I arrived home 5 days ago, I had a great 3 week trip to Central Europe. I did something new this time. I wanted, #1 to take less stuff, and #2 to find something very lightweight and smaller than things I’ve used before. I found a tote bag at IKEA. Rackla is the model name and I got the 14x19 size. It has a crossbody strap and 2 shorter straps for hand carry. And it’s only 6.2 ounces. Sweet.
I cut back on the stuff I throw in, especially the what if, just in case stuff I fall prey to. I packed a 12 ounce water bottle, my 3-1-1 bag, mini iPad, 2 chargers only and minimal cords, earbuds, travel journal and my purse which fits into the tote quite easily. I did take my what if heart meds that I don’t have a choice about but left off 3 weeks of vitamins and supplements. It’s annoying enough we all pack Covid tests these days. I survived vitamin deficiency easily by eating more cake and coffee in Prague, Budapest and Vienna. 😉
The tote has a carry strap on the back to slide over a roller bag handle but it is so lightweight and ‘unformed’ that I don’t think it would work. I think it would slide all over the place. I never tried it. Anyway, even with my purse inside it was quite light and I carried it easily as a crossbody bag. I handled it and my carry on bag easily as I was in the airport, the train station and finding my way onto the correct bus to my hotel. I was pleased and deemed it a success that I’ll use again.
It has a zipper closure by the way and slid under the seat in front of me on the flight taking up very little space.
So, cons: very unformed and not sure it would work to be a stacked bag vs pros: very lightweight and not too big when you’re trying to downsize your game.