ADD1D Kangaroo Messenger Tote Review: The Tote Bag That Made Me Ditch My Backpack

I’m going to admit something I didn’t see coming: I’m becoming a tote bag guy. Not in a “fashion week” way. In a “life is busy, I want something practical, and I still want to look decent” way.

ADD1D sent me their Kangaroo Messenger Tote for review purposes, and I’ve been using it enough now to know it wasn’t just a first-impression crush. I liked it so much that I even included it last month in my Top 5 Best Tote Bags for Men list and today I wanted to give it the proper, detailed review it deserves.

Why I’ve started preferring totes over backpacks

Backpacks are great… until they aren’t. Sometimes a backpack feels like overkill when you’re just heading into town, grabbing a coffee, doing errands, or travelling light. A tote is quicker. You can grab what you need without doing that awkward shoulder shuffle, and it looks more grown-up with a jacket or coat.

Also, I’m a dad of four. I’m always carrying something. A tote makes that feel less like a mission.

First impressions: navy, minimalist, and quietly stylish

The one I’ve got is in navy, and it’s exactly my kind of color: clean, understated, masculine. No loud branding. No “look at me.” Just a minimalist bag that looks sharp with pretty much everything.

And it feels premium straight away: not floppy, not cheap, not like it’ll lose shape after a week. It has structure, but it still looks relaxed.

The feature that makes this tote different: the expandable kangaroo pocket

This is the detail that gave the bag its name and honestly, it’s brilliant in real life.

The expandable kangaroo pocket is the kind of thing you don’t think you need… until you do. On days when you’re carrying more (a jacket, extra bits, last-minute purchases), that pocket gives you extra space without making the bag look bulky all the time.

Inside that kangaroo pocket, ADD1D uses a Velcro fixture system, and they include two Velcro mounting straps. It sounds technical, but in practice it just means you can secure items and keep things from sliding around. It’s a small detail, but it makes the bag feel thoughtfully designed rather than just “a nice tote.”

Size and capacity: bigger than it looks (in a good way)

This tote looks sleek… but it holds a lot. The dimensions are 34cm x 38.5cm x 12cm, and that’s basically the sweet spot for an everyday carry bag: roomy enough to be useful, but not massive or awkward.

I tested it in the most realistic way possible: I went to London for the day, and the bag ended up carrying my essentials plus the purchases I picked up along the way. No stress, no cramming, no weird bulging shape. That’s when I really appreciated how clever the capacity is.

Organization: everything has a place (without feeling fussy)

I’m picky with organization. I want things easy to find, but I don’t want a bag that feels like a spaceship cockpit.

This one hits a great balance.

• The main compartment has excellent organization, so it feels easy and natural to use day-to-day.

• There’s a proper laptop compartment that fits up to a 16” laptop, which instantly makes it a serious work bag too.

• You also get a rear zippered pocket for the stuff you want quick access to (phone, wallet, travel docs).

• There’s an expandable side pocket which is perfect for a water bottle or bits you want separate.

• And yes, there’s even a keychain — which I always appreciate because I’m tired of digging for keys like I’m searching for treasure.

Materials and build quality: made for real life (including bad weather)

ADD1D Messenger Tote Bag: Incredible quality

This is another reason I’ve kept using it: it feels like it can handle real life. The bag is made with 900D water-resistant fabric, and the zipper is a YKK AquaGuard. In normal language: it feels tough, protective, and ready for unpredictable weather.

I live in the UK( rain is basically part of the daily routine) so I notice when a bag feels like it can handle wet days without me babying it.

Comfort: tote or messenger, depending on the day

Some guys just don’t do tote bags. I get it. It’s a style choice.

But this one makes it easier because it comes with a detachable shoulder strap and 2-way wearing. So you can carry it like a tote when you want that clean look, or wear it messenger-style when your hands are full.

It also has a luggage strap, which is one of those features you don’t appreciate until you’re travelling and you realize how convenient it is to slide it onto a suitcase handle.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Minimalist, stylish look (navy is spot on)

• Expandable kangaroo pocket adds space when you need it

• Great organization: main compartment, keychain, rear pocket, side pocket

• Fits up to a 16” laptop

• Tough, premium build: 900D water-resistant fabric + YKK AquaGuard zipper

• Comfortable carry options: tote or messenger (detachable strap)

• Luggage strap is perfect for travel days

Cons

• Tote bags aren’t every man’s thing

• It’s not a budget tote — more of a “buy once, use for years” bag

• Structured feel (great for me, but if you love floppy canvas totes, it’s a different vibe)

Final thoughts: why I keep grabbing it

The real test with any bag is simple: which one do you reach for without thinking? Lately, it’s been this ADD1D tote bag.

It looks good, it holds more than you expect, and it makes day-to-day life easier without giving you that “I’m about to hike a mountain” backpack look. For $92, it feels like a solid buy if you want a minimalist tote that’s built properly and designed with real life in mind.

If you’ve been thinking about trying a tote bag but didn’t know where to start, this is a very safe place to start. Buy the ADD1D Kangaroo Messenger Tote Bag at ADD1D (here) and enjoy a 10% discount using coupon code: LIFESTYLEWITHJEROME

Jerome

Disclaimer: ADD1D sent me the Kangaroo Messenger Tote for review purposes. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links

About me: I’m Jerome — a men’s lifestyle blogger based in the UK (originally from France) and the founder of Dapper and Groomed. I’ve been writing reviews and style guides for over 12 years, with a focus on practical, well-made products that actually fit real life.