I had been looking for a new personal item that could expand the main compartment, and found this Bagsmart item: Bagsmart foldable travel bag
In particular I wanted one that expanded the main compartment, not one that added a separate compartment to the bottom. This bag also had the non-negotiable trolley strap.
I think Bagsmart’s measurements of 17.7” long, 7.8” wide, 13” tall and 24L are pretty accurate. Expanded it’s almost 24” tall and a very large 37L.
My plan is to use it as a 24L personal item along with a rollaboard, but if my roller gets gate-checked I can pull a packing cube of essentials out of the roller and add it to the expanded personal item.
The bag comes with a basic crossbody strap, no shoulder cushion. I might bring a different strap if I thought I’d be using it that way. The handles are big enough to carry over my shoulder.
Full price $30, but it goes on sale (I paid $20). The material does seem to be water resistant, as advertised. There are 2 un-branded zippers for the main closure that worked well. The plastic hardware to attach the strap is . . . plastic – I suppose that could be a longevity weak spot.
Inside there’s just one 8” x 8” hanging pocket. Outside there’s a 1-zipper pocket (9” x 7” x 1.5”) that the whole bag folds into for compact storage.
This bag did a great job on my recent trip – 24L on the plane, used the whole 37L during the trip, then shrunk it back to 24L for the return flight. I think it will be coming with me on a lot of trips!