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The Artifact Blog

A Tote That Makes You Feel Safe(r)

No.130 Tote Deconstructed in Parts

Today, more than ever we want to feel protected and secure. We want to feel in control. This extends consciously and subconsciously to the products we choose.

A tote with a zippered closure ensures safety. If it falls off a bench, your personal items do not become a "show and tell" activity for passerby's. When you slide a zippered tote under your airline seat you have confidence you did not just donate your sunglasses, or AirPods to the aircraft fairy. 

Our No.130 Zippered Tote is the result of hundreds of feature requests from ARTIFACT customers. It is lined in durable nylon pack cloth so you can easily dump out beach sand, or wipe down a spill. It's YKK brass zipper w/ leather pull feels sturdy when you open and close the bag. We added a solid brass key clip so you always know where your keys are. We even wax dip and hand burnish the vegetable tanned leather straps to protect them from the elements. The bag has a double-ply bottom for stability and durability. It has roomy front pockets for water bottles, as well as internal pockets. 

A common critique we hear about bags is size. Too big. Too small. We address this by offering our No.130 Tote in three sizes with full attention to ergonomics and proportion. 

I had the pleasure of field testing and photographing these No.130 Totes on our family's last vacation together in February, before COVID-19 changed our lives. The bags performed wonderfully on our flight, during our outings, deep sea fishing, and on the beach 

Since then, we've used the totes daily and find the different sizes are convenient for our differing uses. My wife is drawn to the medium size for daily carry because it can hold her handbag items, plus work essentials. I prefer the large size because I find myself schlepping a lot of materials back and forth to the ARTIFACT studio. Even when loaded down, the large tote's size feels balanced and comfortable over a shoulder. The small size is ideal for petite users who struggle to find a tote that doesn't envelope them. We've included images on the tote's product pages that illustrate scale between sizes here.

Let us know in the comment section:

  • What features you are looking for in a tote bag?
  • What colors you would like to see offered in our No.130 Tote
  • What ARTIFACT product(s) would you like to see us make in the future?

Thanks for reading and stay safe!

Chris Hughes

Founder | ARTIFACT

No. 130 Tote Boat Dock Florida

Comments

Past Comments

  • Red!

    Megan on

  • Lino,
    Thank you for your comments. I’m seeing a trend here with washable bags! Your comment about shoulder strap got me thinking of a tote with cloth handles and removable leather shoulder strap. Admittedly, it’s hard for me not to use leather! I love how it ages and holds up to use. Glad you like the backpack. It’s one of my favorite designs. I’m going to meditate on a leather-less version of it.
    Best,
    Chris Hughes

    Original Post:
    “I’ve been eyeing this tote for a while now! But zippers have had me even more leaning on the purchase! My friend has your backpack (want want want) But for me, I’m all about longevity and practicality It would be awesome if the tote could have a messenger type strap/interchangeable straps (padded canvas straps)? Or perhaps an easier to wash bag? Maybe the backpacks (I know you asked totes but just saying) could go without the leather additions for a washable bag?”

    Chris Hughes on

  • Lynne,
    Thank you for your thoughtful post. You are clearly a fan of the zipper! Don’t let our 3/4" strap width give you the impression they cannot support more weight than would ever fit in a bag. They are cut from thick (10-11oz) leather and secured with rivets backed by washers. Our only strap failures in 10 years of tote making involved dogs mistaking the straps for chew toys. Personally, I prefer wider straps when they are cloth and we need to revisit that idea with all the requests we get for vegan products. We love prints too and are even tossing around the idea of printing our own patterns but we are still working out the logistics on that.
    Best,
    Chris Hughes
    Founder | ARTIFACT

    “I love, almost demand by purchase power, a zippered pocket inside the bag. I adore one on the front, too, if I can get one. I also wholeheartedly agree with many of your respondents that a tote with the original leather bottom and matching straps would be great. I am also very disinterested in tote bags with slender straps. To me they aren’t up to the challenge I’m going to put them through, and to me they seem out of balance with the size of the bag. Some of my favorite totes have a rolled, padded part at the top of the strap. Love those. And to finish, if you’re making my dream bag, you could make some in the cool prints you’ve used on some of the “clutch” bags with leather wristlets I’ve purchased from you. Good luck!”

    Chris Hughes on

  • I’ve been eyeing this tote for a while now! But zippers have had me even more leaning on the purchase!
    My friend has your backpack (want want want)
    But for me, I’m all about longevity and practicality

    It would be awesome if the tote could have a messenger type strap/interchangeable straps (padded canvas straps)?
    Or perhaps an easier to wash bag?

    Maybe the backpacks (I know you asked totes but just saying) could go without the leather additions for a washable bag?

    Lino M on

  • Julian,
    Thank you for sticking with ARTIFACT all these years! Being able to machine wash a bag makes sense in these times. This coupled with numerous requests for vegan bags is making my wheels turn. Stay tuned!

    Best,
    Chris Hughes
    Founder | ARTIFACT

    Original Message:
    “I bought an amazing lunch bag from you years ago and am impressed that you continue to innovate and develop new products! For reasons largely related to the pandemic, I like the idea of being able to machine wash my tote bags. Could there be an option to have a bag that can be washing machine friendly (perhaps at the expense of the classiness of leather handles)?”

    Chris Hughes on

  • I love, almost demand by purchase power, a zippered pocket inside the bag. I adore one on the front, too, if I can get one.
    I also wholeheartedly agree with many of your respondents that a tote with the original leather bottom and matching straps would be great. I am also very disinterested in tote bags with slender straps. To me they aren’t up to the challenge I’m going to put them through, and to me they seem out of balance with the size of the bag. Some of my favorite totes have a rolled, padded part at the top of the strap. Love those. And to finish, if you’re making my dream bag, you could make some in the cool prints you’ve used on some of the “clutch” bags with leather wristlets I’ve purchased from you. Good luck!

    Lynne Saunders on

  • Anastasia,
    Thank you for all your feedback. I can see the benefit of metal feet, particularity in this environment, where every surface area is suspect. I will all your requests in mind!

    Best,
    Chris Hughes
    Founder | ARTIFACT

    Original Post:
    “Hello! I love the idea of the extra internal/external pockets. I prefer leather and some years back I had asked about pockets in the leather tote. I need internal as well as external pockets. I also love the idea of the attached key fob to find/grab keys easily and quickly. I prefer a snap/magnet closure-for me it is easier to grab and secure the bag more conveniently. Sometimes the zipper requires putting the bag on a surface or a little more “dexterity”. As far as putting the leather bag down on a surface, wherever it may be, I prefer the metal feet to protect the bottom a little. I love all handbags and I change my bag depending on what I am wearing & where I am going but the style I carry the most (daily now in this pandemic-not going anywhere socially-just work) is a tote. Thank you for your time!”

    Chris Hughes on

  • Judith,
    Thank you for your thoughtful comments. What about leather sleeve with snaps that wrap around the strap to create a little more surface area to grip? I’ve seen this on duffles.

    Bag weight is always a delicate dance. Go with lighter cotton material and the bag looses structure. Even worse, the corners develop holes over time. Go too thick and the bag is too heavy. We’ve been pondering nylon. You may candidate for that considering nylon is super light and very durable.

    Best,
    Chris Hughes
    Founder | ARTIFACT

    Original Message:
    “Leather straps are a must, but yours need a slight modification. At the spot where hands will grasp the straps, please add some padding, because the straight leather cuts into my hands and my shoulders, especially when the tote is fully loaded. And, speaking of fully loaded, please use the lightest weight canvas you can that is still functional. Anything to avoid another heavy tote ! Thanks for inviting our feedback.”

    Chris Hughes on

  • Nancy,
    We’ve made the No.103 Tote in bright yellow, orange, and a few greens over the years. In the spring, we should do a poll for a limited run in a fun color. Thanks for the feedback!

    Best,
    Chris Hughes
    Founder | ARTIFACT

    Original Post:
    “I have a very well loved 103 and would love for the small 130 tote to be available in a bright yellow, orange or green. Excellent upgraded features! Great work as always!”

    Chris Hughes on

  • Allison,
    Interesting? This No.130’s double ply bottom would lend itself well to a leather bottom. Thanks for your feedback!

    Best,
    Chris Hughes
    Founder | ARTIFACT

    Original Message:
    “Please make the zippered in the same leather/wax canvas combinations as the original tote.”

    Chris Hughes on

  • John,
    How about one with strap that have an adjustable buckle, like our No.601?
    Best,
    Chris Hughes
    Founder | ARTIFACT

    “Love your stuff, and very excited about a zippered tote. Would buy one now but a 10.5” drop on the handle is just too short for me. Please (please!) offer a choice of perhaps 10.5", and 12", and maybe 14"? Thank you! John"

    Chris Hughes on

  • Sawana,
    Thank you for your kind words and for choosing ARTIFACT.

    Original Message:
    “Love your product, always good quality”

    Chris Hughes on

  • Love your product, always good quality

    Sawanya Conway on

  • Love your stuff, and very excited about a zippered tote. Would buy one now but a 10.5" drop on the handle is just too short for me. Please (please!) offer a choice of perhaps 10.5", and 12", and maybe 14"?
    Thank you!
    John

    John O'Neil on

  • Please make the zippered in the same leather/wax canvas combinations as the original tote.

    Allison Wade on

  • I have a very well loved 103 and would love for the small 130 tote to be available in a bright yellow, orange or green. Excellent upgraded features! Great work as always!

    Nancy on

  • Leather straps are a must, but yours need a slight modification. At the spot where hands will grasp the straps, please add some padding, because the straight leather cuts into my hands and my shoulders, especially when the tote is fully loaded. And, speaking of fully loaded, please use the lightest weight canvas you can that is still functional. Anything to avoid another heavy tote ! Thanks for inviting our feedback.

    Judith Graham on

  • Mary B,
    I was channeling your airline story in this post! Thanks again for the inspiration.
    Best,
    Chris Hughes
    Founder | ARTIFACT

    “Thanks for a great zippered tote! I was one who asked for this after almost losing my passport under an airline seat. Love it!”

    Chris Hughes on

  • Cathy,
    Thank you for your comment and sorry my reply is out of order. I’m looking into improving the functionality on this comment thread. I love the idea of a tethered wallet w/ clip. I’ll check out Baggalini bags.
    Best,
    Chris Hughes
    Founder | ARTIFACT

    Chris Hughes on

  • Patricia,
    Thank you for your comment.
    Many of our totes meet your maintenance criteria! The No.130 Tote is a nice but it is by no means precious. My family has been using them for months and I am pleased with how they are breaking in.
    Best,
    Chris Hughes
    Founder | ARTIFACT

    Chris Hughes on

  • In this day and age, I prefer a zippered tote that can be machine washed or hand washed and dripped dry.

    Patricia Jackson on

  • Hello! I love the idea of the extra internal/external pockets. I prefer leather and some years back I had asked about pockets in the leather tote. I need internal as well as external pockets. I also love the idea of the attached key fob to find/grab keys easily and quickly. I prefer a snap/magnet closure-for me it is easier to grab and secure the bag more conveniently. Sometimes the zipper requires putting the bag on a surface or a little more “dexterity”. As far as putting the leather bag down on a surface, wherever it may be, I prefer the metal feet to protect the bottom a little. I love all handbags and I change my bag depending on what I am wearing & where I am going but the style I carry the most (daily now in this pandemic-not going anywhere socially-just work) is a tote. Thank you for your time!

    Anastasia Koliopoulos on

  • I bought an amazing lunch bag from you years ago and am impressed that you continue to innovate and develop new products!

    For reasons largely related to the pandemic, I like the idea of being able to machine wash my tote bags. Could there be an option to have a bag that can be washing machine friendly (perhaps at the expense of the classiness of leather handles)?

    Julian on

  • Thanks for a great zippered tote! I was one who asked for this after almost losing my passport under an airline seat. Love it!

    Mary B on

  • Small insert wallet on a cord that is also secured inside like the key clip but can be detached and used as a stand alone small clutch/wallet. Check out similar features in a Baggalini bag.

    Cathy on