Best Beach Bag Of 2026

We’ve had our fair share of beach day disasters, like when you buy that super cute beach bag online only for it to turn into a soggy, sandy mess come beach day. 

After way too many trips with the wrong bag, we decided to make the right one. Enter our waterproof beach bag, the Jelly Tote. Here’s everything that was wrong with the bags we tried, and how the Jelly Tote fixed it. 

What To Look For In A Beach bag

After testing what feels like hundreds of beach bags, we narrowed our list of must-haves to three main things we value most: material, comfort, and how easy they are to clean (because no one likes a mess). 

material

Material was tricky, but it was a non-negotiable for us. So many beach tote bags look cute online, but it’s hard to tell how they’ll actually fare against the ocean and sand until you get them in person. Canvas, fabrics, and woven styles absorb moisture fast and trap sand in a way that makes cleaning an absolute nightmare. 

With the Jelly Tote, we don’t have to worry about any of that. We designed it with waterproof TPU material (what we call our jelly material), to keep our essentials in and sand and water out. It’s much more durable and flexible than the PVC used in cheaper imitation bags, so it holds up better over time and won't crease, wrinkle, or permanently distort no matter how many beach days you put it through. 

Plus, this material is like a sand repellent. Even if you roll it around on the beach, it easily shakes it all off with a quick pat or wipe-down. 

comfort

There’s nothing worse than having to lug a super-heavy bag around while searching for the perfect spot on the beach. While you can't always control how much you need to pack, you can control how comfortable it is to carry. So, when you’re shopping around, look for a beach tote that’s lightweight when empty, so you don’t have to worry about carrying the extra weight. 

Wide, well-made straps like those on our Jelly Tote make a significant difference too. While other bags have thin straps that dig into our shoulders and leave awful red marks, our Jelly Tote’s wide, woven jacquard straps distribute weight comfortably.. These straps make it super comfortable to carry even when we’ve overpacked, which is almost every single time. 

Easy to Clean

After a long day at the beach, the last thing we want to do is spend an hour or more trying to clean out our beach bag. Sand gets into everything, and some bags will hold onto it no matter how hard we scrub, shake, or rinse. We know the struggle and that the only solution is a waterproof beach bag. The kind of tote bag for the beach that can easily wick away sand, water, or sunscreen make for the easiest cleanup. 

The Best Beach Bag Of 2026: The Case-Mate Jelly Tote

What Features Make The Soap Bubble Beach Tote Stand Out?

The Case-Mate Jelly Tote checks every box. Made from premium TPU, it's fully waterproof, machine-washable, and structured to stand on its own in the sand. Sunscreen wipes away with ease, sand shakes off, and it folds flat when empty for easy packing. When you bring it out for your next beach day, it bounces back to its original shape without any creasing or warping.

​​Lightweight by design, the Jelly Tote adds minimal weight to your carry so you can pack everything you need without feeling it. It also comes with a water-resistant phone pouch that fits all phone sizes and stays attached to the bag via a key leash so it's always within reach. Extra-wide straps make carrying a fully loaded bag comfortable on even the longest beach walks.

It's spacious enough to fit everything you actually need for a beach day, including towels, a cover-up, sunscreen, a water bottle, sandals, a book, and more.

How To Wash A Beach Bag

While we can’t speak for all beach bags, a lot of them made of fabrics or mesh are a beast to clean. You’ll find sand trickling out days or even weeks after a wash. The Jelly Tote is among the easiest to clean out all the beach totes we’ve tried. Here’s how we do it:

1. Unpack your bag and shake out any loose sand
2. Rinse with water or wipe down with a damp cloth
3. For a deeper clean, toss it in the washing machine on a cold, delicate cycle
4. Leave it to air dry

Voila! No intense scrubbing or soaking is needed to clean this waterproof beach tote bag.

What to pack in my beach bag

Before making our way to the beach, we like to make a list of everything we need to pack so we don’t forget anything vital. Thankfully, the jelly tote’s an easy packable beach bag, so it can fit everything! Here’s our typical checklist:

• Sunscreen
• Hat and sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle
• Towels and a beach blanket
• Extra swimsuit and cover-up
• Sandals
• Waterproof floating pouch
• Portable speaker
• Lip balm with SPF
• Aloe spray
• Crinkle makeup bag
• Snacks
• A good book or magazine

What Goes With a Beach Bag? Complete Your Waterproof Collection

For the best beach day setup, pair your Jelly Tote with our other favorite waterproof essentials, including our Waterproof Floating Pouches, Waterproof Dry Bags, and the Jelly Cooler Tote. Shop the Waterproof Collection here to complete your look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Jelly Tote Good For Travel? 

Yes! The Jelly Tote is carry-on approved at 17" x 12" x 8" and folds flat. Pack it as your personal item on the way there and use it as your beach bag once you arrive or use it as your carry-on bag. 

Can I Use My Jelly Tote At The Pool? 

Yes, the Jelly Tote is just as at home at the pool as it is at the beach. The waterproof tote bag handles splashes, wet swimsuits, and pool toys without absorbing any moisture, and the spacious interior fits everything you need for the best pool day possible.

How Long Does A Jelly Tote Last? 

The Jelly Tote is built to last for years! The TPU material is significantly more durable than canvas, PVC, or fabric alternatives, won't crease or distort over time, and the machine-washable design means it stays looking great no matter how many beach days you put it through.