I don’t need a rolling bag, just looking for a good tote. I use to use a Vera Bradley tote bag, then another large tote, which worked, but looking for something different.
Features/needs:
Large zip opening- I have to take a jacket aboard as I tend to get cold, so like to be able to put it in the bag without it getting wadded up. Depending on what else I travel with, I like the bag to be able to hold my purse so I only have to carry one bag through the airport.
My usual items I carry on are my laptop, iPad, water bottle, lunch or snack, small jewelry case, notebook/pens, book, and maybe my husband’s sweater if he doesn’t have room in his knapsack!
I think I might like something with some pockets or dividers as whatever I want always seems to be at the bottom of a large tote! I have also found that a shoulder bags with my laptop and other items is getting too heavy for me. The the current bag I am using is a cross over and is ok, but if I add my purse so I can carry my meal to the gate, my shoulder complains
I wouldn’t mind a knapsack if my jacket didn’t become a wrinkled mess, although I guess I couldn’t add my purse to it as I usually carry a medium purse.
I got a laptop backpack from eBags about 15 years ago when I started traveling for work and am still carrying the same bag today. It has held up great. There are different options for pockets, etc.:
I am going to second using a backpack. My daughter has a large backpack that she uses as a carryon (got it at a samsonite outlet store a few years ago). She can go away for a few days and it works fine. It has a laptop section and some others that help compartmentalize what you carry. She uses the backpack due to a back/neck issue, she cannot carry anything on one shoulder (all her purses and laptop bags have to be crossbody).
We bought this backpack based on recommendations I saw here on CC. It has a clamshell zippered opening like a suitcase does, but also has plenty of pockets for storing things like laptops, etc. There are two sizes - this link is for the larger size. My son used this on a two week school trip to Vietnam and my daughter took it when she studied abroad last semester.
Edited to add that I just re-read and see that you only need it for carryon type items, not for “luggage” so in that case I’d recommend the Mother Lode Junior.
I have looked at the mother lode weekender convertible; it is on my maybe list. My husband uses one of their wheeled carry on duffels and has been very pleased with it.
While I currently have TSA precheck, I wonder if I should have a bag that is TSA approved so I don’t have to take my electronics out for that odd flight/airport that doesn’t have a separate line. I made sure my husband’s backpack was TSA friendly a few years ago, but don’t know how important that is now.
One feature I like on my husband’s backpack is it has a soft handle at the top, which makes it easy to grab and carry when you don’t need or want to wear it. Which the eBag had that.
Of course I am traveling this weekend and want something new to arrive before Thursday, so eBags would arrive in time!
I carry a backpack to work, to the gym and when traveling. To address the purse issue, I no longer carry a large purse, instead I carry the wristlet shown in the attached link. It’s big enough to carry my credit cards, drivers license, medical ID card, some cash, some lipsticks and my phone. It goes into the main compartment of my backpack. And I just pull it out as needed. E.g., if I go to the gym in the morning and want to stop at the grocery store on my way home, I grab the wristlet out of the backpack and leave the backpack in the car. Anything else I might want (tissues, gum, my eyeglasses, etc.) goes into one of the many pockets of my backpack.
I was given this bag 5.5 years ago. It meets some of your criteria, but is carried over the shoulder. I travel a lot, and can fit my laptop, Kindle, purse, umbrella, work materials, etc. it can get a bit heavy on the shoulder with it packed, but it’s very functional for me:
I bought the professional slim laptop backpack from eBags last fall. Holds a lot more than I expected. I really like the small pocket at the bottom of the bag for meds, keys, tissues, pen. Also has a chest clip, pocket in middle of bag holds a small crossbody purse.
I do not want to carry anything heavy on my shoulder or back, and I really like to be hands free if possible. I know you said No Wheels, but I cannot live without this style that easily slides under the seat. If I don’t want to rummage around for my boarding pass, ID, etc I wear a cross body purse. It has all kinds of pockets and can hold a 3 or 4 day wardrobe
My last trip was less than two weeks ago and I borrowed my son’s backpack because I don’t like to hold up the line while I am boarding or deplaning and the backpack just barely fit under my seat. Southwest was only allowing 1 online bag and this was it. They made the passengers combine their purses into the carryons. The flight was full. So, the people who couldn’t combine, had to check-in the carryons.
i personally do not care for backpacks since I routinely like to reach into my shoulder bag to get something out and don’t like having to take the backpack down in order to get to it. Would also love some suggestions on a good travel shoulder bag large enough to fit a jacket, electronics, wallet and purse items.
Another vote for the Longchamp tote. I love it—have one that is dark purple. I went on a trip through Slovenia and Croatia in September and found that the tote really has lots of space.
i have considered the Longchamp tote, but it doesn’t have any compartments and has issues with the corners getting worn out (my daughter has a small one). I may end up with one - the one with the shoulder bag longer straps - if I can get a good deal on it.
I was very happy with the Travelpro tote I bought for the same purpose. I got a black one that I could use while touring. It’s just a few inches larger than the similar bag I use for work.
My travel pro tote matches its other bags, so works well. It’s 25 years old. But, I’ve give MC Wallace totes to people who travel a lot. Same price as longchamps, but has many compartments and weighs nothing.
