As a mom of two little ones, my tote bag isn’t just a bag. It’s basically my mobile command center. I need something that looks good, holds a lot, and won’t fall apart after a few messy snack breaks or unexpected downpours. So when I saw people raving about both the PopUps Everyday Tote ($115) and the BEIS East to West Tote ($108), I had to test them for myself.
One is a clear winner, but to keep it real, I wanted to break things down into the five biggest things I look for in a tote.
If you want a bag with solid storage… pick PopUps
Both bags offer solid storage for all of your essentials. The BEIS tote has more structured compartments, including a padded laptop sleeve and phone pockets. If you love having a designated place for everything, BEIS might edge it out for you.
But the PopUps tote has a roomier, more flexible layout with two side pockets, plus an easy-access detachable pouch that I love for grabbing my phone and keys. It’s less structured but more spacious overall, which works better for my lifestyle. They also offer matching pouches for even more space.
If you want an all-season style… go with PopUps
If you want a bag that can work for every season, PopUps is what you need. They offer over 50 different colors and unique patterns, designed by women. One beautiful burnt orange caught my eye immediately. You can find a tote that matches your winter coats and your spring neutral. Style-wise, PopUps hits that sweet spot between sporty and sleek. It feels elevated without being too serious, perfect for my lifestyle.
With only 5 color options, BEIS leans more professional and structured, which is great if you’re commuting to an office or want something with a more classic feel. But for my day-to-day, which includes everything from school runs to brunch to content shoots, PopUps feels way more versatile, especially with their bundle option. You can combine your tote with other accessories in matching/different colors, personalizing the tote even more.
If you’re looking for travel extras, pick either
This is one category where BEIS pulls even. Their East to West tote includes a removable shoulder strap and a suitcase pass-through on the back, which makes it ideal for airport travel.
PopUps is a bit more versatile, usable for both travel and everyday. That said, I love using my PopUps tote for weekend getaways, since it fits a surprising amount without looking overstuffed.
For easy cleaning, pick PopUps
The PopUps Everyday Tote is fully machine-washable. I’ve already washed mine twice after juice boxes exploded inside, and it came out looking brand new. This bag is basically life-proof!
The BEIS tote, on the other hand, is spot-clean only. If you treat your bags like precious cargo, that might be fine. But for anyone juggling kids, groceries, and a half-eaten muffin at the bottom of their bag, a machine-washable tote is a total lifesaver.
For a lightweight tote, pick PopUps
Here’s something I didn’t expect to notice so much: weight. PopUps is made of perforated neoprene and feels super lightweight even when it’s full. The soft rope-style handles are comfy on the shoulder, too, which makes a difference on long days out. It is the perfect bag for me since I’m always on the go.
The BEIS tote, on the other hand, weighs over 2 pounds empty. Once I loaded it up with my usual gear (laptop, snacks, water bottle, wallet, etc.), it started to feel a bit bulky.
My final pick: The PopUps Everyday Tote
PopUps is the clear winner, especially if you’re a mom like me or just someone who wants their bag to work with them, not against them. I wish I could have personalized it, but I didn't have the chance.
But they have so many cute color and pattern options available, making it hard to choose only one! The burnt orange caught my eye, and with the matching pouch, I can organize everything perfectly. Each bag is lightweight, functional, and machine-washable, a no-brainer for me. My PopUps Everyday Tote hasn’t left my side since I got it. It’s made my life easier, which honestly is all I ever ask for in a bag.
