Veto Tool Bags vs. The DECKED D-Bag: Which One's For Me?

What makes for good tool kits or perfect tool bags? Isn’t that the question that keeps us all up at night? (It is for us, at least…)

 

These days, tool bags come with all kinds of gizmos and features that can really spike up a price tag. But at the end of the day, all we really need is an ergonomic, heavy-duty backpack we can take to a job site or on a weekend hike. We need something that gets the job done and makes our lives easier.

 

So, let’s review two giants in the tool backpack game: DECKED and Veto tool bags.

 

The original VETO PRO PAC tool bag was designed and created by its current CEO, Roger Brouard. Veto makes a range of tool bags for professional tradesmen and service technicians, with tool-specific organizers in each tradeline (which is really handy if you’re only going to use the bag for that one purpose).

 

But before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let’s take a look at some of the basics:

 

	VETO Tool Bags	DECKED D-Bag	Winner
Construction (What’s it made of?)	Industrial-strength, PVC-impregnated 1200-1800 denier nylon thread.	Thermoformed EVA foam coated shell covered with a ballistic 900D TPU coated nylon cloth. Rubberized rip-stop nylon flex panels for reinforcement.	DECKED
Organization	Multiple rows of vertically tiered pockets attached to the patented, integrated, molded, stand-up center panel.	Removable D-Bag tool roll, a zippered compartment, and a removable duffel bag made of the same indestructible material. Horseshoe wide-mouth opening for easy tool visibility.	TIE
Ergonomics	Rubber grip handles, adjustable padded backpack straps, padded back panel for extra support.	Aluminum handles for easy grabbing; padded strap system that can be adjusted to carry as a crossbody, shoulder bag, backpack, or briefcase.	DECKED
Weather Resistance	1200-1800D waterproof base; zipper and open tops not waterproof.	900D completely weatherproof construction, including the zippers.	TIE
Price/Affordability	Varies from $159 and goes up to $319	$174	DECKED

 

Veto Tool Bags vs. DECKED D-Bag: A Closer Look

VETO PRO PAC Pros (Try saying that 3 times fast…)

• HVAC/R technicians, electricians, plumbers, engineers, carpenters, mechanics, whatever trade you’re in, VETO makes a variety of tool bags designed especially for your specific tool load.

• VETO bags are pretty customizable; you can add your company logo, sponsors, and identity tags to the bag. You can get it in several colors, too, including camo for the days you’re out hunting.

• They also ship to the UK and Europe just in case you want to equip your London buddies.

VETO PRO PAC Cons

• Some bags are heavy even before you add your drills and other power tools.
• These babies ain’t cheap. They can set you back almost 400 bucks for the current range.
• They can be hard to get. Even their own website regularly has most of them listed as out of stock. So, that’s fine, as long as you’re willing to wait for the new arrivals and jump on them before they’re gone again. And who knows how long that wait is?

DECKED D-Bag Pros

• First of all, get your mind out of the gutter. This obviously stands for DRAWER-Bag 👊
• The D-Bag can be carried in various ways: worn as a backpack, carried like a briefcase, slung over one shoulder like a boss, or carried flat as needed.
• Comes with a handy multi-pocket integrated and removable tool roll as well as a tough 900D duffel bag that can be secured inside the D-Bag.
• A bang for your buck. You’re getting great value for your money with all the D-Bag has to offer.

DECKED D-Bag Cons

• Can’t customize or engrave it (yet).
• It can be pricey, but still less so than the VETO.
• It only comes in one style and color. (But we think you’ll love this one just as it is.)

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s take a more detailed look at those key features of VETO tool bags and the DECKED D-Bag. Here’s what we’re dealing with:

• Construction (What’s it made of?)
• Organization
• Ergonomics
• Weather Resistance
• Dimensions/Size
• Price/Affordability