Step Aside Tool Boxes: The Space-Saving, Lightweight Alternative You'll Have To Try

You can imagine that one of the most annoying parts of working as a tradesperson isn't necessarily the work itself, but lugging the tools around to do said work. Yes, a toolbox is great until its awkward bulk makes it impossible to carry it in and out of tight spaces, or the clunking of its heavy-duty casing against your leg leaves you battered and bruised. To combat these everyday frustrations, tool bags offer an alternative that provides the same storage convenience while lightening the load. 

Despite concerns that they don't stack up against traditional toolboxes, tool bags are designed with durability in mind. Tool bags are a good option for preventing rust, and with customizable add-ons, they make a hefty case against the traditional toolbox, which is ironic given that they are so compact and lightweight. Of course, the right type of tool bag for you depends on the sort of work that you do, but in general, they all share one key advantage: a dramatically reduced bulk compared to rigid metal or plastic toolboxes. They are also a much more budget-friendly option in most cases. Whether you opt for a compact shoulder bag that carries the essentials or a larger multi-compartment option with handles similar to a traditional toolbox, a tool bag offers a winning combination of portability and accessibility, making it an indispensable choice for anyone wanting efficiency on the job.

Often made from heavy-duty canvas, tool bags can weigh as little as a couple of pounds, whereas a standard toolbox can tip the scales at around 10 lbs or more because of its metal or hard plastic casing. Beyond being lightweight and space-saving, one of the tool bags' best features is the compartments, making tools easily accessible. Take the Bauer 5 Gallon Bucket Tool Bag, for instance, which is less than $10 and still supports up to 25 pounds, featuring 12 internal pockets plus 18 exterior compartments. It's far more convenient to reach into a pouch to retrieve what you need instead of stopping to unlatch boxes and rifle through stacked trays. Tool bags also offer a more customizable foundation for a personalized setup. Canvas straps enable multiple carrying options, while D-rings provide handy attachment points for carrying even more items around the job site.

The exposed nature of tool bags does raise the concern of exposed tools, and for that reason, it's impossible to see toolboxes as completely redundant, especially when there are so many top-rated toolboxes on the market. A traditional toolbox with a hard outer casing is great for offering lasting protection with closed compartments for shielding your gear from dust and damage, especially if they spend most of their working life in the same spot. However, many modern tool bags have caught up in durability with high-performance fabrics and reinforced construction. The real game-changer is using both to their own strengths, with systems like Milwaukee's Packout storage favorite, which offers structured totes with the option to integrate into a traditional storage setup.