It's BAG hunting time again! EDIT: Bought a bag!

I own both a pop tote and the large and small zip top shop bags from TB. I have used the pop tote for my personal item. I would not trust the nylon fabric on some of the shop bags not to rip when being shoved under and pulled out from under the seat in front of you. The cordura would probably be more durable, but I don't have a bag in cordura, so I can't say for certain. The ballistic fabric on the pop tote is very durable. I think the large zip top would be a little too big for my preference to haul around on a trip. The pop tote is just the right size. I bought the pop tote in a dark blue color (no longer available) because it matched some of our other TB bags. If I had to do it over again, I would order a much brighter color so it could be seen more easily on an airplane floor. Many planes have dark blue carpet on the floor, and it just kind of disappears down there.

For my "every day carry" bag I prefer something that looks less like luggage.

Mardee,
Thanks for letting us Bag Shop with you. My husband and I have 3 Red Oxx bags - the gator, the CPA, and the PUP. So, I can answer your questions.
I also have the Patagonia lightweight tote pack - no trolley strap, but still a practical bag. I purchased 2 osprey daylite tote packs for relatives. Then, there’s LLBean zip top totes.
Are you looking for a maximum sized underseat bag or something that can double as an underseat bag and work as a day bag?
I agree 100% with you about the RS Euroflight bag. I took off the shoulder strap and only use it for car travel and as an overnight bag. Too boxy for a shorty like me to carry around .... and believe me, I have several times. I’m done with it for airports, planes, and conventions.

I bought the Red Oxx MUTT as I loved the look and organization of it - but, I have since 'gifted' it to our niece as it was way too heavy and actually a little bigger than I wanted.

I also have the Tom Bihn Large Zip Tote which I love and is well made - I do have the lighter material one (Cerylon). It's a great bag, but it is a 'black hole' with no organization. I do use it around Europe as my 'day bag' for purchases (and a crossbody Baggalini purse)

For $20, we also LOVE the Rick Steves HideAway Tote - it's actually one of my favorites. It is SUPER light and folds into itself - go the the store here and see it and watch the video.

I do have the Red Oxx Toiletry bag, that I love, but the MUTT is HEAVY. I’m intrigued by the newer PUP- but still on the heavy side.

Patagonia also makes a great Black Hole tote that is light and can be a backpack too - but the shoulder straps are a little shorter than I like.

My husband LOVES his Tom Bihn CoPilot.

Hi Mardee,

My nucleus accumbens is triggered by purchasing plane tickets and sugar : ).

I have TB small and medium cafe bags. I use my medium bag, black with neon green on the inside, as my personal item. To keep my credit cars safe I use one of the TB pouches that clips to the inside of the bag. I feel safe with the flap closed and secured and the pouch clipped. Then when I am accessing my cards, my "wallet" pouch stays secured to my bag and can't be lost. I keep my passport in a neon green wallet and that is zipped into the front zippered pocket of the bag. Website says the bag is 8L. This is also a good sized bag for a day bag. I can fit my rain jacket (folded into its own pocket) a 12 oz water bottle, cheaters, sunglasses, journal, lip balm, hand lotion and a few other odds and ends. When I am traveling with my son I use a carabiner to attach his rain jacket on days he isn't carrying a day bag. I wear it crossbody. It goes on before I leave the hotel room and doesn't come off for any reason until I am back in the hotel room. I also pack a larger fold into its own pocket nylon bag. I would use this for my bus bag on an RS tour. It is also just in case I buy souvenirs that won't fit in the cafe bag and are too fragile for my Osprey back pack.

But, I know you don't want to be talked into using a bag that you already have......

I wouldn't want to carry a bigger bag as a day bag. So, if I bought one of the bags on your list, I would have to pack a bag to use on non relocation days.
I would get the Red Oxx PUP. Gosh it is cuute!

Just impulsively ordered a TB Everyday Cubelet. Thanks, Mardee. All your fault. :^)

Biaggi Zipsack on the go foldable backpack served me well on its recent debut trip; I really like the flat bottom feature. I didn’t use it as a day bag; stuffed a Baggalini in my carry on for that.

I have been using a Kipling small tote for ten years now, and I am very happy with it. Mine is similar to this one, but in an attractive geometric print fabric, and it lacks the shoulder strap. It has a top zip, interior zipper pocket, keychain, and two open-top pockets inside for small items (hand wipes).

https://www.kipling-usa.com/asseni-small-tote-bag/KI4400.html?dwvar_KI4400_color=437

It is not as heavy-duty as a Tom Bihn, but it has held up fine and does not look like luggage. I carry it over my shoulder and under my arm, very comfortably, and feel like my phone, sunglasses, etc. are all very safe. A credit card and small amount of money are in a small (2 x 3 inch) zipper bag attached to the keychain. Passports and other important items are in a more secure place.

They also make a tote with a trolley sleeve if you want (see the Art Medium tote bag) but it is quite a bit larger.

slbdaisy, thanks! I'm leaning towards the Pop Tote, mostly because it has more pockets but it's good to have confirmation. And I was wondering about the size of the large shop bag - it looks very big in the photos. I agree about the bright colors - I might wait and see if it comes up in red, since I don't leave till next year. Thanks!

scudder, that's a good point, but I won't use it as a day bag, however, so I'm not sure that really matters. I really just want it as a personal item that I will pack a change of clothes, toiletries, electronics and my empty purse.

Sun-Baked, I'm looking for an underseat bag, not a day bag (at least not in Europe). I usually have a crossbody purse that I use during the day or a foldable backpack, depending on what I'm doing. I pack both of them. And you're welcome. 😉 Where else can I get such good advice and find people who will feed my addition?

ChinaLake, thanks! That's what I'm worried about - the weight. And that's why I'm leaning towards the Pop Tote - since it doesn't have the black hole of the others (although I noticed on the TB forum, that some people are buying inserts for their bags). I'm thinking about getting one for at home as an EDC, though. I also thought about the co-pilot and I know others who have it, but for what I need it for, I don't think it will serve my purpose. I looked at the RS tote but I have several similar bags. I might get it though just because... :) I really wish they would take better photos of their bags - they always look so much better in person than online.

vandrabrud, sugar, yes!!! It really helps feed the shopping urge. :) I'm not planning to use this bag as an EDC; just for traveling. BUT I love the idea of using one of TB's pouches (and I have several) to hold credit cards. That's a great idea - I do love the cafe bag and the medium is the perfect size for carrying essentials plus my Kindle and so on. Thank you!!! I have the Olive/Wasabi bag and just replaced the buckle, which broke (after 12 years of heavy use).

Ruth, you're welcome. 🤣 If it's any consolation, I am now lusting after the Cubelet, too! What color did you get?

goanywhere, those are cute bags! But I'm thinking I want a shoulder bag, not a backpack. If I change my mind, I will look at them again. Thanks!

Diane, those are nice bags! They look well made, too. I think the medium crossbody one you linked to is a bit too small for what I want. I'm looking for something in the 15+L range since it's just for the plane. But I will check them out - thanks!

Lola, I actually have a Kipling tote bag but it's a large one and a black hole, which is why I don't carry it - I use it more for a shopping tote around town. I think the one you linked to might be a bit small for me (I'm looking for something 15L or a bit larger), but I will check out some of the others. I do love the little gorilla keychains! Thank you!

Mardee, I love using my Lo & Sons OG (medium) as a personal item, although it's heavier and bigger than the others you mentioned: https://www.loandsons.com/pages/discover-og2-womens-travel-laptop-bag

Mardee,
I really like my Patagonia lightweight tote pack. It looks boring. But, it’s very practical to use. It’s my go to airplane underseat bag. Just the right size, lightweight, a few pockets, can be used as a backpack. Works well with packing cubes. I can pack 3 days of clothing in it.

Is it this backpack? I was looking for it online and this was the closest I found on the Patagonia site. If that's it, I think that might be too big - I'm trying to keep it a bit smaller because I have a tendency to fill up the space I have.

Elizabeth, that bag is beautiful! It looks something like the one I had for 20 years. It was leather, too. But I don't know - I love the look but the weight will probably be a dealbreaker. Sigh. I didn't mind the extra weight when I was younger but now, it's a headache.

Yes! That’s it. It can squish under just about any seat and passes Frontier airline sizers easily. No questions asked. 27 liters.
If you need me to test pack my PUP bag for you, I can.

Thanks, but I think the P.U.P. weight is too much for even the P.U.P. Maybe in the future I might add it to my collection, but in the meantime, I do like that Patagonia bag - and especially the weight (or lack thereof). Decisions, decisions! I will have to ponder this - it's good that I'm not leaving for awhile.

Mardee,
If you need an alternative to the Patagonia bag, the osprey daylite tote pack is similar. But, the osprey is 20 liters rather than 27 liters. Also, the osprey has a trolley strap.

Sun-Baked, I'm now seriously considering that Patagonia Black Hole Tote Pack - I love the look of it and it looks like it would be a good size. And it's only 13 oz.

I was also looking at the Black Hole Mini MLC 26L, but it's twice as expensive and probably way more space than I need or want. I like the flip down side with the mesh pockets inside, though. But I'm really leaning towards the tote pack.

Mardee,
The cost of bags keeps increasing. So, buy your bag soon. The Patagonia tote pack looks boring - but, works really well. Can hold an ebags medium size cube +. I would call this a maximum underseat bag for volume. Practical.
The hemlock green/gold looks nice. Don’t know why Patagonia used the name of a poisonous plant though.🙀🎒👜💼

TB's Café series each have a zippered front pocket which is under the clipped flap. It's perfect for security. I've got my eye on the TB Pilot but our needs are different. Asking for recommendations around here is dangerous. Have fun shopping.

Sun-Baked, hemlock is also a tree unrelated to poisonous plant.

We have lots of TB, RedOxx, etc bags. We also have the Patagonia Black Hole Tote which has backpack straps that can be used or tucked into the back pocket. Just know that the tote strap is VERY short and impossible to wear with a coat. I like the bag, but the strap being so short is a hassle.. Also, know it is truly a black hole, collapsable and no organization, but very light. I go back and forth with that and my TB zippered shoppers tote. I like them as day bags while out and about in Europe, but I like my RedOxx Pup or Briggs and Riley tote on the plane for structure and organization.

Thanks, Sun-Baked! I will definitely get it in the next day or so, I think. I noticed the Black Whole Mini MLC 26L bag is back in stock - and $20 higher than it was a few weeks ago.

bogiesan, I actually have the medium Cafe bag by TB. It's about 8 years old but I can't bear to part with it. I had to replace the front clip recently but I think I will be bringing it for my day purse.

ChinaLake, I thought about the "black hole" but I put everything in packing cubes (clothes, that is) and everything else goes in some kind of pouch or pocket, so I'm thinking that will work. And REI says the drop length of the straps is 10", which will work for me. I have a couple of other totes with that length and they work fine. I will probably be using it as a backpack mostly, though.

Mardee, I have the same disease for my May 2023 trip too. I recently traveled with a friend who had the Lug Propeller 2 bag as her person item and it was fabulous. Lots of pockets and zippers. Slipped over the luggage handle. She had less hassles than I did with our luggage. It might weigh a bit too much for you but it seemed pretty lightweight when she was handling it. I took a neighbor to the airport last week and she had the Lo and Sons Delux Catalina Tote Bag. (the 3rd size one, not the bigger ones). She is 75 and handled it pretty well. I ordered both bags and can let you know which one I prefer when they arrive.

I second what Lola says. I have used Kipling bags for years. I have used cross body purses, totes, totes with trolley sleeves, backpacks, rolling backpack and assorted purses. I like that they are lightweight, can be hand carried or used as a cross body and come in various sizes and colors. Many can be washed and air dry. They have multiple compartments for organization. My goal is to pack light enough to use one as my main carryon bag. I have not succeeded however I do enjoy my Rick Steve's roller.

janodavo, I do like Kipling bags and I have a large tote of theirs. The one I have is pretty cavernous, though, and that's kept me from taking it on long trips. I might check out some others they have (I do love the gorilla!).

itsv, oh no! Another bag I now like! I really like the Lo & Sons tote, and now have that in my head (sigh).

So I think at this point I need to narrow it down. Do I want backpack straps or am I content to have shoulder straps - and if so, should I also get one with a long strap as well? I packed up my tote with the short drop handles and walked around, and after a few minutes, it was uncomfortable. Something to think about with the Patagonia. Am I willing to sacrifice weight to get a bit of structure? So many bags; so many decisions.

More food for thought, if you decide you do want backpack straps:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003DGL6W4?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

I bought this one about a month ago and I'm obsessed with it. Perfect size, locking zippers, a side pocket for a water bottle on one side, and a zippered narrow pocket on the other which holds my travel umbrella and some other things.

Mardee, I am glad you like the Lo and Sons tote. I hate to break it to you but you just missed the 50% off sale for all Lo and Sons products. Maybe they will go on sale again before your trip.

I got a new backpack from Knackpack that I just love. I used it for a 5 week trip last May and it was perfect. I got the Series 2 Medium size in a fun orange color. . It replaced an ebay Mother Lodge backpack that literally weighed almost 10 pounds empty!! The Knackpack is nicely made and has great organizational sections. I love the laptop compartment and the secret compartment for my passport and money. It expands from 20L to 35L. I use packing cubes when I expand it. I also use a Tom Bihn travel tray (pouch) which stores nicely in one of the backpack sections.

Another poster cited a Travelon backpack. I also used some of their other products on my trip and loved them. I got the Travelon seat organizer which stored my tablet and the money pouches which fit perfectly in my Knackpack secret compartment.

Mardee, it is nice finding a fellow traveler who loves luggage and carry-on like I do. Finding the right bag and organizers can make such a difference on a trip.

Elizabeth, thank you for contributing to my nucleus accumbens urges. 😊 I like the look of it although it's a little confusing about the capacity. Amazon says it's 13L but the Travelon website says its 11L. I'm looking more for something in the 20+L capacity. But it does look nice so I'm bookmarking it.

itsv, for 50% off, I will definitely wait and see. I love that Lo & Sons bag but I'm still on the fence because of the high price. I checked out the Knack backpack - wow, that's an organizational powerhouse! I can't get past the 3 lb weight, though. I do love the TB travel tray - I have one myself and use it on every trip. It is nice finding so many bag lovers here! You all cost me money but I have such fun spending it!!!

Mardee,

I use luggage from Eagle Creek, Osprey, Tom Bihn and Red Oxx, and they're all excellent quality (IMO). I have one Red Oxx bag that they custom made for me, and although it's a trifle heavy it's a great product. For a "personal item", TB or Red Oxx should have something that will work for you.

You might also have a look at the Rick Steves luggage - https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/travel-bags .

Ken, I have a Red Oxx P.U.P. bag on my list but the weight is putting me off a bit. I haven't removed it, though. I'm not crazy about the look of the Osprey bags - I think they're good but just not for me. And I have the Rick Steves Euro Flight Bag, which I love. It holds a lot and I'd be content with that, but it's difficult to carry - especially for someone who is short, like me, and has breasts. :) It gets in the way and I feel like I'm constantly knocking into things.

I have many of Tom Bihn's bags. However, at this time I'm not buying anything from TB until I see what's going on with his company. There is talk he sold it to a private equity firm. He is definitely gone from the company, along with Darcy and a few others, and there is a new CEO on board. They kept it quiet for almost 9 months after the transition and only made public comments after some people in the Facebook group found out. So right now I'm in a wait-and-see pattern with his bags.

I made my bag decision and went with the Patagonia Black Hole Tote Pack 27L in Fresh Teal. It was on my short list, but then two things happened that pushed me over the edge. First, I realized my daughter has this exact bag (different color, though). I couldn't believe I hadn't noticed it before as she takes it everyplace. I immediately borrowed it for an hour or so, packed it up and walked around with it and really liked it.

I was still a bit on the fence but then today, I read in this article about how Yvon Chouinard, the owner of Patagonia, has given away the company to a non-profit trust, with all proceeds to be spent fighting climate change. I was so in awe of this that I decided to buy the bag to help support the company. I will be taking it with me to Colorado in two weeks (flying Southwest) so will let you know how it does.

Mardee, I thought that was an awesome move for climate change.

I'm glad you made your decision and I'm glad your daughter had one you could borrow!

Me, too, Pam! And yes, it is an awesome move - what an incredible thing to do!

Yvon Chouinard may be my new hero. Talk about walking the talk. It certainly puts Patagonia on the top of my list for the next time I shop for clothes and gear.

Mardee,

OH NO, Tom Bihn has been sold.... I had no idea! Good idea that you decided to wait until you see what direction the company is going. Without Tom and his dedicated staff, I wonder if the quality will suffer?

Uh, oh! I'm in big trouble now. That bag looks great and very versatile. I used an Eddie Bauer packable backpack on my trip this summer. It worked, but it definitely looked like a backpack.

I have an ancient men's Patagonia light puffer jacket in purple and red. I suspect it was on sale because of the colors. I love them, but my main reason for getting a men's is that my arms are too long for most women's long sleeved anything.

I was going to use that jacket for a trip to Scandinavia in 2018, but discovered that the zipper was broken, so I had to rethink my wardrobe for the trip.

Thanks to another forum person, I learned that Patagonia would replace the zipper for free. I didn’t have time for that before I left but I had it done when I got back. Even though the coat is now too big for me, I just can't give it away.

I'm also looking forward to your "review" of the new tote. One feature I really like is the sternum strap for using it as a backpack.

For those who haven't been to the Patagonia website lately, here's a link to what all the buzz is about: https://www.patagonia.com/ownership/

Patagonia … Tom Bihn .., Eddie Bauer —-
New corporate ownership. Yikes! Let’s see what happens. I liked the “old” Eddie Bauer and the “old” eagle creek better.
Sometimes, these things seem fine in theory, but don’t work out well. Explains Patagonia’s current website layout.

Ken, yeah, I'm still curious about why they didn't let people know - I certainly have no objection to Tom Bihn retiring but it was the way they did it. I bought TB bags because I felt very loyal to him and his staff, so I'm not sure how I feel now. I do know a few things have changed - they used to do free repairs on bags that suffered damage through wear and tear - like replacing cracked buckles and so on, but I noticed a few months ago that they are now charging for this. But luckily, Patagonia stepped up (big time)!

Lo, that's good to know about Patagonia replacing zippers - that's nice! I like this bag (well, my daughter's) so far and I'm glad I bought it. Sun-Baked in Florida was the one who told me about it!

Sun-Baked, Patagonia's ownership will do one thing and that is ensure that all profits from the company go to fight climate change. I have to commend him for that. Not only did he give up control of a 3 billion dollar company but it cost him almost $20 million dollars in taxes to do this. He did not get a tax break on this donation.

I get what you mean about corporate ownership, though. I still remember when Celestial Seasonings tea was sold to a corporation. I was devastated because I remember the whole story of the original owner who used to scout the Boulder woods for plants to make tea. I hate that this happens to just about every independent successful company.

I have many of Tom Bihn's bags. However, at this time I'm not buying anything from TB until I see what's going on with his company. There is talk he sold it to a private equity firm. He is definitely gone from the company, along with Darcy and a few others, and there is a new CEO on board.

The items TB has in stock and are working on now are all handmade at the shop in Seattle by the same people who have worked for the company for years and who have enjoyed their great benefits/salaries/wages/conditions. What happens at TB corporate over the next years will be interesting but I'd still buy anything from TB.

Congrats on making your purchase. That's a great bag from Patagonia.

Bogiesan, logically I know that but I've been buying TB bags for a very long time and feel very emotionally attached to the company. I just need some time to adapt and I'm sure I'll be buying there again. 😉

And thanks! I've excited about it - and even more excited to have finally made a decision!

Mardee,
Critical travel tip regarding your new tote pack bag: the side water bottle pockets are the perfect place to stash as many tiny packets of peanut M&M’s as possible. … Survival Food. Can be used for bartering as well.

I have a related question. Like Mardee I start looking at different new bags and luggage as soon as we have decided to travel somewhere. We generally take two international trips each year. That adds up to a lot of luggage. Some pieces are better for different types of travel--independent travel, tours, cruises--but there are some pieces that are redundant. I haven't storage space for everything. What do you do with the extras? Somehow Goodwill doesn't seem appropriate for old friends.

Ha, good to know, Sun-Baked!!! I will definitely be taking advantage of that!

Susan D, I give some to my daughter (sometimes she'll come down to go "shopping" through my stash) but I've also sold a few of the higher-priced ones. For example, the older Tom Bihn bags that are no longer being made are very much in demand. I bought a Tri-Star back in 2010 and it never quite worked for me. It was in almost-new condition and I sold it on the Tom Bihn BST Facebook group for more than I paid for it. If there is no Buy-Sell-Trade group, you might try selling it on Ebay or even Facebook Marketplace.

There are also places like Poshmark and Thredup, which sell your used items for you.

Other companies, like Patagonia's Worn Wear and REI's Used gear give you the option of trading in used gear and clothing for gift cards, which you can use to buy more bags! :)

And lastly but certainly not least, there are always women's shelters that can use bags. Many women leave home in a hurry and have no time to pack. I haven't found one here yet but I used to donate to one in Cincinnati before I moved. I was a divorce attorney and did pro bono work for them, so I knew how to contact them but you can usually find them by contacting your local YWCA or google "women's help organizations near me".

Susan D,
If you can resell your bags as Mardee posted - great! If not, you have no idea who you are helping by donating to a Goodwill, Salvation Army, or similar thrift shop. Anyone could obtain that bag and benefit from it. It relieves you of space and helps a charity.

I’m lucky. There’s a Nu-Hope charity thrift shop right across the street from my work. I occasionally donate items and buy things from them. Sometimes, I “rent” an item. I buy it; use it for a particular activity, then donate it back. Thrift shopping can be fun and serve a community.