Reisenthel's Colorful Market Bags

We were feeling a little over-market-bagged there for a while. String bags, canvas bags, market baskets ... you name it, we've tried it a few times and then packed it away with all its other market bag friends.

Lately, we we've settled on a real winner. This is the market bag we reach for and are determined to use regularly: the MiniMaxi Shopper from Reisenthel ($4.99 on eBay).

These handy polyester bags comes tucked into a small storage case that's just four inches by two inches. When unfurled, these bags hold a large amount of Greenmarket produce plus whatever else we're toting around town, without looking bulky from the outside. They come in more than 20 different colors and pattern variations.

We appreciate the light weight, but realize that some people will prefer bags made of organic cotton and other greener fabrics. As Whole Foods and other grocery stores stop giving out plastic bag and cities move to outlaw plastic bags, we'll be hearing more about re-usable bags like this.

Comments (11)

I received the slightly larger floral Reisenthel as a stocking stuffer this year, and I have to say, it's sort of life-changing. I keep it rolled up in my purse, and whenever i go into a deli, or pick up magazine or whatever, I say "I don't need a bag." I'd have about 200 plastic bags by now if it weren't for this. When I go grocery shopping I take canvas totes, but this is perfect for unexpected purchases on a day to day basis because it takes up so little space in a purse or jacket.

just go get one. container store has them, too.

i have two of these, and i love them!

i'd love to switch to these bags. but if i stop getting plastic bags, what will i use to line my garbage pail?

I have a Reisenthel shopper in yellow with brown floral designs and I get compliments on it all the time, in addition to it being just a baddass shopping bag. I've stuffed multiple flour bags plus additional groceries and I've always been impressed with how much it can hold. The handles are just the right length for hanging on the shoulder and the flat shape makes it comfortable to carry.

I still use canvas bags for when I know I'm doing major shopping, but who wants to stuff those in a purse when you can use this super compact little thing that weighs almost nothing?

We have four of these (two small ones plus two shoulder totes) and they're fantastic - lightweight, durable, and with the little pouch to fold them up, there's no excuse not to use them!

This bag is strong as hell. I've stuffed like four tins of pineapple and a six pack of tonic in it. My only complaint is that the handles aren't as long as I'd like them to be to wear it on my arm - it's not as easy to maneuver things in and out at the public market if you're wearing it that way.

Is polyester biodegradable? It would seem that if they aren't, not much is gained in the long run. And what about the process of making polyester? How green is that?

Maybe it's all OK, but I'm sticking with cotton for now.

I've been using these Reisenthal bags for a couple years now. Picked them up in the checkout line at the Container Store. They are incredible. It seems to be parachute-type material that doesn't rip, and doesn't shrink or get stiff in the laundry after I wash it like my canvas bag did. The checkout lady always compliments me on it. Wow! she says! So durable!
I love them. It's always in the bottom of my purse.

GIN, you're right, they're not perfect, but if it's this vs. the 500 plastic bags we each use on average each year, this has to be better. And I have yet to find a natural fiber bag that rolls up and fits easily in my purse.

The 24-7 bag is also a good choice. For something quite small I like the Stuff bag, created by Belgian designer Sylvain Willenz. Though different, the Tom Bihn utility tote is used for much the same purpose. It's expensive but should last for years.