The 12 Best Lunch Boxes (and Bags) for Men

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.amazon / yetiProsInsulated and keeps everything coolCan withstand the elements and a little wear and tearIt doesn't get better than this. For a job site, fishing trip, or day hike, nothing's as good as this lunch box from Carhartt. There's space for lunch, snacks, and a couple post-work drinks. Plus, it's insulated, so ice or an ice pack won't melt over the course of a day.Capacity: 8 litersMaterial: plastic, polyesterDimensions: 10" x 8.5" x 4"ProsLooks like a classy toteAdjustable carrying strapsWax finish keeps contents insulatedConsNot the best for organizing When in doubt, brown-paper-bag it. Or rather, brown-waxed-canvas-bag it. This 10-liter lunch sack is good for use after use, especially since it comes with a nice tote-like handle and a shoulder strap that resolve the biggest hassle of paper-bagging-it—no comfortable means of carrying. Better yet, it's remarkably easy to clean—and waterproof—thanks to the wax finish, and will keep the content insulated for a long while.Capacity: 10 litersMaterial: canvas, aluminum film, cotton, leather, metalDimensions: 11.8" x 9.5"Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsBetter insulation than the lunch bags you grew up withClassic zipper topThis is the modern form of the idealized lunchbox. It's lightweight, but insulated enough to keep your sandwich cool until it hits the break room fridge. It's perfect for school or the office, just don't bring it to the great outdoors.Capacity: 8 litersMaterial: polyesterDimensions: 18"D x 7"W x 18"HProsNifty handleIncredible ice retentionFor something more robust and temperature regulating, Pelican makes an amazing little personal cooler. Easy to carry and the perfect size for a couple of drinks, lunch, and a snack. The thing it has on all the other options on this list is ice retention. Like any rotomolded cooler, this thing will keep consistent temperatures for days on end.Capacity: 8 quartsMaterial: polypropyleneDimensions: 10.8"D x 7.5"W x 6.4"HAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowPros10 L capacityExtreme insulationBuilt-in bottle openerConsNot the most packable If a sack will more than do the job for your lunch, Bellroy makes a great cooler sack with a grab handle, and can be squished down for easy packing. You could even call the cooler caddy stylish—it stays to the trend of half-moon, lunar shapes in handbags. Otherwise, it's damn useful with insulation and even a built-in bottle opener, since you probably won't mind a beer for lunch at work or wherever.Capacity: 10 literMaterial: 50% Recycled Nylon, 40% Recycled Polyester, 5% Other materials, 5% NylonDimensions: 5.9"D x 14.6"W x 11.4"HProsMagnetic snap closureLots of space inside plus external pocketsConsShoulder strap sold separately With Yeti, you get one of the most impenetrable lunch boxes around, with intensely strong insulating layers, a leakproof zipper, a water-resistant outer—all look sleek in its tough-as-nails form. The 6 liter bag can hold a ton of containers or cans, and it's easy to stack a reasonable number of both.Other Yeti products (like shoulder straps and food containers) are compatible, but sold separately.Capacity: 6 litersMaterial: vinylDimensions: 6.7"D x 8.8"W x 10.3"HAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsManlyDurable and long-lasting, like a Stanley cupConsNot going to fit everybody's vibeNo insulation to speak ofTap in to that lunch pail mentality with Stanley's classic steel box. Hold on, like the big water cup people? Yes, before the company had teenagers and adults fighting each other of big gulps at Target, it made the perfect lunch box.It's nothing special. Five-and-a-half quarts will hold a standard sized lunch, but that tough steel build will last for the rest of your life. This is an heirloom lunch box.Capacity: 6 litersMaterial: vinylDimensions: 6.7"D x 8.8"W x 10.3"HProsRemovable, adjustable crossbody strapLooks amazing in walnutConsJust regular ole insulationHere’s another great looking insulated soft cooler. The other colors are fun, but the Walnut shade really elevates the aesthetics of this insulated cooler Calpak. Make sure you get the limited colorway before its gone.Capacity: 8 litersMaterial: polyesterDimensions: 6.5"D x 9.75"W x 7.75"HAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsIce pack in the Bentgo keeps your food freshRemovable tray is microwave safeConsRequires thorough cleaningThis multi-level bento-style lunch box is as modern as it gets. It includes an ice pack layer that can be frozen so your lunch and snacks can stay fresh and cool all day. The top layer can be portioned anyway you see fit with the removable dividers. It's also the part that is microwave safe. Best of all, the entire box is leakproof and free of toxic PFAS.Capacity: 5 cupsMaterial: Outside Shell & Locking Clip: ABS Plastic; Seal: TPE; Food Tray: PP Plastic; Ice Pack: ABS PlasticDimensions: 7.2"D x 7.2"W x 2.5"HProsCan take a beatingCompactThis is your basic, budget lunch box, made by L.L.Bean. In a rugged form that can take a beating, it won't look out of place next to your briefcase in your workplace or hanging off your shoulder from the included strap. It has 6 liters of storage space, a mesh pocket within, and a storage lid that holds smaller bites or drinks. That’s all you need for $25.Capacity: 6 litersMaterial: nylonDimensions: 5"D x 9"W x 7"HAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsA durable, leakproof containerConsJust a plastic box with a dividerMore Styles & Sizes at ZwillingZwilling really made a box—no handle, no strap, just a box. It's something you'll likely put inside other means of carriage, where it'll sit safe and sound, protecting the food within in fantastic plastic. Moreover, it's light and leakproof. But to bring out the best of it, consider getting Zwilling's vacuum pump which is meant to work in tandem with the lunch box by sucking any remaining air out of the container.Capacity: 1 poundMaterial: siliconeDimensions: 5.75"D x 8.54"W x 3.58"HProsNo microwave needed Removable inner containerConsDoes weigh like two poundsSkip over the whole “to microwave or not to microwave” dilemma with a lunch box that’ll heat itself. There are a few models on the market currently, but we love this bad boy from Crock-Pot. The brand’s been making a machine revered by suburban moms everywhere for years, and over 1,000 Amazon reviewers agree the appliance maker’s take on the electric lunch box is a reliable pick.Capacity: 3.5 cupsMaterial: plastic, stainless steelDimensions: 8.9"L x 6.3"W x 4.4"H