Cooler Tool Bag (11 in)

Features

  • Upper and lower zippered insulated compartments
  • Lower compartment holds up to eight beverage cans
  • Two smaller exterior pockets for tools and accessories
  • One large front exterior pocket for utensils or napkins
  • Web carrying handle
  • Adjustable shoulder strap

Specifications

Capacity 8 cans
Material Polyester
Color Black/Yellow
Closure Type Zipper
Width 6 in
Height 9-3/4 in
Length 24 in

Insulated cooler bag with separate upper and lower zippered compartments for organizing and keeping food and drinks cool. The lower compartment holds up to eight beverage cans. The bag has two smaller exterior pockets and one large front exterior pocket for utensils or small accessories. Includes a web carrying handle and an adjustable shoulder strap.

Model Number: DG5540

DeWalt Cooler Tool Bag (11 in) Review

4.5 out of 5

First impressions

I picked up this bag to solve a simple problem: I wanted one piece of kit that could keep lunch cold, carry a few drinks, and still give me a couple of pockets for small jobsite odds and ends. After a month of daily use—tossed behind the truck seat, hauled across sites, and dragged into mechanical rooms—the concept has proven sound. This is a long, slim cooler with a familiar black/yellow shell and enough organization to pull double duty as a tidy grab‑and‑go bag.

Design and build

The first thing you notice is the footprint. At roughly 24 inches long, 6 inches wide, and just under 10 inches tall, the bag is more “bench seat rail” than lunch pail. That slim profile is a plus in a crowded cab; it slides neatly behind a seat or along a floorboard where a boxy cooler won’t fit. Polyester fabric and full-zip closures on both compartments make it feel like a hybrid between a soft cooler and a lightweight tool tote.

Construction quality is about what I expect in this price tier: straight stitching, clean seams, and a shell that shrugs off dust and scuffs. The black/yellow colorway is easy to spot in a pile of gear. It’s not a hard-case hauler, and it doesn’t pretend to be—the shell has enough structure to hold its shape but still compresses if you overpack.

Organization and capacity

The two-tier layout is what makes this bag useful. There’s an insulated lower compartment sized for up to eight cans, and an insulated upper compartment for food or items you want to keep separate. In practice, I keep drinks and ice packs below and lunch up top, and I appreciate not fishing past cold cans to find a sandwich. If you’re thinking versatility, the split design also lets you keep “clean” and “dirty” items apart—say snacks above and work gloves below.

Outside, you get one large front pocket and two smaller side pockets. These are best for small accessories: utensils, napkins, a compact screwdriver, electrical tape, a pocket notebook. They aren’t deep cargo pouches, so don’t expect them to swallow bulky tools or a full-size tape measure without crowding. That said, having a dedicated spot for a utility knife and pens saves me digging around at lunch.

Because the bag is long and narrow, packing strategy matters. Standard 12-ounce cans line up easily in the lower bay. Tall bottles fit diagonally but will push against the lid if you load them upright. Food containers that are wider than six inches will feel cramped; long sandwich containers and snack bags are a better match than squat meal-prep tubs.

Cooling performance

Insulation is solid for a soft cooler. With two medium ice packs in the lower compartment, my drinks stayed cold through a full summer shift, and the upper compartment kept food at a safe, cool temperature. It’s not a hard-sided cooler, so don’t expect block-ice endurance. But for daily carry, it strikes a nice balance between weight and performance. Because both compartments are insulated, you can double up on cold storage if you’re packing for two or separating drinks by type.

The liner wipes clean easily with a damp cloth. If you plan to repurpose the bag as a light tool/parts carry, be mindful of sharp edges—screw tips and sheet metal corners will puncture any soft cooler over time.

Carrying comfort

You get two carry options: a web handle and an adjustable shoulder strap. The handle is fine for short hops from the truck to the site. The strap is the better choice for longer carries, and the adjuster holds its position without creeping. Load the bag to the gills and the strap will bite a bit into your shoulder—there’s no thick pad—so I wouldn’t want to hike with it. For moving around a facility or crossing a jobsite, it’s comfortable enough.

One quirk worth mentioning: because it’s tall and narrow, the bag can tip if you park it upright on a sloped floorboard. Looping the strap over a headrest or anchoring it between seats kept it planted for me.

On-the-job use

Most days I used the bag primarily as a cooler with a side of convenience. The exterior pockets held a small screwdriver, voltage tester, and a Sharpie; the main compartments carried lunch, water, and a couple of spare gloves. On light service calls, I flipped the script and used the upper compartment for small parts and meters while the lower stayed dedicated to hydration. That dual-purpose flexibility is the selling point—one carry covers both comfort and a minimal kit.

That said, this is not a replacement for a true tool bag. If you routinely carry heavy hand tools, fasteners, or anything with corners, the soft liner and slender walls will show wear faster than a purpose-built tote. Think of it as a cooler that can dabble in organization, not the other way around.

Durability and maintenance

After weeks of daily use, the fabric and zippers are holding up well. Zippers run smoothly around corners without snagging, and they haven’t shown any tooth separation under load. The strap attachments feel secure, though like most soft bags, the points where webbing meets fabric are the long-term wear spots. If you habitually overload soft bags, that’s the first place you’ll notice fatigue.

The base is plain fabric, and it will scuff on rough concrete. My preventative fix was simple and effective: I cut a thin rubber mat to size and set it inside the lower compartment as a false floor. It adds grip, protects the liner from abrasion, and takes two minutes to remove and clean. Wiping the interior at the end of the day keeps it from picking up smells, and the polyester exterior doesn’t mind a quick hose-down if it gets dusty.

Quirks and tips

  • Pack heavy items low and centered. The long, narrow footprint is stable if the weight is in the bottom compartment.
  • Protect the liner if you’re carrying tools. Slip sharp items into a sleeve or use a small accessory pouch inside the upper bay.
  • Keep the strap anchored in the vehicle. Slinging it over a headrest helps prevent tip-overs.
  • Add a base protector. A thin rubber sheet or cutting mat inside the lower compartment extends the life of the liner and makes cleanup easier.
  • Don’t expect a deep exterior pocket. The front pouch is great for utensils and flat items; bulkier gear belongs inside.

Who it’s for

If you live out of your vehicle during the workday and want a cooler that rides easily behind a seat, this bag makes a lot of sense. It’s also a good fit for techs who appreciate some organizational touches without committing to a full tool rig, and for homeowners who want a light, durable cooler they can also stock with picnic essentials. If your primary need is hauling tools, there are better choices in true tool totes. If you need all-day ice retention for a crew, a hard-sided cooler will outperform it.

Final recommendation

I recommend this bag for anyone looking for a slim, jobsite-friendly cooler that can moonlight as a light-duty organizer. The split compartments are genuinely useful, the exterior pockets handle small accessories, and the long, narrow shape stores where boxy coolers won’t. It’s easy to carry, easy to clean, and tough enough for daily use if you treat it like the soft cooler it is. Just be realistic about load: protect the liner from sharp edges, don’t overload the shoulder strap, and consider a simple base insert to guard against abrasion. Do that, and you’ll get a practical, flexible piece of kit that earns its place in the truck.



Project Ideas

Business

Construction Site Snack Runs

Offer on-site delivery of chilled drinks and snacks to local job sites. Keep up to 8 cans cold below and load granola bars, jerky, and utensils up top; use exterior pockets for receipts and payment readers. Sell daily routes and subscription refills.


Craft Beverage Sampling Kit

Equip brand ambassadors with a compact sampling bag: 8 chilled cans in the lower compartment, cups and swag up top, POS and waiver forms in the exterior pockets. Perfect for farmers’ markets, gyms, and events where a full cooler is impractical.


Cooler Charcuterie Drop-Offs

Start a micro-catering service delivering ‘cooler boards’ for small gatherings. Pack pre-portioned meats, cheeses, and fruit up top; keep beverages or cold packs below. Charge a rental/deposit on the bag and offer branded add-ons like mini knives in the front pocket.


Branded Welcome Cooler Bundles

Sell corporate onboarding gifts: logoed cooler bags filled with premium snacks, a water bottle, and company swag. Use the front pocket for a welcome card and the upper compartment for branded utensils. Offer bulk pricing and kitting/fulfillment.


Gig Delivery Cold Add-On Rentals

Rent the cooler to bike/scooter couriers or food drivers for keeping beverages and small cold items stable. The adjustable strap and slim profile make it easy to carry; exterior pockets hold delivery notes. Monetize by daily rental plus optional ice-pack service.

Creative

Picnic-for-Two Organizer

Convert the upper compartment into a utensil and condiment caddy (roll-up cutlery, napkins, spice tins in the front pocket), and use the lower 8-can compartment for chilled drinks. Add DIY foam-board dividers to keep plates and cups upright; sling it with the shoulder strap for hands-free park outings.


Tailgate Mocktail Lab

Pre-chill mixers in the lower compartment and stash syrups, citrus, a mini shaker, and bar tools in the upper and exterior pockets. Include labeled squeeze bottles and a small cutting board that slides into the front pocket for a compact mobile mocktail station.


Field Art Cooler Kit

Keep temperature-sensitive paints, gel mediums, and markers cool in the lower compartment to prevent drying out. Use the upper for brushes, sketchbooks, and a collapsible water cup. Exterior pockets hold rags and tape so you can set up a plein-air station anywhere.


Forager’s Harvest Cooler

Line the lower compartment with a damp towel and ice pack to keep herbs, mushrooms, or greens crisp. The upper stores shears, field guide, and gloves; exterior pockets carry ID cards and bags. Add a removable mesh tray to keep delicate finds off melting ice.


Analog Photo Field Bag

Use the insulated lower compartment to keep film rolls cool on hot days. The upper holds a compact camera, light meter, and cleaning kit; exterior pockets fit extra batteries and lens cloths. Add labeled film canister organizers to speed swaps on location.