Finding the perfect personal item to accompany your carry-on suitcase can be the difference in fitting an extra pair of shoes for a long weekend or making it for a month on the go without checking a bag.
Over the years I have collected a few personal item bags depending on the type of trip I’m taking that pass a good gate inspection and always fit under the seat. I have spent years perfecting my personal item bag struggling to find a solution that allowed me to pack more, but also as a woman in her 30s, coordinate with my personal style while staying totally functional. These are now the only bags I use from my favorite travel brands:
The Monos Metro Duffel
The Monos Metro Duffel is one of the newer personal item bags in my collection, and it hasn’t disappointed yet. To simplify the features I love about this bag:
1. The luggage sleeve – I won’t ever buy a travel bag without it.
2. The detachable bag – When I put the bag under the seat, I detach the small bag and put it next to my lap on the flight so I don’t have to constantly reposition myself to get my headphones, chargers, and snacks.
3. The space and size – One of the largest bags I own that passes for a personal item.
4. The material – It’s super durable, and seemingly spill and scratch resistant.
5. The long strap – great for carrying on my shoulder down the airplane aisle or when I need to pick up my rolling luggage.
6. The inside pockets – There are plenty of pockets and sleeves for smaller item storage and a sleeve for your water bottle.
The Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack
The Dagne Dover Dakota Large Backpack is my favorite for everyday use and why it’s a great option for a personal item when you’re going on a more casual trip or visiting a city and won’t need heavy or bulky items. I bring this backpack with me when I feel like I may want to use it as a bag while on my trip or when I want a bag that’s easier to get around with. Here are a few features I love:
1. The luggage sleeve – Again, always an essential.
2. The separate, padded laptop section – An easy way to slip in your computer on the go.
3. The bag sleeve it comes with – I use this sleeve in my luggage for a jacket, a pair of shoes, a dress, or other delicate clothing I don’t want to get mixed up in my packing cube.
4. The material and look – The neoprene makes it functional and comfortable yet gives it a sleek look I love.
5. The inside pockets – There are a few interior zip pockets on the front inside of the backpack I use for smaller things I want to keep handy.
The Lo & Sons O.G. Bag
The O.G. Bag by Lo & Sons is down the bag I pick up for a work trip. In fact, I actually use this as one of my two bags for work when I’m commuting to the office or if I’m going to an in-person client meeting. It holds my laptop well but also has a professional and more upscale look than your traditional personal item bag. I also love:
1. The luggage sleeve, or not – There is a zipper on the bottom of the back pocket of the bag that allows you to unzip it if you want to use it as a luggage sleeve, or you can keep the bottom zipped if you want to use it as an extra pocket. This makes it really versatile to use as luggage or just when you want to bring a nice laptop tote bag around, making it one of the best investment bags you can have.
2. The interior padded pockets – These are essential for work organization as much as travel organization. There are plenty of interior pockets for your tech tools, water bottle, wallet, and whatever else you need to bring with you.
3. The front pocket – The deceivingly large front pocket can actually hold quite a bit and comes with more interior pockets. An organization lovers dream!
4. The structure and look – Again, I love the professional look of this bag that is nice enough to look like a nice tote bag but padded and functional enough for work or travel.
5. The material – The soft but sleek material gives it that extra nice look I love.
The Calpak Terra Backpack
The Calpak Terra Backpack is another one of the newer bags in my personal item collection I bought specifically for my honeymoon trip to Australia. Since we didn’t check any bags and were traveling for just under a month, I wanted a second bag that acted more like a second suitcase but that was still a backpack I could take on all my outdoor adventures. What I love about this backpack:
1. The way it opens – The first thing I was looking for in this type of backpack was for it to open like a suitcase, not like a typical backpack just from the top.
2. The inside space – Right when I got this back I tested it by throwing 3 big sweatshirts in it and they fit no problem. That was the start to understand how much can actually fit in this bag, which is amazing!
3. The luggage sleeve – Even though it acts more like a real mini suitcase, it still can be put over my carry-on luggage handle.
4. The lightweight, sleek material – The bag itself is very lightweight, which is ideal for me being able to carry it full for long periods of time. The material also gives it that extra wow look I was looking for. While I love the space and functionality, I never want to compromise style.
Knomo Beaufort Backpack
This Beaufort Backpack by Knomo London acts as my everyday work backpack when I’m not traveling, but is also perfect for a work trip. I love the elevated look of this backpack while still being able to fit my laptop comfortably with many interior pockets to keep me organized. Here’s why I love it:
1. The style – I love the sophisticated look of this bag for a backpack that makes it perfect to bring when I’m traveling to work, but also a bag I can use for everyday when I’m not traveling.
2. The separate laptop sleeve – With such a nice looking bag, it still has the perfect large sleeve in a separate zippered section for your laptop that keeps it safe and protected.
3. The interior pockets – The front two pockets are perfect to keep my small essentials I need to grab easily but there is also plenty of interior organization options within the main pocket.
4. It’s still comfortable – I use this backpack to bring to the office with me and it’s still comfortable for my hour plus commute on public transportation.