Beach Towel that Turns into Beach Bag

A day at the beach can sometimes seem like anything but, what with all the things you have to pack and lug, so a beach towel that turns into a beach bag is ideal for cutting down on items to remember. It's also a cost saver and, as an extra bonus, it's something you can make yourself.

A convertible towel means you can wrap up your gear and go.

Styles of Convertible Beach Bags

The most basic sort of beach towel that turns into a beach bag is extra-large and features buttons so that you can fold up all your things inside it, and then fasten it much like a classic hobo bag (only without the long stick to carry it on your shoulder).

However, as the idea of the convertible beach bag has become more popular, the designs have grown more elaborate. One example of a high-end combo beach towel and bag is the Maison Martin Margiela Convertible Beach Bag; it buttons, but also has built-in handles for easy carrying. However, this is the rare expensive bag that is probably only the most practical for those who spend the entire summer on the shore.

The more practical option for most people would be the Towel Down. It accomplishes a little bit of everything functioning as a towel, blanket, tote bag and backpack. It also features pockets for securing small items and valuables, and it even has a pillow area – a pocket you fill with sand - for extra lounging comfort. You can fill the corner pockets, all of which fasten with Velcro, with sand and thus weigh down the towel, making it wind-resistant.

There are also Velcro closures on each side of the towel so that you can easily attach more towels, thus creating a blanket. You can wrap the towel around yourself and fasten it, making a sleeping bag, or attach it to a beach chair. Finally, you can pull the towel through a pocket and turn it into a tote, or use the adjustable straps to make a backpack.

Make Your Own Beach Towel that Turns Into a Beach Bag

You don't have to be a sewing expert to make a beach towel that turns into a beach bag. In fact, you don't have to sew at all if you have a glue gun; you can just glue on Velcro straps and fabric handles. This is a great way to recycle old towels. There are a number of patterns available on line. For a really smart homemade bag, try the pattern at Martha Stewart's site.

Arguments Against Convertible Towels

With so much convenience to be had, why would you not want a beach towel that turns into a beach bag? The most obvious drawback is for those who go to the beach or pool to actually swim. If you want to use your towel for drying off, you don't then want to wrap all your things in a wet bag, nor do you want to wait for the towel to dry before you can use it as a bag.

People have also found that it doesn't actually save much carrying and can even mean extra work. You have to be very sure that everything is secured, but there can still be holes where something can slip out (although this would be less the case with the Towel Down, thanks to the Velcro).

For those who are at the beach all day and leave as the sun is going down, a towel can be nice to wrap around the shoulders, saving having to bring a cover-up, and the convertible bag means you do need that cover-up, so nothing is gained. Ultimately, it's probably best for those who are renting a place by the shore and don't have to carry valuables but can just throw some basic beach gear in the bag and run outside to play.

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