Simple Modern Bag Vs Bogg Bag: Which One Is Better?

I’ve been on a quest for the perfect, indestructible, “carry-everything” bag. This journey led me straight to the two biggest names in the game: the original Bogg Bag and the sleek Simple Modern tote. They’re both made of that famous rubber-like EVA material, but after using both, I can tell you they are worlds apart. My goal here is to give you a real user’s analytical breakdown so you can figure out exactly which one is truly the better choice for your lifestyle.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Experience With Bogg Bag

The first time I saw a Bogg Bag “in the wild,” I was at a crowded community pool.

A mom with three kids showed up, dropped this huge pink tub on the concrete, and it just stood there.

She pulled towels, goggles, snacks, and a million other things out of it, and it never once threatened to fall over.

I was immediately intrigued.

I bit the bullet and bought the Large Original Bogg Bag before a family beach vacation.

My first impression was, “Wow, this thing is huge and heavy.” But when it came time to pack, I was a believer. I fit four full-size beach towels, a large bottle of sunscreen, two books, a bag of snacks, and four water bottles into it, with room to spare. The little clear insert bag was perfect for my phone and keys.

The real “aha” moment came on the beach. I set it down on the sand, and it didn’t budge. My old canvas tote would have been a floppy, sandy mess in 10 seconds. At the end of the day, I just picked it up, and almost all the loose sand fell right through the holes. When we got back to the beach house, I took the hose to it, and it was clean and dry in five minutes. I felt like I had found the ultimate “mom bag.” The only time I truly disliked it was when I had to pack the car—it took up an enormous amount of trunk space.

Pros Of Bogg Bag

• The Legendary Stability: This, for me, is the Bogg Bag’s single greatest selling point. The brand uses the term “tip-proof,” and I have to say, it’s not just marketing hype. The bottom of the bag is a wide, flat, and slightly treaded plank of solid EVA.¹ I have plunked this bag down on shifting beach sand, on the wet, slippery deck of a pool, and even on the floor of my car, and it just stands. I’ve never had it flop over and spill its contents, which is a constant annoyance with traditional canvas or nylon totes. This feature is a game-changer when you’re trying to manage kids, towels, and snacks all at once. You can set it down and know your keys, phone (in its insert), and wallets aren’t about to be dumped onto the ground. This stability comes from its rigid, thick-walled construction. It doesn’t sag or lose its shape, even when it’s mostly empty.
• Superior Durability and Structure: The EVA material Bogg uses feels incredibly robust, almost industrial.² It’s thick, slightly stiff, and gives you the confidence to treat it poorly. I’ve dragged mine across sand, bumped it against concrete, and overloaded it with canned drinks and wet towels, and it shows virtually no signs of wear. The handles are a contiguous part of the bag’s mold, so there are no seams to rip or stitches to pop. When you compare it side-by-side with other bags, the sheer thickness of the Bogg’s material is apparent. This structure means it functions like a portable, open-topped chest. You can stack items inside without the walls collapsing, making it surprisingly efficient for packing. It feels less like a bag and more like a piece of high-quality gear, built to last for years of heavy-duty use.
• The Accessory Ecosystem: When you buy an Original Bogg Bag, you’re not just getting the tote. It comes standard with a set of two clear, zippered insert bags (one large, one small). These bags are designed to attach to the holes on the inside or outside of the bag using small plastic knobs.³ The large one is perfect for a phone, wallet, and keys, keeping them dry and sand-free. The smaller one is great for sunscreen, lip balm, or cards. This is a massive value-add, as it provides instant organization. Beyond that, the holes themselves have created a huge third-party market for “Bogg Bits,” which are decorative charms, similar to Crocs Jibbitz.⁴ While I’m not huge on decorating my bag, the functional accessories like cup holders, key leashes, and even wine glass holders that snap into the holes are genuinely useful.
• Ultimate Washability: This is the feature that really shines after a messy day. The bag is 100% waterproof and non-porous. Did a sunscreen bottle explode? Did a juice box leak? Is it full of wet, sandy towels? No problem. You can literally take a garden hose, spray the entire thing down inside and out, and it’s pristine in seconds. Sand doesn’t cling to the material and, thanks to the holes, it falls right out the bottom and sides as you walk. It doesn’t mildew, it doesn’t hold odors from wet swimsuits, and you never have to put it in a washing machine. For any parent or beach-goer, eliminating that “post-trip cleanup” dread is a massive pro.

Read more: Comparison Of Leatherman Free T2 And Victorinox

Cons Of Bogg Bag

• The Hefty Price Tag: There is no getting around it: Bogg Bags are expensive.⁵ For the Large Original size, you are often paying close to (and sometimes over) one hundred dollars.⁶ This is a significant investment for what is, at its core, a molded piece of EVA foam. You are absolutely paying a premium for the brand name, the patented design, and the “original” status. When you can buy a very nice canvas L.L. Bean tote for half that, or a generic beach bag for a quarter of the price, the cost can be hard to justify. This high price point makes it a considered purchase rather than an impulse buy, and it’s the single biggest barrier for most people. It feels like the “YETI” of beach bags, and you are paying for that name.
• The Heat Sensitivity Warning: This is the Bogg’s Achilles’ heel, and it’s a big one. The EVA material that makes it so durable and washable is not invincible. It is susceptible to warping under extreme heat. If you leave your Bogg Bag in a hot car on a summer day, or sitting in direct, intense sunlight on black asphalt for hours, it can literally bend, bubble, and deform. And once it’s warped, it’s permanent. This is a massive design flaw for a product whose entire purpose is to be used in the sun and at the beach. I find myself constantly having to be “aware” of my bag, making sure it’s under an umbrella or in the shade, which is an annoyance I don’t have with a simple fabric tote. This maintenance requirement feels counterintuitive to its “rugged” appeal.
• Bulk and Weight: This bag is a beast. It is not light, even when empty. The same thick, rigid material that gives it stability also makes it heavy to carry. When you load it up with towels, drinks, and books, it becomes a serious shoulder workout. It’s also incredibly bulky. It does not fold, collapse, or squish down in any way. This makes it a real pain to store in a closet or pack in a suitcase. It takes up a significant, unchangeable amount of space in your car trunk. If you are looking for a “packable” vacation bag, this is absolutely not it. It’s a “haul-it-from-the-car-to-the-sand” kind of bag, and that’s it.
• Clunky Insert Attachment: I listed the inserts as a pro, but the experience of using them can be a con. The plastic knobs used to attach the clear pouches to the bag are extremely stiff. You have to push with all your might to get them to pop through the holes, and it’s even harder to get them back out. It’s not a system you can use “on the fly.” You pretty much attach them where you want them and leave them there forever. This makes them far less modular than they appear. Furthermore, the holes on the bag are large. While great for sand, it means that if you’re caught in a rain shower, water will absolutely get in the bag and soak your towels, making the “waterproof” nature of the bag itself a bit of a moot point.

Pros Of Simple Modern Bag

• The Obvious Price Advantage: Let’s start with the biggest win for Simple Modern: the price. This tote is consistently, significantly cheaper than the Bogg Bag.⁷ Often, you can get a Simple Modern tote for nearly half the price of a comparable Bogg. For me, this immediately changes the equation. It’s not a massive, hundred-dollar investment; it’s a much more reasonable purchase. This lower price point makes it far more accessible and takes the “sting” out of buying a “rubber bag.” It means you can try out the EVA tote trend without the serious financial commitment. If you’re on the fence about whether you even need a bag like this, Simple Modern is the logical starting point. The value-for-money proposition is incredibly high.
• Sleek and Modern Aesthetics: I have to admit, I just think the Simple Modern bag looks better. It’s subjective, but the design is far more minimalist and, well, modern. It has far fewer holes, with large, solid panels of smooth EVA. This gives it a cleaner, more streamlined silhouette that looks less like a garden caddy and more like an actual fashion-forward tote. The color palette also reflects this, often featuring more muted, contemporary tones rather than just bright beachy colors. Because it doesn’t scream “BEACH BAG” with a hundred holes, I feel much more comfortable using it for other things. I take it to the farmer’s market, use it as an overnight bag, or even as a work bag on casual days. It blends in better with everyday life.
• Lighter Weight Design: When I pick up the Bogg and the Simple Modern (both empty), the Simple Modern feels noticeably lighter. This is a huge quality-of-life improvement. The EVA material doesn’t feel quite as thick or dense as the Bogg’s, which translates to less shoulder strain before you’ve even put anything in it. This lighter starting weight makes it a much more pleasant bag to carry for longer periods. It’s less of a “workout” and more of a “carryall.” If you’re someone who is sensitive to heavy bags or you know you have a long walk from the car, this lighter weight is a significant advantage.
• More Privacy and Splash Protection: This is the direct trade-off of having fewer holes. The large, solid side panels mean that people can’t just glance at your bag and see everything you’re carrying. It provides a level of privacy that the Bogg just doesn’t have. More importantly, it offers better protection from the elements. If you’re at the pool and someone splashes, your towels inside are far more likely to stay dry. If you get caught in a light rain shower, the contents are much better shielded. The Bogg’s holes are a two-way street; they let sand out, but they let water in. The Simple Modern is much more of a “closed” container, which I appreciate when I’m carrying electronics or a dry change of clothes.

Cons Of Simple Modern Bag

• Less “Tip-Proof” Than Bogg: This is the most noticeable functional difference. While the Simple Modern bag has a flat bottom and will stand up on its own, it is definitely not “tip-proof.” The base is not as wide, heavy, or rigidly structured as the Bogg’s. I’ve had it topple over in the car and on uneven grass when it was only half-full. It just doesn’t have that unshakeable, solid-as-a-rock feeling that the Bogg does. You still have to be a bit more careful about where you set it down. If your primary need is a bag that will not fall over, no matter what, the Bogg clearly wins. This is the trade-off for its lighter weight and sleeker, less-boxy design.
• No Included Accessories: To hit that attractive price point, Simple Modern cut out the extras. The bag is just the bag. It does not come with any clear insert pouches, dividers, or key leashes. This is a major con. The Bogg’s included pouches are immediately useful for organization. With the Simple Modern, my phone, keys, and wallet just get tossed into the main compartment, a “black hole” where they’re hard to find and are left to mix with wet towels or sandy toys. You absolutely can buy your own organizational pouches, but this starts to eat into the price advantage and adds another step to making the bag truly functional.
• Sand and Water Drainage Issues: The pro of “splash protection” becomes a major con at the beach. Those solid panels that keep water out also keep sand and water in. If you toss a sandy towel or a wet swimsuit into the Simple Modern, that sand and water is trapped at the bottom. There is no escape. At the end of the day, you have to physically tip the entire bag over and dump it out, then wipe out the gritty, wet interior. The Bogg, in contrast, drains itself. You just pick it up, give it a shake, and most of the sand falls right through the holes. For a dedicated beach bag, this is a significant functional disadvantage for the Simple Modern.
• The “Dupe” Factor: This might not matter to everyone, but it’s worth mentioning. The Bogg Bag has the patent and the “original” brand cachet. The Simple Modern, while a high-quality product from a reputable brand, is clearly an “inspired-by” design, or what many would call a “dupe.”⁸ It doesn’t have the same cult-like following or brand recognition. For those who value originality and brand status, this is a clear downside. This also means it will likely have a much lower resale value if you ever decide to sell it, whereas Bogg Bags famously hold their value very well.

My Experience With Simple Modern Bag

I already owned (and loved) a Simple Modern tumbler, so when I saw they made a Bogg-style tote for so much less, I had to try it.

I bought the Large tote in a nice, muted olive-green color.

My first thought was that it felt much more “stylish” than my bright pink Bogg. It was also noticeably lighter.

I started using the Simple Modern as my “everything else” bag. It became my go-to for the farmer’s market because I could put fresh produce in it and just wipe it clean afterward.

It’s my trunk organizer for groceries. I take it to picnics because it looks less “beachy” and more like a proper tote.

However, I did take it to the beach once, and that’s where I saw the difference. It was definitely less stable on the sand and tipped over when my kid bumped it. And at the end of the day, I had a lovely puddle of water and a pile of wet sand at the bottom that I had to dump out. I also really missed the little snap-in bag for my phone. For me, the Simple Modern became my perfect “around town” bag, while the Bogg remained the undefeated “beach and pool” champion.

Maintenance Tips For Bogg Bag

• The Number One Rule: Avoid Extreme Heat: I cannot stress this enough. This is the cardinal sin of Bogg Bag ownership. That durable EVA foam will warp, bend, and permanently deform if exposed to extreme temperatures. This means you should never leave it in a hot car. You should not leave it sitting in direct, intense sunlight on a hot surface (like a blacktop driveway or a dark-colored pool deck) for hours on end. Don’t store it in a non-climate-controlled attic or garage in the middle of summer. Always keep it in the shade when possible, or cover it with a towel. This one tip is the key to making your expensive bag last for years.
• Routine Cleaning: The best part of the Bogg is the cleaning.⁹ For 99% of messes (sand, dirt, grass), a simple spray-down with a garden hose is all you need. The water and debris will flow right out of the holes. For more stubborn messes, like greasy sunscreen spills, food, or scuffs, use a mild dish soap (like Dawn) and a soft cloth or sponge. You can scrub the interior and exterior, rinse it thoroughly, and let it air dry (in the shade, of course). It’s completely waterproof, so don’t be afraid to get it sudsy.
• Scuff Mark Removal: Because the bag is often rubbing against concrete, car doors, or other hard surfaces, it can pick up black scuff marks.¹⁰ My secret weapon for this is a magic eraser. Just dampen the magic eraser and gently rub the scuff mark. It almost always takes it right off without damaging the finish of the bag. I would recommend testing it on a small, inconspicuous spot first (like the bottom) just to be safe, but I’ve had great success with this method.
• Storing Your Bag: Because the bag is rigid, it’s tempting to just shove it in a corner or stack things on top of it. Don’t do this. To maintain its perfect “tip-proof” shape, you should store your Bogg Bag upright and empty. Don’t store it crushed under heavy bins or other items, as this could cause the sides to bow or the base to bend over time. Just let it stand on its own on a shelf or in a closet, and it will be ready to go.

Also read: My Thoughts on Matrixx Water Softener

Maintenance Tips For Simple Modern Bag

• The Same Heat Warning Applies: This is not a Bogg-specific problem; it is an EVA problem. The Simple Modern tote is made from the same heat-sensitive material, so all the same rules apply. Do not leave it in a hot car. Do not store it in a sweltering attic. Do not let it bake in the direct sun on a 100-degree day. It will warp just as easily as a Bogg Bag, and you will be just as disappointed. Protecting it from extreme heat is the most important maintenance step you can take.
• Interior Cleaning (No Drains): Since the Simple Modern bag has a solid bottom and fewer holes, you can’t just “hose it down” and walk away. All the water, sand, and grime will get trapped inside. The best way to clean it is to take it to a utility sink or outside. Use your mild soap and a cloth to wipe down the interior, then physically tip the bag on its side to rinse and dump all the water out. I usually have to do this a couple of times to get all the suds and grit out.
• Wiping Down Solid Panels: A benefit of the sleek, solid panels is that they are very easy to wipe clean.¹¹ However, a downside is that they tend to show dust, water spots, and fingerprints more than the textured, hole-punched Bogg. For daily maintenance, I find myself just taking a damp cloth or a cleaning wipe and giving the exterior a quick wipe-down to keep it looking fresh, especially if I’m using it as an “errand” bag.
• Drying Thoroughly: Because water gets trapped inside, it’s important to dry the Simple Modern tote more thoroughly than the Bogg. After rinsing it out, I recommend using an old towel to wipe down the interior. This prevents water from pooling at the bottom and getting musty, and it also gets rid of any remaining water spots on the solid panels, keeping it looking clean and new.

Comparison With Other Brands (Bogg Bag)

• Bogg Bag vs. YETI Camino Carryall: This is the heavyweight championship. The YETI Camino isn’t an EVA bag; it’s made from the same “ThickSkin” shell as their soft coolers. It is unbelievably rugged, waterproof, and puncture-resistant. It’s on a completely different level of durability than the Bogg. It’s also on a different level of price, costing significantly more. The Camino is a true “gear” bag for fishing, camping, or a construction site. It doesn’t have holes, so it’s a “bucket” style, but it’s heavier and more focused on extreme durability than on beach-day convenience. The Bogg is the perfect, washable beach and pool bag; the YETI is a “throw-it-in-the-truck-bed-with-your-tools” bag.¹²
• Bogg Bag vs. Simply Southern Totes: This is probably the most direct Bogg competitor and is often seen as a “dupe.” The Simply Southern totes look almost identical to the Bogg, right down to the hole pattern and the inserts.¹³ The key difference is the price and material feel. Simply Southern bags are cheaper, and as a result, the EVA material is generally perceived as being thinner, more flexible, and less robust. The handles might feel a bit flimsier. It’s a fantastic budget-friendly alternative if you want the exact Bogg look and hole-based functionality without the Bogg price, but you are making a trade-off in overall quality and rigidity.
• Bogg Bag vs. Generic “Beachcomber” Totes: This category covers the unbranded or store-brand (like the “Beachcomber” at Costco) EVA totes you see on Amazon or in big-box stores. These are the cheapest options, but the quality is a complete gamble. I have seen some where the handles pop off on the first use, the EVA has a very strong chemical smell, or the material is so thin that the bag has no structure at all. While you might get lucky, you’re generally getting what you pay for. The Bogg’s value comes from its consistent, patented, and high-quality construction.¹⁴

Comparison With Other Brands (Simple Modern Bag)

• Simple Modern vs. QOGiR Totes: This is a very popular brand on Amazon that, like Simple Modern, targets the “stylish but functional” EVA tote market. The QOGiR bags are very similar in design—minimalist, sleek, fewer holes, and a focus on aesthetics. They are also very competitively priced. When comparing the Simple Modern to the QOGiR, the differences are minimal and often come down to personal preference on color availability, handle shape, or exact size. Both are excellent, affordable alternatives to the Bogg if you prefer the modern, less-holey look.
• Simple Modern vs. L.L. Bean Boat and Tote: This is a classic “old vs. new” comparison. The L.L. Bean Boat and Tote is the original, timeless carryall, made of indestructible canvas. Its pros are its classic style, its ability to be monogrammed, and its “buy-it-for-life” reputation. Its cons are all the things the Simple Modern solves: the canvas stains, it absorbs water, it holds sand, it gets mildewy if you put a wet towel in it, and it’s a pain to clean. The Simple Modern is the 21st-century answer to the Boat and Tote—it has the same carryall function but with the unbeatable benefit of being 100% waterproof and wipe-clean.¹⁵
• Simple Modern vs. Sport-Brella Beach Tote: This is another alternative you might see, especially at warehouse clubs. The Sport-Brella tote is often praised for being extremely durable and having a very high weight capacity.¹⁶ It’s built for function over fashion. While the Simple Modern bag is trying to be stylish, the Sport-Brella bag is purely utilitarian. It’s a great choice if you need to haul heavy gear (like beach chairs, umbrellas, or a cooler) and care more about ruggedness and price than you do about a sleek, minimalist design. It’s a workhorse, whereas the Simple Modern is a stylish thoroughbred.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

After using both bags extensively, I can tell you that there isn’t one “better” bag—there is only the bag that is better for you.

Here is my final verdict. You should buy the Bogg Bag if:

• You are a beach or pool family, period.
• Your number one priority is stability and a “tip-proof” design.
• You constantly deal with sand, and the idea of it just falling out the bottom holes sounds like a dream.
• You need to haul a lot of heavy, wet gear and want the most durable, rigid structure.
• You value the “original” brand and want the included organizational inserts.

On the other hand, you should buy the Simple Modern Bag if:

• Price is a major factor, and you want the best value for your money.
• You want a bag that looks more “modern” and less “beachy” for use around town, at the market, or for picnics.
• You prefer a lighter-weight bag and are willing to sacrifice some stability for it.
• You don’t go to the beach often, so the lack of sand-draining holes isn’t a deal-breaker.
• You want an EVA tote but don’t need or want to pay for the “Bogg” name.

For my life, I’ve actually kept both. The Bogg is my designated, heavy-duty beach and pool champion.The Simple Modern is my stylish, lightweight daily driver for everything else. Take a look at your own needs, and I promise, you’ll know exactly which one is right for you.