This is my review of the Baggu Duck Bag in the vertical style.
This is a newer version of the Duck Bag which has a zip closure and feels noticeably more secure than the older version with the button fastening.
I bought mine last year and since then the vertical Duck Bag has been discontinued, but you can still buy the horizontal style.
I thought I’d review my vertical one anyway as it still feels relevant for anyone looking at secondhand pieces or comparing it to the horizontal Duck Bag.
Structure, strap and how it wears
The bag has a single thin shoulder strap, which sits comfortably on the shoulder and doesn’t tend to slip. It’s adjustable and can be worn crossbody, although on me (I’m quite tall), it doesn’t quite fall in the right place proportionally, so I usually stick to shoulder carry.
It also has two shorter top handles, so you can carry it by hand if you want to switch up how you wear it. I rarely do carry it this way, mainly because I tend to keep my hands free.
When the bag is heavily loaded, the strap can start to dig in slightly – not immediately, but enough that you notice it on longer days. I tend to use it when I have a lot to carry but am not going to be out all day or carrying it for long periods.
Closure, security and fabric
The zip closure is actually one of the most useful elements of this version. It feels sturdy and secure, and it zips fully across the top, so nothing falls out in normal use. It gives the bag a more finished, intentional feel compared to open-top canvas totes, and makes it much more practical for commuting or busy days in the city.
I don’t tend to use open tote bags, especially in London when wandering around in busy areas. Click here to read my recommendations for bags to wear in London.
The only thing that isn’t secured is the internal pocket, which has no zip. That’s the only area where smaller items can feel slightly less contained. To be honest, as the whole bag zips up the worst that really happens is items spilling out into the main compartment.
The canvas itself is very hardwearing. I’ve used it constantly, thrown it around, and it still looks good. It has that classic Baggu durability where it ages well rather than looking worn out. I would still be more cautious with lighter colours, though. I’ve got my eye on the grid pattern but lots of people online say it’s more likely to show marks, and unlike nylon, canvas isn’t something you can just wipe clean.
Capacity and what it actually fits
Inside, there’s one small internal pocket and then a completely open main compartment, which means you end up self-organising everything. There are no extra sections, and no key clip like you get in the Crescent bags, which I do miss.
In terms of what it fits, it’s surprisingly generous. I can comfortably fit a 15-inch laptop, a water bottle, a purse, a toiletry bag, and various everyday bits without it feeling overstuffed. Also the structure of the bag means you can pack a lot in without it looking misshapen.
It’s the kind of bag I reach for when I need to carry a lot of things but won’t be carrying them for long periods. It’s perfect for short trips, errands, or days where I’m moving between places rather than fully commuting. It also works really well for bulkier items that aren’t necessarily heavy, like jumpers or layers.
It feels especially suited to casual spring and summer days. Not in a trend-driven way, but because it works best when life is a bit lighter. There’s something more hot weather like about canvas than nylon. Maybe it is because when I was younger all my beach bags were canvas.
Everyday use and final thoughts
Weight-wise, it sits somewhere between Baggu’s nylon styles and more structured canvas totes. The canvas gives it a bit more substance, but it’s still easy to throw on and go.
Capacity-wise, it can hold more than a medium Crescent bag, but doesn’t quite reach the space of the large Crescent.
You do still need to lift it off your shoulder to properly access what’s inside because of the vertical shape, but that’s fairly standard for shoulder bags, so it doesn’t feel like a drawback in practice. The horizontal bag style doesn’t feel like so much of a black hole.
Overall, it’s a simple, durable everyday bag that doesn’t try to overcomplicate anything. The zip adds a reassuring level of security, and the rest of the design is about ease and capacity rather than organisation or structure. It’s the kind of bag that quietly does the job without needing much thought.
I’m very much looking forward to using it during the summer months again. What bag do you use when the weather warms up?
I usually buy my Baggus from environmentally conscious shops in the UK such as Plastic Freedom or Keep + Kind.
