Store your supplies and keep them in order for the next gardening session with a garden tool bag
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8 Garden Tool Bags to Keep Planting Essentials Organized and Ready to Use
Updated on Mar. 18, 2024
Whether you have a small flower bed or a full-fledged vegetable garden, you’ve probably amassed a collection of hand tools, such as a shovel, a trowel and various tillers and pruners, to help get the job done. As you survey your shed or garage for your garden tools, you might realize a little organization could make your green-thumb chores go even smoother. That’s where a garden tool bag can help.
“A garden tool bag provides a convenient and organized way to carry and store essential gardening tools, preventing loss and damage. Additionally, a tool bag ensures easy accessibility during gardening tasks, saving time and effort,” says Laura Walsh, certified floral designer. “A tool bag can help keep your tools in good condition, extend their lifespan, and promote efficient gardening by having everything you need at hand.”
To help narrow down your search, we’ve gathered some options that are durable, water-resistant and spacious—just the thing to keep gardening hand tools close at, well, hand. “If you have a large collection of tools that needs to be organized, opt for a bag with a variety of pockets and compartments,” says Walsh. “Select a bag big enough for the essentials without becoming too heavy. Choose a bag made from a durable material such as canvas, nylon or polyester. Also, consider the water resistance of your tool bag to protect your tools and enhance the longevity of your bag.”
If you think a little tool organization is just what you need to make gardening even more enjoyable, here are some of the best garden tool bags.
VIA MERCHANT
Best for Covering the Basics
WORKPRO Garden Tool Bag
For those who have a handful of tools but no good way to keep them together, this sturdy Oxford canvas tote won’t fail. It features eight tall pockets around the perimeter of its a compact 12-inch-by-6-inch footprint, and the reinforced bottom prevents it from from tipping if you place it down with an uneven load. As a bonus, it comes in two solid colors, pink and green, and two floral prints. Here are a few tips to keep your tools secure.
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VIA MERCHANT
Best for the Seated Gardener
GardenHOME Garden Tool Set
If you need both a place for all your gardening supplies and a place to sit while using them, check out this all-in-one garden bag and stool. The polyester bag comes with five garden hand tools and an integrated frame that folds out into a comfortable seat. The bag fully detaches, too, so you can use either the tote or seat on its own when needed.
VIA MERCHANT
Best for Extra Security
Roylvan 14″ Garden Tool Bag
This 14-inch-wide garden tool bag gets its sturdy structure from the 900-denier canvas fabric and a base fortified with a plastic board. The bungee straps across each of the eight exterior tool pockets offer extra security. You may also choose between carrying it with the padded handles or using the detachable shoulder strap.
VIA MERCHANT
Best for the Mobile Greenthumb
Case4Life Handy Organizer Garden Tool Pouch
If you find yourself filling your pockets to keep your garden tools close at hand, this belted garden tool pouch should be your pick. The five tool pockets and one large zippered pocket let you stash your most frequently used gear, and the adjustable strap fits waists up to 46 inches. Heavy-duty canvas and reinforced seams ensure the product lasts a long time.
VIA MERCHANT
Best for the Casual Gardener
Hutchcraft 4.5″ Garden Tool Bag
Want a useful gift for a budding gardener? This petite garden tool bag offers a starter set of tools, including a rake, a trowel, a shovel, two pruners and a spray bottle. It’s a nice package for a child or adult who’s just learning to exercise their green thumb.
Best General Purpose Tool Bag
Carhartt Midweight Tool Bag
Though not expressly made for gardening tools, this midweight bag from Carhartt will still do an excellent job of hauling all your gardening tools (and more). It’s made from an extremely tough canvas, has a generous main compartment with 15 internal pockets, boasts six exterior pouches and is even water-repellent for added durability in every type of weather.
Best Heavy-Duty Garden Tool Bag
Barebones Ultimate Garden Tool Set
Barebones’ Harvest & Gathering Bag—the centerpiece of the Ultimate Garden Tool Set—was inspired by orchard bags (the kind apple pickers use). Crafted from weather- and water-resistant paraffin waxed canvas, the bag has a handy, helpful drop-out bottom. But that’s just one element of this kit; it also comes with a sturdy, beautiful set of essential gardening tools. Of course, you can always get the bag by itself, too.
Best Bucket Caddy Garden Tool Bag
Fiskars 5 Gal. Garden Bucket Caddy
If you constantly haul water, soil or whatever else back and forth with your five-gallon bucket, you might love the Fiskars Garden Bucket Caddy. It attaches to any standard five-gallon bucket and offers numerous pockets for all your gardening tools. Remember: neither the bucket nor the tools come with purchase; you’ll have to supply them on your own.
What to Look for in a Garden Tool Bag
Here are some of the factors to keep in mind as you’re shopping for gardening tool bags:
Comfort
If you’re moving tools around your garden often, comfort and ergonomics are key. Most tool bags feature compartments for tools and carrying handles, but how these are designed can impact your comfort. Padded handles reduce hand strain, while shoulder straps distribute the weight across your body, making it easier to carry heavier loads. If you have a large collection of tools, prioritize a comfortable bag to haul over long periods.
Durability
Gardening involves dirt, water and exposure to the elements, so durability is crucial. Look for materials like heavy-duty canvas, which is scratch-resistant and ideal for outdoor work. Some bags also offer additional protection with waterproof coatings or UV resistance, helping to extend the bag’s lifespan and keeping your tools safe in all weather conditions.
Specialized Compartments
A good gardening tool bag should have ample compartmental storage for all your tools, especially sharp ones like shears. Ensure the bag has specific slots for these items to keep them secure and easily accessible. Additionally, if you handle delicate items like seed packs, look for bags with separate compartments to prevent damage or accidental rupture. Multiple storage options will make your tool bag more versatile and functional.
Why You Should Trust Us
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
How We Found the Best Garden Tool Bags
A garden tool bag must fulfill two key functions: storing tools (and possibly other items like seed packs) and being easily portable. We began our search by eliminating options that didn’t meet these criteria. Next, we focused on reputable brands, considering offerings with strong reputations. We also reviewed professional opinions and user feedback to ensure we selected only the best. The result is the final collection you see above.
FAQ
What do you put in a garden tool bag?
The most obvious items are your gardening tools, but these bags can also be used for harvesting flowers, vegetables or fruit. In a pinch, they can even carry soil. The ideal garden tool bag depends on how many tools you need to haul and what else you might be transporting.
How do you keep garden tools safe?
Beyond storing them in a garden tool bag or shed, keeping them clean is the best way to protect your tools. Rinse and dry them thoroughly after each use to prevent rust and deterioration and avoid caked-on residue.
Is it OK to store garden tools outside?
Storing tools outside exposes them to weather, which can lead to rust. Sun exposure may also dry out and crack parts like wooden handles while fading colors. Storing tools in a bag, shed, or garage is best to prolong their life.
