Simple Modern Vs Bogg Bag: Which One Is Better?

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect “everything” bag for ages—something to haul towels to the pool, snacks to a soccer game, and groceries from the car, all while being easy to clean. My search, like many of yours, inevitably led me to the two titans of the tip-proof tote world: the original Bogg Bag and the sleek Simple Modern tote. I’ve used both, and my goal here is to give you a real, analytical breakdown of my experience to help you decide which one truly deserves your money.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Experience With The Bogg Bag

The first time I got my hands on an Original Bogg Bag, my initial thought was, “This thing is a tank.”

It felt substantial, almost comically large, and incredibly rigid. My first real test was a beach day with my family.

This is where the Bogg Bag truly shines. I loaded it with three towels, a large sunscreen bottle, snacks, two water bottles, and a sand shovel.

The best part? Setting it down on the sand. It just stood there.

It didn’t tip, it didn’t slouch, and the sand just brushed off the outside. When a wave got a little too close, the water pooled at the bottom without soaking anything inside (thanks to the items being on top of the towels). At the end of the day, it was full of sand inside, but that was the magic. I just took it to the outdoor shower, hosed the entire thing out, and it was pristine in 60 seconds.

However, carrying it was another story. It’s heavy before you put anything in it. The thick plastic straps, while durable, are not the most comfortable for a long walk from a distant parking spot. I often found one strap slipping off my shoulder. It’s a workhorse, not a comfort-carry item. I use it when I know I need maximum capacity and durability, and I won’t be walking a mile with it.

Pros Of Bogg Bag

• Extreme Durability: This is its primary selling point. The material is a thick, high-density EVA foam that feels almost indestructible.¹ I’ve slammed it in my car door, dragged it across concrete, and overloaded it with canned goods, and it shows zero signs of wear, cracking, or tearing. It’s built to withstand serious abuse, making it ideal for families with young kids who are rough on everything. The material doesn’t fade quickly in the sun and can handle being tossed around, which gives me incredible peace of mind when I’m just trying to get out the door. It’s a true buy-it-for-life kind of product.
• Tip-Proof Design: The structured bottom and rigid walls are a game-changer. You can set this bag down anywhere—on shifting sand, a sloping grassy hill, or the wet floor of a pool bathroom—and it will not fall over. This is a feature I didn’t know I needed until I had it. It means my water bottle isn’t spilling, my phone isn’t tumbling out onto the ground, and I can pack and unpack it with two hands without having to prop the bag against something. It’s like having a portable, stable bucket, and it’s fantastic for chaotic environments.
• Included Accessories: The original Bogg Bag almost always comes with a set of two clear insert pouches—one large and one small.² These are surprisingly useful. I use the small one for my phone, keys, and wallet, and the large one for sunscreen and snacks. They snap securely into any of the holes, both inside or outside the bag, keeping my essentials sand-free and easy to find. This added value is a nice touch, considering the high price point, and saves me from having to buy separate organizational inserts.
• Customization: The holes aren’t just for letting water out; they’re for “Bogg Bits,” which are the brand’s version of Jibbitz for Crocs.³ While I personally don’t use them, I see the appeal. You can personalize your bag with your initials, a school mascot, or just fun charms. It adds a layer of personality and makes your bag uniquely yours, which is a fun bonus, especially when half the families at the pool have a similar-looking tote. It also creates a strong brand ecosystem that many users love being a part of.

Read more: Comparison Of Leatherman Free T2 And Victorinox

Cons Of Bogg Bag

• The Price Tag: There’s no getting around it—this bag is expensive. It’s a significant investment for what is, at its core, a large plastic tote. When I first purchased it, I definitely felt a bit of buyer’s remorse until I put it through its paces. For many people, the price is a major barrier, especially when there are so many similar-looking alternatives on the market for a fraction of the cost.⁴ You are absolutely paying a premium for the brand name and the original, patented design, and that can be a tough pill to swallow.
• It Is Heavy And Bulky: This bag has heft. Even when completely empty, the large size weighs around 5 pounds.⁵ It’s a workout just carrying the bag itself. This weight, combined with its rigid, non-collapsible structure, makes it a pain to store. It doesn’t fold down, it doesn’t squish into a closet—it takes up its full 19x15x9.5 inches of space, period.⁶ This bulk also makes it awkward to carry, as I mentioned. It constantly bumps against my leg, and the stiff handles aren’t exactly ergonomic for a long haul.
• Uncomfortable Straps: While the straps are undeniably durable, they are not comfortable. They are made of the same hard plastic as the bag, and when the bag is loaded, they dig into my shoulder. I’ve tried those separate comfort-grip-style covers, which help, but it’s an extra purchase. The design also makes it prone to the “one-strap slip,” where the outer strap constantly falls off your shoulder, forcing you to either hold the straps together with your hand or constantly readjust, which is incredibly annoying when you’re trying to wrangle kids or other items.
• The Holes Let Things In: Everyone talks about the holes letting sand and water out, but they absolutely let sand and water in. If you’re at the beach and the wind kicks up, or another kid runs by and sprays sand everywhere, your bag’s contents are getting a nice coating. The open-top design also means everything inside is exposed to the elements, whether that’s a sudden rain shower or the blazing hot sun, which can turn your sunscreen bottles into goo and heat up your phone to dangerous levels.⁷

Maintenance Tips For Bogg Bag

• The Standard Hose-Down: This is the most advertised and, honestly, the most effective cleaning method. After a day at the beach, my bag is a sandbox. I simply take everything out, turn it upside down to dump the big stuff, and then use the garden hose on a ‘jet’ setting to blast out every last grain of sand from the corners and the textured bottom. It’s incredibly satisfying and takes less than a minute. It’s also perfect for rinsing off sticky popsicle drips or patches of mud from the soccer field.
• Dealing With Scuffs And Grime: For more stubborn marks, like black scuff marks from the car trunk or a buildup of sunscreen and dirt, water alone won’t cut it. I use a magic eraser, and it works wonders. I just wet the eraser and scrub the scuff mark, and it usually lifts right off the EVA material without much effort. For general grime, a squirt of mild dish soap (like Dawn) on a wet rag or scrub brush, a quick scrub-down of the whole bag (inside and out), and another hose rinse makes it look brand new.
• What Not To Do: It’s crucial to remember that this bag is essentially plastic, and heat is its enemy. Never, ever put it in the dishwasher, as the high heat will absolutely warp it into an unrecognizable shape. You should also be careful about leaving it in a hot car for days on end, especially if it’s wedged against something. I’ve heard stories of bags losing their shape. Also, avoid harsh chemical cleaners like bleach or ammonia; they can discolor the plastic and degrade the material over time. Mild soap is all you’ll ever need.
• Cleaning The Inserts: Don’t forget about the clear insert bags! They get just as grimy with sunscreen lotion, sticky snacks, and goodness knows what else. I find these are actually harder to clean than the bag itself. I usually hand-wash them in the sink with warm, soapy water and use a bottle brush to get into the corners. Make sure to let them air dry completely, leaving them open so they don’t get a musty smell. I try to wipe them out with a baby wipe after every use to prevent buildup.

Comparison With Other Brands

• Bogg Bag Vs. Simply Southern: This is probably the Bogg’s most well-known and direct competitor. The Simply Southern totes are almost identical in shape, material, and function, right down to the holes and the inserts. In my experience, the Simply Southern bag feels slightly less rigid, but the main difference is often the price and color availability. Many accessories and “bits” are cross-compatible between the two. If you love the Bogg look but want different color patterns (like sea turtles or pineapples) or find one on a better sale, Simply Southern is a fantastic alternative.
• Bogg Bag Vs. Costco Dupes (like the “Beachcomber Bag”): Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart all release their own versions of this bag.⁸ I’ve handled the Costco “Beachcomber Bag” in-store, and it’s a very compelling dupe. The material feels sturdy, it has the same tip-proof design, and the price is significantly lower. The main downsides I’ve noticed are that the material can sometimes be too stiff, making it feel brittle, and the accessory quality isn’t as good. The straps may also be a weak point. But for a budget-friendly option, they are hard to beat for casual use.
• Bogg Bag Vs. Canvas Totes (like L.L. Bean or SCOUT): This is the classic beach bag alternative.⁹ I used a canvas L.L. Bean Boat and Tote for years. The main advantage of canvas is that it’s collapsible for storage and often has a zipper top to keep items secure. The downside? Sand. Sand gets embedded in the canvas weave and is impossible to get out. They get damp and stay damp, leading to a musty smell. They stain easily from spills or sunscreen. The Bogg Bag solves all of these problems.¹⁰ I’ve permanently switched to EVA totes for any activity involving water, sand, or dirt.
• Bogg Bag Vs. YETI Camino Carryall: If you think the Bogg Bag is expensive, the YETI Camino is in another league. The YETI is not a Bogg dupe; it’s a different beast. It’s made from a “Puncture-Resistant ThickSkin™ Shell,” which is more like a soft-sided cooler material. It’s incredibly rugged, has a molded base so it stands up, and has internal dividers.¹¹ However, it’s not hole-y, so you can’t hose it out the same way (you wipe it out). I see the YETI as more of a rugged gear-hauler or grocery bag, while the Bogg is the ultimate sand-and-pool bag.

My Experience With The Simple Modern Tote

After using the Bogg, I was curious about the Simple Modern tote, especially since I already own and love their tumblers.

Right out of the box, the difference was clear.

The Simple Modern bag felt lighter and a bit more flexible.

The design is, in my opinion, much sleeker. The lines are cleaner, and it just looks less like a “mom bag” and more like a stylish, oversized tote.

I took the Simple Modern tote on a weekend trip to the lake. It performed beautifully. It stood up perfectly on the dock, held two towels, a change of clothes, and my favorite Simple Modern tumbler (which fit snugly in the corner). It got splashed, and just like the Bogg, the water beaded right off. It was also significantly easier to carry. The lighter weight made a noticeable difference on my shoulder.

My main hesitation was durability. It feels less robust than the Bogg. I wouldn’t be as comfortable tossing heavy-duty gardening tools in it, whereas I wouldn’t think twice with a Bogg. For 90% of my tasks—pool days, errands, carrying sports gear—it has been more than durable enough. It’s the one I grab for a quick trip to the grocery store or when I’m bringing a dish to a friend’s house, simply because it’s less cumbersome.

Pros Of Simple Modern Tote

• The Sleek Aesthetic: This is, for me, the number one reason to choose the Simple Modern tote. It just looks better. The design is more refined, the lines are cleaner, and the silhouette is less bulbous than the Bogg.¹² It comes in a wide variety of modern, solid colors that feel more stylish and less “suburban.” Because it looks less like a piece of utility gear, I feel perfectly comfortable taking it to the farmer’s market or using it as an overnight bag without feeling like I’m lugging a beach bucket around. It blends function and fashion in a way the Bogg doesn’t quite manage.
• Lighter Weight: The difference in weight is immediately noticeable. The Simple Modern bag is significantly lighter than the Bogg when empty. This might not sound like a big deal, but when you’re loading it up with heavy towels, drinks, and books, every pound matters. It makes the entire carrying experience much more pleasant. It’s less of a chore to haul from the car, and my shoulder is definitely happier for it. This lighter weight also makes it easier to handle in general, like lifting it onto a high shelf for storage.
• Brand Ecosystem: Simple Modern has a massive, loyal following thanks to its drinkware. I already had their tumblers and water bottles, and the fact that I can get a tote in the exact same matching colorway is a huge (and very smart) selling point. It creates a cohesive, stylish look. It feels like a coordinated set rather than a random collection of items. This is a purely aesthetic benefit, but it’s one that strongly appeals to me and many other consumers who appreciate good design.
• More Affordable Price: While not a “cheap” bag, the Simple Modern tote is consistently priced lower than the Bogg Bag.¹³ This makes it a much more accessible entry point into the world of high-quality EVA totes. When I’m weighing the pros and cons, the fact that I can get 90% of the Bogg’s functionality (tip-proof, waterproof, durable) for a significantly lower price makes the Simple Modern a very strong value proposition. It hits the sweet spot between the ultra-cheap dupes and the premium-priced original.

Cons Of Simple Modern Tote

• Perceived Durability: This is more of a feeling than a proven fact, but the bag just feels less indestructible than the Bogg. The EVA material seems slightly thinner and more flexible. This flexibility is what makes it lighter, but it also makes me more cautious. I’m not sure I’d trust it with sharp gardening tools or a heavy load of firewood. It feels more suited to towels and groceries. For the average user, it’s perfectly durable, but if you need a true, heavy-duty workhorse to abuse, the Bogg might instill more confidence.
• No Included Accessories: My Simple Modern tote did not come with any clear insert pouches. These have to be purchased separately, which eats into the cost savings. While I can just toss my own pouches in, the Bogg’s integrated snap-in system is a feature I miss. It means my phone and keys are just loose at the bottom of the bag, or I have to bring a separate bag within the bag, which is less streamlined. It’s a small con, but it’s a noticeable difference in the out-of-the-box experience.
• Strap Comfort (Shared Problem): While the bag is lighter, the straps are still made of the same hard EVA material. They are slightly more rounded and flexible than the Bogg’s, but they are by no means “comfortable.” When the bag is loaded, they still dig into my shoulder. This seems to be a universal design flaw of this style of bag. The lighter weight of the Simple Modern helps, but it doesn’t solve the core problem of carrying a heavy load on a hard, unforgiving strap. I find myself switching shoulders often.
• Less Stable When Empty: This is a minor point, but because the material is a tad more flexible, I’ve found that the empty Simple Modern tote can be slightly tippier than the Bogg. The Bogg’s extreme rigidity means it stands tall and open no matter what.¹⁴ The Simple Modern tote stands perfectly fine when it has items in it, but when empty, the sides can flex in, making it a bit more prone to being knocked over. It’s not a major issue, but it’s a small difference in that “tip-proof” promise.

Maintenance Tips For Simple Modern Tote

• The Same Hose-Down Method: Just like the Bogg, this bag is a dream to clean. I use the exact same method: empty it, turn it upside down to shake out debris, and hit it with the garden hose. Sand, dirt, and sticky spills rinse away immediately. Because the Simple Modern bag has a smoother texture on the inside floor (compared to the Bogg’s more aggressive tread), I find that sand washes out of it even more easily. A quick wipe with a towel or just letting it air dry in the shade for a few minutes is all it takes.
• Wiping Down For Lighter Messes: Since I use this bag for errands and lighter-duty tasks, it doesn’t always need the full hose treatment. If I get a small spill from a grocery item or some dust on it, a simple baby wipe or a damp microfiber cloth is all it takes to make it look perfect. The EVA material doesn’t stain easily, so spot cleaning is incredibly effective. This makes it easy to maintain day-to-day without it becoming a big chore, which is part of why I grab it so often.
• Protecting The “Sleek” Finish: Because my main draw to this bag is its aesthetic, I’m a bit more careful with it. To prevent scuffs, I try not to drag it on rough concrete or asphalt. If I do get scuffs, a magic eraser works just as well on this bag as it does on the Bogg. I also make a point to dry it in the shade. The number one rule for all EVA bags is to avoid prolonged, direct, high heat. Don’t leave it on a hot pool deck in 100-degree sun all day, and don’t leave it in a sweltering car. This can cause the material to warp or fade over time.
• Storage Tips: Since the Simple Modern tote is slightly more flexible, it’s a little easier to store. I still can’t fold it, but I can squish it into a closet with a bit more success than the rigid Bogg. To help it keep its shape perfectly, I recommend storing it upright and not stacking heavy things on top of it. Some people even stuff it with an old towel or pillow if they’re storing it for the entire winter, just to ensure the sides don’t crease, but I haven’t found this to be necessary.

Also read: My Thoughts on Matrixx Water Softener

Comparison With Other Brands

• Simple Modern Vs. Bogg Bag: This is the core matchup. To me, the Simple Modern is the “stylish alternative.” You get 90% of the Bogg’s functionality (waterproof, tip-proof, durable EVA) in a lighter, sleeker, and more affordable package. You trade off that final 10% of “indestructible” tank-like feeling, and you lose the included accessories. If your primary use is the pool, beach, and errands, I believe the Simple Modern is the better value. If you’re hauling construction debris or need the absolute toughest bag on the market, the Bogg wins.
• Simple Modern Vs. Simply Southern: This is a tougher comparison, as both are Bogg alternatives.¹⁵ The Simply Southern, as I mentioned, is a closer dupe of the Bogg in shape and feel. The Simple Modern tote is a reinterpretation of it. The Simple Modern has a unique, smoother design and a different hole pattern. The Simply Southern mimics the Bogg almost exactly. I personally prefer the aesthetic of the Simple Modern, as it feels more original and less like a direct copy. Both are great bags and often priced similarly.
• Simple Modern Vs. Cheap Amazon/Temu Dupes: When you search for “beach tote” online, you’ll be flooded with ultra-cheap options. I’ve seen these, and the quality is a huge gamble. The primary issue, as noted by many user reviews, is that they often arrive crushed or bent from shipping and never regain their proper shape. The plastic smells terrible, the straps feel brittle, and the material is paper-thin. The Simple Modern tote is in a completely different class. It’s a high-quality, durable product from a reputable brand, not a flimsy knock-off.
• Simple Modern Vs. Fabric/Neoprene Totes (like QOGiR or SCOUT): Another popular category is the neoprene tote. These are soft, very lightweight, and flexible. The main benefit is that they are very comfortable to carry, and they can be folded for travel. The downside is that they are not tip-proof at all. They are floppy. They also aren’t as “washable.” You can spot-clean them, but you can’t hose them. I chose the Simple Modern over a neoprene bag because the tip-proof, stand-on-its-own feature was a non-negotiable for me.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: For The Bogg Bag

After all this analysis, here’s my final word on the Bogg Bag. This is the bag you buy if your top priority is, without question, rugged durability. This is the heavy-duty workhorse. If you’re the person who hauls gear for five people, if your bags are thrown in the back of a truck, if you need something that can handle mud, sand, and sharp objects, the Bogg is your guy.

You are paying a premium for that “original” status and the peace of mind that it will likely outlast any of its competitors. If you can get past the high price, the heavy weight, and the slightly awkward carry, you’ll be rewarded with a bag that you may never have to replace.

Conclusion: For The Simple Modern Tote

So, who is the Simple Modern tote for? In my view, it’s for the modern, everyday user. This is the bag for you if you want the function of an EVA tote—the waterproof, tip-proof, easy-to-clean benefits—but in a package that is lighter, more affordable, and frankly, more stylish.

If your primary destinations are the pool, the farmer’s market, the grocery store, or a friend’s house, the Simple Modern is more than durable enough. It’s the practical, chic choice that balances form and function perfectly. You get the same core benefits as the Bogg, save some money, and get a bag that’s just plain easier to live with and carry.