Best Tool Bag UK: Totes, Zipped And Wheeled Bags Compared

Pages differ in what they state, so a blank is not a zero: DeWalt lists no maximum load for the PRO 20-inch bag, and Milwaukee lists no load or pocket count for the PACKOUT tote.

Stanley's FATMAX 18-inch Open Tote Tool Bag (1-93-951) has an open top for quick access, a rigid, waterproof plastic base that keeps the contents off wet ground. Stanley states a maximum load of 20kg and lists 8 inside pockets, loops for tools such as spirit levels, an external nylon saw compartment with an adjustable Velcro strap and an integral tape holder.

It carries by a steel handle with a soft grip or an adjustable padded shoulder strap, and has a 1-year limited warranty. Stanley's overview describes a heavy-duty 600 denier fabric body while its specifications list polypropylene, so check the material in the shop. The page does not list its dimensions or volume.

It suits any trade that works from hand tools and small power tools and wants everything visible.

DeWalt's PRO 20-inch Tool Bag (DWST60104-1) measures 508 x 290 x 310mm and weighs 2.3kg empty. DeWalt lists 33 pockets, including dedicated compartments for a drill and batteries, 1680 denier fabric with a dirt-repellent tarpaulin and a waterproof base. One compartment is rated IP54 water-resistant.

There are straps for a level, a tape clip and a metal carabiner, a padded shoulder strap, and a backstrap that hangs the bag on a telescopic handle. The zip has a U-shaped pull that DeWalt says works with gloves on. The inside is yellow for visibility. DeWalt's page gives no maximum load.

It suits electricians, fitters and carpenters carrying a cordless drill, batteries and a mix of hand tools.

Milwaukee's PACKOUT Tote Toolbag comes in 25, 40 and 50cm sizes. The page lists 1680 ballistic material construction, an impact-resistant moulded base, all-metal hardware and an overmoulded handle, and says it is part of the PACKOUT modular storage system. The 25cm size has article number 4932464084. The page gives no load rating, pocket count or dimensions.

It suits anyone who already carries PACKOUT boxes and wants a soft bag from the same range for small tools and fittings.

Stanley's FMST1-80148 is an 18-inch bag on durable wheels with a telescopic handle. It measures 45 x 33 x 25.5cm, holds 33 litres, is rated to a maximum load of 20kg and has a wide-opening zip with 4 internal pockets. Stanley's overview describes 600 denier fabric while its specifications table lists polypropylene, so check the material in the shop.

Wheels move a heavy load from the van to the door, but they do not help on stairs. The wheeled bag has the same 20kg rating as Stanley's open tote.

It suits fitters, heating engineers and anyone who carries a full day's kit across car parks or long corridors.

Stanley's PRO-STACK Open Tote (FMST1-75794) is polypropylene with outer dimensions of 44 x 27.5 x 32cm, an inner space of 36.5 x 29 x 26.5cm and a stated capacity of 21.6 litres. The maximum load is 10kg, half that of the open tote above. It has one inside pocket, a folding carry handle and a wide opening, and side latches connect it to other PRO-STACK modules.

It suits tradespeople who carry a mix of power tools and longer items such as spirit levels, and who want one stack from van to site.

• Open tote: fastest access, and the usual day bag. Tools can fall out if it tips, and rain gets in the top.
• Zipped or open-mouth bag: better when you carry through occupied homes or leave the bag in the van, because contents stay in. DeWalt's PRO 20-inch bag is a pocket-heavy one.
• Wheeled bag: right for heavy loads over flat ground and wrong for stairs.
• Stackable system: right when your power tools already live in cases from the same maker, since the bag then carries only what the cases do not.

Whichever style you pick, check the stated load against the heaviest day. A rating of 20kg or 10kg is a limit, not a target.

• Maximum load: use the stated figure. Where a page gives none, as with DeWalt's PRO 20-inch bag, handle one in a shop.
• Base: a waterproof or moulded base keeps tools dry on wet ground.
• Pockets and loops: match them to your tools. Level straps, a tape holder and a saw compartment matter more than a high pocket count.
• Handle and strap: a padded shoulder strap helps over distance. A steel carry handle with a soft grip survives a loaded bag.
• Material: where a page names two (as Stanley's wheeled bag does), do not rely on either until you have seen the label.

For the rest of the van kit, see the best drill for electricians and the best SDS drill. For the paperwork side of the business, see how Tradehand compares with Tradify and ServiceM8.