7 Best Travel Totes with a Zipper in 2026

Our favorite zipper travel tote overall is the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Soft Tote because it’s light (weighs just 1.6 pounds), roomy (28 liters), slips over suitcase handles, and squeezes under many airplane seats.

Buyers in need of a laptop sleeve will want to check out the Baggallini Avenue Tote. Alternatively, our favorite anti-theft zippered tote is the Sherpani Soleil AT. Meanwhile, our top pick for budget-friendly foldable totes is the BAGSMART Foldable Tote, which is exceptionally affordable.

Travel totes with zippers allow you to keep your passports, electronics, wallets, medications, and more protected from prying eyes as you rush through airports and hectic train stations. The best also have comfortable shoulder straps and functional pockets. Plus, we love models that include a sleeve to clip your tote to your rolling suitcase for easy travel.

The Best Travel Totes with Zippers at a Glance

Important: A flexible tote may fit under an airline seat when lightly packed but become too large once fully loaded. Always compare the packed bag with your airline’s current personal-item allowance.

How We Selected These Travel Totes

We evaluated zippered totes on criteria that are important when you’re actually on a trip:

• A zipper that secures the main compartment instead of just a shallow interior pocket
• Empty weight and overall dimensions
• Ability to fit under an airline seat
• Comfort of shoulder straps
• Sleeves for luggage handles
• Laptop and tablet storage pockets
• Interior organization
• Water- or stain-resistant fabric
• Ability to fold flat for storage

These recommendations are research-based. We won’t claim to have personally tested a bag unless we’ve had firsthand experience with that specific bag.

1. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Soft Tote

Best Overall

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Soft Tote offers the best combination of weight, capacity, organization and airport-friendly features of any bag in this guide.

Measuring 16 by 11 by 8 inches, it is significantly smaller than an overstuffed weekender. Its soft sides also allow it to squeeze underneath an airline seat more easily than many structured bags of a similar size.

Whether it qualifies as a personal item will depend on the airline and how heavily you pack it. Its 8-inch depth may be too large for carriers with particularly strict personal-item limits.

With a capacity of 28 liters and an empty weight of just 1.6 pounds, it provides excellent carrying space without adding much weight to your luggage allowance.

A strap on the rear of the tote slides over the extension handle of a spinner or two-wheel rolling suitcase. This helps prevent the Travelpro from falling sideways as you move through the airport.

Its polyester exterior is protected with Travelpro’s DuraGuard coating, which helps repel water and stains. Inside, the moisture-resistant lining is made using recycled plastic bottles.

The large main compartment is suitable for carrying a light jacket, headphones, medication pouch, snacks and other in-flight essentials.

Travelpro also equips the tote with high-strength zipper pulls that are easier to grasp than small fashion-style zippers. This may seem like a minor convenience until you need to open the bag while seated in a cramped aircraft cabin.

The main drawback is the lack of a dedicated external water-bottle pocket. The interior also resembles a traditional soft travel bag rather than a highly compartmentalized work tote.

Business travelers who need to carry a laptop and several smaller accessories may be better served by the Baggallini Avenue Tote.

Pros

• Excellent capacity for its weight
• Rear strap secures the tote to rolling luggage
• Water- and stain-resistant exterior
• Soft sides fit into tighter storage spaces
• Strong zipper pulls that are easy to grip

Cons

• No external water-bottle holder
• Less laptop protection than a dedicated business tote

Best for: Air travelers who want a lightweight tote that attaches securely to a rolling suitcase.

2. Baggallini Avenue Tote

Best for Work Travel

The Baggallini Avenue Tote is a better choice than the Travelpro for frequent business travelers. It offers more organization in a relatively structured design without adding excessive weight.

Its padded laptop sleeve can accommodate many slim and midsize laptops. Dedicated pockets for smaller belongings also prevent charging cables, a computer mouse, travel documents and other electronics from becoming lost at the bottom of the bag.

The main compartment closes with a zipper, keeping your belongings covered while you travel. A sleeve on the back slides over the handle of a rolling suitcase.

The tote also includes a removable and adjustable strap, allowing it to be carried across the body. This can be helpful when using public transportation or walking between your hotel and office.

At 18 inches wide, the Avenue Tote is broader than the personal-item limits imposed by some airlines. Its 5.5-inch depth keeps its profile relatively slim, but travelers should avoid overpacking it when flying with an airline that strictly measures bags.

Baggallini’s nylon exterior is lightweight and easy to clean. It is also more practical than leather when traveling through rainy or humid destinations.

The trade-off is that the tote does not have the rigid structure of a traditional leather briefcase. It may also sag slightly when it is only partially packed.

Pros

• Good organization for business travelers
• Padded laptop sleeve
• Luggage-handle sleeve
• Removable crossbody strap
• Lightweight compared with leather work bags

Cons

• May be too wide for stricter airline personal-item limits
• Can sag when it is not fully packed

Best for: Travelers who need to carry a laptop, documents and smaller electronics.

3. Sherpani Soleil AT

Best Anti-Theft Travel Tote

A zipper keeps your belongings more secure than an entirely open tote, but the Sherpani Soleil AT takes security several steps further.

Its main compartment features a zipper-locking mechanism. Additional travel-security features include RFID-blocking storage, a slash-resistant bottom, a slash-resistant strap and a chair-loop cable.

The chair-loop cable can be secured around a fixed object while you sit at a café, airport lounge or waiting area. This makes it harder for someone to grab the bag and walk away unnoticed.

The Sherpani Soleil AT is also the most versatile option in this guide. Its straps can be configured so that the bag functions as a tote, crossbody bag or backpack.

Backpack mode is particularly useful when walking longer distances or carrying a relatively heavy laptop.

The Soleil AT measures 15 by 11 by 5.5 inches, placing it within the personal-item limits used by many US airlines. However, you should still check your airline’s current restrictions before flying.

Its 18-liter capacity provides room for a 14-inch laptop, documents, a light jacket, water bottle and other daily essentials.

The main compromise is its weight. At approximately 2 pounds, 2 ounces, it is heavier than a basic nylon tote. Much of that additional weight comes from the reinforced materials, security hardware and convertible carrying system.

Pros

• Locking zipper on the main compartment
• RFID-blocking pocket
• Slash-resistant strap and bottom
• Converts into a backpack
• Luggage pass-through sleeve
• Two water-bottle pockets

Cons

• Heavier than a standard nylon tote
• Includes more straps and hardware than some travelers may need

Best for: City travel, public transportation and travelers who are particularly concerned about theft.

4. TUMI Just In Case Tote

Best Premium Packable Tote

The TUMI Just In Case Tote is designed to remain packed inside your suitcase until you need additional storage.

It folds into an included zippered pouch, making it useful for shopping, beach visits, day trips or carrying souvenirs home.

When the tote is open, the storage pouch attaches to its interior using a hook-and-loop fastener. This allows the pouch to function as a small organizer pocket.

Despite its large dimensions and 23-inch width, the Just In Case Tote weighs only 0.7 pounds. Its main compartment closes with a full zipper, while an Add-a-Bag strap allows it to be secured to the handle of compatible rolling luggage.

We do not recommend using it as your main underseat personal item. At 23 by 14 by 9 inches, it is closer in size to a flexible carry-on bag and can exceed many airlines’ personal-item limits when fully packed.

Instead, consider the TUMI an upscale backup or overflow bag. It costs substantially more than the Samsonite Foldaway Tote but offers a more refined appearance and premium construction.

The interior organization is minimal. There is no padded laptop sleeve, water-bottle pocket or extensive divider system.

This simpler design allows the tote to fold down into its storage pouch, but it also means that smaller belongings can shift around while you travel.

Pros

• Extremely lightweight for its size
• Folds into its own zippered pouch
• Full zippered main opening
• Polished enough for hotels and city trips
• Attaches to rolling luggage

Cons

• Expensive for a relatively simple foldable tote
• May be too large to qualify as a personal item
• Minimal interior organization

Best for: Frequent travelers who want a premium overflow bag or packable shopping tote.

5. BAGSMART Foldable Tote with Zipper

Best Budget Travel Tote

The BAGSMART Foldable Tote with Zipper is a practical option for travelers who do not need premium branding or a heavily structured bag.

It provides approximately 20 liters of storage and folds into a compact shape for easy storage inside a suitcase.

Measuring 16.5 by 14 by 6 inches, it is large enough to carry a laptop, light sweater, travel documents and other daily necessities without becoming as bulky as a traditional weekender bag.

The main compartment closes with a zipper, helping keep your belongings contained while traveling. Several interior and exterior pockets provide convenient storage for smaller items.

Its material is described as water-repellent and tear-resistant. However, it should not be treated as completely waterproof during heavy rain.

The basic shoulder straps are suitable for lighter loads but may become uncomfortable when the tote is packed with a heavy laptop, water bottle and several pieces of clothing.

Another potential drawback is that this version does not include a true luggage-handle sleeve.

BAGSMART sells several similarly named tote bags, so check the exact Amazon ASIN and listing photographs before purchasing.

Pros

• Affordable
• Folds down for easy storage inside luggage
• Zippered main compartment
• Multiple storage pockets
• Water-repellent material

Cons

• No dedicated luggage-handle sleeve on this version
• Basic shoulder straps
• Less structured than more expensive totes

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers looking for an inexpensive and versatile zippered tote.

6. Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe

Best for Weekend Trips

The Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Small sits between a traditional tote and a weekender duffel bag.

It is the strongest option in this guide for travelers who want to pack an entire overnight or weekend wardrobe rather than only their in-flight essentials.

Its standout feature is the zippered compartment at the bottom of the bag. This separate section can be used for shoes, laundry, toiletries or compact medical equipment.

A removable padded insert helps the lower compartment retain its shape and prevents items in the upper section from sinking into it.

The Catalina Deluxe also includes a rear luggage sleeve and an adjustable messenger strap with removable padding.

These features make it easier to transport than an ordinary canvas tote when the bag is full or relatively heavy.

Despite being labelled the Small version, the Catalina Deluxe remains a large bag. It measures 24 inches wide across the top, 18 inches wide across the bottom, 16 inches tall and 8.5 inches deep.

Its capacity is approximately 40 liters, so it should be treated as a carry-on or weekender rather than a guaranteed personal item.

At approximately 2.4 pounds, it is also one of the heaviest options in this guide. That weight is understandable for a more structured 40-liter bag but may be excessive for someone who only needs a small tote for personal belongings.

Choose the recycled-polyester version for better water resistance and additional structure. The canvas version has a softer and more casual appearance but can absorb more moisture.

Pros

• Excellent capacity for short trips
• Separate lower compartment for shoes or laundry
• Luggage-handle sleeve
• Removable padded shoulder strap
• More structured than thin packable totes

Cons

• Too large to assume it will qualify as a personal item
• Heavier than a standard travel tote
• Premium price

Best for: Travelers who need to pack clothing, shoes and toiletries for an overnight stay or weekend trip.

7. Samsonite Foldaway Tote

Best for Souvenirs and Extra Storage

The Samsonite Foldaway Tote is the simplest option in this guide, but it performs its intended role well.

When it is not needed, the tote folds into its own integrated pouch. It weighs only 0.7 pounds, making it easy to keep inside your suitcase throughout a trip.

Once opened, it offers enough room for souvenirs, pool essentials, groceries or overflow from your main luggage.

Unlike many inexpensive foldable totes, the Samsonite has a zipper across the main opening. It also includes two exterior slip pockets and one zippered pocket.

The integrated storage pouch functions as an additional interior pocket when the tote is open.

Its fabric feels more substantial than the material used for a typical reusable grocery bag. The tote is made from 600-denier nylon and polyester with polyurethane backing.

It should be more durable than many ultralight foldaway totes, although it is still an unstructured bag. It does not include a padded laptop sleeve, crossbody strap or luggage-handle pass-through.

The Samsonite is smaller than the TUMI Just In Case Tote and should be easier to position under an airline seat.

However, its effective dimensions will increase when it is overpacked, so it should not automatically be assumed to comply with every airline’s personal-item rules.

Pros

• Affordable
• Lightweight and packs down into a small pouch
• Zippered main compartment
• More pockets than many basic foldable totes
• Convenient size for shopping and day trips

Cons

• No luggage-handle sleeve
• No padded laptop compartment
• Completely flexible with very little structure

Best for: Travelers who want to keep an inexpensive emergency tote inside their suitcase.

What to Look for in a Travel Tote with a Zipper

A Full-Length Zipper on the Main Compartment

You may still consider something a “zippered tote” if it has only one small pocket with a zipper closure. Instead, check the product photos to verify that the zipper seals the entire main opening.

A full-top closure keeps smaller items inside when the bag flips over. It’s also harder for someone to casually open zipped pockets on busy airplanes, trains, and tourist attractions.

Zippers aren’t a fail-safe against theft, however. Look for additional features like locking zipper pulls, slash-proof panels, and RFID-blocking pockets for travelers who want extra protection.

Suitable Size

Will the tote function as:

• Your handbag or daily commuter bag
• Your carry-on for airline personal-item size
• A weekend travel bag
• A secondary foldable bag to store inside your checked luggage

If so, know that not every tote will make the cut as a personal item. Bags like the TUMI Just In Case and Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe can get too big when stuffed.

Measure your bag in its widest and deepest points when packed, not just empty and flat.

Lightweight or Light

While great for shopping and overflow storage, totes that weigh under a pound typically have thinner padding and less structure.

High-quality, structured work bags and anti-theft totes may weigh over two pounds empty. That may not sound like much, but it’s worthwhile if the weight comes from a padded laptop sleeve, ergonomic backpack straps, or metal slam locks.

Include a Sleeve for Luggage Handles

A sleeve in the back of the tote is ideal if you’ll be flying through airports often. The sleeve lets you slip your tote directly over the collapsible handle of a rolling suitcase.

Since you don’t want your bag tipping forward, be sure the sleeve fits snugly. Also check the width of the sleeve if your luggage has a wider handle than most bags.

Breathable, Padded Shoulder Straps

Avoid straps that feel narrow once the tote is filled with a laptop, snacks, and sweaters.

Look for wider straps if you plan to carry more than just essentials. Or look for a bag with a padded crossbody strap, or the option to wear the tote as a backpack. Keep in mind shoulder straps should be long enough to drop down comfortably over the edge of your clothing jacket.

Multiple Uses and Easy Organization

Multiple pockets aren’t always better. It’s important the pockets are laid out where you’ll need them.

Someone who works remotely may want a padded sleeve for their laptop, loops to keep cords organized, and easy-pull pockets for train tickets and identification. However, parents might value bottle pockets and a main compartment that opens wide. A collapsible grocery bag might only need one or two secure pockets.

Durable Material That Repels Water

Nylon or coated polyester holds up better than cotton canvas and won’t absorb water. They’re lighter-weight, easy to clean, and handy if your lunch pouch leaks or you get caught in the rain.

However, water-resistant isn’t the same thing as waterproof. Store electronics in a protective sleeve when it rains heavily.

Which Zippered Travel Tote Should You Buy?

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Soft Tote should be your go-to if you’re looking for one bag to use on planes, quick trips and everyday travel. It strikes a nice balance between a lightweight carry-on profile (16-by-11-by-8 inches) with 28 liters of storage space, complete with a luggage strap and featherlight 1.6 pounds.

Opt for the Baggallini Avenue Tote if a padded laptop sleeve and work-friendly compartments matter more to you.

Sherpani Soleil AT is our top pick for folks who value anti-theft features or desire the option to tote it, wear it across your body, or as a backpack.

Pick the Samsonite Foldaway Tote or TUMI Just In Case Tote if you prefer a tote that folds up and stores in your suitcase. If you don’t mind spending more money, go with the TUMI for its high-end look and feel. Choose the Samsonite if you want the best bang for your buck.

Lastly, the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Small is ideal for throwing everything you need for the weekend versus using it as an airplane-approved personal item.

Final Verdict

Our #1 Overall Pick is the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Soft Tote. It’’s perfectly sized to rest on luggage with wheels.

For business trips, we prefer the Baggallini Avenue Tote. The Sherpani Soleil AT excels in security and options for carrying.

If you just need additional storage when traveling, go with the budget-friendly Samsonite Foldaway Tote. If you’re planning on being away for the weekend, you’ll receive more usable wardrobe space with the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Small.

Regardless of which tote you go with, make sure that the zipper seals the entire main compartment. Also, always cross-reference the bag’s packed dimensions with your airline’s dimensions.