Who doesn’t love a capacious bag that you can just chuck everything into? That jumper you bring on a sunny day ‘just in case’, the extra pair of flats to change into, and the sandy micro-fibre towel you’ve been carrying around since that beach day in July (just me?).
But I also need something super organised, so I can instantly locate my keys or that all-important hair tie without having to rummage around in the crevices for 30 minutes. And it must be waterproof because we’re set for a stormy autumn (according to the Met Office,we’re about to experience the ‘strongest El Niño event in living memory’).
Well, I think I’ve found a carryall that can actually do it all, from rainy commutes to weekend adventures. The YETI Camino 20 is that rare combination of stylish and incredibly practical: it looks put-together, is genuinely easy to carry, fits an almost inexplicable amount inside(with dividers!), and is completely waterproof. Here’s why it’s the only tote you’ll probably ever need (and perfect for an El Niño autumn).
What I love about the YETI Camino 20
It’s more organised than me
If you’ve used to carrying a canvas tote, you’ll know the particular frustration of rummaging around inside it while the bag crumples around you. But the Camino 20’s EVA-moulded base keeps it standing upright as you pack.
Inside, you’ll find deployable divider panels that create separate sections for keeping shoes away from clean clothes, hold bottles upright and stop smaller essentials from disappearing into its depths. Plus, when you need the full 35-litre capacity, they fold away to create one spacious compartment.
It looks good, too
Despite being perfectly at home in the outdoors – it can carry picnic essentials, camping gear, and even contain sandy wetsuits – the clean, understated design means it won’t look out of place on the commute or tucked beneath your desk, either. It also comes in a choice of six seasonal or five core colourways.
I recently took the bag home to visit my family for the weekend, and being the lazy packer I am, I was excited by how much I could cram inside without having to decide what was and wasn’t vital. Even my compliment-incompetent teenage brothers told me they liked my new bag – if you’ve ever met a 17-year-old boy, you’ll know that’s worth a mention.
It’s versatile, durable and, yes, waterproof
The ‘CarryStrong’ handles make the tote comfortable to carry, even when it’s filled with everything you might need for a day out (and quite a few things you probably don’t). It also works for carting your tech to the office, with sturdy sides and a fastening feature that keeps your laptop safe and secure. Plus, it comes with YETI’s three-year warranty, so if it’s wearing more quickly than you’d like, you can get it replaced.
How could the tote could be improved?
If I’m being honest, I was disappointed that it doesn’t also keep your lunch cold, as YETI is known for its cool boxes and insulated water bottles. But I guess you can’t have absolutely everything.
The verdict on the YETI Camino 20
This is a tote for people who like to be prepared for every eventuality – and for those who routinely pack for three different versions of the same day. With El Niño pointing towards a wetter, stormier autumn in the UK, it also feels particularly well-timed. It’s a tough-as-nails tote that’s already earned its place by my front door; ready for muddy weekends, damp commutes and impromptu escapes, without looking like something I’ve grabbed from the Bag for Life cupboard in my kitchen.
It’s definitely an investment, but one that should prove useful for all the delightfully unpredictable conditions the UK provides, for many, many years to come.
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
