What to Pack in Your Summer Tote: The Essentials Guide

Summer is the season of spontaneity—picnics, beach days, festivals, and weekend getaways galore. And let’s be honest, your tote is your ride-or-die for keeping all the essentials close (and looking good while doing it). At Latico Leathers, we’ve crafted leather bags that are as versatile and vibrant as your summer plans. Whether you need something structured for workdays or slouchy for sun-chasing weekends, we’ve got the perfect summer sidekick. Here’s your ultimate guide on what to pack in each of our most-loved summer totes.

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With its airy perforated leather and lightweight feel, the Tour Tote is made for laid-back summer days where function meets fashion. It’s big enough to carry the essentials without weighing you down, and its raw interior gives it a cool, unstructured charm.

 Perfect for: Beach days, park picnics, weekend markets.

What to pack: A rolled-up Turkish towel, a good paperback (or Kindle), sunscreen, oversized sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and a small mesh pouch for wet swimsuits or snacks. Thanks to its roomy interior, you can even sneak in a pair of sandals or a compact beach umbrella. Headed to the market? Swap in a produce bag, your wallet, and a bouquet of wildflowers.

The Roam Shoulderbag is your chic companion for full, fun days that flow from coffee dates to late-night cocktails. With rolled handles and a structured shape, it brings polish without being stuffy, and the two exterior pockets make grabbing your phone or MetroCard a breeze.

Perfect for: Urban adventures, museum hopping, day-to-night plans.

What to pack: Your phone, slim wallet, mini hand cream, lip gloss, sunglasses in a hard case, a compact umbrella, and a travel-size perfume. There’s room for a small notebook or planner, so you can sketch or jot notes between stops. Heading out after work? Tuck in a statement necklace or a swipe-and-go eyeshadow stick for quick touch-ups.

If your summer dreams involve music festivals, wildflower fields, or sunset bonfires, the Meadow Shoulderbag is your soulmate. With its floral embroidery and slouchy structure, it’s the kind of bag that’s just as free-spirited as you are.

Perfect for: Music festivals, outdoor concerts, weekend road trips.

What to pack: A portable phone charger, polaroid camera, hair scarf or bandana, travel-size dry shampoo, your favorite snacks (trail mix, anyone?), and a reusable water bottle. Bonus: its drawstring and zip closure keep your stuff secure when you're dancing or road tripping with the windows down. Use the back zip pocket for tickets or festival passes.

The Paloma is a multitasker’s dream: wear it as a tote, crossbody, or just use the canvas pouch inside—it’s like three bags in one. Lightweight and hand-woven, this bag fits seamlessly into both your workday and weekend vibes.

Perfect for: Commuting, travel, work-from-anywhere days.

What to pack: Your laptop (up to 15”), charging cables, blue-light glasses, a slim planner, a pouch for cords and pens, your favorite snacks for on-the-go fuel, and the detachable pouch for organizing makeup or travel docs. If you're airport-bound, slide in your boarding pass and passport for easy access. Headed to a co-working space? Add a mini desk diffuser or a reusable coffee tumbler for cozy productivity.

The Studio Tote is all about relaxed elegance. Its unstructured silhouette and saturated hues make it the perfect “toss-it-in-and-go” bag for carefree summer errands, spontaneous day trips, or casual hangs with friends.

Perfect for: Errand days, spontaneous beach trips, art strolls.

What to pack: A lightweight cardigan or wrap, a sketchbook or journal, headphones, your current read, and a mini toiletry pouch with lip balm, face mist, and sanitizer. Need to switch gears mid-day? There’s room for an extra tee or pair of flat sandals. Bonus: It collapses easily into a suitcase or weekender if you’re packing light for a quick escape.

The Kent Tote gives vintage-inspired charm with a modern twist, thanks to its basket-style shape and elegant stitching. It’s structured enough to elevate any outfit but roomy enough to carry all your summer treasures.

Perfect for: Farmers markets, garden parties, Sunday strolls.

What to pack: A reusable canvas produce bag, a slim leather wallet, fresh market finds (bread, berries, maybe a bottle of rosé), and a notebook for jotting recipes or shopping lists. Use the interior back wall organizer to stash your keys, lip tint, and sunglasses, so you’re not digging through your haul for the essentials.