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Tool bags come in multiple sizes and offer a variety of pockets to hold small hand tools or a complete tool set. They can help you stay organized and get to work on your DIY projects faster.
You can find a high-quality medium-sized tool bag for around $40-$70, although some larger models might be more pricey. To help you find the right set-up for your tools, our team researched over 20 of the top tool bags on the market and tested and scored the top five based on their effectiveness in a series of rigorous tests.
Overall, our top pick is the DEWALT 33-Pocket Tool Bag, which notched a perfect score in both our durability and ergonomics tests.
Read our buying guide below for more of our top picks, and, for additional tips from our in-house pros, take a look at our comprehensive guide to buying tools.
Top 5 Tool Bags
- Best Overall: DEWALT 33-Pocket Tool Bag
- Most Portable: Klein Tools 14-Tool Backpack
- Best Layout: Carhartt Legacy Tool Bag
- Best Tool Carrier: Custom Leathercraft Tool Carrier
- Best for In-Home Use: Milwaukee M12 Contractor Tool Bag
Compare Top Tool Bags
| Product | Number of Pockets | Material | Weight When Empty | Maximum Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 33-Pocket Tool Bag | 33 | Polyester Fabric | 3 lbs | 45 lbs |
| Klein Tools 14-Tool Backpack | 39 | Ballistic Weave | 6 lbs | 11 lbs |
| Carhartt Legacy Tool Bag | 27 | Polyester Fabric | 2 lbs | Not listed |
| Custom Leathercraft 43-Pocket Tool Carrier | 43 | Polyester Fabric | 3 lbs | 10 lbs |
| Milwaukee Heavy-Duty Canvas Contractor Bag | 6 | Canvas | 14 oz | 120 lbs |
| Product | Number of Pockets | Material | Weight When Empty | Maximum Weight |
Best Overall
DEWALT 33-Pocket Tool Bag
- $41.6
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 33 pockets
- Polyester fabric
- 3 pounds when empty
Our Experience
This DEWALT tool bag was one of the top-performing products we tested. Despite the product’s rugged design that made opening and closing its compartment difficult, the tool bag excelled in every one of our testing categories.
The tool bag’s rubberized feet absorbed the shock administered through 50 repetitive drops, showing minimal cosmetic damage and protecting the stored tools. Although the tool bag didn’t contain a designated location for storing a hammer, it created a space for the tool to lay flat within the bag without disrupting the other pocketed tools.
The tool bag also secured each one of its tools while it was carried up and down three flights of stairs, and its adjustable shoulder strap helped during transportation.
Our Score
| Metric | Score |
|---|---|
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Ergonomics | 5/5 |
| Mobility | 4.5/5 |
| Overall score | 4.8/5 |
| Metric | Score |
What Are People Saying About the DEWALT 33-Pocket Tool Bag?
Positive reviews centered around the tool bag’s heavy-duty design that includes stitched handles and pockets. Additional positive reviews complimented the product’s large storage space and ability to fit large tools. Negative reviews mentioned the poor quality of the tool bag’s included padded shoulder strap, with some customers saying it broke after a few uses.
“Needed more room, and this bag was the perfect fit for all my drill equipment. Very sturdy bag with a very easy-to-use zipper. Because it’s a fabric bag, it doesn’t add much weight, which makes carrying all my tools easier. It comes with a shoulder strap also, which is great.” —Ronnie via Amazon
“… I thought that this bag would stand up to the daily practices of bringing tools from home to the work site. The bag itself is okay. But the shoulder pad ripped off within a week. Just thought it would be a little stronger then that since it is expected to carry tools.” —Adam Norris via Amazon
Most Portable
Klein Tools 14-Tool Backpack
- $99.97
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 39 pockets
- Ballistic weave
- 6 pounds when empty
- Limited lifetime warranty
Our Experience
Despite this tool bag’s scratch-prone exterior, it was a top-performing product that proved its durability during the mobility and drop tests. Its hard rubber bottom, while adding a bit of weight to the tool bag, helped the product withstand repeated impacts during testing. Additionally, the backpack’s orange interior helped simplify the process of storing and unloading tools.
Though the product’s backpack design narrows the width between its included pockets, all tools and accessories were able to fit inside its zippered compartment.
Our Score
| Metric | Score |
|---|---|
| Durability | 4.6/5 |
| Ergonomics | 4.5/5 |
| Mobility | 5/5 |
| Overall score | 4.7/5 |
| Metric | Score |
What Are People Saying About the Klein Tools 14-Tool Backpack?
Satisfied customers mentioned the product’s easy-to-carry design, with many stating that it took the stress off of their hands and made transportation a comfortable experience. Unhappy customers mentioned the product’s unreliable zippers and said that they had difficulty zipping them after continued use.
“…The bag opens to the tool storage area with two bi-directional heavy-duty zippers – none of the cheap single-zipper crap here. Open it a little or a lot and the zippers hold in place. Perfect for holding that tool that’s just a couple of inches too long for the bag. On both sides, there are Kevlar style material pockets with Velcro tabs for multi-tools, folding knives, hex kits, bits and drivers. Add to that plenty of reinforced loops to hold pliers, wrenches and the like.”— Infrastructure Designer via Amazon
“Zippers keep trying to cross or skip teeth. … Mine keeps trying to cross or skip teeth and will probably have to be [returned with the warranty] as well. Kline should invest in a better zipper design. The zippers are not getting anything in them, they are practically brand new and clean, clean zippers are crossing and skipping teeth. Other than that, the bag is great.” — Consumer via Amazon
Best Layout
Carhartt Legacy Tool Bag
- $69.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 27 pockets
- Polyester fabric
- 2 pounds when empty
- Limited lifetime warranty
Our Experience
Despite the lack of padded feet on this bag, it consists of the material and stitching necessary to last for a while. While this bag tied with the Milwaukee Heavy-Duty Canvas Contractor Bag for the most visible scuffing during our drop test, it ranked as one of the highest-performing bags during our scratch test, showing little indication of scratches.
This tool bag also proved to be effective in storing a variety of tools, holding five tools and 25 nails seamlessly inside its compartments. Additionally, despite the lack of a shoulder strap, the tool bag offered a convenient padded handle that reduced finger stress and helped us carry the tool bag up three flights of stairs.
Our Score
| Metric | Score |
|---|---|
| Durability | 4.6/5 |
| Ergonomics | 5/5 |
| Mobility | 3.5/5 |
| Overall score | 4.4/5 |
| Metric | Score |
What Are People Saying About the Carhartt Legacy Tool Bag?
Positive reviews raved about the product’s sturdy metal frame and high-quality stitching. Other satisfied customers commented on the bag’s pockets that offered enough space for several tools. At the time of this review, the tool bag received just a single one-star review, which described a customer’s frustration at receiving a stained bag.
“Finally, a bag that, when open, will not collapse. Makes it easy to reach in and grab that needed tool. Nice easy-to-carry handles. Gets used every night during line maintenance.” — Paul Enlow via Amazon
“Nice bag with deep individual pockets for my tools. The stitching is really good too. My problem with this bag is that it falls over on it’s side allowing all my tools to fall out. The bag doesn’t stay in place while traveling in a vehicle or if placed on a slightly tilted surface.” — K.M. via Amazon
Best Tool Carrier
Custom Leathercraft 43-Pocket Tool Carrier
- $69.95
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 43 pockets
- Polyester fabric
- 3 pounds when empty
Our Experience
This Custom Leathercraft tool carrier was able to carry all the essential tools with ease and comfort, despite not having a suitable compartment for a hammer. When we performed the durability test, this tool bag tied for second with the Klein Tools and Carhartt models.
The tool bag scored third in mobility and has an adjustable shoulder strap that aided in transportation, but the strap wasn’t as comfortable as the DEWALT or Klein Tools shoulder straps. Additionally, the tool bag didn’t drop any tools while we carried it up and down three flights of stairs and stowed it in a car trunk.
Our Score
| Metric | Score |
|---|---|
| Durability | 4.6/5 |
| Ergonomics | 4.5/5 |
| Mobility | 4/5 |
| Overall score | 4.4/5 |
| Metric | Score |
What Are People Saying About the Custom Leathercraft 43-Pocket Tool Carrier?
Positive reviews focused on the tool bag’s spacious design, with some customers saying they could fit all of their tools in the bag with room to spare. Additional positive reviews centered around the bag’s convenient shoulder strap that decreased transportation stress. Negative reviews described frustration over the size of the tool bag, which many customers said was smaller than described, and others said the tools sometimes fell out too easily.
“This is such an improvement over what I had before. I really like all the individual compartments for individual tools and the big open space in the middle for hammer, drill, etc. It is fairly lightweight and the strap is the perfect size for the load I have in it. Can’t think of anything I wish it also had.” — Todd Cunningham via Amazon
“This bag is a great bag because it has tons of pockets for any sort of tools you might wanna put in there. My only complaint with this bag was it couldn’t handle the everyday abuse it lasted about four months. After that, the side outer pockets couldn’t hold the tools anymore.” — Francis via Amazon
Best for In-Home Use
Milwaukee M12 Heavy-Duty Tool Bag
- $31.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Six pockets
- Heavy-duty canvas
- 14.4 ounces when empty
Our Experience
The tool bag’s small frame doesn’t allow a designated spot for holding each tool, but the product withstood our rigorous testing and performed just as well as the other tool bags in our mobility test.
The lightweight tool bag carried all five included tools and accessories, showing no signs of damage after being carried up three flights of stairs. Additionally, the tool bag’s small frame didn’t drastically impact its mobility, as its padded handles increased comfort during testing.
Our Score
| Metric | Score |
|---|---|
| Durability | 3.8/5 |
| Ergonomics | 4/5 |
| Mobility | 3.5/5 |
| Overall score | 3.8/5 |
| Metric | Score |
What Are People Saying About the Milwaukee M12 Heavy-Duty Tool Bag?
Most positive reviews centered around the tool bag’s compact frame. At the time of this review, this product received just five one-star reviews, which argued that the product was too small to properly store tools.
“This bag is perfect for my small apartment. I have a few tools, and they all fit perfectly in there. The bag is good quality and had fits more than expected. Happy with my purchase.” — Veronica via Amazon
“I bought this bag to hold three or four M18 batteries and a charger, all of which would have fit if the bag was sized as described. It is not 13-by-6-by-7 inches when closed … it isn’t even that size when open….It will hold four M18 batteries (a very tight fit) but will only hold one battery with a charger in the bag.” — NODnGRIN via Amazon
Tool Bag Buying Guide
Before buying a tool bag to use at home or on a job site, it’s important to understand how the features and specifications of the product affect its user experience. Before deciding on a tool bag, consider the design, material, and fastener durability of the bag, while also keeping in mind the intended use you have for it. Read our guide below for more information on selecting the best tool bag for your needs.
What designs do tool bags come in?
Tool bags come in a variety of designs that can impact the way each product is used and transported. Some of the most common tool bag designs include traditional bags, backpacks, and carriers.
Traditional tool bags are identified by their single-zipper main compartment and multiple interior and exterior pockets. They’re the most common type of tool bag and are convenient because they can hold a variety of tools, with some bags including shoulder straps for simple transportation.
Backpack tool bags mirror the look of traditional school backpacks. They contain an additional protective shell, added interior space, and pockets specifically designed to hold tools. Backpack models are the easiest to carry but usually provide less space than traditional or carrier tool bags.
Carrier tool bags have an open design for easy tool access and an attached handle for transportation. While carrier tool bags can hold larger tools, they don’t close completely, which leaves tools in plain sight and makes them susceptible to falling out.
What materials are tool bags made from?
Most tool bags are made of nylon, canvas, or polyester. Nylon is a strong material known for its durability and flexibility. Canvas is also a durable material that’s oftentimes double-layered to better protect against the wear and tear inflicted by carried tools. While typically less durable than canvas or nylon, polyester is used in many tool bags because it’s fast-drying and can maintain its color.
What are the typical uses for a tool bag?
The effectiveness of a tool bag can be measured by its intended use. For example, a small tool bag with one pocket may not be the best for people who need to hold a variety of tools for different home improvement projects. Instead, a tool bag with side pockets, multiple zippers, and an included shoulder strap might be a better fit.
How can you tell if a tool bag is durable?
Zippers and buckles help secure items in tool bags. While convenient, some tool bags may be equipped with zippers or buckles that easily malfunction or break, so it’s important to invest in a tool bag with high-quality fasteners.
Our Review Standards
To select the five tool bags for this review, we scoured the web for the best tool bags, evaluating each model’s customer reviews, overall customer ratings, and Amazon Prime eligibility.
After narrowing down our top picks, we tested the tool bags on durability, ergonomics, and mobility.
Testing Metrics
Durability
A quality tool bag should be able to withstand the constant wear and tear inflicted by the tools and equipment it carries. A well-made tool bag is constructed with heavy-duty fabric and has quality features like double-stitched lining and reinforced handles to offer customers a lasting product.
Ergonomics
A tool bag should not only have enough space for tools and other supplies, but it should also contain pockets and compartments that properly secure items when moving from job to job. A tool bag with great ergonomics will efficiently use its interior space and have a designated area that holds each item.
Mobility
Mobility is particularly important for people who are consistently carrying their bag. Tool bags come in a variety of designs, like backpacks and rollers, to help users transport their tools more easily. Some bags even include detachable shoulder straps and handles for customizable movement.
Testing Process
To test each tool bag, we performed a variety of tests that allowed us to score each product on the following metrics.
Durability
To test durability, our team conducted two tests. First, we conducted a drop test that involved dropping each tool belt 50 times from waist height while the bag was full of tools. After each drop, we inspected the tool bag for visible damage and opened up each bag to search for interior damage. The second test was a scratch test, which consisted of scraping and poking a 2.5-inch nail along the outside of each tool bag and throughout each pocket 10 times.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics test was two-fold. During the first test, we determined if the tool bag had a suitable and accessible pocket, pouch, or loop for each of the following items: one hammer, two screwdrivers, one pencil, a pair of pliers, and 25 4D nails.
The second test measured each full tool bag’s ability to keep the tools in their respective pockets during each of the following actions: lifting the tool bag from ground level to waist height and walking down three flights of stairs to load the bag into a car trunk. This test was conducted 10 times, during which we inspected the tool bag for dislodged tools and damage.
Note: Because the Klein Tools 14-Tool Bag Backpack is a backpack model instead of a traditional tool bag, we tested it by conducting the following actions during the second ergonomics test: lifting the backpack from ground level, putting it on, and carrying it down three flights of stairs to load it into a car trunk.
Mobility
Mobility was tested by carrying each full tool bag up and down three flights of stairs and walking each model up and down a hallway three times. Note: for our tests, a full tool bag was defined as containing one hammer, two screwdrivers, one pencil, a pair of pliers, and a box of 4D nails. During the mobility test, we analyzed how easy it was to carry a full bag of tools and noted if we had to stop at any point during testing.
Scoring
Durability
The tool bag that contained the least amount of indentations and scratches after our drop test received 2.5 points, while the second-best received 2.1 points, the third-best received 1.7 points, and so on. During our scratch test, the tool belt that contained the least amount of scratches, holes, or visible damage received 2.5 points, while the second-best received 2.1 points, the third-best received 1.7 points, and so on.
Ergonomics
The tool bag that had a suitable place for each tool received 2.5 points. For each tool that didn’t have a designated pocket, compartment, or holder, we deducted 0.5 points. After the second test, the tool bag that kept the most tools in place received 2.5 points, while the second-best received 2.1 points, the third-best received 1.7 points, and so on.
Mobility
The tool bag that was the easiest to transport during testing received all 5 possible points, while the second-best received a 0.5-point deduction, the third-best received a 1-point deduction, and so on. If two tool bags were transported with an equal amount of ease, they received the same score.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tool Bags
What should I store in my tool bag?
The tools that you store in your tool bag or toolbox will vary by preference and the job at hand, but some of the most common tools found in tool bags include a tape measure, hammer, pencil, utility blade, level, wrenches, and screwdrivers. You can also use tool bags to store power tools.
How do you organize tools in a tool bag?
Place frequently used tools at the front of your tool bag or in compartments that are easy to reach. Tools that you occasionally use can be stored towards the back of your tool bag and in more tucked-away pockets. If you want to carry several small accessories, consider purchasing a small divider that can carry those items and keep them organized in your tool bag.
How do you clean a tool bag?
Use a small brush to scrub the bag’s outer shell with warm soap and water to remove embedded dirt and soil. While scrubbing, you can use a bristle scrubber to dig deep into the tool bag’s surface. After cleaning, rinse the tool bag with clean water and air dry. However, be sure to check that your tool storage bag is water-resistant before using water.
How We Selected the Best Tool Bags
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of tool bags with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published numerous tool reviews, from cordless drills and impact drivers to tape measures and laser levels.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
