Some of these woven baskets are beautiful and I even bought one a couple years ago. However, the functionality wasn't so great for me. They don't often fit in the space they give you at the grocery store to bag your items - especially in the self-checkout area. I end up buying canvas bags that are the same dimensions as an old-fashioned paper bag...similar to No. 2 above. It was an expensive lesson learned that function over form sometimes wins.

The nearest market is several miles away, and I don't have a car. I'm In a hilly area so bikes are a pain. I haven't found the perfect shopping bag that doesn't break my back yet when stuffed with cans and milk. I'm definitely looking for good, stylish suggestions!

I bought a rolling cart, but I think the fact that I'm tall makes them hard to roll.. unless they're like that for everyone? It kept banging into the backs of my legs and I couldn't take normal sized steps, so I used a handkerchief to "extend" the handle. Then, it tipped so far over that the side of the container dragged on the ground and holes wore in the fabric. I just can't win, lol. If I didn't live on the second floor of an apartment with no elevator, I'd just buy myself a gigantic shopping cart. :)

Any suggestions on ways to get home groceries for those of us that have to schlepp it home and often have sore backs from backpacks and shoulder bags? :) Those are the kind of bags that I want to see.

Hicchan - I too am car-less and know that grocery shopping can be a struggle. However, about 1.5 years ago I discovered the greatest bike bag of all time - the Toocan bag by Detours (http://detours.us/store/panniers/toocan/). It easily secures onto a bike rack over your back tire and hold up to 30 lbs!! This bag is amazing and I highly, highly recommend it. I use it for everything - even in the rain because it comes with a waterproof cover. It's worth every penny!

I have the FRESH bag (#6 above) and absolutely love it!!

Hi Hicchan-

I prefer simple canvas bags. I've gotten sore before too, but I've found that the best solution is to make sure the weight is distributed evenly and then carry one on each shoulder.

love the first one! Pinning now!

Hicchan - Get a granny cart, push it in front of you. My best friend who is 6'2" loves hers. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/22/dining/too-old-to-use-a-stroller-for-groceries-too-young-to-retire.html?pagewanted=all

I keep 1-3 bags from Flip and Tumble in my purse/messenger at all times. In 2 years of owning these bags I have NOT ONCE forgotten a re-usable bag because they fold up so small. They are surprisingly sturdy and I love the bold colors. No, this is not a paid ad ;-)
http://www.amazon.com/Flip-Tumble-24-7-Eggplant-Slate/dp/B0028K2SUA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341973615&sr=8-2&keywords=flip+and+tumble

I recommend the bags from Aix En Provence. They are well built and fairly affordable - the trip there isn't bad either.

I use an LL Bean canvas boat and tote bag -- they come in all sizes and the ones with the shoulder length straps are very comfortable. They are washable and if you're near one of their outlets, they are always on sale.

Grocery bags are cool and I really like them. However, there is a problem with them... food-born bacteria. I live in Long Beach, CA and the city has banned any plastic bags (even recyclable ones), so there are carry-in bags everywhere. Problem is, people are getting sick. Bad stuff ranging from botulism to staph... no one sterilizes the bags and if you think about it.. you wouldn't want your grocer using bags with all kinds of foods together in them, so... I recommend using recyclable plastic bags for fruits.
Inside your very cool carry-in bag, of course :-)

Who the heck thinks that skinny leather handles are comfortable? Not for using longer than 5 minutes. Not with anything heavy.

Just got back from Germany, where I saw the coolest market bags ever - Reisenthel.