The Best Tool Bags for Tradesmen

WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US

Veto Pro Pac is a family-owned business that has been making high-quality tool bags since 2002. Our founder, Roger Broauard, is a carpenter with 30 years of experience, and he designed the Veto Pro Pac prototype in 1998. Put off by the fact that designers created most tool bags on the market, he knew that a good tool bag should have three things:

1. Make your tools easily accessible.
2. Keep them protected at the job site.
3. Be comfortable to carry.

Veto Pro Pac tool bags are designed by tradesmen, for tradesmen. Our bags are made with durable materials and construction, and they offer a wide variety of features to suit the needs of any professional. Veto Pro Pac bags are also backed by a lifetime warranty, so you can be confident that you’re making a wise investment.

BEST TOOL BAG FOR A/V TECHNICIAN

In audio/visual (A/V) technology, technicians are only as good as their tools—and the bags that carry them. The TECH-LCT BLACKOUT BUILD-OUT is a game-changer for A/V professionals, offering unparalleled customization, capacity, and convenience.

Here’s why:

• Customizable Interior: The V-SWAP™ system allows technicians to tailor the bag’s layout to their specific needs. With removable and exchangeable panels, it adapts to cables, connectors, and control devices.
• Robust and Spacious: With up to 55 pockets, this weatherproof bag accommodates everything from small adapters to cordless drills. Its 1080 in³/18L internal volume ensures you can carry all your essentials.
• Designed for Durability: The waterproof polypropylene base and YKK® Zippers protect against moisture and wear. At 15″ tall, it’s perfect for large tools and equipment.

BEST TOOL BAG FOR AVIATION

Aviation environments can be harsh—think extreme temperatures, vibrations, and exposure to fuel and hydraulic fluids. Therefore, aviation mechanics need a bag that can truly take a beating, and the Tech Pac Blackout can endure more than most.

Why?

• 46 interior and exterior tool pockets
• The Tech Pac Blackout is built to withstand the pressures of a job site. It’s been load-tested for up to 50 lbs to ensure it won’t fail under pressure. The rugged materials and reinforced stitching make it a reliable companion for aviation professionals. And the sleek black exterior hides any dirt or grime you may encounter.
• The V-SWAP™ system allows mechanics to configure the bag’s interior panels according to their specific needs. For avionics work, they can create compartments for multimeters, wire strippers, and crimping tools.
• The ergonomic design of the Tech Pac Blackout ensures comfort during extended wear. The padded back and shoulder straps distribute the weight evenly, reducing strain.

BEST TOOL BAG FOR CARPENTERS

Carpenters need to keep their mobile workstation in check, and the Veto Pro Pac Tech Backpack is just the bag for that. No more hammers, nails, and screwdrivers rattling around in a junk toolbox. This backpack will keep you organized, making your job much more efficient. You could say this backpack is our all-star.

Why?

• The backpack is designed for comfort with a thermo-formed EVA padded back panel and padded shoulder straps, making it easier to carry tools to various job.
• It’s built with weatherproof materials and heavy-duty construction, ensuring that the tools stay dry and the bag withstands the rigors of a carpentry job site.
• With 46 pockets and a variety of storage bays and platforms, carpenters can organize and carry a wide range of tools, from hand tools to larger items like drills.
• The patented center panel design and quick-release handle allow for easy access to tools while keeping the bag stable and upright, which is crucial when working in different carpentry environments.

BEST TOOL BAG FOR ELECTRICIANS

The MB58 Tool Bag is perfect for electricians. It is a highly configurable and large bag designed to carry tools, such as cutting, crimping, and stripping tools as well as 1-2 clamp meters in side-mounted zipper pockets.

What else?

• The MB5B is offered in two configurations: MB5B Tool Bag for technicians in the United States and MB5B Tester Bag that accomodates a Multifunction Tester (MFT) for technicians in the UK, Europe and the rest of the international professional trade community.
• 21 exterior pockets to organize the smallest of your tools
• Rear-padded tablet computer pocket
• Polypropylene plastic base for moisture and abrasion protection

BEST TOOL BAG FOR FIRE & SAFETY

Veto offers a line of firehouse bags designed by and for firemen. If you are a firefighter looking for a reliable and durable tool bag to store and organize your hydrant or plumbing tools, you might want to check out the HB-XL Firehouse Hydrant Bag. This extra-large bag has 40% more cargo storage space than the HB-LC model and can accommodate adaptors, couplings, gate valves, wrenches, hammers, flares, and more. The HB-XL features a patent pending design that keeps the bag standing upright and open at all times for easy access.

Features:

• 3mm thick polypropylene waterproof base
• 1800 denier body fabric
• Leather handle grips
• D-rings for optional shoulder straps
• Load tested to destruction at 2215 pounds

BEST TOOL BAG FOR HVAC

We’ve featured some pretty large options so far, so let’s introduce you to something a little more compact: The Tech Pac MC Backpack Tool Bag. This compact, full-featured bag is great for HVAC (and other technicians) who need to go hands-free and carry minimal tools when going from site to site.

Why?

• 39 vertical interior and exterior pockets make tool access quick and easy.
• An interior magnetic screw catcher stops your bag from becoming a clinking mess.
• Gray pockets allow for better visibility of tools.
• Sturdy handle offers multiple ways to carry, providing relief for your back.

BEST TOOL BAG FOR MARINE TECH

MB-TTXL is perfect for those in the marine industry who need a sturdy bag with a solid base that will stay in place when they’re working on a boat. The base is also overmolded with TPR rubber, ensuring that the bag does not leave any scuffs or marks when set down. This bag is designed for hand tools and large, bulky tools.

Features:

• The max payload of 45lbs makes it perfect for heavier tools.
• 32 exterior vertical tool pockets.
• Polypropylene bottom over-molded with non-marking TPR Rubber so your bag never leaves a mark when you’re working on a yacht.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BAG

Although we’ve provided some great suggestions here tailored for each profession, there are other things to consider when picking the right tool bag that suits your needs.

Storage: If you’re a tradesman who needs to carry around a lot of smaller tools, then you’ll want something with multiple pockets so that your tools don’t become a jumped mess at the bottom of the bag. You’ll probably want to avoid large, tote-like bags meant for bulkier tools. Likewise, if you need large storage solutions than consider something with multiple storage bays for big tools.

Upright base: While at a job site, you may find yourself often placing your bag down somewhere within reach. A bag with a sturdy base that keeps the bag upright ensures that you have easy access to tools and you’re not constantly trying to stop the bag from rattling around and possibly having tolls roll away.

Material: Tool bags are typically made from canvas, nylon, or leather. You’ll want a tool bag that is sturdy and can withstand wear and tear, and these materials are known for their durability and sturdiness. Another thing to consider is the quality of the zippers. Avoid bags with cheap plastic zippers because these will break more frequently or lead to tears in your tool bag.

Carrying options: You will want to choose a tool bag that makes transportation easy and efficient. When hauling heavy equipment from multiple sites, it may be preferable to look for a wheeled option over a carry.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How to break-in a leather tool bag?

A good leather cream or lotion should help speed things up during the initial break-in period, but other than that, time and usage will be the biggest factor in softening it.

How to organize sockets in a tool bag?

Besides carrying them in a separate box, you can also use socket rails, socket clips, organizer trays, or magnetic holders.

How to set up a tool bag?

We go into more detail here, but in general, you’ll want to start by grouping all your tools by frequency of use, size, and fragility. Store tools with sharp ends down, label or color-code what you can, avoid overstuffing the bag, and practice always putting your tools back where they belong to avoid a messy bag.