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Packing report, part two: 10 days in England

For several years, I've had an LL Bean Carryall Tote (unfortunately discontinued but can still be found in aftermarket places like Mercari). It has long straps that can be held in your hands or go over your shoulders, but no crossbody strap. It can also slip over the handle of your rolling bag, has a water bottle pocket and a couple of inside pockets.
What I packed in it: Journaling stuff (pens, a 9" x 5" handbound journal, and two smaller journals (pocket size Moleskine; the big journal stays in my room, the others go in my daybag); prescription medications (in small plastic ziplock baggies I bought on Amazon on the advice of somebody in this forum); 3-1-1 bag (there was less in this than ever before. I switched to individual packets of eyeglass cleaner, and did not bring shampoo or conditioner as I used what was on hand at my destinations); eyeglasses; USB cables (in a soft case; I brought four and used three); UK wall adapter and charger with several ports (in a hard case); noise cancelling headphones in hard case (rather large but no way around it that I can see); Fitkick slippers; Colgate Wisps (did not use these at all but have in the past); Samsung Galaxy Lite tablet; smartphone in Built case (I had two phones, one for communication and the other for photography; only one is unlocked). My Tom Bihn Side Kick also fit inside the bag.

I was much happier returning to this bag after I took a Pakt duffel last year (which was semi disastrous). I'm not sure what I would do differently next time. Not take the Wisps (I can easily fit a toothbrush and toothpaste into the bag), perhaps.

I have thought about replacing this bag with a rolling/spinner underseat bag. Particularly if I can find one with a trolley sleeve.

Posted by
169 posts

I have thought about replacing this bag with a rolling/spinner underseat bag. Particularly if I can find one with a trolley sleeve.

SandraL, I've also been looking for an underseat roller. I cannot lift a standard carryon size roller overhead. But I can lift my backpack (I have both a 16" and 20" ones). I figured my backpack could be my carryon and the roller my personal item.

However, I was hoping for a 4 wheel bag and the ones I've found are generally 9" depth and that's too big for some airlines. This one is smaller (12 x 7 x 16) but only has 2 wheels. It does have a trolley sleeve.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C98J9983/?coliid=IAPXI0MH31LKA&colid=2629YM24RDLBS&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

I haven't decided if I'm willing to give up 2 wheels or not, so I haven't purchased it yet.

Posted by
742 posts

PandaBear--There do seem to be more small bags with two wheels than four. Since I have a spinner already, I don't know how I would pilot a spinner and a two-wheeler. I suppose putting the smaller bag on the top would be the best way to do it. I'll check out the link--thanks!

Posted by
742 posts

khansen, Have you taken the Verage on a journey yet? Would love to hear about your experience. I've seen some negative reviews on Amazon, but there seem to be a lot more positive reviews.

Posted by
354 posts

I've used my Verage on domestic flights with no problems. It fits under the seat on Southwest just fine.

I have the older version with the curved opening that some complained was hard to zip. They've changed the design now. But I haven't had a problem so long as the bag isn't overstuffed. I put my tablet computer in my day-pack that is packed inside the Verage instead of putting it in the computer sleeve. Seems to be less "stuffed" that way.

I do wish mine had the grab hold on the bottom of the bag, but it is small enough to not really need that.

I like that the 14-inch plus has a sideways trolley sleeve. No so much to keep dirty wheels off the bottom bag, but because it makes more room to hold the pull-up handle of the bottom bag.

All in all, I'm really happy with it. And I waited til Amazon had a sale to get it!

Posted by
742 posts

Right now it is $82 on Amazon. At that price I figure I can't go wrong! Did you get it for a better price than that? I can certainly wait till there is a sale if it's worthwhile.

Oh, another question: Are you able to use a side pocket for a water bottle on this bag? Not a dealbreaker, but would be very handy. Thanks again!

Posted by
354 posts

$82 is a great price.

The side pockets are flat, only enough of a gusset for the zipper. One is designed to hold your charger that plugs into a wire in the pocket that goes to the port under the handle. I usually have copies of my full itinerary, hotel and car reservations in one pocket and use the other for a very thin knit shawl/poncho that I fold to the size of the pocket and slide in.