Are Carhartt Tool Bags Worth Buying? Here's What We Know Based On Reviews

The name Carhartt tends to bring up images of heavy-duty workwear that can sustain extended use in extreme conditions and last generations. From jackets to pants, its clothing has become a blue-collar staple, sustaining the intense wear and tear of everyday work life. It's no surprise that its tool bags seem to have caught the attention of professionals and beginners alike, but how do they actually hold up, and are they worth the price tag? According to reviews, these bags are a great investment. 

Carhartt tool bags are equipped with a host of bells and whistles that make tool storage a breeze, even when you're on the go. All of them, even the lowest-priced 13-inch midweight bag, utilize Carhartt's proprietary "Rain Defender" finish, making them water-resistant (although not waterproof). This can prevent your tools from rusting by keeping them protected from rain and moisture. The bags are available in sizes ranging from 13 to 18 inches. They all sport an array of exterior and interior loops and pockets, the number of which is determined by the bag size. If your work requires you to be in wet, outdoor conditions, you may want to go for a molded-base option. These are available in 16 and 18-inch variations, each of which features a sturdy base of abrasion-resistant rubber.

The reviews on Carhartt tool bags are overwhelmingly positive. Many highlight the durability of the bags as their No. 1 feature, able to survive intense weather conditions and the toughest of tasks with barely a scratch. Reviews also discuss the intuitive storage pockets as another prime feature. They allow you to instinctively discern where each tool should go, providing a tool storage system that outshines pegboards and other alternatives. Most tool bags often come with large pockets that don't secure your tools as they move, but not the Carhartt bags. On the Carhartt website, one reviewer praised their bag as having "tough quality material, a lot of structured space, and a great amount of tight pockets."

However, there are a few potential drawbacks to these bags that may give you pause. Some Amazon reviews contradicted the claims of durability, saying that the bags felt flimsy (one even complained that the shoulder strap on theirs broke during only its second use). There also seems to be a bit of a weight issue, especially when you're loaded up with all of the essentials you'll need to keep in your tool bag. Some reviews complained that the bags tend to fall over when at full capacity — even the molded rubber bottom versions, which some buyers noted can also collapse inwards when stocked with a full complement of tools. The verdict: If you need a durable solution to your tool storage and you're not deterred by a relatively small number of negative reviews, a Carhartt tool bag may very well be right for you.