Rareform — Best Summer Bags (Preview)
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The Best Beach & Summer Bags

The Best Summer Bags You'll Use All Season

The Rareform Edit Summer Style Guide 8 min read Updated June 2026

From the best beach tote to a grab-and-go pool bag —
five summer bags hand-cut from real, retired billboards.

See the Best Summer Bags ↓
Backed by a 1-year warranty · Free shipping $100+
A lineup of one-of-a-kind Rareform billboard bags on a sunny summer beach — tote, cooler, duffle, backpack and sling
Editor's Note

Bags for the Way You Actually Spend Summer

Summer asks a lot of a bag. So instead of one perfect everything-bag, we picked the best beach bags for the way you actually spend the season — from family beach days to weekend travel.

There's the morning you pack for the shore with three towels and a paperback. The afternoon that turns into a picnic. The long weekend you throw a bag in the car for. Each one wants something a little different, and the bags below are sorted exactly that way — by the kind of day, not by some spec sheet.

What ties them together is where they come from. Every piece here began as a billboard that once hung over a highway — hand-cut and re-sewn into something you'll carry for years. They're genuinely waterproof, wipe-clean, and one-of-a-kind: the color you see is the color you get, and when a print's gone, it's gone. Consider that part of the charm.

The Craft

Every Bag Starts on a Highway

A billboard does its job for a few weeks, then comes down. Most of that vinyl would be headed for landfill. We give it a second life instead — and that single decision is what makes every bag on this page one of a kind.

STEP 01

Rescued, not wasted

When a billboard retires, we collect the vinyl from our outdoor-advertising partners — material built to survive years of sun, wind and rain on a highway. As a small team, we keep around 5 million pounds of it out of landfill every year.

STEP 02

Hand-cut by a maker

Each sheet is cleaned and laid flat across a cutting table, where a maker finds the section worth saving and cuts it by hand. That's why the print on your bag will never appear on anyone else's — it's a single, deliberate cut from a much larger image.

STEP 03

Sewn to last

The panel is sewn, reinforced, lined and finished, then photographed exactly as it will arrive. No two are the same, so what you see in the listing is the one-of-one piece that ships to you.

Why Vinyl

Why Billboard Vinyl Makes Such a Good Summer Bag

Billboards aren't printed on paper — they're a heavy, coated vinyl engineered to hang outdoors for years without fading or tearing. Those same properties are exactly what you want from a beach or pool bag.

It shrugs off water, so sand, sunscreen and a spilled drink wipe clean with a damp cloth. It's light to carry but genuinely tough. And because every panel is lifted from a different billboard, the color and graphic on your bag are yours alone — a real print with a story, not a pattern run off in a factory.

Water-resistant Wipe-clean Lightweight 1-of-1 print Upcycled vinyl
The Edit · Best Beach Bags

Five Bags for Five Kinds of Summer
01

The Everyday Tote — Best Beach Tote

Best for Beach days, moms & the family haul that never quite ends

If your summer has one bag, make it this one. As a beach tote it swallows a towel, a paperback and a change of clothes without complaint, then wipes clean when the sunscreen inevitably gets everywhere. Roomy enough to be the best family beach bag and easy enough to grab on your way out the door without thinking — which is exactly why it's our pick for moms.

It started, like everything here, as a billboard — which is why the print running down the front is one single cut you won't see on anyone else's bag. The open top means no wrestling with zippers when your hands are full of kids and coffee, and the flat base means it actually stands up on the sand instead of tipping over the moment you turn around.

  • Perfect for
  • Family beach days — fits towels, snacks, sunscreen and a change of clothes for two.
  • The farmers' market — wipes clean after a leaky carton of berries.
  • Everyday hauling — the work-bag, gym-bag, grocery-bag you reach for without thinking.

Why we love it

One bag covers the whole day — beach, errands, market — and wipes clean when summer gets messy. The best beach bag for moms juggling everyone's stuff.

Keep in mind

It's a generous size; if you carry light most days, the Mini Blake tote may suit you better.

The Details Capacity 61L   Carry Shoulder + handles   Material Repurposed billboard vinyl   Finish Water-resistant, wipe-clean
Shop the Totes →
Covered by our 1-year warranty
02

The Cooler Bag — Best Pool Bag

Best for Pool days, picnics, parties & a hot afternoon by the water

Some summer days are really just an excuse to keep the drinks cold. As a pool bag the Sierra packs snacks and drinks for the whole group and keeps everything chilled from the car to the water, then folds back into something you're happy to leave out on the patio. It's the best pool bag for anyone who hosts.

The insulated lining holds ice for hours, and the same billboard vinyl that shrugs off a downpour shrugs off condensation just as easily — a quick wipe and it's ready for the next round. And because the panel was hand-cut from a retired billboard, the print is a one-of-one you won't see on anyone else's cooler at the party. Carry it by the handles for a quick run to the pool, or sling it over a shoulder when you're loaded up for the whole afternoon.

  • Perfect for
  • Poolside afternoons — keeps a six-pack and snacks cold from car to lounger.
  • Picnics & tailgates — wide opening makes loading and serving easy.
  • Backyard hosting — looks good enough to leave out, wipes clean when the night's over.

Why we love it

Insulated, generously sized, and easy to wipe down — it earns its spot at every picnic and pool day.

Keep in mind

Built for sharing. For a solo cold drink or a smaller haul, the Beck cooler bag is the lighter pick.

The Details Type Insulated cooler   Keeps Cold for hours   Material Repurposed billboard vinyl   Finish Wipe-clean
Shop the Coolers →
Covered by our 1-year warranty
03

The Weekender Duffle — Best for Travel

Best for The spontaneous beach trip you said yes to on Thursday

When two days away is exactly enough, the duffle is the only bag you need — our pick for the best beach bag for travel. Roomy enough for the long weekend, soft enough to stuff under a seat, and loud enough that you'll spot it instantly on a crowded carousel. Gym on Monday, coast by Friday.

Because the panels come from different billboards, no two duffles wear the same colors — yours is genuinely one of one, which also happens to make it very hard to mistake for someone else's at baggage claim. The soft sides give where a hard case can't, so it tucks into an overhead or the back of a packed car without a fight.

  • Perfect for
  • Weekend getaways — two to three days of clothes with room to spare.
  • The gym — wipe-clean lining handles damp towels and trainers.
  • Carry-on travel — soft-sided and cabin-friendly, easy to stow.

Why we love it

Carry-on friendly, soft-sided, and impossible to lose on a baggage carousel — your new travel buddy.

Keep in mind

It's a soft duffle, not a hard case. For structure and wheels, this isn't that — and that's by design.

The Details Holds A long weekend   Carry Handles + shoulder strap   Material Repurposed billboard vinyl   Finish Water-resistant
Shop the Duffles →
Covered by our 1-year warranty
04

The Everyday Backpack

Best for Hands-free beach days when the tote just won't do

Think of it as the tote's more practical sibling — one of the cool beach bags you'll actually reach for. Same catch-all spirit, same one-of-a-kind print, just balanced across both shoulders for the days that involve a lot of walking, a toddler, or a train to catch. These nice beach bags are equally ready for the commute, the trail, or the carry-on slot.

Hands-free is the whole point: padded straps spread the weight, so a full day of errands, a hike to a quieter stretch of sand, or a stroller-and-snacks morning all feel lighter than they should. The same weatherproof vinyl means a surprise shower or a sandy set-down does no damage — brush it off and keep going.

  • Perfect for
  • Hands-free beach days — carry a kid and the bag at the same time.
  • Commuting & day trips — laptop-friendly and comfortable on both shoulders.
  • Hikes to the quiet spot — weatherproof and balanced for a longer walk.

Why we love it

Hands-free comfort with the same one-of-a-kind print — the easiest yes for high-movement days.

Keep in mind

More compact than the tote. If you haul a full beach kit for the family, size up to the Hudson.

The Details Carry Hands-free, dual strap   Best for Commute · trail · travel   Material Repurposed billboard vinyl   Finish Water-resistant
Shop the Backpacks →
Covered by our 1-year warranty
05

The Sling Bag — Trendy & Stylish

Best for Essentials only — phone, keys & somewhere to be

For the days you want to carry almost nothing. One of the more trendy beach bags here, the sling keeps your phone, your cards and your sunglasses close across your body and out of your way — perfect for travel days, dog walks, a market wander, or a festival where a bigger bag would only slow you down.

It's the bag you grab when the tote is overkill. Worn across the chest it sits flat and stays put, so it doesn't swing around when you're moving — and because it's cut from a single piece of billboard, the little flash of color across your front is entirely your own. Small, but every bit as weatherproof as its bigger siblings.

  • Perfect for
  • Travel days — passport, phone and cards stay close and secure.
  • Festivals & markets — hands free to wander, light enough to forget you're wearing it.
  • Dog walks & quick errands — just the essentials, across the body and out of the way.

Why we love it

Crossbody, secure, and gloriously minimal — one of the most stylish beach bags for days when less is the point.

Keep in mind

Essentials only. Need room for a towel or a change of clothes? Reach for the tote or backpack.

The Details Carry Crossbody sling   Holds The essentials   Material Repurposed billboard vinyl   Finish Bright interior lining
Shop the Slings →
Covered by our 1-year warranty
Real Bags, Real People

What Summer Looks Like With Yours

Loved by thousands · verified buyer photos
Customer photo of a one-of-a-kind patchwork billboard pouch in bright colors

Love

I received my bag as a gift. I love it. The colors are great and it's the perfect size for traveling.

JenIronton, US
Patchwork Charlie Pouch
Patchwork Mini Blake tote in a colorful billboard print, photographed outdoors on a rock
Verified

Patchwork on the go

Taking my Patchwork Mini Blake on an adventure.

Rachel N.Honolulu, US
Patchwork Mini Blake Tote
Blue and cream billboard tote with a large R initial, on a kitchen counter
Verified

My daughter loves the bag

I saw this bag with the "R" initial and knew my daughter would love it, since her first name begins with R. She was so surprised — she said it's so versatile and a great size, and that she'll use it all the time. She also loves that it's made from recycled material, as she's very environmentally conscious. She sent me this photo as soon as she opened the package. Thanks, Rareform!

SiouxsieQ85Calabash, US
Billboard Tote
A black and white Blake tote with a red sling and a mini keychain bag, a full Rareform set
Verified

Love it

I'm in love with my new bag. This was my first time buying a Rareform bag. I thought it would be fun to get a surprise, but I was secretly hoping for the zippered Blake tote — I totally got one, in perfect go-with-whatever colors! I also got a large Zion sling and a cute little keychain baby Blake. What a great set!

MJBrainerd, US
Mystery Bundle
Green and white insulated cooler tote with black handles and base
Verified

Perfect size cooler!

It's great for work! Has a side zipper on the exterior!

Tracy G.Portland, US
Cooler Bag
White and purple billboard zip pouch organizer with a black base
Verified

Functional organizer!

I purchased two of these organizers. I can organize my purse and use the other for items like keys, wallet and shopping bag — less bulk in my hands at the market.

Tracy G.Portland, US
Zip Pouch
Shop the Summer Bags →
Covered by our 1-year warranty
The Short Version

Five Bags, One for Every Kind of Day

If you scrolled to the bottom first, here's the quick read. Every one is hand-cut from a retired billboard, so whichever you pick, the print is yours alone.

01
Best Beach ToteThe Everyday Tote
The one-bag haul for full beach days, the farmers' market and chasing kids — roomy and wipe-clean.
02
Best Pool BagThe Cooler Bag
Keeps drinks and snacks cold from the car to the water — the pick for picnics, pool days and hosting.
03
Best for TravelThe Weekender Duffle
Roomy enough for a long weekend, soft enough to stuff under a seat, and impossible to mix up at the carousel.
04
Hands-FreeThe Everyday Backpack
The tote's hands-free sibling for walking days, the trail and the commute — weight spread across both shoulders.
05
Trendy & StylishThe Sling Bag
For the days you carry almost nothing — phone, cards and sunglasses, close across the body and out of the way.
Good to Know

Questions, Answered

What are the best beach bags for summer?
For a full beach day with towels, sunscreen and snacks, the Hudson is the best beach tote — roomy and wipe-clean. For a pool day or keeping drinks cold for a group, the Sierra is our pick for the best pool bag. Travelling light or chasing kids? The backpack and sling keep your hands free.
Which is the best beach bag for moms and families?
The Hudson tote. It's the best family beach bag here — big enough for everyone's towels, snacks and spare clothes, with a wipe-clean interior for the inevitable sandy, sunscreen-covered mess. That combination of room and easy cleanup is what makes it the best beach bag for moms.
Are these waterproof and easy to clean?
Billboard vinyl is genuinely water-resistant and wipes clean with a damp cloth — sand, sunscreen and spilled drinks come right off. If you want the best waterproof beach bag for pool and shore days, that wipe-clean finish is exactly what you're after.
Are these really made from old billboards?
Yes. Billboards are printed on a tough, weatherproof vinyl — not paper. When they retire, we collect them and hand-cut each one into bags instead of sending them to landfill. We upcycle around 5 million pounds of this material every year.
Will my bag look exactly like the photo?
Every bag is one-of-one, cut from a unique section of billboard, so the exact print varies — which is part of what makes these such stylish, one-of-a-kind beach bags. On made-to-order styles you'll choose a colorway — warm, cool, or dark — and we'll match the overall look. The specific pattern will be yours alone.
What's your warranty policy?
Every Rareform product is covered by a one-year warranty. If something goes wrong with your bag, you can start a claim at rareform.com/pages/start-a-warranty-claim — you'll submit a couple of photos and a note, and the team reviews and approves requests within three business days. For the fastest service, include your order number and the email tied to your order.
What about shipping?
Shipping is free on orders over $100. Because each piece is one-of-a-kind, popular prints sell out and don't restock — if one's calling your name, it's worth grabbing.

Find the One That's Yours This Summer

No two are alike, and the good ones move fast. Browse the full collection and grab the print that's calling your name.

Shop All Summer Bags →
Every bag is backed by a 1-year warranty
A lineup of one-of-a-kind Rareform bags, each hand-cut from a retired billboard
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