Hand & Shoulder Bags

About Hand & Shoulder Bags

Hand and shoulder bags provide essential portable storage for tradespeople, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts who need to transport tools, equipment, and personal items between job sites, workshops, or training venues. Unlike rigid toolboxes, these flexible bags offer lightweight convenience and comfortable carrying options for everything from quick site visits to extended travel. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range including duffle bags, holdalls, wheeled options, and compact drawstring bags designed specifically for professional use.

Modern work bags feature specialised compartments for tools and electronics, water-resistant materials to protect contents from the elements, and reinforced construction to withstand demanding site conditions. Leading brands like Portwest dominate this category with designs that combine durability, capacity, and practical organisation features such as multiple pockets, padded straps, and robust fabrics rated at 600D or higher for professional-grade resilience.

Applications

• Mobile Tradespeople: Electricians, plumbers, and heating engineers visiting multiple sites daily who need portable storage for essential tools and consumables
• Construction Workers: Site operatives carrying personal protective equipment, hand tools, and work essentials to and from job sites
• Maintenance Technicians: Facilities managers and service engineers requiring organised transport for diagnostic equipment and repair tools
• Contractors and Self-Employed Professionals: Those working across various locations who benefit from flexible storage that complements van-based tool systems
• Apprentices and Trainees: Students attending college or training centres needing practical bags for transporting tools and coursework materials
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvers wanting convenient storage for project-specific tools without investing in professional toolboxes
• Site Supervisors: Professionals carrying documentation, tablets, safety equipment, and light tools whilst moving around large sites

Choosing The Right Hand & Shoulder Bags

Capacity and Size: Consider what you'll typically carry. Compact drawstring bags suit light loads and PPE, whilst large holdalls and duffle bags accommodate bulky power tools and extended work kits. Check internal dimensions to ensure your largest items fit comfortably.

Material and Durability: Look for robust nylon or polyester fabrics with high denier ratings (600D minimum for professional use). Reinforced stitching, heavy-duty zips, and protected corners significantly extend bag life in demanding environments.

Weather Protection: Water-resistant materials and covered zips protect valuable tools and electronics from British weather. For outdoor workers regularly caught in rain, consider bags with enhanced weather protection or waterproof bases.

Carrying Options: Evaluate how you'll transport the bag. Padded shoulder straps reduce fatigue during longer carries, whilst dual grab handles offer flexibility for quick lifts. For heavy loads or airport travel, wheeled options with telescopic handles provide welcome relief.

Organisation Features: Multiple pockets, internal dividers, and dedicated compartments help separate clean clothing from dirty tools, protect electronics, and keep frequently-used items accessible. MyToolShed.co.uk offers bags with various organisational configurations to suit different working styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a holdall and a duffle bag?

Holdalls feature a rectangular shape with a wide top opening, making them excellent for organising and accessing mixed loads. Duffle bags have a cylindrical design with a smaller opening, offering more compact carrying but slightly more difficult access. Both serve similar purposes, so choice often comes down to personal preference and specific packing requirements.

Are wheeled bags worth the extra weight?

Wheeled duffle bags add weight and mechanical components, but they're invaluable for heavy loads, airport travel, or long walks from car parks to sites. If you regularly carry 15kg or more, or work on large sites requiring significant walking, the convenience usually outweighs the disadvantages. For lighter loads or vehicle-to-door transport, standard bags remain more practical.

Will a water-resistant bag protect my power tools in the rain?

Water-resistant bags handle light rain and splashes effectively but aren't designed for prolonged exposure or submersion. For expensive power tools, water resistance provides adequate protection during brief outdoor exposure and transit. For extended outdoor storage, use additional waterproof covers or store tools in sealed cases within the bag.