WaterField Designs Shinjuku Tote GBAtemp review
GBAtemp - May 27, 2025
“Striking a delicate balance between form and function, the Shinjuku Tote redefines the tote bag, adapting it to the tech user.”
Device-specific
For travel, work, or everyday
Experience a new level of versatility with the Shinjuku Tote. Ideal for work, travel, or everyday, it features an innovative magnetic closure that keeps contents secure. The convenient suitcase handle passthrough and internal water bottle pockets make it the perfect travel accessory.
Part of the Shinjuku Collection, a line of bags designed to help you easily navigate crowds and busy thoroughfares. Inspired by the vibrant, fast-paced Tokyo lifestyle.
Material:
Dimensions & Weight:
One Size: 15'' (l) x 5'' (w) x 13'' (h). Ballistic Nylon: 1.5 lbs. Waxed Canvas: 2 lbs
381 x 127 x 330 mm. Ballistic Nylon: 681 gm. Waxed Canvas: 907 gm.
Volume: 16 Liters
Strap Length: 11.5''. 292 mm.
The Shinjuku Tote comes in one size. We recommend using a MacBook Sleeve or iPad Sleeve for protecting your laptop or tablet when inserting it in the bag.
What appealed to me initially is this tote’s design. Very rarely do you get a tote that has 4 internal pockets which I find much more useful than a dedicated laptop compartment (generally too narrow and wide to be useful organization wise). When I carry my laptop I just use a sleeve. Anyway…i spent a couple months cross shopping this bag’s design and there’s nothing specifically like it on the market.
What I was surprised by was the quality of the materials. The construction on this bag is amazing...the people putting these together really take care in their work. If this is what all their products are like then color me impressed. The stitching and finishing is so good. I’ll be stopping by the store to check out the rest of the collection and might just have to leave with that Shinjuku pouch….and backpack
Everything i had hoped for and more from my first ever WaterField bag. Love the shoulder straps that dont slide off - magnetic closures - and the smart positioning/sizing of slots inside the bag that make carrying water bottles easy. Easy recommendation.
Crafting a tribute to a tote bag would have been a ridiculously inane exercise—until now. The Waterfield Shinjuki Tote. Well. The design is innovative and very, very, very, very—sexy. Then there’s the outstanding—I would even venture flawless—craftsmanship. And then….amazing enough, a “profound functionality”, a plethora of storage possibilities and pockets galore. I got it in black. It’s a killer. But I want all the other color options as well. How to justify that. Somebody help me.
Just got my tote, and have put it to use. It looks good and is functional, Really well executed. As always, the details matter, and make a difference. No surprise from Waterfield.
I have been waiting impatiently for a new Waterfield tote to arrive on the scene. I have used the Outback Totes for years, and they were getting pretty beat up! I asked about new totes a while back, and there was nothing on the horizon. Now I have this new tote and I am a happy woman! I use the tote as a work purse...people comment on it, and big bag people appreciate it! The trademark gold color inside makes my life much easier. I don't lose things in the bag and can find my items easily. The various pockets are a good size and helpful; to my organization.
Gary, please keep making totes!
GBAtemp - May 27, 2025
“Striking a delicate balance between form and function, the Shinjuku Tote redefines the tote bag, adapting it to the tech user.”
The Shinjuku Tote may be the first tote to feature a magnetic top closure. Silent and easy to open and shut, the flap hides your belongings from prying eyes.
The super strong, rare-earth magnets find each other naturally and make a satisfying click when they snap closed.
The Shinjuku Tote is designed for both comfort and style. The extended handles allow for a comfortable shoulder-carry, with anti-slip undersides to keep them in place. Interior and exterior pockets keep you organized: side pockets accommodate big bottles, and front/back pockets provide easy-access storage.
For travel, you can use the Shinjuku Tote to consolidate small items you need inflight. The magnetic flap keeps items secure and the the rear passthrough slides over carry-on luggage.
Ballistic Nylon is a resilient textile that blends durability, lightness, and weather-resistance. Its sleek, understated aesthetic makes it an ideal choice for the Shinjuku Tote, a bag designed to be comfortable, lightweight, and stylish.
Not all waxed canvas bags are created equal. Lower quality bags use 6 oz. canvas, while most designated as “durable” use 12 oz. canvas. At 15 oz., our waxed canvas exceeds what is commonly sold in the market, yet it's still lightweight. Its naturally rugged, distressed look and can be re-waxed to freshen it up.
We source our canvas from a reputable U.S. mill that has produced these fabrics since 1930. This specialized textile is coated with Martexin Original Wax™ and shouldn't require much cleaning. Stains can be wiped off with a damp cloth.
Inspired by the vibrant, fast-paced Tokyo neighborhood, the Shinjuku Collection is designed to help you nimbly navigate your way through crowds. These stylish bags are compact, lightweight, and comfortable to carry.
Crafted from traditional Waxed Canvas or modern Ballistic Nylon with full-grain leather accents and premium hardware, these bags are made to last.
If you own the Shinjuku Tote in traditional waxed canvas, you can keep it looking like new by applying wax when you think it needs a little refresh. Although you can use any suitable wax, you may want to try Martexin Original Wax™ which was used in the initial coating of your canvas bag.
We're proud to offer American-made gear built for the long haul. All our products are designed and made in our San Francisco workshop, where rent is high, labor expensive, and competition intense. We wouldn't go anywhere else.
New All-Leather
Our first-ever, all-leather crossbody debuted this month. Blending heritage craftsmanship with innovative features, the Hudson Crossbody adds sophistication to your everyday look.
Your next airport tote
The Shinjuku Tote looks fresh even after a long flight. Instead of a zipper, it has magnetic flaps that close together to secure the contents inside. It's sturdy enough to carry weighty items you'll need for your flight.
Switch 2 Cases
The CitySlicker and Magnetic Case for Switch 2 are now on sale. See the Switch 2 Case Collection.