Market Tote
From grocery runs to beach days, this versatile tote folds easily away, and pops out when and where you need it.
All about ease
Several design goals for the project came from the initial research including foldability/storage and sustainability, but the key was going to be access, and in particular, making sure that the tote would stand up and open on its own, even when empty.
I experimented with several prototypes to find a construction that would give the right amount of stability to our lightweight, recycled fabric. The center seam adds a bit of character, but its real purpose is to prevent the bag from collapsing from the weight of the webbing handles. The folds around the base create a flat stable bottom, and the binding of the seams add strength and structure to the sides. These clever construction techniques work together to keep the lightweight tote standing upright on its own, so that it is always easy to fill.
Pockets where you need them
The two bottle sleeves help keep the olive oil off the eggs, and wrangle those odd shaped items from the grocery store. A central slip pocket was added to hold a shopping list, keys or squishable produce.
A few of the interior trials from the samples I built:
Folds right up
The Market Tote folds up neatly so it can be stashed away for the next time you need it, in a glove box, day bag or luggage. The same fold patterns that help give the bag structure and a stable base, also let the bag quickly fold flat and the lightweight fabric is easy to fold.
Every color is green
The Market Tote comes in two different material options: Bellroy's recycled polyester made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles, and a Tencel X Refibra. This second, plant-base option is made from sustainably harvested wood pulp and upcycled cotton offcuts, for a natural, canvas-like feel that’s both soft and strong.
To the market, and beyond
Don't be fooled by the name - the Market Tote is for more than just grocery runs. It's a versatile, just-the-right-amount-of-organized companion that you can whip out whenever you need it. From the produce aisle to a picnic in the park.
Samples and experiments
The Market Tote being such a minimal product meant that I could make relatively high fidelity samples before ever needing to send specs to the factory. I built multiple complete samples as well as several partial samples of different details such as the webbing attachment points, interior pockets, or ways to keep the bag folded tightly.
