Marki Williams/NYT WirecutterBest for…This simple, well-organized, recycled-nylon bag shrugs off water and folds down smaller than any of our other picks.Prone to sudden detours to the beach? The Bellroy Market Tote Plus folds flat enough to fit into a large glove box, so it’s there the moment you need it.It’s light yet water-resistant. It’s made from a lightweight recycled nylon woven from shredded PET plastic bottles. As a result, it weighs only about a half pound but can handle getting tossed around wet sand and stuffed with damp towels without soaking through or falling apart.It stands upright, but it’s still packable. Opened, the Market Tote Plus stands upright without collapsing, thanks to a gusseted seam along the bottom. Measuring 14 by 23 by 7 inches, the bag holds roughly 25 liters, which is enough room for two full-size beach towels, a bottle of sunscreen, snacks, and a speaker. It is a little smaller than our other picks, but none fold away as small as the Market Tote when not in use.Folded flat, the Bellroy Market Tote Plus could fit into a glove compartment or the pocket on the back of a car seat. Marki Williams/NYT WirecutterIt’s easy to clean. Inside, two pockets sit high on the walls of the bag, which keep your phone, keys, and sunglasses above the wet suit and towel line instead of buried at the bottom of the bag where the sand sits. Other than that, the tote has no additional dividers, mesh liners, or Velcro to trap debris or grit. After a day at the beach, you can simply flip the whole bag inside out and shake it out.It’s organized but skips the zippers. The Market Tote Plus is also thankfully free of zippers. Instead, the two shorter grab handles inside the bag snap together at the top. This keeps the bag closed but not sealed shut. The longer shoulder straps allow you to sling the bag on your shoulder while keeping your hands free for the sometimes long walk from the car to your favorite spot. There’s also a hidden AirTag pocket built into the internal label — a small detail I’m sure a distracted parent somewhere will appreciate.It has a good warranty. Bellroy backs the tote with a six-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.Flaws but not dealbreakersThe material might stain. Uncoated nylon can pick up stains, especially from substances like sunscreen that leave a residue.The bag comes in no bright colors or patterns. The Bellroy style is more subdued than most beach brands, so if you’re looking for a pattern-filled statement, look in the next section.
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