DeWalt TOUGHSYSTEM 2.0 11 in. Compact Tool Bag

I started carrying the ToughSystem 2.0 compact bag because I was tired of tossing everyday tools into a bigger box and fishing around for them. After several weeks of site work, service calls, and hauling it in and out of the truck, it’s become my go-to soft organizer for hand tools and a couple of compact power tools—especially when I’m already rolling a ToughSystem 2.0 stack.

Build and Materials

The first thing that stands out is structure. The 1680D fabric is stiff enough to hold its shape, and the injected waterproof base keeps the bag upright and off the mud. I’ve set it down on damp concrete and wet grass with no wicking; a quick wipe and the base looks new again. The fabric sheds dust and drywall powder better than most soft bags I’ve used. Zippers feel oversized, track cleanly, and the pulls are easy to grab with gloves.

Dimensions matter here: roughly a 12 x 12-inch footprint and about 15 inches tall. That square base is stable on the ground and fits neatly on shelves and behind seats. At around 4.3 lb empty, it’s not featherweight, but the build quality and base account for that.

Layout and Accessibility

This bag is designed for vertical storage, and it shows. Both faces unzip to give you double-sided access to the interior, so you can reach tools without digging. Inside, there are more than two dozen vertical pockets sized for pliers, screwdrivers, nut drivers, chisels, and bit kits. The tall pockets keep handles visible and organized; shorter pouches near the top are good for small meters and testers.

A central cavity runs the full height. It’s deep enough for a drill/driver with a spare battery and compact charger, or an impact driver and a small accessory case. I’ve also stood a compact oscillating tool in the center without crowding. The vertical layout makes it easy to see what’s missing at a glance—handy for quick inventory before leaving a job.

On the outside, a side compartment fits a water bottle or long tools like a pry bar, and there’s a tape chain that actually holds onto a 25-foot tape without popping off. The front bungee is useful for a lightweight jacket, kneepads, or coaxing an awkward item to stay put. There’s a dedicated pocket for personal items—I keep my phone, wallet, and keys zipped there so they’re not floating around with the tools.

Modularity with ToughSystem 2.0

If you already run ToughSystem 2.0, this bag clicks into your stack like a hard case. It latches securely to compatible boxes and the rolling tower, so I can roll everything in at once, peel off the bag, and carry it where I’m working. That’s the killer feature for me: soft-bag convenience without giving up the stackability of the system.

Worth noting: the base is waterproof, but the bag itself isn’t a dry bag. I’ve worked through light rain and splashes without trouble, but I wouldn’t leave it uncovered in a downpour.

On-Site Use

Packed with a typical daily kit—pliers set, screwdrivers, nut drivers, a drill, chargers, a stud finder, bits, electrical tape, and assorted fasteners—I end up around 25–30 lb. At that weight, the bag carries comfortably by the handles or on the shoulder strap. The vertical pockets keep tools from piling up at the bottom, and the double-sided zippers make it quick to grab pliers or a driver without dumping the bag open.

The bag stands upright even when half-full, which is more important than it sounds; it doesn’t collapse into a fabric puddle when you pull out the heaviest tool. The rigid base also keeps it from twisting while you lift it off a stack.

Comfort and Carry

The padded shoulder strap is broad enough to spread the load and doesn’t dig in. The carry handles are well placed so the bag balances evenly when loaded. I prefer the strap when moving around the site and the handles for short lifts on and off the stack.

One caution: the bag is rated for a 40 lb load. I’ve pushed close to that with hand tools and a few heavier items and found the strap hardware to be the limiting factor. The quick-attach clips are fine in normal use, but if you routinely ride the high side of the weight limit, they can start to show stress. My workaround is simple—use the handles for heavy lifts, or keep the strap off when you know you’re pushing 35–40 lb.

Durability and Weather Resistance

After weeks of daily use, I’ve got scuffs on the base and a few cosmetic marks, but no frayed stitching or blown seams. The zippers haven’t jammed, and the pulls haven’t pulled free. Dirt, sawdust, and spackle don’t stick to the fabric the way they do on lighter material; a stiff brush or a hose-off on the base brings it back to presentable.

The weather resistance is as advertised: the base protects against standing water and sloppy floors. The fabric beads light moisture, but again, it’s not a sealed bag. For electronics or paperwork, use the interior pockets and keep the flaps closed.

Capacity Reality Check

At 1,806 cubic inches, this is a compact bag, and that’s the point. Don’t expect it to replace a large open-top tote or a hard case for full-size saws and grinders. It’s perfect for a targeted kit—service calls, punch lists, and trim work. The center cavity takes a full-size drill/driver standing up, plus a compact charger and a couple of batteries without dominating the space. If you load it with oversized power tools, you’ll lose the benefit of the vertical layout.

What I’d Change

• Strap hardware: The clips are the weak link at the top of the weight range. Metal-and-gate hardware or heavier-duty clips would increase confidence.
• External quick-access: Most organization is inside. A couple more exterior pockets sized for markers, knives, and a small flashlight would reduce unzipping for quick grabs.
• Mouth opening: The vertical design is great for organization, but the central cavity can feel narrow when stuffing bulky items. A slightly wider top opening would make loading big chargers easier.

Practical Tips

• Use small pouches for loose fasteners. The interior pockets are great for tools, not loose screws.
• Keep heavy items centered and low. It improves balance and keeps the bag from feeling tippy.
• Close both zips before stacking. That keeps the flaps from snagging when you latch it onto a ToughSystem case.
• Strap below 30–35 lb, handles above. It preserves the strap hardware and your shoulder.

Who It’s For

• Trades running ToughSystem 2.0 who want a soft bag that truly integrates with their stack.
• Service techs and remodelers who value vertical tool organization and quick visual inventory.
• Anyone working in damp or messy conditions who wants a soft bag that doesn’t soak up water from the ground.

If you need to haul a full framing kit or a pile of heavy steel tools daily, you’ll be happier with a larger tote or a hard case. This bag shines as a compact, organized carry for the essentials plus a couple of power tools.

Recommendation

I recommend the ToughSystem 2.0 compact bag. It balances structure, weather resistance, and organization better than most soft bags its size, and the ability to latch into a ToughSystem 2.0 stack is a real advantage for transport. The vertical layout makes daily tools faster to find and put away, the base keeps everything clean and upright, and the overall durability inspires confidence. Just respect the 40 lb rating, favor the handles when you’re loaded heavy, and add a couple of small pouches for hardware. If you’re already invested in ToughSystem 2.0 or you want a sturdy, well-organized compact carry, this bag is a smart addition.