This Affordable, Over-Engineered Carryall Bag Is Proper End-Game Material

Certain product categories seem so basic, so utilitarian, you wonder how they can meaningfully be improved upon. 

The tote bag — a bit of canvas with a couple of handles that can just squeeze over your shoulder in a pinch — is a classic example.

Rux

But people who build rugged gear, carry and storage vessels don’t see things the way most of us do. 

Case in point: the latest release from the wizards at British Columbia-based RUX. 

The third generation of their Waterproof Tote Bag is gloriously overbuilt for the inevitable apocalypse rugged adventures, yet perfectly functional and stylish as an everyday hauler.

And it won’t bust your wallet, either.

Rugged Rucker

Beginning with the RUX 70L collapsible gear box in 2020 and now producing a whole system of related products, RUX really stakes its name to bombproof overlanding-oriented hauling and storage.

With that in mind, let’s talk about this tote’s almost unprecedented toughness first. 

It’s made of 840D TPU-coated nylon with RF-welded seams that are watertight and durable. 

RUX

What’s not immediately visible at a glance is 420D double-coated roll-top closure that is smooth and flexible and — like the rest of the bag — folds flat when not in use. 

Meanwhile, the composite padded base helps the bag maintain its structure when you set it down while also protecting your gear from below.

These materials and construction make the tote vastly superior to canvas options, which will leave you soggy anytime the skies open — and limply flop over the rest of the time.

Everyday convenience

What’s equally cool about this bag is the fact that the designers clearly thought about how most people might actually use it on a daily basis, when they’re not tackling some epic adventure involving a Jeep, a boat or a bush plane.

Toward that end, it has a clean, stylish aesthetic as well as nicely sized internal and external stash pockets, which remain slim while accommodating tablets and laptops.

RUX

In addition to a traditional tote’s standard handles – which we’ve all seen people awkwardly wrestle over a shoulder — this one also offers an adjustable silicone-grip padded shoulder strap for hands-free carry.

In another nod to versatility, RUX offers the bag in three sizes — 15L, 30L and 50L — to serve a variety of purposes.

On just about every level, it seems to match up pretty well with the leader in the rugged tote space, Yeti’s Camino. 

RUX

And while I will give the more famous brand’s similarly sized bags minor points for a wider variety of colors and a handy quartet of daisy chains, RUX scores a much bigger one.

Because while Yeti’s offerings range from $130–$200, with RUX — if you pledge right now — it’s more like $88–$123.

Availability and pricing

The RUX Waterproof Tote Bag is currently crowdfunding via Kickstarter.

It comes in three colors (black, brown and green) and three sizes (15L, 30L and 50L) with prices starting at roughly $88.

Estimated delivery is March 2026.

RUX

RUX Waterproof Tote Bag

• Starts at $88

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