Open-top totes are adorable at the farmers market. But once you enter a bustling airport terminal or cram onto a crowded commuter train, an unsecured bag spells opportunity for thieves — and disaster for your passport, phone, or boarding pass somewhere around 30,000 feet. A travel tote with a zipper fixes that issue beautifully: You get the spacious, lightweight practicality of a tote bag with all the security and peace of mind that only a good ol’ fashioned zip closure can provide.
Whether you’re looking for a carry-on sized personal item that’ll fit under the seat ahead of you on the plane, a daytime bag to tote around while sightseeing in the city, or something work-ready that can double for travel, finding the right zip-top tote will seriously upgrade how you get around. We’ve tested dozens of styles across various budgets and intended uses, and have selected the seven best travel totes with zippers you can buy today.
Quick tip: When shopping for a travel tote, look for a full-length zipper that spans the entire top opening — not just a small centre-zip pocket. A partial zip can leave the sides of your bag gaping open, defeating the purpose entirely.
The 7 Best Travel Totes with a Zipper (2026)
Baggallini All Day Large Zip-Top Tote Bag (Best Overall)
Here’s why the Baggallini All Day Zip-Top Tote is my favorite travel tote. Baggallini makes a quality product that just does everything right. Made from water-resistant nylon, it features a sleek full-length zipper closure with pockets strategically designed for traveling convenience. An exterior slip pocket for your phone, organizer pockets, and a padded tablet sleeve that comfortably fits up to a 10” tablet.
They do this all while still remaining feather-light packing weight. The Baggallini All Day weighs in at just shy of 0.5 lb. Enough to be considered a personal item on most major airlines and slide under the seat in front of you. The magnetic snap closure at the top of the bag offers convenient top-accessibility for when you don’t need full security. Or you can use the full zip closure to secure everything in. Available in numerous colors, this bag will seamlessly transition from your office to your next tropical getaway
Pros
- Lightweight (<0.5 lb)
- Great internal organisation
- Water-resistant
- Zip-top style allows it to double as a personal item bag
Cons
- Won’t stand up to heavy items
- Not much structure
Longchamp Le Pliage Original Large Zip Tote
You don’t see many bags hang around for decades. The Longchamp Le Pliage might become your next passport holder. Parisian purveyors of quality have been perfecting the结实translate rendition of this timeless style for years. While made from ripstop nylon, the distinctive leather trim and handles elevate it above other foldable travel totes. Secured by a top-zip closure, the Le Pliage is as classy as it is functional.
Whether you’re traversing the globe or running errands around town, you’ll appreciate its spacious interior. Stash enough stuff for a weekend getaway, or use as a carry-on when flying. Longchamp rotates through a great assortment of colours and patterns every season. Pick one that speaks to you, and you’ll have a forever bag that will stay in style forever.
Pros
- Classic look that feels luxurious
- Folds up small for easy packing
- Longchamp leather is durable and well-made
- Wide variety of colours
Cons
- Le Pliage bags can be expensive
- Limited interior pockets
Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Zip Tote
There’s a reason Tumi calls this bag Just in Case. Picture this: You arrive at your destination. You suddenly have an entire afternoon free. But wait! What are you going to put your crap in when you go out for your spur-of-the-moment shopping trip or beach outing? Tumi’s ultra-packable zip tote solves that problem. It folds down small enough to fit into its own included pouch (compact enough to permanently house in your suitcase) and when unfolded, it’s a fully functional zip tote that can fit more than you think.
Made with Tumi’s signature nylon material, this bad boy can take more than you think and laugh in the face of small splashes. Featuring a full-top zipper that goes from coast-to-coast, the interior is pretty minimal (this isn’t designed to be an organizer bag) but the craftsmanship Tumi is known for shines through. For anyone who travels frequently and finds themselves checking an extra bag almost every time you fly, this is the best purchase you’ll make.
Pros
- Compactly packs into its own pouch
- Tumi-quality
- Great as an overflow bag
Cons
- Does not have much room in the interior
- Packable? Yes, but pricey.
Vera Bradley Lighten Up Reactive Zip-Top Tote
Travel accessories can be expensive. Vera Bradley’s Lighten Up Reactive Zip-Top Tote slays that notion with gusto. Priced affordably without stripping away amenities, this colourful bag offers a full-length zip closure, spacious main compartment, slip pockets, and a zipper pocket inside — all enveloped by cheerful Vera Bradley patterns that’ll make it easy to spot at the luggage carousel.
It’s made with lightweight performance polyester that wipes clean easily (necessary for any travel bag) and can haul heavier loads without drooping or distorting. Bonus: Road warriors watching their wallets will love the thoughtful interior features like a padded slip pocket for your tablet. It’s happy, functional, and well-made for the price. In short, it’s the rare bargain buy that doesn’t skimp. *
Pros
- Solidly constructed under $50
- Bright, unique designs
- Inside pockets are well organised
- Machine washable
Cons
- Floral and geometric prints aren’t for everyone
- Not water-resistant
Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Zip Tote
Lo & Sons pride themselves on crafting bags for travelers – and the Catalina Deluxe might just be their best yet. Tailored from the ground up to be carried on as a personal item, it comes with a luggage sleeve that slips onto your roller bag’s handle, full zip-top closure and rigid design that helps it keep its shape when fully packed or partially stuffed. They offer it in Small and Large sizes; the former will fit under most airline seats while the latter is ideal for longer flights when you’re checking nothing at all.
Inside you’ll find a padded laptop sleeve (up to 15″), padded tablet pocket, water bottle pocket and plenty of organiser pockets so this bag essentially performs as a mini soft-sided carry-on. The top-zip fastening glides easily and is strong, plus there’s an external slip pocket for easy access to your boarding pass or gate ticket. If you hate paying baggage fees, this is the bag you need to make that happen.
Pros
- Will fit under airline seats
- Comes with luggage sleeve + trolley strap
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Amazing organisation options
Cons
- Pricey
- Heavy for a tote without this many features
Sherpani Soleil Zip-Top Travel Tote
Who says recycled products can’t be hardcore? Focusing on sustainability without skimping on safety, the Sherpani Soleil packs anti-theft perks like an inside back pocket, RFID-blocking pockets, and locking zipper pulls that snap shut at the ends to deter pickpockets. Think of it as the luggage equivalent of an upscale anti-theft backpack, only condensed down into travel tote form.
Slide that top-zip all the way down for added security and admire how gorgeously that sunshine yellow blends with earthy tones for any adventure, weekend hiking excursion, or jet-setting escapade. This shopper stands up all on its own, a wonderful bonus. Attach the included padded shoulder strap to wear it crossbody while moving through airport terminals or public transportation.
Pros
- Features anti-theft + RFID protection
- Made from recycled materials
- Zipper pulls lock shut
- Crossbody option available
Cons
- Heavier than traditional totes
- Limited color options
Béis The Zip Top Carryall Travel Tote
FYI if you’re one who considers style just as important as practicality when choosing a travel tote, consider the Béis Zip Top Carryall. No doubt you’ve scrolled past this baby on Instagram asking yourself if it’s too good to be true… but it’s not. Shay Mitchell’s eponymous collection of travel essentials finally gave us the bucket bag we didn’t know we needed. Splitting that ever so delicate line between aesthetic and actual-use, this oversized carry-all comes with a full zipper closure at the top, a built in trolley sleeve to clip onto your rolling suitcase and a spacious interior that can house enough clothes for a weekend getaway as well as your laptop and daily skincare products.
Crafted with vegan leather accents, this designer-looking bag comes at a mid-priced cost. The structured design ensures it’ll look great on camera, but is also extremely durable for when you actually need it to survive travel day. It comes in a variety of colours ranging from neutrals to seasonal offerings. Invest in this bag if you’re after a tote that’ll have you looking chic from the airport to arrival.
Pros
- Beautiful design and craftsmanship
- Large interior space
- Includes a trolley sleeve
- Very budget friendly for the quality
Cons
- Can be heavy when overloaded
How to Choose the Best Travel Tote with a Zipper
Decent zip-top totes aren’t exactly like condoms when it comes to quality. Before you purchase, there are a few things you should know:
Zipper Quality 🌪️
Heavy-duty zippers: Look for YKK zippers or comparable quality. Full-length zippers that go all the way across the top opening offer significantly more security than partial closures. Locking pulls are also available which can be helpful if you’re headed to risky destinations.
Weight / Material ⚖️
Best Weight-to-Strength Ratio: Nylon followed closely by polyester. Canvas is nice but heavy. Know the tare weight of your bag. An ounce doesn’t sound like much, but a bag that weighs 1.5 lbs before you put anything in it is going to create a lot of dead weight.
Size / Airline Approved📏
While sizes will vary by airline, most carriers permit personal item bags no larger than roughly 45 x 35 x 20 cm. If you plan on using your tote as a carry on personal item be sure to confirm dimensions with your airline before purchasing.
Interior Pocket Layout🗂️
At minimum your travel tote should have: 1 zipper pocket, 1 or 2 slip pockets, padded sleeve for laptop or tablet. More pockets is always great, but only if they make logical sense inside the bag.
Water Resistance / Waterproof🌊
Heavy nylon is not always water-resistant. When shopping for travel bags be sure the product details specify either water-resistant or DWR water repellent coating. Nobody wants soaked electronics and papers.
Straps / Handle Options🎒
Look for bags that offer multiple carrying options: Top handles for carrying by hand, shoulder strap to sling over your shoulder when you need your hands free, and a trolley sleeve or clip to secure to your rolling luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best travel tote with zipper for flying?
If you’re flying, there’s really no better option than Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe. Designed to stow under your seat, attach to your roller bag with a trolley sleeve, and come with enough interior organization to make you ditch your backpack altogether. For a less expensive option that’s equally functional for flying, try the Baggallini All Day Tote.
Are zip-top totes safer than open-top totes?
Oh, yes. An open-top tote is susceptible to what we call zipper snatches by pickpockets in crowded environments — airports, train stations, tourist attractions — while the unsuspecting owner’s bag is hanging loosely from their shoulder. A top-to-bottom zipper creates a physical barrier that requires intention to access. Some totes offer even more security with locking zipper pulls. Try the Sherpani Soleil in high-risk situations.
Can a travel tote with zipper be used as a personal item?
Absolutely — most of the bags in our round-up will work as personal items on most major carriers. The size restrictions for personal items vary by airline, but the general rule is that your personal item should fit under the seat in front of you and be within a 45 x 35 x 20 cm envelope. Double-check with your carrier ahead of time — rules are tighter on budget airlines.
What fabric should I look for in a travel tote?
When it comes to travel, ripstop nylon is the best fabric — lightweight, strong, water-resistant, and easily wiped clean. Performance polyester is a great low-cost alternative. Canvas is attractive but heavy and more prone to absorbing moisture. Vegan leather or leather trim will give your tote an expensive look, but can dry out and crack over time if you’re not careful.
How do I clean my travel tote with zipper?
Spot clean most nylon and polyester totes with a damp cloth and mild soap. If yours gets extra dirty, check the care instructions — many can be washed by hand in cool water. Do not put bags with leather trim or structured frames in the washing machine. Leave your tote zipper open while drying to prevent mildew from accumulating inside the zipper track.
The Takeaways
Traveling with a zippered tote bag is one of the best investments you can make as a traveler. It will keep your belongings safe, help you pack smarter, and — if you pick the right one — allow you to travel with more purpose.
Our overall favorite zippered tote for most travelers is still the Baggallini All Day Zip-Top Tote. It offers an unparalleled balance of affordability, functionality, and ease of transport than few other bags on the market. For super frequent flyers looking for a premium carry-on personal item, stop skimping and treat yourself to the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe. And for environmentally conscious travelers, the Sherpani Soleil offers peace of mind and sustainable style in spades.
Whichever bag you end up with, just make sure it has a zipper that covers the entire top of the bag, is made from a fabric that works for your climate, and is sized properly for your airline. Now go forth and pack wisely.
