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Quick picks
- Best premiumVeto Pro Pac open tote
- Best valueStanley FatMax open tote
- Best for accessTool backpack
- Best for the vanZipped tool bag
You carry your tool bag every day, from the van to the third floor and back. Smaller and tougher beats bigger, and the shape matters more than the brand.
What to look for
- Open tote. Fastest to grab from. Best for hand tools you use all day.
- Zipped bag. Keeps tools dry and secure in the van, but slower to dig through.
- Backpack. Best for ladders, scaffolds and public transport. Keeps hands free.
- Hard base. A moulded or rubber base stops wet floors soaking through.
- Don't oversize. A huge bag gets filled and becomes too heavy to carry.
Side by side
| Pick | Type | Best for | Weak spot | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veto Pro Pac open tote | Open tote | Daily hand tools | Expensive | £££ |
| Stanley FatMax open tote | Open tote | Starting out | Less durable | £ |
| Tool backpack | Backpack | Ladders and travel | Slower access | ££ |
| Zipped tool bag | Zipped bag | Security and weather | Slower access | £ |
Veto Pro Pac open tote
Open tote · hard base · lots of pockets
The bag many pros buy once and keep for years. Stands open, keeps its shape, and has a pocket for everything.
Good
- Very tough
- Stays open for easy access
- Great organisation
Not so good
- Expensive
- Heavy when full
Stanley FatMax open tote
Open tote · reinforced base
A good first bag. Sensible size, plenty of pockets, and cheap enough not to worry about.
Good
- Low price
- Good pocket layout
Not so good
- Won't last as long as premium bags
Tool backpack
Backpack · hard base
Keeps both hands free on ladders and scaffolds. Popular with electricians and maintenance workers.
Good
- Hands free
- Comfortable to carry far
Not so good
- Slower to find things
- Can get hot on your back
Zipped tool bag
Zipped · wide mouth
Keeps tools dry and out of sight. Good for kit you don't use every hour.
Good
- Weatherproof
- Secure
Not so good
- Slower to use
Quick answers
What size tool bag should an apprentice get?
Smaller than you think. Around 40–50cm wide holds a first-year kit without getting too heavy.
Open or zipped?
Open for daily hand tools, zipped for storage and weather.
Is a premium bag worth it?
If you carry it every day for years, yes. Start cheap and upgrade once you know what you want.
Verdict
Start with a mid-size open tote. Upgrade to a premium one, or add a backpack, once you know how you work.