Gardener’s Tool Tote: Product Review
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Keeps stuff organized, dry and portable
Available from Gardener's Supply
Buy ItNOTE: This review is for the Gardener’s Tool Tote introduced in 2016. Gardener’s Supply previously sold a similar bag called the Puddle-Proof Field Bag that we reviewed in 2014.
Depending on what I’m doing, I frequently end up hauling a lot of stuff around with me in the garden. Several tools, water bottle, seed packets, garden map, catalogs and books, pens nad pencils, bulbs, twine, sometimes even a snack. I’d never found a really good way to carry all this stuff. A small bucket would carry a lot of it, but everything would end in a jumble, muddy trowel on top of the seed packets and candy bar. A tote bag always fell over, got wet and/or dirty- and see above: jumble. So I had high hopes for the Gardener’s Tool Tote by Gardener’s Supply.
Those hopes were justified…
About the Gardener’s Tool Tote
Waterproof
With a heavy, gray, 100% cotton canvas shell, a strong, wide single strap, and a polyester lining and a soft plastic bottom with a removable stiff foundation, what’s inside will stay dry even if you set the bag on a freshly watered lawn. The water just beads up on the tightly woven canvas and rolls off.
It’s stiff sided so that while it droops some, it doesn’t fall over. Bright orange twill tape trim means you won’t lose it in the plants.
Roomy with Lots of Pockets
The tool tote is a roomy 12-7/8” long, 7-3/4” wide and 9-1/2” tall. There are six canvas pockets on the sides with elastic tops to keep them from gaping; these stand out from the sides unlike patch pockets so it’s easy to put larger objects in them, and there are elastic cords situated over them to hold taller things from falling out. Each end has a nylon mesh pocket, ideal for corralling daffodil bulbs or the like.
Carry Nearly Anything
I have found myself using the tool tote a lot, both in my home garden and on jobs. Whenever I go out to work I invariably finding myself making return trips to the tool shed or the car, which wastes time and energy. This bag is cutting down on those trips a lot. It’s a good size for carrying catalogs and books without them falling out. There are enough pockets for every hand tool I use. It would even make a dandy bag for carrying a small picnic lunch.
Caring for the Gardener’s Tool Tote
For minor soiling the bag can be easily cleaned with a damp rag. If the bag has been dirtied beyond that point, it can be machined washed in cold water with no bleach and tumbled dried on low temperature (remove the bottom stiffener first!). An iron set to medium heat can be used on it, but I personally can’t see myself ironing a gardening bag. At this point, after two months of use, there aren’t any stains on it.
Suggested Improvements
I wish the tool tote was a little bit taller. My water bottles sometimes try to tip out over the edge. It would also be nice if there was a compartment with a top that closed, so that if it gets caught in the rain there would be a totally water proof area. The design protects contents from moisture from the bottom and sides but not from above.
Recommendation
I would definitely buy the Gardener’s Tool Tote for myself or as a gift to a gardening friend. It’s made of high quality materials and should last a long time. At $39.95 it’s a great value. While heavy duty and capable of carrying a goodly amount of weight, it itself is not heavy. I love that it keeps things segregated.
Where to Buy
The Gardener’s Tool Tote (item #8587123) is a Gardener’s Supply Company exclusive and has been discontinued. You can order the updated version, called the Gardener’s Puddle Proof Tote from their web site for $49.95. Standard shipping is $9.99; faster options available for a higher price, including overnight shipping. Made in China.
And now over to you – How do you carry your gardening tools? Let us know in the comments below.
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