This Collapsible Tote Is My “Mary Poppins” Beach Bag

I‘ve never been a huge “beach person.” Sure, I enjoy the sunshine, salt water, and the resulting tan, but schlepping heavy bags full of snacks, towels, and spare clothes across the sand — only to find flecks of it everywhere for weeks afterward (not to mention wondering where in my tiny apartment I’d store all this stuff) — made the experience feel like more of a hassle than it was worth. Then I tried Owala’s Sun-Day Collapsible Tote, and it changed everything. 

Owala doesn’t just make my favorite water bottle, it also happens to make one of the best beach bags around. I took the Sun-Day tote for a spin during my inaugural beach trip of the season, and quickly learned that it’s really all I need for a no-fuss beach day. I guess I’m officially a beach person now? Alert the media. 

The Sun-Day tote is a massive, open-top 34-liter bag that holds up to 40 pounds (!!), so there’s room for everything your day out requires; I’m talking beach towels, snacks, outfits — the works. It’s made of durable waterproof material, so it withstands splashes, spills, and sand while wiping clean with ease. There’s also a small zip-up interior pocket for your phone, wallet, sunglasses, and keys. Best of all, the whole thing folds flat for effortless storage. When it’s time to head out, just unfold the bag, pop in the base, attach the handles or shoulder straps, and it’s ready to use. 

More than a beach bag, the Sun-Day tote can also double as a grocery bag, weekend tote, and a personal item while traveling. There are eight colors to choose from, including playful prints like the “Cowabunga” pattern I chose (a funky take on a cow print).

For someone who dreads the song and dance of packing for the beach, the Sun-Day tote makes it all feel refreshingly easy. Instead of juggling a bunch of random bags, I can fit everything I need into the Sun-Day tote: two beach towels, two outfits and toiletries to freshen up after the beach, my water bottle, sunscreen, a book, and my sunglasses, wallet, and keys. The bag is definitely a bit bulky (how could it not be?), but the soft, thick handles make it comfortable to carry over my shoulder. I also loved that I never had to go digging to find my phone, either, because the interior zippered pocket keeps my important items protected and within reach. It’s like my very own Mary Poppins bag! 

Oddly, the only thing better than filling the Sun-Day tote with beach day goodies is putting it away at the end of the day. Whereas it was basically impossible to get sand out of my old bags before, I simply brush the sand off the tote with my hand, and it falls right off the flat, rubber-like material. I even tried rinsing it off while testing and it dried without any issues. Once it’s empty and de-sanded, I just pop out the bag’s base and fold it in at the sides (it even comes with a storage strap to hold everything together). It’s only about 3.5 inches thick when folded, so it slides right inside the narrow between items on my closet shelf. Easy! 

The Sun-Day Collapsible Tote costs $110, so it’s not exactly a budget bag. But it’s so heavy-duty and spacious that I’d gladly recommend it to anyone — especially if you plan to hit the beach or get away this summer. It just might be the only beach bag you’ll ever need! 

Buy: Sun-Day Collapsible Tote, $110