DeWalt TSTAK Covered Tool Bag

A compact hauler that earns its keep

After a few weeks of tossing the TSTAK bag in the truck, stacking it on boxes, and hauling it through jobsite mud, I’ve come to appreciate how much utility DeWalt squeezed into a small footprint. It’s not a cavernous tote, and it’s not trying to be. Instead, it hits a versatile middle ground: compact enough to carry every day, structured enough to protect your kit, and organized enough to keep fast access to what you need.

Build and design

The first impression is of a tough, structured soft bag. The 1680 denier fabric has the abrasion resistance I expect at this price, and the base is a rigid, waterproof tray that lets the bag stand upright without sagging. That free‑standing base matters more than it sounds—on wet slabs or lawn irrigation days, the bottom wipes clean, and I’m not fishing for tools in a puddle.

The cover is a full flap rather than a traditional zipper lid, secured with quick-release buckles. It gives quick access and adds weather protection without the snagging or blowouts I’ve experienced on long zippers. The cover material is stain‑resistant and wipes down easily. A bungee on top is more useful than I expected; I’ve lashed down a jacket, a short level, or an extension cord when I needed the interior for more delicate items.

Dimensions come in at roughly 17.9 inches long by 10.2 inches wide by 9.75 inches high. Empty weight is about 4.8 pounds—substantial for a soft bag, but that structure is what helps it hold shape and stand up to abuse.

Organization that fits real workflows

Inside, the removable divider is the star. Slide it to one side to create a narrow bay for batteries and a charger, and leave the larger side open for tool bodies. With it centered, I can split loadouts: drivers and small bits on one side, cutting tools on the other. When I need to carry a single larger tool—say a compact circular saw—I pull the divider and load it diagonally.

Around the interior and exterior are a series of pockets that are actually sized for trades use. The wide exterior pocket will swallow longer hand tools; a compact hacksaw or a long pry bar rides there without fighting the zipper gods. Smaller stitched pockets fit screwdrivers, pliers, markers, and a utility knife without tipping over. Inside the lid, a see‑through zip pocket is great for long bits, paperwork, or a tablet—I keep drill bit charts and a punch list there so they don’t get oily.

Compatibility with the large TOUGH CASE organizer is a nice touch: mine nestles cleanly against the divider in the main compartment without bulging the sides. It keeps bit sets protected and easy to grab without dumping them in a bottomless tote.

What fits inside

For a compact bag, the capacity is surprisingly practical. Typical loadouts I run:

• 12V kit: drill/driver, impact driver, oscillating tool, charger, four batteries, hand tools, fastener assortments in a large TOUGH CASE, and PPE. Everything fits comfortably with the divider offset to make a battery/charger bay.
• Mixed 18V/12V: one 18V impact driver, one 18V compact hammer drill, charger, two 5Ah packs, plus a 12V multi‑tool and hand tools. It’s snug but workable.
• Hand tool carry: full screwdriver set, pliers (lineman’s, long nose, side cutters), adjustable wrenches, small socket roll, voltage tester, stud finder, chalk line, and a compact hacksaw in the wide pocket. The bag holds its shape so the tools don’t collapse into a heap.

If you regularly haul larger 18V tools in pairs (e.g., an impact, drill, grinder, and recip all at once), you’ll outgrow this size quickly. It shines as a dedicated kit bag or as a daily carry for service calls.

Comfort and carry

The carry handles are well‑padded and meet high enough above the lid to clear the flap. The shoulder strap has enough padding to be comfortable for short hauls, and the bag’s rectangular footprint rides flat against the hip. At nearly five pounds empty, it’s not featherweight, but the weight disappears once you’re using it as intended with a moderate load. Balance is good; the free‑standing base and structured sides keep the center of gravity low so it doesn’t roll or flop as you set it down.

TSTAK integration

This is where the bag separates itself from generic duffels. It connects directly to TSTAK modules, so I can set it on a TSTAK rolling box or drawer unit and latch it in place. For service days, I’ll run a rolling TSTAK with fasteners and testers, then clip the bag on top as my hand tool and small power tool module. The connection is secure enough to wheel over thresholds and rough sidewalks without the bag shifting. It also plays nicely with a large TOUGH CASE inside the main compartment, so your bit sets and small parts stay organized within the bag itself.

If you don’t live in the TSTAK ecosystem, this feature is less compelling—but it’s still a well‑made bag on its own.

Durability and weather resistance

So far, the fabric and stitching have held up with no loose threads or seam creep. The base takes scrapes and puddles in stride; it has saved me from a few “why are these pliers rusty?” moments on damp floors. The cover’s stain‑resistant surface cleans up with a rag. I wouldn’t call the bag waterproof above the base—rain will eventually get in around the flap—but for normal indoor/outdoor use, your tools stay dry enough. If you frequently work in sustained rain, a full‑zip, weather‑sealed bag or hard case is a better fit.

The limited lifetime warranty is reassuring, and frankly appropriate for a soft bag made from this grade of fabric.

Access and security

The buckle‑secured flap is fast. That’s the point. Pop the clips and you’re in—no wrestling a U‑shaped zipper. The trade‑off is security. There’s no lockable zipper track, and the flap can’t be cinched airtight. I’m comfortable leaving it in a truck bed or cart while I work, but I wouldn’t check it for air travel or leave it unattended in public spaces with high‑value contents. If you need lockability or tamper evidence, a hard case or zippered tool bag with lockable pulls is smarter.

Limitations

• Size: At under 18 inches long, it’s a “select your essentials” bag. If your day requires multiple bulky 18V tools, step up to a larger tote or box.
• Weather sealing: Great base protection, decent splash resistance, but not a rain bag.
• Security: Quick‑access flap beats zippers for speed, loses to them for lockability.
• Weight: The structured build brings an empty weight close to five pounds. Not heavy, but it’s there.

None of these are deal‑breakers if you match the bag to the right role.

Who it’s for

• Service techs and remodelers who want a compact, organized daily carry for hand tools and a couple of small power tools.
• Tradespeople invested in TSTAK who want a soft bag that stacks cleanly on rolling modules.
• DIYers who prefer a durable, structured bag over a floppy duffel and value quick access.

Who should pass: travelers who need lockable, airport‑friendly storage; anyone needing to carry multiple large 18V tools daily; crews working in persistent rain.

The bottom line

The TSTAK bag nails the fundamentals: durable materials, a base that shrugs off wet floors, thoughtful pockets, a useful removable divider, and quick access via a flap that favors speed over security. The integration with TSTAK modules and compatibility with the large TOUGH CASE make it even more practical if you’re already in that system.

Recommendation: I recommend this bag as a compact, structured carry for everyday tools and small power tools, especially if you use TSTAK. It’s tough, organized, and genuinely handy on real jobsites. Skip it only if you need lockable security or a larger capacity; otherwise, it’s a smart, efficient addition to a working kit.