This is the Best Beach Bag You Can Find for Under $100
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Not to sound like a big ol' grump (!), but one of my least favorite things about a trip to the beach is the literal trip to the beach. You know what I'm talking about: The not-at-all-graceful schlep down toward the sand, where you somehow wind up with your family's every belonging (and at least one inflated inner tube) as they run carefree toward the waves and you're 20 steps behind wondering if you should have maybe locked the beach house door.
Steeletex Beach Tote
Now I know I should be grateful if I am in fact at a beach—or within proximity of a beach—but I am always seeking ways to lighten—or better bear—my load to maximize my beaching enjoyment. (No one likes grumpy mom.) Over the years, I have tried beach bags of all sorts—a roomy navy-striped cotton zip-top tote, a boxy open-top canvas carryall with New England cred, a straw French market bag that was chic but impractical, a too-trendy perforated plastic thing—and after countless years of uncomfortable handles, sandy interiors, and not-quite-big-enough silhouettes, I finally found my white whale: A beach bag that checks all of the boxes.
Let me introduce you to the Steele Canvas Waterproof Tote. I have the $89.95 open-top version (also available at Food52) and here are the reasons I love it so:
It's Stylish.
I'll admit I probably care about these things more than I should, but I love the clean silhouette, the old-fashioned, hand-stitched Steele Canvas label, and the spot-on colors. (As you can see further below, I have the darker green, but also love love love the rain slicker yellow). If you prefer a monogrammed version, Mark & Graham has done a supercute collaboration with the company. I also appreciate that this bag isn't overtly beach-y, which means I can use it for all sorts of other occasions (work travel, soccer games, antiquing trips, all the things).
It's Water- and Tear-Resistant.
I have owned my bag long enough to know that this is very much true. The vinyl coated nylon is extremely water-friendly and highly durable.
It Has Long, Comfortable Straps.
I'm on the taller side (5'9"), and too-short straps are a pet peeve, as are skinny straps that dig into my likely-sunburned shoulders. This one has a respectable 10-inch handle drop which I find to be just right.
It's Roomy.
At 17 by 17 by 7 inches, this bag is big enough to hold your basics and then some without loading you down. As a quick experiment in the name of Pulitzer-worthy reporting, I just loaded mine up and managed to fit the following: two biggish beach towels, one insulated lunch box, three hardcover books, two straw hats, one portable splash-proof radio, and my cell phone/debit card.
It Stays Upright.
While the bag's overall silhouette isn't overly boxy or stiff, the boxed bottom construction helps it remain upright, which means your items won't spill out and get sandy.
It'll Easily Shake Out Sand.
This has meant more to me than I realized it would. The bag comes with two clever little brass grommets—one at each bottom corner—that makes it easy to shake out dirt or sand or even liquid before you know it's there.
It Has a Little Cell Phone Pocket.
I'm always stressed about getting sand in my iPhone, and a tiny little pocket on the middle inside of the bag keeps it safe and within reach.
It's Made in America.
Based in Massachusetts, Steele is a family-owned company that has been making quality goods for 100 years. They handcraft every item to order, which means you probably shouldn't wait until two days out from your beach trip. Trust me: The (short) wait (3 to 5 business days) will be worth it.
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