Tote with trolley sleeve

I have exactly what you describe and it fits the personal item size for most European carriers.

However, I bought it in the UK and it doesn't seem to be available on Amazon in the US.

Narwey Underseat Bag

BTW, there are many backpacks with travel sleeves. I switched to one recently. It's by Cabin Max and again I got it in the UK.

Search Amazon.

Rebecca, I have a TravelPro Maxlite 5 Soft tote under-seat bag and love it. It's super light!
Fits my laptop (inside) and all my chargers
Has both carry handles and a strap
Rear strap across the back functions as a sleeve,
Top zipper plus two more long zippered pouches on the front
Zippered end could be left unzipped to hold a water bottle.
Zippered mesh pouch inside
Doesn't cost a fortune!

I'd link it on the TravelPro site but for some reason the forum won't let me: just copy-paste "TravelPro Maxlite 5 Soft tote" into google and it should come up.

We used the "Cabin Max" for almost all our trips. It was a great decision.

@FrankII, that does indeed look like just what I want, I'll have to look for it when I am in the UK in the fall, or maybe I can find it when we are in Eastern Europe (river cruise) this spring...

Same with Cabin Max - they do have a cabin bag that looks good. But no delivery to the US!

I think this is the bag kate mentioned:

https://travelpro.com/products/maxlite%C2%AE-5-soft-tote

And now i'm looking at it to see if it will work for me. :-)

Rebecca, I have the Bagsmart Blast Backpack and it is such a good bag. It is not a tote, it is a backpack, but it does have a trolley sleeve and I have used it extensively as an under-seat bag. In fact, I think it ticks all of your requirements below. I bought this bag about 18 months ago, have used it on every trip since, and I love it to death! https://www.bagsmart.com/products/blast-travel-backpack?variant=41122671820882

Lightweight (but sturdy, does not need to be foldable/packable) Yes (lightweight and sturdy, but also flexible)
Trolley sleeve Yes
Handle(s) and shoulder strap Yes (Since this is a backpack, it doesn't have a shoulder strap like a tote would, but you can carry it on your shoulder and I often do).
Zipper opening at top Yes (clamshell design)
Water bottle pocket(s) Yes (one on one side)
Fits under airline seat Yes
Able to hold iPad, phone, chargers, kit, change of clothes, etc. Yes (It has 4-5 different pockets of various sizes that are all zippered and hold a variety of items.

It also has a laptop compartment in the back that is separate from the rest of the bag, zips up fully and has small pockets for things like a mouse, charger, etc. And you can cinch up the bag near the top and bottom on both sides, if you like. There is also a pouch/zippered pocket for shoes if you need it.

so many enablers, so little time lol - you guys are great.

@Mardee - is that bag easy to pull out and get stuff in/out while on a plane? I am guessing it slides under the seat with some space to spare...

I like the Baggallini AnyDay Tote which shows up on Amazon but not the Baggallini site. It does not have an exterior water bottle pocket although I usually just stick one down on the inside.

https://tinyurl.com/5b5dx7bm

It does have a trolley sleeve and is a horizontal layout instead of vertical. Do you think you will have a preference?

I'll add that my SIL has the RS Euro bag. I do not like it for the reason you mentioned. As far as I know she has never lost anything out of it but it just seems precarious to me, lol!

I love a good bag hunt, hahahaha!!!

Take a look at Sierra. They have several from IT Luggage that are similar to the one you linked.
https://www.sierra.com/s~it-luggage/

I bought this Baggallini Carryall Laptop Tote during Nordstrom's Black Friday sale.

Like Pam's bag, it doesn't have a dedicated water bottle pocket. But it does have exterior pockets that would hold a bottle. Otherwise it checks all your boxes (although I haven't tried packing shoes in it).

It weighs about 20 Oz. after removing the included wristlet that I don't use.

Good luck!

Rebecca....I got both my Narway bag and the Cabin Max backpack I'm currently using--the Metz--from Amazon.co.uk

If you have an Amazon account in the US you can use it at Amazon.co.uk. However, prime does not transfer over. But....if you go onto the UK site, they sometimes offer a free month of Prime to try it. I've done that to order things then cancel before the month is out. It will have zero affect on your US account.

If you know where you are staying in the UK, you could order either or both bags prior to leaving and arrange with your hotel to hold them for you. Returns are fairly easy. I've returned items, for not cost to me or needing any type of packaging, to Royal Mail offices including licensed agents.

That's the one, Carrie! Thanks for providing a link!

Ohhh...
Can I work on this next Saturday? I have actual work I need to accomplish this week.

GoX packable tote on Amazon. No water bottle pockets, though. Need to use a screw-lid bottle and place it inside bag. I will check out Osprey daylite tote packs. I have to delay a response until Saturday.

@Sun-Baked - no rush! Just in the research phase lol

Have a look at Lo and Sons' iconic bag, the OG2:

https://www.loandsons.com/products/og-2

I bought this in an earlier phase (either the OG or the OMG, the difference was size). You can fit in a laptop and a water bottle and then some. It is lightweight, has a trolley sleeve, handles and shoulder strap, an enormous zipper opening. There is no water bottle pocket but I have never missed it as your bottle can fit inside and you can just unzip your bag a little. It fits well under an airline seat. You can definitely fit a change of clothes in, including shoes (separate zippered compartment). You could use this as a cabin bag or big handbag. You can choose the lining, colour and hardware. It is a very elegant bag and if you were going from work to the airport this would not be out of place.

I have used this on several trips and likely if it ever needed replacing I would buy the same again.

Lavandula

I want to mention that the new edition of the Sherpani Sojourn multi-handled tote is priced at $120 MSRP and is replacing the previous version which was MSRP $98 which replaced the earlier earlier version MSRP $78 and that the only substantial difference seems to be the Sherpani logo.
It is a bit under 20L though, not big enough perhaps for your intentions.

Rebecca, yes it’s very easy to pull out and get items. I especially like it because I can put it in horizontally or vertically which means that there’s space on either side of it for my feet. 😊

Have you looked at Tom Bihn's Pilot or Co-Pilot or Red Oxx's MUTT or PUP bags?

I don't have any of them, but they look interesting.

I have some of the RedOxx bags and can give info. on them.
Are you looking for a backpack with handles and shoulder strap? Or, not a backpack - but, with handles and shoulder strap. Some of the Vera Bradley duffels fall in to the latter category.

Thanks for all the suggestions, and keep them coming! I should have added a budget to my original post lol. Happy to spend some money on a well-made bag, but the $200+ suggestions are not going to fly. Literally. With me, anyway!

someone mentioned the Osprey Day-Lite Tote Pack, which does not have a shoulder strap. Instead, it has backpack straps. Sierra has it for $29, but the color isn't one I would choose. https://www.sierra.com/osprey-daylite-20-l-tote-backpack-frosty-mint-green~p~8nrxp/?filterString=s~osprey%2F

Yes, I think I need to hit our local Sierra, and TJ Maxx to get a better idea of what's out there.

I am definitely leaning more toward a duffle or larger tote-type bag. It needs to hold a bit of stuff - I usually pack all my electronics, IDs. crossbody bag, bathroom kit/meds, and a change of clothes in case I have to gate-check the carry on. Sometimes a sweater or jacket, depending on destination. I want to be able to access stuff easily from under the seat, hopefully without needing the pull the whole thing out. As I mentioned, I love the Euro Bag, the size is great - but hate the top opening.

Rebecca, I'd look online first, as the Sierra stores don't always have the same merchandise as you see on the website. You can have your package sent to the store for free (even if you don't meet the free shipping minimum of $89). Of course, you can also return online purchases at the store. I LOVE Sierra and have loved them since they were Sierra Trading Post. Great prices. We are both lucky to live near a brick-and-mortar Sierra.

Oh shoot G3rryCee,
I like frosty mint. Already bought a bag before Christmas. I honestly don’t need another bag, but am interested in the Daylite TotePack. Can’t beat that price!

I have been searching for something to upgrade from my beloved Eagle Creek diaper bag backpack which I have happily used for about 20 years, long after I needed to carry around diapers. I finally got what I think might be the perfect personal item for me.

It has an interior water bottle pocket and multiple exterior pockets (as a true Seattleite, I carry both a thermal coffee cup and a water bottle). It has a trolley sleeve ( also essential) as well as multiple interior zippered pockets. There is a sleeve for a computer (I carry a tablet) and another sleeve for my airline essentials zippered pouch). It does not have a shoulder strap, but I don’t really want one since I can slip it over the handle of my carryon.

I just road tested it on a 16 day trip and it works really well for me. I was particularly pleased that it was under $30! Take a look if you like.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/mobile/udp/B0DSSX2QVR/ref=sr_1_7?crid=GLR1XURQGNX5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aU2tf3_8zUzec0wHbpFyaRYG_jANrRO9Yz_GxMAWONDc0_i3pjdkRgdmkRLlHjEGMy7C-kSElQdZAUPT6rozD4r9bIoez32iS0w-GOrKpcCxCb4z9YAsz_zd7kzD4AjGz6Y-ZCJsuH8EB8mImjYXft13td2nSopeww0KMxGP6Mn9JKxnescq8MguyuFkLJ9H7ZkqEVQ-y3JzWlGNISLvDxNYfI3CaGhPT5c51jpNm4IA0lAzb3yrC768WzucLMkMVs4QVO1H5uLQxztlq4fBnMsJb_racvr1SdiFT6RiuAg.EsCo7bTkWoHQL2m6Ct8NcNdVzPvml9PX3sEOEiZzVV8&dib_tag=se&keywords=lovevook+tote&qid=1770218935&sprefix=lovesoo%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-7#:~:text=LOVEVOOK%20Puffer%20Tote%20Bag%20for%20Women%2C%20Puffy%20Work%20Handbag%2C%20Travel%20Shoulder%20Carry%20On%20Bag%20with%20Zipper%20for%20Teacher%20Nurse%20Gym

Not sure why that link is so long…

I really like my Ecohub backpack that I got on Amazon. It is 18 x 14 x 8, made out of recycled plastic bottles, has a water bottle holder and a trolley sleeve. According to my scale, it weighs 24 ounces. Looking at your requirements, it does not have a shoulder strap, but I have to tell you, it is so comfortable! It fits under airline seats unless you seriously overpack it. It opens like a suitcase for the main opening and also has several other front pockets, a top "stuff" pocket and a hidden back pocket for security. I've had mine for almost two years and it has been on many trips, including a couple of international trips. They have a version that has a compartment for a laptop but I don't travel with a laptop so I got this version that does not include it. Looking at Amazon right now, for the black color it is $32.51 and goes up to $43.99, depending on the color chosen. I highly recommend it.

Arg, Sherry! I love it! I had to get blue so spent a touch more than I wanted to, but it looks like exactly what I have been looking for, for over a year. I should know by Saturday. Ha!

@Sherry - oh! That could get me to change my mind about a tote...

Diaper bags.

Yes. If you are searching on-line, also search diaper bags. They don't always come up in a search for tote bags and they are making them much less "Mommy" looking now.

They probably keep them in the baby section of stores as well instead of with the other totes and luggage.

I’m thinking that if you have a favourite bag with no sleeve, you could get a tailor or shoe repair shop to sew a sleeve onto it for you, if you have such a shop near you.

Vera Bradley 1). Weekender Travel Bag. 2). Medium Travel Duffel.
Array of colors and fabrics. Choose a water resistant fabric. Amazon.com and elsewhere.

LLBean has a diaper tote and Stonington Work bag, but no trolley straps.

Baggallini has the Avenue tote and modern Avenue tote (only in 2 drab beige colors)

FYI the EcoHub travel backpack is currently on sale on Amazon for $29-30. All colors except blue. It’s a Lightning deal, today only. Glad I set an alert for it!

Funny you just posted that - I did order an Ecohub 17" and I liked it a lot! But ended up keeping a Bagsmart travel backpack, but only because it was a tad bigger (28L vs 25L for the Ecohub) and had more zippered compartments in places I found useful. Haven't used it yet though!

I’ve been on the search for a similar bag and found what I think is the perfect personal item tote bag with luggage sleeve:

https://www.tomtoc.com/products/terra-t38-laptop-tote-bag-m

Just used it on two flights last week and absolutely love it. I don’t see it mentioned much but it ticked all the boxes.

But ended up keeping a Bagsmart travel backpack, but only because it was a tad bigger (28L vs 25L for the Ecohub) and had more zippered compartments in places I found useful. Haven't used it yet though!

Rebecca, I'll be interested to know how you like using it on your next trip!

@Mardee, I have a short trip to FL in a week, might "test" it out then! I'll be sure to review it lol

Dear OP,
I grew up in Michigan, but moved to Florida after college. Come on down and hang-out with all of us Midwesterners. Or, as I like to say, Great-Lakers.

Sherpani Soleil is a nice bag.

re: the Soleil -- interesting that the capacity of the Sojourn and the Soleil are listed as exactly the same (18L 1098 cu in), but the dimensions of the Sojourn are an inch larger in two dimensions and the weight of the Sojourn is 2 ounces lighter and the sugg'd price of the Sojourn is $25 lower.