I’ll Never Forget My Reusable Bag Again, Thanks to This Ingenious Find (It’s a Game-Changer!)

I own at least a dozen reusable shopping bags at this point, and I don’t even remember where half of them came from. Plastic bags were banned while I was going to college in New York City, so the collection started back then and has spiraled out of control ever since. (Paper bags are an option, but I hate paying the 5-cent fee, and I’m always scared they’re going to break anyhow.) 

You would think that because I have so many, I would always have a bag handy. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Every time I’m out and about and need a bag for a quick grocery run, I somehow manage to not have one on me.

Luckily I’ve found the reusable bag to end all reusable tote bags, and I’ve tried nearly every variation out there, from Trader Joe’s to canvas to Baggu. Keote’s tote stands apart in that it’s surprisingly chic and, more importantly, it turns into a tiny keychain that I can keep on me at all times. I know its price tag seems steep, but it’s made such a difference in my everyday life that I can confidently say it’s worth it.

I think that this patent-pending design is nothing short of ingenious. The keote’s nylon material is thin enough to roll up compactly — the brand has a how-to section on its website — but it’s also extremely durable. It can hold an impressive 50 pounds at a time, which is the equivalent of two to four full standard grocery bags. Plus, it’s made with sustainable and recyclable materials (so you’re being eco-conscious on multiple fronts).

Unlike pretty much every grocery tote I’ve ever owned, the keote bag doesn’t sacrifice style for function. On your keychain, it looks like a small cylinder (measuring 3.5 by 2 inches), but when fully expanded at 20 by 24 inches, it’s a stunning everyday bag with gold or silver hardware and pebbled vegan leather detailing. It comes in six colorways, including red, brown, green, and more.

It’s mind-boggling how something so seemingly small can make your life so much easier, but the keote keychain tote definitely does that for me. Whether I decide to make an impromptu grocery trip, go to the thrift store, or take some food to the park, this bag can do the job. I have it on hand at all times — and it doesn’t even look like it’s a reusable shopping bag!

I’m a sucker for a stylish bag, and I even would go as far as to say I prefer its design over the mega-popular Baggu tote. The textured vegan leather and small hint of silver make this reusable bag feel much more like a purse — just with a much larger capacity. Whereas I used to bring at least two or three bags with me on a grocery trip, now I just bring this one. What’s more, the long handles have yet to slip off my shoulder — even when I’m wearing my puffer jacket! That’s my biggest gripe with most bags, so that was an extremely pleasant surprise.

Also, although it’s definitely the bulkiest piece on my key ring, it’s actually made it easier to find my keys when they inevitably sink to the bottom of my purse. Considering all of that and that I know I won’t ever have to pay the single-use bag fee ever again, it’s worth the splurge. In fact, I’m definitely bringing the keote with me on my next vacation! (I always end up needing an extra bag for all of the stuff I buy, so I’m sure it’ll come in handy.)

Buy: Keote Keychain Tote Bag, $85