DeWalt Fall Protection Zippered Gear Bag with Carrying Handle

Why I picked up this gear bag

My fall protection kit lives and dies by how quickly I can get it on, keep it clean, and keep it together. Loose harness straps and lanyards rolling around in the bed of a truck is a recipe for wasted time and unnecessary wear. That’s what led me to the DeWalt gear bag—a simple, zippered hauler with a rigid bottom and just enough structure to keep a fall-arrest setup tidy without turning into a bulky toolbox. After several weeks of site use, truck commutes, and a few rainy mornings, here’s how it’s held up.

Build and materials

The outer shell is a wear‑resistant polyester that strikes a good balance between flexibility and abrasion resistance. It doesn’t feel stiff or plasticky, and the fabric handled being slid across concrete and tossed onto plywood without fraying. Stitching and bar-tacking at stress points look clean. The carry handles are properly anchored and don’t bite into your hand when the bag’s full.

The star of the build is the hard plastic bottom. It’s essentially a shallow tub that holds the bag upright and keeps the fabric off wet or gritty surfaces. On damp days I set it down on concrete and the base shed water without soaking through—exactly what I want for webbing and stitching that need to stay dry and clean. At 1.7 lb empty, the bag stays pleasantly light for its size, so you’re not burning energy carrying the container instead of the contents.

One note on that rigid base: inside, it’s a hard surface. Metal hardware—carabiners, rope grabs, beam clamps—will clack around on it. I dropped a thin sheet of closed-cell foam on the bottom, which quieted things down and cushioned the gear. It’s a simple, cheap tweak that makes the bag feel a step more premium in day-to-day use.

Capacity and organization

The bag is generously sized at roughly 20 x 16 x 10 inches. In practice, I can load a full-body harness, a 6-foot shock-absorbing lanyard, a 50-foot lifeline with rope grab, two anchors (one fixed, one beam-style), and a handful of carabiners with room left for gloves, a vest, and a small pouch of tags/inspection logs. I can also fit a hard hat if I set it on top, though that starts to press against the lid when the bag is truly full.

It’s primarily a single, zippered main compartment. That’s a blessing for speed—open the lid and everything’s visible—but it means you’ll want to bring your own organization. I use a couple of soft pouches to separate steel hardware from soft goods to prevent scuffs on the harness webbing, and a small zip bag for paperwork and spare labels. Color-coded pouches help me grab the right pieces without digging. If you’re hoping for internal dividers, dedicated pockets, or a rigid tool caddy, this bag isn’t that; it’s a durable duffel with a protective base.

A subtle benefit of the dimensions is that the bag isn’t too tall. I can lay the harness flat and keep the dorsal D-ring oriented so it doesn’t kink straps. The wide opening lets me stage a harness on top for quick donning, then pull lifeline and anchors as needed.

Access and hardware

The main zipper runs smoothly and doesn’t snag around curves. I can operate it with light gloves on. The lid opens wide enough that I’m not fighting the bag to see what’s inside, but it’s not a clamshell, so contents won’t spill out if you open it on a tailgate. The carry handles have enough length to meet comfortably over the top without pinching the zipper path.

I would have liked a small exterior pocket for quick-access items—utility knife, tape, or a tag pen. As-is, everything goes inside. That’s fine for fall protection, where enclosed storage is a plus, but it means small items benefit from their own pouch to avoid getting lost at the bottom.

Transport and comfort

Between the dual handles and the shoulder strap, carrying options are covered. The strap adjusts easily and did not dig into my shoulder, though a slightly thicker pad would be welcome during longer walks from the truck to the lift. The bag balances well when loaded; it doesn’t twist or taco because the base keeps it flat. The rigid bottom also lets the bag stand upright while I put on my harness—no collapsing sides to fight with.

One minor nit: on smooth sealed concrete, the plastic bottom slides a bit if you nudge it with your knee while rummaging. Rubber feet would add grip, but that would sacrifice some of the water shedding. It’s a tradeoff; I can live with it.

Protection and durability

Fall protection gear needs to stay clean, dry, and out of UV exposure when not in use. This bag checks those boxes. The polyester shell keeps dust off, the zipper closes completely, and the plastic base lifts the contents away from wet surfaces. After weeks of use, the base shows superficial scratches, but nothing structural. The fabric has minor scuffs with no pulled threads, and the handles still feel solid.

I store gear dry, which is important because the bag isn’t vented. If you toss in a damp lanyard and zip it up, it will stay damp. I leave the zipper cracked at the shop overnight if anything got wet, or better yet, hang the soft goods to dry before packing.

Beyond fall protection

While the bag is intended for fall-arrest components, it doubles nicely as a general tool hauler. On a maintenance day, I loaded two chargers, a pair of compact drivers, a small reciprocating saw, and cases of bits and blades. The size is right for a couple of core tools plus consumables. The rigid base keeps the bag from sagging when carrying batteries and chargers. Again, the lack of internal pockets means you’ll want accessory cases for small items.

Fit for purpose and safety notes

For fall protection specifically, I appreciate how the bag supports good habits. It’s quick to confirm everything is present before heading up: harness, lanyard, lifeline, anchors, connectors. I keep inspection tags and logs in a dedicated pouch so they don’t get bent or greasy. The wide opening makes end-of-day inspections less of a chore; I can lay the harness out and check stitching without dumping everything onto the floor.

Just remember: this is a storage and transport bag, not a protective case. Keep sharp edges sheathed, separate steel from soft goods, and don’t store contaminated gear. The bag encourages enclosed storage, but it won’t protect against solvents, cement dust, or sharp edges if you toss them in together.

Limitations

• Minimal internal organization. If you rely on built-in pockets or dividers, you’ll miss them here.
• Hard plastic base is durable but unforgiving inside. A foam pad solves it.
• No exterior pocket for quick-grab items.
• Plastic bottom can slide on smooth floors.
• Not ventilated; you need to dry gear before closing it up.

None of these are deal-breakers for me, but they’re worth knowing upfront.

Value, warranty, and return window

The bag feels fairly priced for what it is: a rugged, purpose-sized duffel with a protective base. It’s not weighed down by gimmicks, and it held up during daily use without babying. A retailer-listed 11-year warranty is noted along with a 90-day return policy; as always, verify coverage details, especially for a soft-goods item that will see jobsite abuse. Either way, the build inspires confidence, and the low empty weight keeps it practical.

Who it’s for

• Tradespeople and safety managers who want a dedicated, enclosed bag for fall-arrest kits.
• Crews that stage gear on damp or dirty floors and need a base that resists moisture.
• Anyone who prefers a simple, wide-opening duffel over a compartment-heavy toolbox.
• Techs looking for a secondary hauler for chargers, compact tools, and consumables.

If you need rigid internal dividers, structured walls, or a backpack carry, look elsewhere. This is a straightforward, durable bag best used with a couple of small organizer pouches.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt gear bag for storing and transporting fall protection components and as a versatile, no-nonsense job bag. The wear-resistant shell, rigid plastic bottom, and light weight make it practical on real sites, and the size fits a complete kit without cramming. Add a foam pad to the base and a few pouches, and it becomes an efficient, tidy system. If you want built-in organization or a fully rigid case, this isn’t it. But for a tough, simple hauler that keeps critical gear clean, together, and ready, it earns a spot in the truck.