[Review] The 35 L Insulated Tote by Hydro Flask

It’s probably pretty gross that prior to owning the Hydro Flask 35 L Insulated Tote we would at times just throw groceries in the back of the car and make the 2-hour drive home. Sometimes in the winter, we would just put them in our roof box and that would keep them decently cool. We haven’t been poisoned yet from food that got too warm but we’re done risking it now that we have the 35L Insulated Tote by Hydro Flask. Whether you need to keep groceries cool after a big grocery haul, are heading to the Sunday morning farmer’s market, or escaping into the mountains for an evening picnic, this tote is a must-have.

Offered in 3 sizes, we have the largest of the totes coming in at 35L. I think it’s the perfect size for us but could see having all three sizes for different situations. What I like about the 35L is that if we’re heading out on a road trip, we can fit all of our food in one place. It doesn’t feel overly huge because of the soft-sided design and it folds down relatively well so can fit easily in your pantry with your other reusable grocery bags.

I personally think it’s genius that Hydro Flask added a zippered pocket on the outside of the tote. It’s the perfect car key/credit card/grocery list stash. The handles are sturdy and comfortable when you throw them on your shoulder. Unlike the cheap reusable grocery bags I have, I don’t feel like I’m going to rip the handles off this at any moment!

The exterior of this tote is durable and the lower portion is even more reinforced, assuring that no matter the terrain you’re toting in, you won’t ruin it. The interior material is super easy to clean (no matter what I do, my coolers and or tote always really stink after use) so you can keep your tote smelling fresh for the next use. It also stands independently when there’s nothing in it which makes for easy loading!

I almost forgot to mention what really makes this a banger of a tote! Even as lightweight as it is, the Hydro Flask Insulated Tote will keep your food/drinks/whatever cold for up to 4 hours. That’s the perfect amount of time for us to get from Trader Joe’s in the city to home and not have any of our food spoil! I’ve even hauled frozen berries home from the front range and they didn’t melt or make a huge sopping mess.

I’m willing to bet that, like us, once you get your Insulated Tote you will use it for far more uses than you ever imagined. Our travels really wouldn’t be the same without our Hydro Flask gear and if you haven’t seen our other Hydro Flask reviews, be sure to check them out here.