Picnic Time Activo Insulated Tote with Waterproof Lining Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This tote is perfect for when you need a cooler without looking like you are carrying a cooler.Indispensable for specialty grocery shopping in cities via public transport. Tall narrow profile keeps things nicely stacked together and is less awkward to carry, especially for petites.

What this tote has:
* Main section is lined in thick white waterproof plastic not foil.
* Main section has a drawstring closure, that leaves a small gap the circumference of a small french bread.
* Spacious top zippered-pocket inside of the handle safe for wallet and valuables.
* Large exterior zippered-pocket can hold magazines comfortably, or slide in a Tovolo Bamboo Outdoor Wine Table
* Short exterior pocket (no closure) perfect for shopping lists, cutting board, packet of wetwipes, packet of paper napkins.
* 2 short side-pockets with velcro closure for small items (calculator, Zelco Mangia 3 Piece Set, shopping lists, extra baggies Envirosax Reusable Bag - Flora #5, more napkins)

I have used this tote for grocery runs via the NYC subway, the Toronto subway, the Hong Kong MTR and even in Paris.For looks and ease of maneuvering, it beats regular coolers hands down.This gives you the freedom to stop and have a coffee, gelato or buy a bottle of wine without worrying that the meat and cheeses you just bought will spoil in the heat or be embarrassed by sitting in a cafe with a big cooler at your feet.

I have also used this tote as a Picnic Bag for four, holding Tovolo Bamboo Outdoor Wine Table, 4 tall round takeout containers, stick of french bread, 2 Cryopak Flexible Ice Blanket 16.5 x 11.66-Inch (6 Pack), 4 Zelco Mangia 3 Piece Set, Bambu Bamboo Veneerware Plate 9", Set of 8, cutting board, napkins, wetwipes, tablecloth.It is also an excellent Bento Box bag for the family. It can hold 2 Thermos Nissan 48 Ounce Wide Mouth Stainless Steel Lunch Tote comfortably along with space for additional snacks, utensils and tablecloth in the main compartment. I carry the wine bottle separately in another wine bag : Wine Sack Wine duffel with carry strap and corkscrew Olive Green-120, or I use this tote to carry 3 bottles of wine with Vacu Vin Rapid Ice Guy Buffet Café De Flore Wine Cooler

Cons:
* White plastic lining instead of foil. Foil insulates better.
* Heavy for a softsided cooler. However it is very sturdy, has durable hardware and holds a lot of weight. (Not that you would want to schlep heavy items via public transport)
* Drawstring closure doesn't close completely because the white plastic lining goes all the way up and is too thick to pull shut. Better to "un-draw" the string and simply fold over the top.
*The tote is tall and skinny so it obviously won't stand up by itself on uneven ground.

While this tote is not big enough to buy huge amounts of groceries [no Costco, no frozen pizzas], it is big enough for specialty shopping, European markets and a moderate 4 person picnic.I use it almost daily for a variety of activities and have bought extras for friends as gifts.

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Product Description:
This Picnic Time Activo multi-purpose tote features a polyester canvas construction with a waterproof liner. It has a fully insulated, expandable main compartment with a drawstring top that provides plenty of room for your food and drink items. Spacious pockets provide additional storage and convenience. Versatile and stylish, this bag comes in six trendy colors, and can multi-task for picnics, travel, days at the beach, grocery shopping, or for transporting school books.