Over the years, I have come to truly appreciate a good bag. It’s in my experience with one brand in particular, that I have learned about all of the features and traits that set them apart; and just how much thought should really go into making these choices. As the holiday rush descends upon us, it’s only appropriate to share what I’ve learned, experienced, and what I now use as my standard when looking into bags (and more) when shopping.
The tomtoc Aviator-T37 with a backdrop of the Santa Monica Pier.
From backpacks to weekenders, and even accessory needs, there’s one brand in particular that is doing just about everything right. Whether you’re fulfilling your duties as a holiday shopper, thinking about what to gift for someone else, or just spoiling yourself, tomtoc is a brand that will meet any holiday goals you’ve set!
Tackling Everyday Needs
One of the most important things to understand about tomtoc is that they actually offer more than just bags, combining some of the best features throughout their lineup for the ultimate new releases. Founded in 2016 by a tech-savvy group, they specialize in everything from device cases and sleeves, to everyday carry slings, and travel bags. And one of my favorite things about tomtoc is how cohesive much of this lineup is. With tech at the forefront of our modern lives, there is always intention behind the team’s design choices. And that becomes clear when you see just how much the brand embraces everything from phones to gaming devices.
I got my first introduction to the tomtoc brand some years ago with the Defender-A13 Sleeve for the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Professional, slim, and oh, so sleek, I was deeply impressed with how secure my laptop felt. Beefy 360º corner and edge armor removes some of the anxiety that drops can imbue, while the ultra soft interior padding guaranteed that even flat falls don’t stand a chance. The included tech pouch also meant that my charging cable and brick had a place to go (with room to spare) without causing clutter or added thickness to the sleeve.
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The tomtoc Navigator-T66 Liteway, with a backdrop of Hong Kong.
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Most recently, along comes the fairly new Navigator T66 Liteway – this version being an X-Pac-made (a strong, durable, and easy-to-clean material), 40-L capacity, travel bag that works as a weekender or backpack. The Liteway, like most of tomtoc’s other products, comes in varied size, color and fabric options. During a recent trip to Hong Kong, I got my first hands-on experience with a good friend’s Liteway T-66. Initially wooed by its warm green and black color way, it wasn’t until I witnessed how much the bag could fit, and how comfortable it was to wear during my international journey that I decided I needed my own. Priced competitively, tomtoc is often undercutting luxury and well-known brands, while outshining them in quality.
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Credit: tomtoc
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The real takeaway from these experiences is that no matter what size or color you go for, there’s a right one for everyone, and each is capable of carrying your everyday tech needs. Daily slings, cases, bags, and pouches often show a primary device and all the extras, confirming that even your most outlandish items have a place with tomtoc. As the holidays creep closer, the company has special markdowns on a selection of products, from 10-20% off. These deals will stick around through December 21st, and from December 26th through December 30th. I’d take a bet that there is even more in store for tomatoc’s 2026!
Quality with the Environment in Mind
One of my favorite things about tomtoc, outside of the products, is their commitment to the planet we call home. The company keeps “sustainable style” in mind with every new design, and in 2020, launched their Recycled Collection series. This collection uses recycled polyethylene tetraphyste (RPET) for a smoother feel, and mechanical properties that rival traditionally made products.
Credit: tomtoc
As of October 2023, tomtoc has recycled 2.3 million plastic bottles, effectively giving them a new lease on life as deeply loved pouches and bags used every day. tomtoc notes that approximately 500+ tons of carbon emissions were reduced through this program and recycling process. Learn more about tomato’s recycling program and see the full tomtoc Recycled Collection here.
Centered Around Community
The best part of any brand is arguably the community they build. tomtoc, not a stranger to having an involved community, launched their very own Discord server this year, just ahead of the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. This perfect timing fueled by the excitement of the new console launch, tomtoc’s eventual FancyCase-G05 Nintendo Switch 2 Slim Case releasing alongside it, and a community design contest, led to rapid growth.
Now, as the community surpasses 2,000 members, they have found their footing with daily and weekly events, an abundance of opportunities for free prizes, a more personal connection to the folks behind the brand, and even a chance to spin a prize wheel! (Who doesn’t like spinning a prize wheel?!)
In what has to be one of the strongest brand-community relationships I’ve seen and heard about, it’s refreshing to see tomtoc take care of their community in the way that they do. Even more impressive is the community’s own positive input about how the brand takes care of everyone, encouraging all feedback – good or bad – about their products, and even how they run the server itself. Inside jokes, community game nights, daily guessing games, a “digital time capsule”, and a deeply imaginative tomtoc lore have all taken hold as some of the brightest highlights surrounding the community.
While joining the Discord community myself may put me way in over my head, I wouldn’t mind a few tries at their now famous “Guess What’s in My tomtoc Bag” daily games. These games involve one host from the community placing a mystery item in their bag while everyone else takes a few guesses at what it could be.
Available in over 100 countries, tomtoc is available directly at their respective regional websites, and also on Amazon where you can find products that may not be listed on the website for your region, and more. Get in on the holiday fun while you can, and join the community where there’s plenty of conversation surrounding video games, tech, tomtoc knowledge, and more!
