lonelier than an empty tool bag.
