Did you know IKEA makes bags? I knew IKEA sometimes produces some travel items, like simple carry-on luggage, but it seems recently they have put out many more bags, including totes and backpacks. During my last trip to eat their Swedish meatballs, I was surprised by the bag options there!

One of the bags that caught my eyes was this DRÖMSÄCK Tote bag. When I first saw it, I thought it looked familiar. It is a style of bag I love, so I didn't hesitate to pick one up since it was only $20. The funny thing was after I came back from IKEA, I realized that the DRÖMSÄCK Tote bag was basically a replica of Fjällräven Totepack No. 1! When I held both bags together, they looked eerily similar! I would laugh if IKEA denied they copied Fjällräven.

Let's not compare a $120 Fjällräven Totepack No. 1 and a $20 IKEA DRÖMSÄCK Tote bag today. Instead, let me simply look at the IKEA DRÖMSÄCK Tote bag and explore if the tote is worth it for $20. Although I have to admit, it is hard to criticize a $20 bag. It has a more complex structure than most sewed-up square totes every company is selling.

The look of this bag is identical to the Fjällräven Totepack No. 1, but once you look inside the bag, it is a whole different design where you notice IKEA's design spirit. On the outside, it has a slip pocket with a tiny round velcro closure. I don't think the velcro closure looks good or how functional it could be, and I would skip the velcro. Velcro always makes a bag feel cheaper. When you use the tote as a backpack, you can stick the extra-long handle into the slip pocket, which is handy. On the other side, you could make the bag interchangeable between a tote and a backpack, they used smooth matte silver hardware, and the straps could slide and be adjusted easily.

The main compartment has a zipper closure. However, since the zipper doesn't seal the opening completely, water could quickly get in if it is raining. I do like the red brick essence color they use for the zipper pull, and it adds a pop of color to a monotone external.

Looking inside the tote, I was surprised to see a laptop/tablet compartment, and it is lightly padded too. The padding probably makes it more comfortable to carry as a backpack even when you don't bring your laptop or tablet. On the other side, it has two big slip pockets and a pen holder. In addition, there's a hidden zippered pocket in one of the slip pockets where you could keep a bifold wallet. However, the zipped pocket won't be big enough for a giant cellphone like iPhone 12 Pro Max. Near the top of the tote, behind the main zipped closure flap, it has a card pocket tucked underneath that space. I imagined it would be convenient if you wanted to leave the house with only your ID and a credit card.

This tote is made from at least 90% of recycled material from what was stated on IKEA's website. Recycled material is great if you don't want to feel like creating more trash from buying a new bag. I tried to splash some water on the outside of the bag, and it appeared to be water-resistant. I could easily wipe away water droplets that didn't slide off the bag. The texture of the external fabric is a little on the rough side, it doesn't bother me, but I know some may think this is not acceptable.

Since the fabric they use for the interior is patterned white polyester, you may see scuffs and marks once you start to use the bag. I bought the last one when I was at IKEA, and the tote did come with a few scuffs on the slip pockets. I tried fabric cleaner on them, but I wasn't able to clean them off thoroughly. If you know a better way to clean this fabric, please share your tips in the comments.

Overall, I do like the bag a lot. It is hard not to love a $20 functional bag that's made from recycled material. I was shocked this tote was only $20, and I would totally pay $40! I hope they did pay fair wages at their factories. For my next trip to IKEA, I plan to pick up their travel bag organizer, as the quality on them looked pretty decent as well. If you don't have an IKEA nearby or don't like to shop online, I am sure you could find something similar at Target as they also make tons of affordable bags!