Do you have a favorite carry on (in addition to checked bag)?

Check out Bagallini. They have several styles, including a tote that might meet your needs.

I'm headed to Europe in a month and I will be there for 29 full days.

My main bag is this:

http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-tls-weekender-convertible/143101

I can carry this on, which is a huge plus, no worries of lost luggage or bag fees.

I'm bringing two day packs. Why two day packs? Well I want a small messenger bag for when i'm in large cities so I don't stick out like a soar thumb, but also I don't want to carry a backpack and have to check the bags at museums. I'm bringing this as my day bag for cities and for bringing on the air plane as my personal item:

http://www.eddiebauer.com/catalog/product.jsp?ensembleId=36332&prodsearch=6&cm_cg=T95&cm_ven=Mercent&cm_pla=MENS%20Bag&cm_ite=928647%20-%20Eddie%20Bauer%20Expedition%20Travel%20Bag%20%28One%20Size%20Picante%29&cm_cat=Google%20Product&mr:trackingCode=EF687A39-C128-DF11-BAA3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

My other day pack is an ultra light backpack style by REI. I like it because it folds down into nothing, but can also be folded inside out for a small stuff sack. I can put dirty laundry or wet items into it.

http://www.rei.com/product/778466

Anyways, that's what i'm bringing.

I love my PacSafe Metro 200 bag. It keeps my items safe, is large enough for my camera, odds and ends I use for day trips and has a side pocket that tucks away for use with a water bottle.

That being said, I usually take a daypack for my 2nd carry on bag...in that I keep the PacSafe bag, books, iphone my 1 Qt liquids bag, etc. The daypack is handy for shopping, hiking, etc. The PacSafe bag is my city tour bag.

I find that if I just hold onto the top grab handle of my dapack, wrap the straps around the handle of my carry on, I'm fine. That way I keep on hand on my possessions at all times.

I usually pack my RS Civita day pack as my second carry-on (under seat) with my personal items to have handy during flight.

My main bag is the Rick Steves' 21" Roll Aboard. I have carried it on in addition to a day back pack 15 x 19 by 10" expanded. When questioned I tell them it is my purse.

I have also checked the Roll Aboard. In my back pack is my PacSafe StashSafe 200, neck pillow, laptop and all that one would carry in a purse.

I really like my Briggs & Riley backpack as a carryon. It was designed for travel, as opposed to hiking, so it is very well laid out and has lots of compartments - my over the shoulder day bag fits inside as well. If you are bringing a laptop or netbook, it has a sleeve that zips into it. My whole trip is organized out of that pack! It comes in two sizes - I use the smaller one as it fits my frame best. I like having my hands free to handle my suitcase, doors, tickets, passport, etc and when it's not on my back, it has a slot that fits over the suitcase handle and rides along.

Andrea,

My Backpack is equipped with a detachable Daypack, so I always check the main pack and use the Daypack for carry-on. It's just the right size and easily fits under the seat or in the bin, so that's my "favorite carry on" at the moment.

I also travel with a Camera bag, so if I happen to be flying with a European airline that only allows ONE carry-on, I re-attach the Daypack and Backpack and check them. There's NO WAY I'm checking my Camera bag!

I looked at the Baggallini site. There are at least 2 styles you should look at: the A La Carte and the Town Tote. Also look at The Hampton. The first 2 and maybe the last have a back section that is really just a top and bottom zipper that lets you slip the "purse" over the handle of your roller bag.

Next trip I'm going to see how these work out:

http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/packs/bbee

http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=8&id=346

In past trips it's been a modified Trager day pack and simple 2700 cu. in. duffel. Works OK, but the Trager's a bit to large, and the duffel a bit too disorganized.

Hi Andrea,

I have two Longchamps bags that I use - the larger one I typically use as my personal carry - on - put my camera bag, book, earphones, and yoga pants in. The other longchamps bag is a small tote that I use as a purse when I get to my destination. It folds up flat and so I just slip it into the outer zipper compartment of my suitcase. The larger Longchamps bag has a short handle (versus the longer handles for the tote bag) and I just slide it over the handle of my suitcase.

Why I like them? Both bags fold up flat and can be packed if needed. Both can be expanded to hold a lot of stuff and both bags look terrfic and are lightweight.

They are a little pricey but hold up very well.

Good luck with your bag search!!

Those are some great suggestions -- I've looked up most of the bags and am impressed with the PacSafe line and love some of the Briggs & Riley options. Still torn between the backpack idea and tote -- a convertible option might be perfect -- Eagle Creek or Veloce are possibilities, but a little too sporty. The Ellington Juno looks interesting but sure would like to see it in person. Thanks for the suggestions -- would like to line them all up and compare sizes, organization, etc.!

My Longchamp bag has been my trusted friend. It has travelled with me for so long and only if it can speak. It is definitely worth the money. It can accommodate just about anything and boy can it carry heavy stuff without stretching the material or leather.