New minimalist personal bag

It looks ideal but yeah, it's basically a black hole, which doesn't work for me. There's another IKEA bag called the Världens that I've seen online (more expensive, though) that looks to have more compartments and more organized. It holds about 15 liters. No crossbody strap, although you could probably add one on.

It looks like a great bag to take as an extra tucked into suitcase, too. This trip I pulled out and used my old (from mid-'90s) Eddie Bauer bag, quite similarly shaped. My bag is probably at least 2x weight, though, and doesn't have the cross body strap. I think I'd like to have this one in my travel cache to choose from. Thank you for sharing.

I used my for a EB catchall (yes, Mardee, a black hole!) for coat, small purse, magazines, etc. on the return trip. I checked my roller carryon suitcase and put my Rick Steves Ravenna day pack in the overhead. It was easier to squish the EB bag under the seat. than even the Ravenna pack, so I had better legroom.

The Valdens looked useful, too.

Lyndash, thanks for your packing report. Congrats for taking less stuff. It's always a challenge.
The Rume Cfold tote I use is very similar to your description. I use the trolley strap so I don't have the bag flopping around my shoulder. The trolley strap is a bottom-zippered pocket with top velcro so a longer than usual trolley strap. It does slide sideways a bit, but if I hold the tote bag's double handles on top of my rolling carry-on's handle, it stays put. Problem solved. I've walked a mile, over cobblestones and up and down stairs with that configuration.
The tote holds a lot as you mentioned and squishes under the airplane seat. Mine is a bit smaller than yours -- 17x10x8, weighs 7 1/2oz and easily hold 7lbs of stuff. Unfortunately RuMe went out of business a few years ago.
Good to know there's an alternative when mine wears out. Two 25-day trips so far and it's still holding up.

I was wanting a bag that would fold down to nothing and this one does. It is something you need to have whatever you put in it somewhat contained in ziplocks etc because it is a black hole but I did so it worked great for me. It would make a great extra bag for shopping to tuck into your luggage because it does weigh so little and folds down flat . I also got a Skynke bag from IKEA that is smaller and even lighter, 1.2 ounces! I use it as my fold up shopping bag in the bottom of my purse. But it doesn’t have a zipper which I really want for security.

I was wanting a bag that would fold down to nothing and this one does. It is something you need to have whatever you put in it somewhat contained in ziplocks etc because it is a black hole but I did so it worked great for me.

It does make a good bag to bring along for extras and such. Unfortunately, it is out of stock at the Minneapolis IKEA, and it doesn't look like they will deliver it unless I order a crapload more IKEA products. 😊 I will say (and I should have mentioned this before) that I am impressed by how much you managed to cut back. Kudos for the light packing!

Also, I think I must be the only person here who does not pack Covid tests.

Mardee, I’m looking forward to the day I no longer pack those durn tests. My husband tested positive during our Greece tour in May so it still feels like it’s better to have them than not. I never used to travel with any meds but after reading this forum I now bring Sudafed and Imodium and Pepto. I used to travel assuming I wouldn’t get sick because I never get sick and got away with it for years but now I realize it might not be the wisest way to go.

Yes, I used ziplocks for my smaller items in my black hole, foldaway/pocket bag, too.
I took 7 COVID tests on our trip with our daughter and partner. Four were used. I also took OTC meds this time.

Lyndash, is this the Räckla bag you used: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/raeckla-bag-foldable-black-70503861/ ? At 5 gallons, about 19 L, it looks dangerously good to me. 😉 I like the cross-body option and the black hole simplicity.

So inspiring! It's wonderful when you take a chance and try something new that works!
While I wouldn't use the option I'm about to share as my plane travel tote, years ago I bought a black unstructured square tote only slightly smaller than your Ikea find that zips into itself to create about a 4 by 4 inch little square. It weighs nothing, I got it in a museum shop.
It works so well as a city day bag, in that I wear my tiny crossbody (phone, cards) purse but sling the black tote on my shoulder for the other stuff useful during a day such as folded jacket, sunscreen, etc.
For hikes I have an EBauer zip into itself small backpack. It's maybe 8" square and also weighs nearly nothing.
The bag I use for the plane has some internal organization but empty lies pretty flat. I can fit it in the bottom of my carry on suitcase until needed for the return.
Your post now has me thinking about reconfiguring, too, since I am hauling around an extra thing not really used during the trip.

Yes Lo, that’s the correct item. I keep trying to streamline my packing and downsize.

This trip I took fewer chargers and cords because chances are you really don’t need to cover every eventuality. Like what if I might need the 6 foot cord and the 3 foot? Just say no😉. I was better at not taking more travel Kleenex packs than anyone could possibly need etc etc. I’m pretty disciplined about clothing but the odds and ends can still be a downfall.

https://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Folding-Packable-Sling-Black/dp/B07MCM87X8
I love this versatile and lightweight Travel On bag which folds down to a small pouch. I used it as my personal item on European flights and had no problems with putting it under the seat. It was only 20.00 but is unfortunately is currently out of stock. Maybe they have something similar on their website.

This trip I took fewer chargers and cords because chances are you really don’t need to cover every eventuality. Like what if I might need the 6 foot cord and the 3 foot? Just say no.

Lyndash, I totally get that! I did the same thing this year, and in my packing report, I vowed to not repeat that same mistake next year. No "just in case" items!