DeWalt 20 in. PRO Tool Tote

First impressions and setup

I’m picky about open totes. They’re the workhorses that live in the truck, shuttle into job sites, and take a beating in between. This 20-inch tote hits the right size: big enough to carry a full day’s worth of core tools without feeling like a bottomless bin. Out of the box it feels robust—1680D ballistic nylon with a tarpaulin lining that wipes clean, a high-visibility yellow interior, and a molded, waterproof base that sets flat on rough ground. Empty, it’s about six pounds, so not featherweight, but the materials and structure justify that.

I set it up as a “general carpentry” carry for a week: hand tools on the outside, bulkier items in the open bay, and small parts up front. The 21 exterior pockets are a mix of sleeves and pouches; the 13 interior pockets line the perimeter without stealing too much of the center cavity. A removable padded shoulder strap and a swivel handle round out the basics. There’s also a metal carabiner and a backstrap that slips over a telescoping handle if you’re rolling another box.

Build quality and durability

The fabric and stitching are confidence-inspiring. The ballistic nylon resists abrasion, and the tarpaulin liner is the kind you can hose out after a dusty demo day. The injected base is the standout: it’s rubberized, stiff, and fully waterproof. I’ve set it in wet grass and on damp concrete; water beads off the bottom and doesn’t wick up into the bag. The base also gives the tote structure, so it stays upright when you’re rummaging. After a week of daily use, there’s no sagging at the mouth, which helps with access.

The hardware is equally solid. The swivel handle has a comfortable rubber grip and rotates out of the way when you’re loading or fishing for tools. The shoulder strap clips feel sturdy, and the strap itself is well-padded for short hauls. Stitching at stress points looks reinforced and tidy. The limited lifetime warranty is appropriate for a bag at this build level.

Organization and capacity

Capacity lands in a sweet spot for an open tote. The center bay swallowed a 7-1/4-inch circular saw, a pair of large speed squares, a chalk box, a block plane, a pull saw, and a small pouch of fasteners with room to spare. Around the perimeter, I slotted pliers, drivers, chisels, snips, and a torpedo level into the exterior sleeves. The interior pockets are sized for hand drivers, a multibit stubby, a utility knife, and a compact bit case. The hi-vis interior helps keep track of dark tools and dropped screws.

A few pocket notes:
- Exterior tall sleeves are great for pry bars and long screwdrivers.
- Mid-height pockets fit tape measures, a small bottle of glue, and chalk lines.
- The included carabiner is handy for keys or a tape if you prefer to clip rather than pocket it.
- The front zippered pocket is intended for valuables and small electronics.

The tote is rated to carry a little over 55 pounds. I pushed close to that with corded tools, clamps, and a full hand tool load. The bag kept its shape, and the base didn’t flex. The weight distribution is decent—the long footprint prevents the top from rolling over, and the base grips van floors well enough that it doesn’t skate around or tip during normal driving.

Carry and access

Open totes live or die by how quickly you can grab things. The top is wide and unobstructed when the handle is flipped aside, and the handle’s swivel keeps it from blocking the opening. The shoulder strap is comfortable for short moves from truck to site, though for anything over a few minutes I prefer the handle to keep the load from bouncing against my hip.

At this size and weight, the tote is best used as a mobile workstation rather than a long-distance hauler. If you regularly carry it fully loaded for multiple city blocks, a rolling option or a backpack may serve you better. For “grab, go, set down, work” workflows, it shines.

Weather and protection

The bag is not weather-sealed—there’s no cover over the open top—so rain is still rain. However, the waterproof base matters more than you might expect. I’ve set it in puddles and on wet grass with zero water intrusion from below. The tarpaulin lining sheds dust and mud; a quick wipe returns it to workable clean.

The front pocket gets an IP54 rating for splash resistance against dust and water. It’s a smart inclusion for a phone, wallet, or a small laser measure. The zipper has an ergonomic U-shaped pull that’s easy to catch with gloves, but the pocket is tight and the zipper track is stiff. It seals well but takes two hands and some patience to open and close. If you’re in and out of that pocket constantly, you’ll notice the friction.

Compatibility and transport

The backstrap slides over a telescoping handle, so if you’re wheeling a suitcase-style box, the tote rides securely on top. I like that for long corridors and parking lots. What’s missing is any sort of interlocking base or stack compatibility with modular box systems. If your storage revolves around a specific stacking footprint, note that this tote’s base is standalone. It sits nicely on top of boxes in a truck, but it doesn’t latch or lock.

Everyday use

My load-out shifts day to day, and this tote handled the changes without drama. A few practical observations:
- Because the pockets are plentiful but not overly tight, it’s easy to overfill the exterior. I try to keep one side for cutting/layout (square, pencil, knife, chalk, pull saw) and the opposite for fastening (drivers, bit set, impact-rated sockets). That keeps the weight balanced and access predictable.
- The hi-vis interior makes it easy to spot small bits and a dropped driver tip. It sounds minor, but it saves time.
- The base wipes clean with a rag. If you let mud dry, it flakes off without marring the rubberized surface.
- If you carry a cordless circular saw in the center, store it blade-down with a sheath; the tarpaulin lining is tough but there’s no reason to test it with exposed teeth.

Where it falls short

Two things gave me pause. First, the water-resistant front pocket, while protective, is tight and slow to use. It’s fine for stashing a phone or notebook you won’t touch often, but not ideal for frequently accessed parts or fasteners.

Second, at this price tier I’d like better ecosystem integration—either a lid option or a way to secure it to common stacking systems. As it stands, it’s an excellent standalone tote that plays nicely on a rolling handle via the backstrap, but it won’t lock into a modular tower.

Those points aside, the core experience—durability, organization, stability—lands exactly where a pro-grade open tote should.

Who it’s for

• Tradespeople who prefer an open, at-a-glance layout and need a tough base for wet or rough job sites.
• Service techs and remodelers who want a single carry for a day’s worth of tools, not a sprawling stack of boxes.
• DIYers stepping up to a durable, well-organized tote that won’t collapse or tip in the trunk or SUV.

Who should look elsewhere:
- Users heavily invested in modular, locking box systems who want everything to latch together.
- Anyone needing weatherproof coverage for outdoor work—an open tote won’t keep rain off your tools.
- Long-distance walkers; a rolling solution will save your shoulders.

The bottom line

This 20-inch tote gets the fundamentals right: a tough, waterproof base; durable fabrics; smart pocketing; and a stable footprint that doesn’t tip in transit. The hi-vis interior and swivel handle make daily use smoother than most open totes I’ve used. The IP54 front pocket is a nice idea with a fussy zipper, and there’s no modular stacking compatibility. Even with those quibbles, it’s a reliable, well-built hauler that feels purpose-made for real job sites.

Recommendation: I recommend this tote for pros and serious DIYers who want an open, durable carry with strong organization and a base that shrugs off wet conditions. It’s not the right choice if you require locked-in modular stacking or a weather-sealed bag, but as a standalone workhorse for everyday tools, it’s a dependable pick.