Favorite Personal Item/Tote Bag

Hi Jenny,

I used to use a Sherpani tote/backpack that came with a crossbody strap, too. I carefully cut off the backpack straps since my “suitcase” is a 35L Cotopaxi that is a backpack. I just used the Sherpani either with the crossbody strap or in my hand as a tote. It worked fine, but I’ve reduced what I’m bringing now. Currently I just use the ORI Kennington crossbody purse, along with my Cotopaxi 35L backpack.

Hello Jenny
I use this Sherpani Sojourn bag and carry it cross body. I carefully removed the backpack straps as they did take a bit of room when stored. One of the Forum's packing enablers, ?Pam? Mardee?, recommended the bag that's been perfect for my needs. The bag holds lots! It will hold everything you mentioned above plus more. I even put a couple of packing cubes with a change of unders and a puffer jacket in it. I like that it is vertical in orientation so it doesn't feel so cumbersome on my hip. It does meet sizing restrictions for British Airways under seat carryon.

It's on sale!
https://www.rei.com/product/230773/sherpani-sojourn-tote-pack-womens

Looking forward to updates on who is using what! Thanks for posting this :)

Why is the Sherpani bag categorized as 'women's'?

If I were to carry one on my shoulder transferring through an airport in a former Confederate state, would I be violating the law? Will TSA agent Billy-Joe give me the side-eye for having it?

Post above reported - contains spam link.

One of the Forum's packing enablers, ?Pam? Mardee?, recommended the bag that's been perfect for my needs.

It wasn't me although I did buy the Sherpani Sojourn Tote. However, I wound up returning it because it just didn't work for me. I can't remember why exactly it didn't work, although, I think in general, I prefer personal bags that are more of a clamshell type, rather than tote style. I do know the current design is a little bit different than the one that I bought before. I have the Sherpani Vale crossbody bag, which I like. But that wouldn't do for a personal bag. It's just not big enough.

Right now, for my personal bag, I am using the BagSmart Blast 28L backpack, which I absolutely love. I have been using it for a year or so now on every trip. But it is definitely not a tote bag style.

Are you just looking for a bag for personal flight comforts, boarding pass, etc.? Or, to carry clothing as a piece of luggage? RedOxx (USA made) has the gator bag. My husband and father-in-law share the gator bag. Vera Bradley has a variety of totes. Just make sure you get a zip-top in a water resistant fabric.
GoX on Amazon has an over shoulder bag. Baggallini is popular.

I use the RedOxx pup as my daily work purse. For travel, need to add the comfort shoulder strap as an extra.

Alternatively, carry a packing cube or similar in your carry on bag. Then, as you sit down on the plane, pull it out of your carry on and place underseat.

Osprey.com has daylite tote packs.

Hi Jenny. I’ve tried many totes and backpacks over the years and my all time favorite that I now use on every trip is a Kipling tote with a guitar strap. The wide strap is really key for me because it lessens the stress on my shoulders and back. It is lightweight and holds more than I ever imagined. My grandchildren call it grandma’s magic bag haha! I just looked on the Kipling website and it doesn’t appear that they are selling the exact tote that I use (which also includes cup holders) but there are similar ones. I bought mine at TJMaxx. If you are interested in the Sherpani tote previously mentioned, I saw some on the Sierra website just now for $51.

I've been using an older version of the Sherpani Soleil for about 6 years. It still looks like new. I like the options of tote, crossbody and backpack in the same bag and this fits as a personal item for the smaller rules on British Airways, etc. The size keeps it from getting too full. I don't want two large carryon size bags. It is big enough to include a change of clothes and all my necessary items without getting too heavy and awkward like most PI bags. It doesn't look blatantly backpackish, IMO. I find it to be perfect. I tend to throw it on crossbody when in a hurry and short term...getting on public transportation for example. The rest of the time it sits on my roller bag when possible or if I want no weight on the spinner, as a backpack.

I might have said it was a Sojourn in the past, but that's wrong. Although I have a 20+ year old tote/crossbody about the same size from Sherpani that I don't use for travel these days, but I love as well. It's from when they first started up with the signature blue and brown colors in a bag with the trolley strap. Their bags last forever, IMO.

Bellroy.com has some nice tote packs. Kiwi one is on sale for $80. (I’m tempted. But, I already bought a new pack for myself for Christmas.). This thread is a hazard for my wallet!

I've "test driven" so many personal item/bus bag possibilities...
I think I've finally found the perfect bag for me, and It was just right on a tour last fall.
https://www.patagonia.com/product/terravia-convertible-tote-bag-backpack-24-liters/198077047353.html#
I wanted a lightweight tote bag that zipped closed, and the possibility for backpack use.
The backpack straps are comfortable even though they are not bulky, and there is a sternum strap. It checks all my boxes.

Ah, the personal bag quest. You have gotten a lot of recommendations with a wide range of sizes. Jean basically uses a purse at about 2.5 liters to others who love 28 liter backpacks. I have gone from using the RS Euro bag crossbody that is 20 liters to an IKEA completely unstructured tote bag with a zipper that could hold a lot or nothing to now what I think is my final choice. It’s a crossbody briefcase style bag from Tom Bihn that is 8 liters in size and weighs 12 ounces. They carry many different bags to check out. Mine is called the Daylight Briefcase. It stays comfortable and not heavy to carry and after 4 trips I’m still pleased. It really depends on what you feel you need in your bag at your feet on that 10 plus hour flight.

Another vote for the Patagonia Tote Pack that LIZinPA recommended above.

I've also tried many bags and I've found this to be the perfect one for me to pair with a backpack carryon. I use it as a tote when I have my backapck on my back. Fits under every seat I've tried to stow it on many trips, zips closed, can be a tote bag or a backpack depending on how I want to use it at my destination. I have the older version (Patagonia changed it slightly within the last year) and it has been going strong for years.

My fave personal item is a Tom Bihn Pilot. Fits perfectly under a plane seat while still leaving me legroom. I prefer the lighter fabric (now Spectron—mine is Dyneema). More of a briefcase than a tote, but it’s a comfortable crossbody.

I use a 3D clear organizer cube for my 311 bag—fits perfectly in one of the front pockets. Tom Bihn stuff can be expensive, but the clips and organizers can be really efficient.

Okay ... I also have and use an old version of the Patagonia tote pack - now called terravia. Bought it because it was recommended on this forum. It’s become pricey for what it is. Good pack, but pricey. Worth looking at other options like the Bellroy or Osprey daylite tote pack.

Wow, thanks everyone for the great replies and links! Super helpful in my quest for the perfect personal item. You guys are the best!

Consider a roll-top bag. I just bought the Columbia Convey III on Amazon. I haven’t used it yet. Cost $54.53 - $63. Don’t pay anymore. Amazon prices shift up and down. Only issue for you - it is a backpack. No tote straps. I think you are looking for a flex bag with different carry options.

Before buying a bag, go to YouTube and watch a video on it. The Bellroy tote pack has a few negatives.
Osprey has tote packs in blue and mint green on sale, on Amazon. Also, a larger size on sale.