Q: I'm in the market for a lunch bag and don't know where to start. I've been using plastic shopping bags to line my tote and keep things contained, but it's not an ideal solution. Also, I cook with garlic a lot and my tote is starting to smell funny, so anything with an anti-odor is a plus!
Sent by Erica
Editor: We really love the BUILT brand lunch bags around here. They come in a lot of sizes and shapes, all of which are good for holding multiple containers. They're not completely waterproof, but they definitely keep spills contained and you can throw them in the wash when they get dirty.
• BUILT Lunch Bags and Totes
Readers, what lunch bags do you recommend?
Related: 10 Plastic-Free Lunch Boxes
(Image: Emma Christensen)
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Yes, I am now on my second Gourmet Getaway from Built. They really hold a lot, are made in fun prints and colors, and are easy to wash.
Great post! I am in the market for a lunch bag as well. I adore Lunchbots containers, now I just need the perfect bag to carry them in!
i use a built bag too! i THINK it's the one in the photo above (except in a black and white pattern)
i love it. i can fit a lot, i've never had a spill leak through, and it's a bit stretchy, so if you have oddly-sized containers you can usually squeeze them in :D
I recently discovered Rubbermaid Lunchblox. You buy containers that are specifically designed to fit in their bags. They come in different sets, specialized for salads, sandwiches, and entrees. The containers range in size from little ones for dressing to large ones for whole lunches. The different size containers all snap together and there are specially designed ice packs as well. I've had to buy multiple sets because everyone uses them in my house. FYI: oddly the cheapest place I've seen the container sets and bags are on rubbermaid's website.
I use a tiffin. It's 2 stainless steel containers that interlock and then lock down completely on top. Popular in India. I never worry about my food spilling out, so I just throw it in my messenger bag I use for work.
I'll add my voice to the fans of Built bags. All the same reasons: they soak up spills rather than let them flow out, are easy to clean, and accommodate lots of different container shapes because of the stretchy material.
I know several people who have gotten Built bags because of seeing mine. I've been using mine nearly every workday for several years, so they seem to have good longevity.
Oh, I should also add that for those who carry food in jars or other glass containers, Built bags also offer a little protective cushion so that things are less likely to break.
I second (or third or fourth!) those that use the Built bags. I also use these fake ice cube sheets--which are flexible and perfect for the stretchy Built bags--when I don't have access to a fridge.
Well, maybe it's because the corporate headquarters is based about 5 min from me, but I say go with an Igloo! They are made in America and have a lot of great designs and shapes. You may think they are just coolers, but they have all kinds of cool designs and some just look like purses. Check out the Ikat, Duo, and Trendy Totes collections, among others:
http://www.igloocoolers.com/Series-Collections?
i have this one, i love it to pieces.
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/lunch-cooler/19846?productid=949933
The research consortium I work with gave away Built bags at our meeting a few years ago. I LOVE mine. It's solid burgundy with the consortium logo screen printed on one side, so not the prettiest bag. I love that it is stretchy, and easy to wash. I also have a lunch bag from the Lean Cuisine give away a few years ago (yeah, sometimes I have to settle for a frozen lasagna dinner). It's a great size, and the handle is long enough to fit over my shoulder.
I have gone through about 10 different lunch boxes in the past 3 years and I finally found one I love. The hardest part was when there was a spill, making sure it was completely clean. I always had a hard time with the seams. I purchased one of REIs personal coolers and it is perfect. No seams inside and great insulating capabilities. I usually have a large lunch and everything fits perfect!
I highly recommend it as I have tried many recently.
I´ve got this ones (one in each color) for me and my husband and we have been using them for 5 month till now and so far they are pretty good and convinient, I really like them. The divition in the containers ar removable, and till now they don´t leak and we have had soup a few times.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00466I4RA/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
How about Mr Bento by Zojirushi!
I'll 2nd Breezie's comment, except that I use a Ms. Bento (or is it Mini Bento?). Anyways, I love Zojirushi and have had great experiences with their products. I've been tempted by the all-stainless tiffin-type boxes, but then you wouldn't be able to microwave your lunch!