Calpak Luka duffel

I looked it up. The thing I don’t like in the description and video is the “exterior” shoe pocket. It’s not truly an exterior pocket. It’s a sleeve like pouch that pushes inward to the main compartment. So, the shoes or whatever is going into this pouch would have to be packed first before adding other items. These items reduce the interior compartment volume. If I desired a shoe pocket, I would buy one where the shoe compartment is separate from the main compartment - usually a zip compartment at the base.

Thanks very much. I'm not sure I would put a pair of shoes in it at all. I have sometimes put them in my checked bag, and just put a pair of lightweight slippers (for the plane) in my carryon.

Will this be your personal item on the plane?

Looking at the specs it looks heavy-ish at 2.1 pounds. (12" x 16" x 7"). Not much organization inside which might be what works for you…or not, 🤔😁

The Longchamps Le Pliage many here like is 12.2 in (L) x 11.8 in (H) x 7.5 in (W) and .63 # (10 oz).

Baggallini AnyDay Tote: 6 x 17.5 x 12 inches; 1.5 Pounds

Because this is a supplement bag and not your primary piece of luggage - try to figure out what you need to pack in it first. You may be able to use an even smaller bag and have it double as your touring around day bag. There are lots of choices and different budgets. A large purse like an ameribag (if still being made) could work well. Pam mentioned bagallini brand with all of its choices.

I have a personal item already, a Tom bihn Side kick. The bag I'm looking for is for things I don't want to be lost should my main checked bag go astray. I'm afraid the Pliage isn't large enough for that. This bag also needs handles that I can put over my shoulder and ideally, a long shoulder strap.

Look at tote bags in the 18 - 22 liter size. Vera Bradley has the weekender bag. (Avoid the grand size)
I have a RedOxx PUP. There is also a RedOxx MUTT. A lighter bag is better for carrying around an airport.
Amazon.com has many choices.

There is also the Vera Bradley Deluxe Travel Tote. The Amazon prices for VB bags vary greatly depending on which color is currently on sale. For example - there’s an attractive subtle gray patterned Deluxe Tote on sale now for about $75. Be careful not to get anything longer than 18” or deeper than 8” or you will have trouble carrying it and placing it in sizer boxes.

You basically need to pack an “emergency” outfit, night shirt (or, commando style 😱): 3-1-1 kit, valuables, papers/info., medications, flight comforts, electronics, etc.. Any of the above bags or similar will work. Use a few smaller packing cubes or zip-top mesh pouches for organization.

The Vera Bradley tote looks like a terrific bag. I like her products. It's about 2 inches too big for Virgin Atlantic carryon--but it looks like it's so squishy that nobody would take notice. I've never had anyone ask me to put my carryon in that sizer thingy. I get the impression they only do that if you look like you're really pushing the envelope. Thanks very much!

If you shop on amazon.com - consider tacking on some zip-top mesh pouches. You can get a variety pack for under $10. I want to buy some, but there is a minimum $35 purchase for free shipping. So, I will tack them on to another purchase. Just put "zip top mesh pouch" in the search space. Then in the filter, put $5 - $10 range to get the best price. These mesh pouches really help in tote bags and day packs.

I just got one of these.:

Ecohub Personal Item Bag

I really like it. I'm traveling in the UK and got one here. I shipped my similar size backpack home. (The link I gave is for US Amazon.)

I did buy a slightly more comfortable shoulder strap to replace the included one.

That Ecohub bag looks good. Several versions of it. Only thing I don’t like is China origin - like such much manufacturing these days. I need to stick to backpacks. Thanks for posting this.

My only concern with the Ecohub is that you can't carry it over your shoulder using the shorter straps. It looks a lot like the Pakt 26L duffel that I had on my last trip, which was very hard for me to carry. Thanks though!

It comes with a detachable shoulder strap. I've carried it quite a bit.

It's too big to be a day bag.

@Frank II, I mean, both the shorter handles should go over the shoulder as well as a long shoulder strap.

On Amazon - VB again, cotton utility - oversized - travel tote. (Not really oversized.). 15 x 13 x 8. This or the deluxe travel tote may be your bag. VB travel bags have the longer handle straps that can be worn over shoulder, as well as a cross body or over shoulder strap.

Thank you, Sun-Baked. I'm off to check it out.

I purchased this bag, and I have not had any problems. I use this as my personal bag when I fly, I've taken it on domestic and international flights. It fit under both the Delta and Southwest airline seat. I don't use the shoe compartment, because it would take up space in the bag, and I don't pack shoes in my personal bag anyway. I have not used it as anything other than a personal bag, so I'm not packing clothes and shoes in it. I've seen where some people have used it as a weekend bag, and packed clothes with no problems.

I can't speak for the Luka, but I have Calpak's packing cube set, and one of their backpacks that I use for a daypack. The quality is excellent, I love the style and color options, and could easily buy more of their products! In fact, I'm off to check out the Luka bag, lol!

Thanks very much!
I might end up going with my LL Bean carryall. In retrospect, I don't know why I didn't just unpak the Pakt duffel and take it instead...20/20 hindsight.