Customer Reviews

Carry Bag - Reisenthel Germany Collapsible Bag or Market Basket

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While in Germany briefly (two months), I saw these bags everywhere. I rarely, if ever, saw those cheap bags that the stores give away in the USA (or now sell for $.99). I rarely saw plastic bags either (but a few). These baskets (this brand) are ubiquitous. I thought about buying one for use in the US when I returned home, but figured I didn't have room in my luggage for luggage... and then regretted not listening to my desire to buy one when I could!

A few weeks after returning home, I found them on Amazon.com, and purchased one from "Touch of Europe."

This basket is about the same size as the grocery store hand-held basket, so when I go through the market I fill up this bag in the same way. The top handles easily swivel down flat, so you can place your purchases on the conveyor belt. Best part is coming home -- no more spilled over bags and rolling cans or smashed bread; this basket acts like a cardboard box; items sit perfectly without "adjusting" during the drive home. The bottom has 1/4" "feet" on it, so it won't sit in water or other spills when you get home and put it on the counter, or if something else has spilled wherever you place the basket; it stays clean. The basket is definitely of "German quality". Well designed, nice, and should last decades.

The only note is the "collapsible" part. It is indeed collapsible, but not worth collapsing unless you have to. The basket is canvas/cloth, and stays upright by four battens/flat pieces of plastic on the sides that slip in and out of the sewn in pockets to make it rigid. Easy enough to do, but it isn't a quick "pop up" or "pop down" collapse. It would take, oh, only about 45 seconds to insert the plastic, but.... why bother unless you had to.

Also, men in Germany carry these too -- tend to use the solid colors.

PROS:
* I get compliments on the basket (so nice people would actually compliment a basket? Apparently so!); so much better to re-use than the "free with store logo" bags that are in general re-use in the US. I'm not advertising for anyone.
* Grocery items don't spill, roll, get smashed, or displace in the back seat of my car on the drive home.
* I feel so European and hip....

CONS:
* It can collapse, but not very quickly.
* Spending $40 for a basket when you already have 50 "reusable" bags seems nutty.
* There are so many colors and patterns to choose from -- and I am fighting the desire to buy another Reisenthel bag, just for another color...

Definitely recommend. The basket is of quality, protects purchases better than a plastic bag, and you can be "green" by doing one better than advertising the stores that gave you that cheap $.99 bag....

This tote is gorgeous, sturdy, and shows superior craftsmanship. I will gladly pay 39.99 again for another bag of this quality. Did I mention that it looks great too?

I have several of the cheaper versions of the Reisenthel Carrybag and they are all junk compared to this tote!! By using this type of market tote to do my shopping I won't have to use paper nor plastic bags. Plus the handy zipper pocket can hold my valuables.

This tote finally answers one of my design questions with the cheaper knock-offs of this bag - how do you keep the "spines" in place. Well, this quality tote finally gave me the "ahh haa" moment as this bag has a unique way to keep the "spines" in place.

Go for quality and buy this tote! It is a keeper! By the way - the seller had super fast shipping and nice packaging...

This is the second one of these I have now purchased. I absolutely love them. They are about the size of the plastic basket at the grocery store. I like to bring it with me for smaller grocery trips. It's nice to shop using it and then you can bring your stuff back home in it. No plastic bags! I also have used it in the car or house just to carry stuff in.

By leaving my beautiful reisinthal basket in my car, I have it handy for every use I can think of! A bit of shopping, toting things from A to B, baked goods to the new neighbor or my dish to the party. It is so pretty and functional.
Fell in love with my daughters when I went to Austria to visit. No grocery bags there. Everyone comments on it! Will carry 50 punds.

These baskets are the perfect solution to putting more and more plastic into the environment. It is roomy and if you need more room, carry your cloth bags inside so when you enter the store, you can put your fresh produce in this basket and use your cloth bags for larger items. It is perfect for those trips to the Farmer's Market as the vendors have to pay for the bags they distribute and like many, don't like to give away plastic bags, even if they are recycling. We all need to think "reusable baskets" like the Europeans and emulate sensible habits. To increase you own discipline, when you unload your groceries, put your cloth bags back into your Reisentel. Put it next to the door and when you go out again, just take it back to the car so it is ready when you need it! Think! Think! Think! We are an intelligent species - let's start doing the things that improve the future.

I own 3 and have given 3 away. For picnics, market day, unsorted papers, magazines, car trips, boat trips - so many uses. The quality is high and they are very attractive looking.

I purchased two in Germany and was thrilled to find them in the states. They are great! Sharp looking, sturdy and roomy.

Any tote diva will love this carrier tote! The design is so cool and different and the tote has inserts to keep the bag strong and sturdy. Great for farmer's market and picnics. I have seen other totes like this in stores for less money, but the Reisenthal quality cannot compare.

I saw this carry-all in a magazine and knew it would be perfect for me. I'm in and out of stores and always grabbing the dirty plastic carry-all's they have and just using my totes to carry my items out. I thought this would be a great idea instead. It's extremely sturdy, durable and easy to carry. I haven't had to wash it yet because I just bought it, but it looks like it wouldn't be any trouble at all with some mild detergent if need be. I'd also like to mention the seller got it here in no time at all!!!

This was a great buy...I bought the baroque sand and love it. It is bigger than it looks online and great quality. Perfect for farmers market and picnics. I ordered it on a Monday and it arrived on Thursday. I paid for just standard shipping. I am so impressed I will continue to order for this company and recommend this product to all my friends!