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メナHi there, I’m Mena (@menachite), a hybrid engineer who handles both mechanical and electrical work.
When you think of the DeWalt ToughSystem series, you think of tool boxes — but did you know that a ToughSystem series tool bag has finally made its way to Japan?!
Being part of the ToughSystem series, of course it can connect with other pieces in the lineup — the possibilities are endless.
We at Menatech had to get our hands on one immediately, so we bought it and put it through its paces. Our impression? “What is this thing?! It holds an incredible amount of tools for its size!! And it’s so organized…” — we were blown away.
In this article, we’ll give the long-awaited DeWalt ToughSystem series tool bag a thorough review.
Half-Size Tool Bag
| Half-Size Tool Bag | ToughSystem 2.0 |
| Part Number | DWST83524-1 |
| Dimensions (mm) | L284×W385×H425 |
| Inner Dimensions (mm) | — |
| Weight | Approx. 1.95 kg |
| Load Capacity | Approx. 10 kg |
Half-Size Tool Bag Review
The tool bag I purchased this time is the half-size tool bag. The biggest selling point of this half-size tool bag is that it addresses the biggest weakness of the ToughSystem. Let me break down the benefits.
There are several other great points as well, so let me walk through them.
Easier to Carry Around
The biggest selling point of this tool bag is its ease of handling.
The ToughSystem is large enough to store a cordless drill whole, which makes it difficult to carry around. The standard practice with tool boxes is to leave them somewhere and go fetch what you need.
But this bag is different.
Being half the size of the ToughSystem, it’s much easier to carry around.
Taking this tool bag to the worksite and opening it up is overwhelmingly more convenient than lugging the ToughSystem tool box.
If the ToughSystem tool box is the mothership, the half-size tote bag is the transport helicopter.
This is without a doubt the number one reason to choose this tool bag.
Surprisingly Clean and Organized Storage. Large Capacity.
The tool bag I was using before had elastic bands that held a crimping tool upright.
That type tends to be unstable for taller tools.
There’s also the constant annoyance of having to stand tools back up all the time.
In that regard, this bag has solid pockets on the inside.
Made from 1680-denier Cordura nylon, you don’t have to worry about it wearing out.
So just how much can this half-size tool bag hold? All the tools in the photo below fit inside.
That’s a lot, right?! And everything fits in neatly and organized.
The number of pockets is extraordinary.
There are three large compartments, each with multiple pockets inside for different purposes.
The bag I used before had too few pockets — pens and small items had no good home, which was a real drawback.
Of the three large compartments, the front-most one with the logo is best suited for storing crimping tools and pliers. With pockets split across two tiers inside, you can sort and store most tools with ease.
It opens up wide for easy access, so I use this compartment for my most frequently used tools.
The center main compartment is best for storing large crimping tools, cordless drills, and anything big in general.
Even with all my tools packed in, this compartment still has room to spare.
The tarpaulin-lined side pocket is suited for storing more delicate items.
It’s officially labeled for storing tablets, safety glasses, and smartphones, but I use it for pens, measurement instruments (testers, etc.), and documents.
The side pockets also feature a water bottle holder, tape hook, and tape measure holder — a wide variety of useful pockets and functions that give you peace of mind even if you suddenly need to carry more.
It’s reassuring enough to fit a whole ToughCase inside. Even a cordless drill fits in whole.
No Worry About Losing Shape. Sturdy But Slightly Tricky Balance.
Here’s a side view of the tool bag.
The bottom is made of polymer and is rock solid, so the bag doesn’t tip over from the weight of tools, and it holds its shape well.
Fabric tool bags often don’t have enough strength to support heavy tools, but this bag’s 1680-denier thickness keeps everything firmly in place no matter how many tools are packed in.
As a structural downside, there is a dead space at the bottom of the center compartment’s pouch where the weight concentrates, causing the bag to lean.
If you store heavy tools on the outside, there’s a risk of the bag toppling when you open the large compartments.
To reduce this leaning, filling in the dead space helps somewhat and makes it less likely to tip over.
A small ToughCase fits perfectly in the dead space, so if you’re worried about tipping, I recommend using it as an anti-tip solution.
Related Link
[Review] The TSTAK Series New Product “ToughCase” — A Versatile Small Parts Organizer. Full Explanation.
Connects to ToughSystem Tool Boxes for Secure Transport. Slightly Awkward Solo.
This tool bag is part of the ToughSystem series, so it can connect with the separately sold ToughSystem 2.0 series tool boxes.
It latches on like this and won’t come loose from any ordinary vibration. It really won’t budge.
This is an incredibly powerful asset when bringing it to a job site.
I bring this tool bag along with two ToughSystem tool boxes to job sites, and being able to stack them all and load them into the vehicle means they don’t take up much space — very handy.
One downside is that carrying it alone is quite tough since it can hold a lot — the weight really adds up.
The handle design is thoughtfully shaped, but even so, the weight is no joke.
A backpack-style carry would greatly reduce the burden, but currently you’re limited to a shoulder strap or handheld handle — the strain on one arm gets pretty serious.
There’s definitely room for improvement in that area.
Using something like the Dogyu X-Cart might work well for transport — and the colors even match.
The Zipper Is Tough and Oddly Obsessive.
One great thing to note is that the zipper construction is extremely solid.
Given the nature of a tool bag — opening and closing it constantly — it’s reassuring to know the zipper won’t break on you.
There’s also a draw cord attached, making opening and closing surprisingly smooth. I could sense an extraordinary level of dedication to the zipper from DeWalt (laughs).
When you line up the zipper tabs together, they also function as a theft-prevention lock.
I was impressed — that’s really well thought out.
Connects with the Half-Size Organizer
This is a very DeWalt-like feature. Within the ToughSystem 2.0 series, there is a half-size organizer.
This organizer can attach to the bottom of the tool bag. Think of it as being able to increase or decrease what you carry depending on your task for the day.
Tool Bag
| Tool Bag | ToughSystem 2.0 |
| Part Number | DWST83522-1 |
| Dimensions (mm) | L569×W384×H335 |
| Inner Dimensions (mm) | — |
| Weight | Approx. 3.2 kg |
| Load Capacity | Approx. 20 kg |
Tool Bag Review
Overwhelming Carrying Capacity
With this, you’ll never have trouble storing tools again — ever. That’s how impressive the storage capacity is.
Unlike ordinary tool boxes, it’s specially designed for storing tools upright.
The biggest difference from the half-size tool bag is that the main storage area is much larger, and two additional storage pockets have been added to both sides.
On top of that, both sides have zippers with interior storage space as well.
There’s also a space for precision equipment, including storage for a 15-inch laptop.
No weak points here.
Can Be Stacked on a ToughSystem Tool Box
It can be stacked on top of ToughSystem tool boxes.
The downside is that since it’s not half-size, it takes up the entire top surface of the tool box.
Difficult to Carry Solo.
This tool bag is roughly the same size as a ToughSystem tool box — effectively twice the size of the half-size tool bag.
It does come with a shoulder strap. But honestly, if even the half-size is tough to carry when fully loaded, carrying this thing fully loaded is just impossible… is it trying to destroy your shoulder?!
Realistically, you’d stack it on the ToughSystem at all times or use a hand truck solo — those are your two options. Bluntly speaking, carrying it by hand is brutal.
By the way, even the Dogyu X-Cart isn’t big enough to carry this bag alone, so a proper hand truck or cart becomes necessary for solo transport.
Summary
The “ToughSystem 2.0 Tool Bag” is a professional-grade tool bag that combines excellent durability with impressive storage capacity.
Even in harsh job site conditions or when moving frequently, its toughness and ease of use provide great peace of mind.
Its high customizability is also a major attraction, allowing you to use it in ways that suit your specific needs.
メナFor those who want to boost their daily work efficiency and are looking for a reliable tool bag that will last — this is the item I highly recommend!