If you’ve ever wrestled with a bag full of wet towels, sandy toys, half-melted sunscreen, and a rogue juice box that somehow leaked again, you know the value of a good tote. And not just a cute one. I mean a truly functional bag that works just as hard as you do in keeping your -ish together.
There are two heavy-hitters in the pool-beach-waterpark tote game: the YETI Camino Carryall and the Bogg Bag. I’ve used both. I’ve packed snacks in them, rinsed sand out of them, and let them sit wet in the back of the car longer than I’d like to admit. So let’s get into the nitty-gritty: how they compare, what makes each one shine, and which one earned a permanent spot by my front door.
Sizes: Big Enough or Too Much?
Let’s start with how much these bags can actually hold.
- Comes in two main sizes: Original Bogg Bag and Baby Bogg.
- The Original is huge. Like pack-for-an-entire-family-beach-day huge.
- Baby Bogg is still roomy, just a little more manageable for daily pool trips or if you’re not packing for a crowd.
- Two size options: 20 and 35 (that’s the liter count, not your age after sunscreen).
- I have the 20, and it’s the perfect in-between. Feels compact but fits towels, a change of clothes, water bottles, and more without looking like you’re moving in for the weekend.
Verdict: If you want max capacity for serious gear-hauling, go Bogg. If you like a more manageable, still roomy option, the Camino is your gal.
Materials: Squishy vs. Structured
- Made of EVA foam. It’s that smooth, rubbery material that’s super easy to rinse off and stands up straight on its own. Kind of like a Croc built for storage.
- Downside: The foam can scuff and dent over time — especially if you’re chucking it in and out of cars, which, let’s be honest, we all are. Particularly if you have a light color, like I do. I couldn’t resist the butter yellow!
- Built like a tank with waterproof, ultra-durable ThickSkin™ Shell (it’s basically the same stuff as their amazing coolers).
- Stands up on its own, wipes clean easily, and doesn’t collapse into a sad puddle when empty.
- Bonus: It’s not foam, so it won’t get dinged up as fast.
Verdict: Camino wins for material. It just feels more indestructible. And we could all use a little more indestructible.
Features: Pockets, Handles, and Hooks — Oh Yeah
- Has those cute little holes you can decorate with charms (my kid is obsessed). There are also some accessories you can buy that will enhance the interior organization using the holes.
- Comes with two small insert bags that snap inside. They’re helpful for keeping your keys or sunscreen from disappearing into the abyss.
- Handles are fixed. They’re sturdy but not adjustable, and the bag itself is…not lightweight once it’s packed.
- The handles also have a way of tangling, and you need a PhD to figure out how to get them back the right way. Just sayin’.
- Has two side interior dividers perfect for water bottles (that fold away when not in use), plus zippered inside pockets for organizing smaller things.
- Sturdy carry handles and shoulder straps. This was a game-changer for me when juggling a wet 6-year-old.
- Clip on the top can keep the bag secured at the opening when needed.
- Bonus: It doesn’t absorb smells. IYKYK.
Verdict: YETI gives you more in the thoughtful design department. You can actually stay organized without stuffing everything into one giant pit.
The Winner (For Me): YETI Camino
While the Bogg Bag is undeniably popular (and super cute in fun colors), the YETI Camino has totally earned its spot in my summer rotation. It’s tough, easy to clean, surprisingly roomy, and — most importantly — doesn’t annoy me to carry when it’s loaded up. The Bogg was a bit too bulky and clunky for me after a while, especially when I was on mom-pack-mule duty. Made me feel like I needed a “wide-load” banner when squeezing through crowds with it.
So if you’re on the fence, here’s my take:
Want a lighter, sleeker, easier-to-carry bag that still hauls a ton? Go Camino.
Want a massive open bin that’s easy to hose off and can double as a toy storage tub? Bogg might be your match.
Either way, summer’s better with a bag that works for you, not against you.
Affiliate Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no cost to you. As always, I only share what I actually use and love.
Want more pool and beach day tips? Check out what’s in my bag here →
Curated, Kinda 
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