INTRODUCTION

We’ve never really reviewed a Tote bag except for the Peak Design Everyday Tote 15L, which is primarily used as a camera bag. However, during our recent travels, we are noticing more and more people using this type of bag, so we thought it might be a good idea to see what all the hype is about.

We’ve reviewed many of Bagsmart’s products over the last year, but mostly backpacks or roller bags. So, we requested the Bagsmart Paz 23L Tote II and the smaller Bagsmart Puffy Water-Resistant Gym & Travel Duffle Bag. In reality, both of these bags are duffle bags, as a tote usually has an open entrance, and neither has an open entrance (no zipper). The official definition is as follows –

“A tote bag is an open-top, flat, and lightweight carrier with parallel side handles meant for daily use. A duffle bag is a large, deep, and cylindrical or rectangular bag with a top zipper and a long shoulder strap built for heavy packing, sports, and travel.”

Regardless of the definition, Bagsmart has chosen to call this product a Tote, so in the review we will refer to it as such.

Bagsmart kindly sent us the Bagsmart Paz 23L Tote II in the Black colourway for this review. The Bagsmart Puffy Water-Resistant Gym & Travel Duffle Bag will be reviewed separately. Please read our Disclaimer below. Also note that many of the images in this post are taken from the Bagsmart product page, as the Black colourway that we were sent does not illustrate very well.

If, by the end of this post, you decide to purchase, please use the BUY HERE link at the bottom of the post or the banner below and enter the Wide10 discount code at checkout for an additional 10% off.

Disclaimer:  This review is unbiased. We would never recommend using any product unless we have used the product ourselves. We always strive to give you our honest opinion to help you make the best choice. We received the product with compliments , but were not paid for this review; however, we may receive commissions on links in this post.

THE EXTERIOR

The Bagsmart Paz 23L Tote bridges the gap between a sleek everyday work tote and a functional personal-item travel bag. Built with Bagsmart’s signature cloud-quilted nylon aesthetic, it prioritises weight, soft structure, and versatile compartmentalisation. It seems to be tailored mostly for commuters, remote workers, and travellers who need to carry a laptop, daily essentials, and oversized drinkware without having to carry heavy hardware or a rigid frame.

We’re not going to lie, this tote is large. At 43cm/16.9″ wide and 36cm/14.2″ high, it is a mammoth of a tote. So if you like large totes, then this may be the tote for you.

The exterior is water-resistant (not waterproof) washed nylon with a puffy, soft feel. The front of the tote has two equally sized magnetic-closure pockets for quick-access items, one of which contains an integrated key lanyard.

Both pockets are wide and deep and will hold quite a bit. Above these pockets is the first of two single-zipper pockets. Speaking of which, the zippers are YKK zippers, which many consider the gold standard among zippers. Each zipper has a resilient and slightly stretchy nylon zip pull. On the Black colourway of the tote, the zip pull is light blue, making it easy to locate.

At the top of the bag, the first zippered pocket gives you access to a compartment for up to a 15.6″ laptop, while the second zipper entrance takes you to the main compartment of the tote.

The rear of the tote has an integrated pass-through luggage sleeve to loop over a rolling suitcase’s handles (see image below).

THE INTERIOR 

As mentioned above, the tote has two entrance zippers. The first, closest to the front of the tote, reveals a deep and wide cavity suitable to fit up to a 15.6″ laptop. It would have been nice to have a smaller secondary sleeve for smaller laptops and tablets, as they will move around a lot in this spacious compartment. The interior, like the main compartment, is lined with a Peach-skin fabric*. The pocket also consists of two equally sized floating mesh pockets on the front wall of this compartment. These are ideal for storing additional cords, a mouse, chargers, etc.

However, bulky items placed in these pockets may intrude on items packed in the two exterior pockets and vice versa.

The second zippered entrance at the top of the bag takes you to the main compartment. This compartment is massive. It is wide, high, and deep to accommodate a considerable amount. Of course, just because you have a lot of space doesn’t mean you need to fill it, as it can create more weight and make it uncomfortable to carry for extended periods. 

Inside the main compartment are two side pockets that could be used as holders for smaller items or even a small water bottle, although you’re probably better off storing water bottles on the exterior of the tote. Along the back wall of the compartment is a wide and deep zipper pocket. It would have been nice to have a few floating pockets in here as well for small items or even a small AirTag pocket (although, in reality, you can put the AirTag anywhere in the tote so this is really not an issue). 

All in all, space-wise, the interior is impressive. There’s heaps of space, even for photographers. The interior will fit a camera cube, which could easily accommodate a mirrorless camera and a couple of lenses. If you want to purchase a camera cube, we recommend Peak Design Camera Cubes or Urth Camera Inserts. 

A couple of improvements would really enhance the product, such as a tablet sleeve, additional floating pockets in the main compartment, and maybe a small AirTag pocket. Nevertheless, the interior will please most users. 

* Peach-skin fabric is a lightweight, ultra-soft textile made from 100% polyester (or synthetic blends) with a microscopic brushed surface that feels like a ripe peach. It features a smooth drape and resists wrinkles.

No bag is perfect, and the Bagsmart Paz 23L Tote is no exception. The cons are mostly minor and, for most users, will not be an issue at all. 

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COLOURS

The BagSmart Paz 23L Tote II  is available in 3 colours: Black, Moss, and Grullo. We were sent the Black colourway for this review.

PRICING

THE FINAL WORD

RATED: RECOMMENDED