Both totes are built to the same specification. Same 300 to 350 GSM canvas body, same 280 to 350 GSM contrast panel, same foam and board construction, same antique brass hardware, same six colourways, same 16 by 13 inch footprint. The differences are in how the bag closes and how you get into it.
Design 1 — piping border and magnetic button
Piping runs along the top edge, the side edges and the bottom border, which is what gives the bag its defined outline. It closes with an 18 mm magnetic button.
A magnetic button is quick. You can get in and out of the bag one-handed without looking. It also means the top of the bag is not sealed — the opening pulls closed at the centre and stays a little open at the corners.
Depth is 5 inches.
Design 2 — front pocket and top zip
Design 2 adds a #5 zip running the full 16 inch opening, so the bag actually closes. It also adds a front pocket on the outside of the body panel, and a slightly deeper 5.5 inch gusset.
The handles are attached differently too: a box-X stitch plus a rivet and a D-ring rather than stitching alone, and every stress point is bar-tacked. There are eight 9 mm antique brass rivets on the bag.
How to decide
Choose Design 2 if the bag will be on a train, a bus, or a scooter, or if you will be putting a laptop or documents in it and want the top shut. The front pocket is genuinely useful for a phone or a card holder.
Choose Design 1 if the bag mostly moves between a desk, a car and a house, and you would rather reach in without unzipping anything. It is the cleaner-looking of the two.
Both have an inside zip pocket of roughly 7 by 6 inches, so storage inside is the same either way.