Greenlee Textron recently introduced a new line of Greenlee Next Generation tool bags with multiple pockets and compartments constructed from a poly and nylon Ripstop fabric and featuring double and triple stitching on critical seams, light green interior for visibility, a hard plastic bottom, and a personalized name patch customization option.
Editor’s Note: Check out our best tool bag roundup to see our top picks.
Our Take
If you have so much stuff that you need more stuff to keep your stuff (à la George Carlin), then you might consider the new Greenlee Next Generation tool bags for the job. The days of carrying a metal box with no more organizational capacity than a tray on top of a pile of tools are gone, supplanted by backpacks and bags made with tough but compliant materials like the poly and nylon ripstop of these new items and tons of pockets.
Not only does it keep your tools in order, but it makes it easy to identify missing tools that wouldn’t be evident if they were all thrown together, and it minimizes wear and tear as they are not jostled against each other. In short, we think you’d agree that an efficient job starts with efficient tool organization. Do Greenlee Next Generation Tool Bags fit the bill?
They certainly have a compelling design, but the proof will be in the field.
“Greenlee is committed to producing ergonomic tools and products that reduce injury and increase productivity to support the professionals who use them daily. Our network of professional contractors helped to test the Next Generation tool bags and provided valuable feedback. We are confident these durable, long-lasting and lightweight bags will help get the job done.”
Dale Speggen, product manager at Greenlee
Greenlee Next Generation Tool Backpacks
The two new backpack style bags are reminiscent of the Klein Tradesman Pro backpacks, the Camo version of which Ben Parker recently reviewed and highly recommended. Another option is the Milwaukee Jobsite Backpack. Similar hardshell bottoms allow the back to stand up and protect it from water, many pockets organize tools, a bright interior helps with visibility, and model number 0158-26 has a hardshell compartment for delicate items like sunglasses. Those features were all great features on the Klein so we can be reasonably certain they are advantageous on the new Greenlee.
In terms of total storage capacity, however, it looks like the Greenlee might have bested the Klein offerings slightly. It’s true that the Klein Camo version has more pockets at 39 than either of the new Greenlee’s with 30 (model 0158-26) and 27 (0158-27), but the Greenlee’s both have a second zippered compartment that accommodates either more tools (model 0158-26) or more technology (0158-27). In a comparison to similarly tech-focused Klein bags, the Greenlee 0158-27 has more pockets but, of course, it also adds to the bulk.
- Personalized embroidered name patch
- Designed for the work environment
- Separate compartment for safety glasses
- Nickel chromium zippers for added durability
- Padded lumbar support reduces back strain when carrying a loaded backpack
- S-strap shoulder strap designed for ergonomic form-fit to evenly distribute weight
- 30 double-stitched pockets for tool storage and organization
Greenlee Professional Tool Backpack Specifications
- Model Number: Greenlee 0158-26
- Height : 20.5-inch (520.7 mm)
- Inner Tote Dimensions Closed : 14.5-inch (368.3 mm) L x 9-inch (228.6 mm) W x 20-inch-inch (508 mm) H
- Length: 17-inch (431.8 mm)
- Material: Poly & Nylon Ripstop
- Number Of Pockets:
- 30 Pockets
- 2 Tape Measure Holders
- 1 Electrical Tape Chain
- 1 Metal Hang Hook
- Type: Tool Carrying Backpack
- Weight : 4.95 lbs (2.25 kg)
Greenlee Professional Tool & Tech Backpack Features
- Personalized embroidered name patch
- Designed for the office and the work environment
- Features a laptop compartment
- Same ergonomic benefits as the tool backpack
- 27 double-stitched pockets for tool storage and organization
- Zippered compartment allows for tablet or laptop storage
Greenlee Professional Tool & Tech Backpack Specifications
- Model Number: Greenlee 0158-27
- Height : 18.5-inch (469.9 mm)
- Inner Tote Dimensions Closed : 14.5-inch (368.3 mm) L x 9-inch (228.6 mm) W x 17.5-inch (444.5 mm)H
- Length: 15-inch (381 mm)
- Material: Poly & Nylon Ripstop
- Number Of Pockets: 27 Pockets
- Type : Tool & Tech Backpack
- Weight : 4.5 lbs (2 kg)
- Width : 9.5 (241.3 mm)
Greenlee Next Generation Tool Bags
Perhaps just as interesting as the new backpacks are the new tool bags. If you don’t have a need for a second compartment for more tools or a laptop/tablet, both the 20-inch bag (model 0158-21) and 11-inch carrier (model 0158-24) are more compact and allow easier access than either of the backpacks with a just as many pockets for organization. The 20-inch back even includes the hardshell compartment for delicate items.
Greenlee 20-Inch Heavy-Duty Multi-Pocket Tool Bag Features
- Reinforced slip-proof padded shoulder straps with clips to hold the bag closed
- ABS waterproof plastic bottom keeps tools and bag protected from the elements
- 28 double-stitched pockets provide tool storage and organization
Greenlee 20-Inch Heavy-Duty Multi-Pocket Tool Bag Specifications
- Model Number: Greenlee 0158-21
- Height : 11-inch (279.4 mm)
- Inner Tote Dimensions Closed : 20.5-inch (520.7 mm) L x 10.25-inch (260.35 mm) W x 10-inch (254 mm) H
- Length : 21-inch (533.4 mm)-inch
- Material: Poly & Nylon Ripstop
- Number Of Pockets:
- 28 Pockets
- 1 Tape Measure Holder
- 1 Electrical Tape Chain
- Type: Contractors Tool Bag
- Weight : 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg)
- Width : 11-inch (279.4 mm)
Greenlee 11-Inch Electrician’s Open Tool Carrier Features
- Open top and light green interior makes it easy to locate and access tool
- Reinforced, padded shoulder straps
- 27 double-stitched pockets provide tool storage and organization
Greenlee 11-Inch Electrician’s Open Tool Carrier Specifications
- Model Number: Greenlee 0158-24
- Height: 17-inch (431.8 mm)
- Inner Tote Dimensions Closed : 10-inch (254 mm) L x 8-inch (203.2mm) W x 16-inch (406.4 mm) H
- Length : 11-inch (279.4 mm)
- Material: Poly & Nylon Ripstop
- Number Of Pockets:
- 27 Pockets
- 1 Tape Measure Holders
- 1 Electrical Tape Chain
- Type: Open Top Tool Tote
- Weight : 3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
- Width : 8.5-inch (215.9 mm)
