Underseat Bag - Message for Rick

Since those who matter at RS may not see this, you should send an email to the office. It's a good idea.

Ask them to also make the water bottle side pocket water bottle-sized. I have a RS rolling carry-on backpack. It annoys me that the pocket is so wide but shallow that my bottle won't stay in it.

I love Rick's Euro bag and it does fit under the seat in front of me.

Can I put in for 'no laptop sleeve or extra gadget pockets and make it a little smaller to fit international carry on requirements'? Some airlines sell cheap flights for 1 personal Item Only travel and sometimes with a weight limitation. So I want it stripped down to enough fabric to hold together but designed to be comfortable enough to carry when full (say 15 pounds).

Great idea - but know many other companies make GREAT under-the-seat/Personal Item bags.

I used to like the RS Euro bag, but after a few trips with it, I didn't like the opening as things can and do fall out.
The Briggs and Riley tote is fantastic, the RedOxx PUP is another good one, and Tom Bihn has many good ones to choose from.

Thanks for the responses! I have the euroflight bag. But, after a few uses - my family and I only use it for overnight car travel now. I have several issues with it. The main thing is I need an underseat bag with comfortable backpack straps. It’s a bit of a challenge to find basically, an underseat packing cube with backpack straps.

(I can and do use my Patagonia tote pack. But, I would like something more specifically designed as an underseat bag.)

I agree about leaving out a separate computer compartment or laptop pocket within the main compartment. But, I’m rather old school.

I just want a packing cube backpack with 1 - 2 exterior pockets that will fit under a plane seat. Hence - the 17.5” x 14” x 7” dimensions.

Have you looked at Tom Bihn? The straps are SO comfortable. They have many backpacks. Even a Packing Cube one. I personally love the Synapse (there are 2 sizes to choose from).

ChinaLake67,
I have the RedOxx PUP bag. It’s my daily purse. I just need an underseat backpack to get through airports.

Water-bottle pocket design. I agree. Many bags have poorly designed pockets. Need to be long enough and wide enough to hold a standard soda/beer can securely. Need to be tested with several styles of bottles before producing the bag. Or, just leave the water bottle pocket off.

+1 on the Euro bag. Love the size and the shape of it, it does fit neatly under the airplane seat. BUT. Hate the way it opens, need the zipper and closure to be across the top like a back pack. Too easy for things to fall out, as is. And - I cannot get the strap hook not to squeak when I'm carrying it. Drives me nuts. So it has been demoted to an overnight car trip bag.

ChinaLake76
The TB synapse is a beautiful bag. It definitely would fit underseat. Looks like a great pack for city or trail. The 19 would fit me.

I would like a bag to maximize packing volume and still fit in a sizer box, simplicity in pockets and design, comfortable backpack, a large packing cube in which to pack my packing cubes.

TheOrdinaryRebecca,
My main peeve about the Euroflight bag is the “boxiness” of it. I am under 5’5” and busty. When the bag is full - I have to lean uncomfortably to one side to balance it. My tall husband could probably handle it better. Not short female friendly. Hence - my call to Rick Steve luggage folks for an underseat backpack. I think the RS company is capable of the job. I like the Appenzell in many ways. But, would prefer a backpack designed for modern underseat flying.

I just ordered one of the RS Euro bags after reading the recommendations here. Looks perfect for my carry-on needs, rather than a backpack that I end up dangling off of one shoulder, uncomfortably.

Sun-Baked, have you considered the Tom Bihn Western Flyer? This is a backpack that does not look like a backpack and the dimensions are very close to the ones you want. https://www.tombihn.com/collections/backpacks/products/western-flyer?variant=30254580957247

There is also the Tom Bihn Cambiata, one of his new bags that sort of looks like a packing cube with backpack straps. https://www.tombihn.com/collections/backpacks/products/cambiata?variant=42053393809597

My main peeve about the Euroflight bag is the “boxiness” of it. I am under 5’5” and busty. When the bag is full - I have to lean uncomfortably to one side to balance it.

Sun-Baked, I hear you on that - that was my big problem with the Euro Flight bag. Since I have had a recent breast reduction, however, I'm now down to a C cup and I'm wondering if I will still have the same problem. I would really like to use the bag - it holds a lot and if you use packing cubes in it, you don't have to worry about things falling out.

Air Canada and Flair have limitations to 17x13x6. Hard to find. And if that is all one is packing, then it needs to be stripped down, but still needs to be comfortable.
Guess I need to look at Tom Bihn options. I would rather put the money to a good bag than the extra costs to take a bigger bag.

MariaF,
17x13x6 is getting really tight for volume. That’s backpack size for certain. Amazon has an shoulder-strap underseat bag that’s 17 x 14 x 7. It’s as basic as can be. Problem - it’s not a backpack. I need a backpack for comfortable carry. It’s too much for me to sling around with just handles or over shoulder.

Like carryon luggage, there is no standard size, either US, or Internatiinal or European. Lufthansa says 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 for instance.

But 16 x 12 x 6 fits more than not and would be a good addition to the RS inventory .. thanks Sun-baked.

Mardee,
The western flyer is just a bit too overly complicated with 2 main compartments and the unique water bottle holder. Rather - over designed for my tastes. I don’t mind the looks of a backpack.

Mister E,
Lufthansa is brutally tight. Purse or simple zip-top tote with packing cubes. Laptop briefcase size.

I had to fly them recently and I got a cheap bag on Amazon that fit. But most airlines will take the dimensions I listed so I think it makes a good compromise for RS to make, but not for Ryan Air ....

Sun Baked in Florida -- Tom Bihn has LOTS of backpacks - be sure to look at them all - some are much simpler and lighter than others. All the pages have multiple photos and videos - also dimensions and weights are there. Many people like the Daylight and the Paramour.

https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/82300168/stowaway-packable-20l-backpack?sp=1&color=Reef&size=ONE%20SIZE

Have you seen this? Might it work for you?

It has been my under-seat bag for years

EDIT-- I have never stuffed it to the max, so have not run afoul of any airline limits

An under seat bag is useless to me. I need all the room I can get for my feet. You, who are short people can utilize the under seat space. For me at 6’1, there is no extra space.

@Joe32, I have that bag or slightly bigger and it also complies with Canadian personal item size. I did a test back last week for a week's travel and it was great for volume. I do find I miss a sternum strap, but Amazon carries separate straps I planned to get.

Okay, off topic, but a good illustration of a travel issue. Joe32F's link came up with an error message on my wifi connected laptop (in Europe right now), so I clicked it off my US Cell phone using the cell phone data and got to the link just fine. See, the link isn't available in Europe, but is available in the US, and the internet thinks my phone is in the US because I have a US TMobile plan.

Having said all of that, the bag at 18 x 10 x 9 is larger in one or two dimensions than what many, many international airlines permit including Air Canada. Here is some guidance, but dont trust it if you are going to fly, go to the airline site: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines/carry-on-luggage-size-chart/

@Mister E, I physically measured the one I have when packed, and it isn't that size. Given how flimsy it is, I think a lot of it depends on how you lay it out.....or feel free to under pack it. Mine also has bungee cording over the front to cinch things in. The one linked has loops on the front and I have a similar design but definitely smaller than your measurements. When I don't want it full, I put carabiners on those tabs to reduce the depth so as to reduce content drag. Para cord or even twist ties will do the same thing. Sure, it makes access to the pocket more tricky, but for a flight, you most likely can live with it.

Sounds perfect.

Here is my travel combo (but the prices have gone up so much on all 3, that I wonder if I would buy the same today):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B7G22FF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PFLTRYB/ref=emc_bcc_2_i?th=1
https://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-RFIDsafe-Travel-Crossbody-Carbon/dp/B08JHQXQN5/ref=sr_1_124?crid=23N5XZNE8TKJ&keywords=pacsafe&qid=1678609926&sprefix=pacsafe%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-124

I like the Euro bag but I agree that the main opening is bigger than necessary and things can fall out too easily. I usually keep it overhead because my feet need the room under the seat.

Meanwhile, I can just picture those RS elves in Edmonds right now, busily sewing away to modify the Appenzell as requested!

I understand the need for leg room. My husband needs more leg space than I do. Frontier Airlines baggage policy - the only free of charge bag is the underseat bag. Carry-on and checked bags both have extra fees. Checked bags are cheaper than carry-on bags when paid in advance of trip. That’s why underseat bags are getting used.

If anyone needs a thorough explanation of Frontier luggage fee policy - just let me know and I will explain. Took me a while online and a trip or two to figure it out. I would like to save you the hassle.

Fjallraven makes a nice rectangular backpack in several sizes. The Kanken Laptop 15 is 15” x 11 x 6, with a separate padded laptop compartment.

https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/bags-gear/kanken/kanken-bags/kanken-laptop-152?v=F23524%3a%3a7323450786083

The regular Kanken, apparently a staple for Swedish schoolchildren, is slightly smaller and less expensive. Amazon carries some models of Fjallraven packs.

Hi Lola,
Thanks for your reply. My goal is to find a backpack which maximizes underseat space and minimal compartments. I do not travel with a computer and want to avoid a laptop compartment. Basically, one main compartment with 1 - 2 smaller external pockets and backpack style for ease of carrying and comfort.
I already have the Appenzell and a Patagonia Lightweight tote pack. Both work. Just would like a specifically designed underseat bag for budget airlines like Frontier.

Joe32,
That Eddie Bauer Bag is a nice daypack at 20 liters. I like the antique bronze colored one. It easily works as a daypack that can be easily squished under any seat. It’s not quite what I’m after. I’m looking for an underseat backpack as my sole piece of luggage. About 27 - 30 liters and still easily fits in a sizer. The Appenzell backpack and Patagonia tote pack I already have work. Just want to maximize underseat volume and have a rectangular shaped bag that easily drops into the sizer box. Thanks for the tip though. I see benefits on the EB Stowaway Bag.

How about this 30L Eddie Bauer stowaway backpack? It holds a lot of stuff. It fit under the seat on United, Aer Lingus, Ryan Air and Easy Jet flights we took last year.

https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/82300073/stowaway-packable-l-backpack?sp=1&is_psugg=true&_br_psugg_q=stowaway&size=ONE%20SIZE&color=Blue%20Haze

Hi There Andrea. I calculated 17 x 14 x 7” bag to have 27 liters of volume. The 30 liter EB bag is close to the Appenzell which I already have. The EB dimensions may not pass the Frontier sizer if stuffed full. My Appenzell barely fits underseat and in the sizers when stuffed full. The dimensions matter. 7” in depth will bulge out. 7” is about the maximum for depth for an 8” sizer. 18” is just a bit too long if it is bulging.
Frontier is tight underseat and enforces bag sizes.
I emailed RS staff. Let’s get Rick to do a basic underseat backpack! 💼

Here's what I did because I wanted a minimalistic, cheap, cross-body, cleanable, extremely lightweight, zipper, under-seat bag that would stand up on its own and still give me some room for my feet and could be counted as my purse. So, perhaps not what you are looking for, but it might suit someone else looking at your thread.

I bought a Blue Q bag and found a longer strap with hooks that we had lying around and clipped the strap on. Covered with an old pillowcase or large handkerchief, it can also be put on my tray table and used for a pillow. One small external pocket that I use for holding a few sanitizing wipes. I like cross-body for this bag because that's how I carry my very small purse either traveling or not traveling. It's only my "purse" to get onto the plane, my actual tiny Pacsafe purse is inside it.

Anyway, here's my 11"h x 15"w x 6.25"d Blue Q bag --- it's been on at least a dozen trips to Italy and is still just fine: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Bags-Shoulder-Tote-Kitty/dp/B099GB321N/ref=sr_1_5?crid=11T3NH2ON5CSQ&keywords=blue%2Bq%2Bshoulder%2Btote%2Bbags%2Bwith%2Bzipper&qid=1678636078&sprefix=blue%2Bq%2Bbag%2Bzipper%2Bshoulder%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-5&th=1

.... I’m looking for an underseat backpack as my sole piece of luggage.

Seems I was a bit dense; did not realize that is what you are seeking. I 'assumed' you were looking for the "personal item" kind of bag, not a primary hauler.

Joe32,
👍. All is good. Your info. may help another traveler. Lots of choices. In some ways, it’s strange to me that of all the choices out there - a basic underseat backpack bag does not exist. Like a hole in bag choice inventory. The closest I have found is cabin max 30l on Amazon. Con.s: still a bit too big, too complicated, made in China.

Sun-Baked - This Like a hole in bag choice inventory I so agree. As I mentioned, Canada has several airlines with basic tickets being cheap (for Canada) but only the under seat personal bag allowed. As I mentioned above, our measurements are also smaller. I found my EB backpack may be the closest, but yes, fully shaped with no rounded corners to maximize internal space is what I am looking for. I do have a foldable tote bag with close measurements and size, but there is absolutely no structure to it nor back pack straps, and fully, would be too heavy to comfortably carry for my aging upper body.

I am a sewist. I may have to break down and sew my own, but decent back pack straps, location and ergonomics has me a little concerned about designing it.
Hmmm....have you thought to shop Etsy for a crafter's make?

If I'm correct, and if not let me know, you only care about it fitting Frontier Airlines carry on max for free bags. Their limit is much more than most European discount airlines. As an example, the measurements you want, 17.5 x 14 x 7 inches is 44.5 x 35 x 18 cm. Most European airlines only allow 40 x 30 x 12-15 cm for their personal item/underseat bag.

I use the same bag as Mister E.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B7G22FF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

It comes out to about 40 x 30 x 15 cm. It fits underneath every seat I've tried to put it under, has compressions straps to cinch the bag thinner and comfortable backpack straps. It's mostly one big compartment.

If you go to Amazon, and type in the search box "Backpack 28 liters" you'll get a lot of bags. You may have to try 27 liters to get the actual size you want as the exterior dimensions of a bag won't necessarily be the exact content of the bag. Everything inside takes up packing space.

Like a hole in bag choice inventory.

My most frequent flights are on Alaska, 737s. In coach the underseat area is a different size & shape for each of the 3 seats.

I have no idea how many seat manufacturers there are and how many variations each provides that would fit a 737, but I suspect the number of unique shape/sizes gets to be huge. Then add in all the other aircraft types......

I would not bet on the 'inventory hole' being filled any time soon. [Or you could design the solution, go on Shark Tank and become filth rich and fly First class and not need to pack so small :-) ]

It's not so much about what will fit, it's about what each airline will accept, and there have been a handful of bags that will fit most airlines requirements listed in this thread, so I think the market does meet the needs and like everything else you just need to pick the one that best fits your preferences.

MariaF,
Perhaps, we should design, invest, and sell our underseat bag. We can make backpacks for air Canada and have a Canadian red maple leaf patch sewn on.

Lufthansa may be a lost cause. Too strict. I understand what Joe32 is saying. We could expand our business and make airline specific underseat backpacks.

Sun-Baked, that may be the solution. My retirement new career.

Is this the Cabin Max bag you're referring to?

If so, the details say that its dimensions are 17.72 x 14.17 x 7.87 inches. Rounded up and down that's 18 x 14 x 8 inches. The side straps can cinch it down, making it smaller. The shoulder straps look comfortable and the detailed pictures don't say complicated to me. I like that it's RPET, polyester made from recycled PET bottles. This review from Margarita on 11/22/2022 caught my attention due to your size. I've edited it some. There is a mesh pocket on the side, but maybe her bag is an older version that doesn't have one or maybe the pocket is too small for her water bottle.

"This was exactly what I needed... . Very roomy. I didn't fill it all the way thinking it might not fit under the seat in one of the small United Express airplanes, ...but, I could have packed a lot more in it. The straps on the side are great for adjusting depending on how full the backpack is. I'm short (4'11") and have back and neck issues and wasn't sure if the backpack would be comfortable to carry, but it worked great. ... The front pockets worked well for phone charger, wallet, medication, and other items you need handy, even a water bottle. My only "complaint" about this backpack, is it doesn't have a mesh pocket on the side for the water bottle... . Overall, I'm happy with it ... ."

I have an Appenzell bag with 23 liters (1400 cubic inches) capacity. Note that the capacity listed is for the "main compartment" and doesn't include the pockets. Although I find it comfortable up to about 15 pounds, I find the multiple pockets unnecessary.

I also have the the first bag that Mister E linked, the Rangeland Travel Backpack. Newly designed for 2022, it's 15 x 11.81 x 6.89 inches and has a capacity of 21 liters. It's the simplest carry-on I own and has a trolley strap, backpack straps and side cinch straps. Still pictures showing a woman wearing it are accessible by clicking on the video. Amazon lists the 2022 versions and a variety of older ones (like mine), seemingly by color. Choose a light color to make it easier to see the details in the images, regardless of version. The shape makes it very easy to pack and I'm always amazed at how much it holds.

I learned last summer that the shape of the bag can be more important to packing than capacity. My smallest roller bag, with European dimensions (20 x 16 x 8 inches rounded up), turned out to better accommodate what I wanted to take (in Eagle Creek compression cubes) than my other less square international bags.

The changes you suggest for the Appenzell sound good, but you can easily take a look at other possible options readily available for the Frontier personal item limits. "Personal Item. One Included. Size: 14"H X 18"W X 8"D including handles, wheels and straps. Think purses, totes, computer bags, briefcases, diaper bags and kids backpacks."

Lo & FrankII: Does this look familiar? Turkish Air on the way to Albania: https://1drv.ms/u/s!Ai7Zk-szxfTJidJjYaDjGJqXIWVbWQ?e=kWsmSc
Holds all my fishing gear except the rod

Sun-Baked,

Have you looked at IKEA bags?

Or Cotopaxi brand on Amazon?

I'm not a backpack person, but backpacks always seem to come up in a search for "lightweight", "carry-on", "underseat".

Good Luck finding your bag.

I think we all hope someone will invent a Mary Poppins bag.

Small, holds everything, even a fancy floor lamp and hat stand and is lightweight even after packing. ;)

Lo, I have that same Rangeland Backpack - I bought it last year (in red) and received another Rangeland backpack for free (some special promotion). I've taken the free one on a couple of trips but have yet to take the original one I bought, lol! Maybe one of these days...

I emailed the friendly RS staff about a basic rectangle shaped backpack. 17 x 14 x 7 is about 27 liters. That is a decent size for travel and still fits underseat.

There are many totes. But, I’m somewhat short and approaching my senior years. If I pack in a tote - that’s too much for me to lug around on my side. I prefer back carry.

MariaF and I need to partner up and get this done.

@SBiF...no pressure :-) :-) haha

MariaF,
I already have 3 versions in mind/with or without water bottles pockets. Even a couple of brand names floating around my head. We can private label for Rick Steves.

haha. However, I wonder if we may already have something on the market? Not cheap, but it even fits Canada's size requirements....Osprey Daylite expandable day pack - 26 + 6 litres. https://www.osprey.com/ca/en/product/daylite-expandable-travel-pack-26-6-DAYLTTV26_203.html
It has a larger size that actually conforms to Air Canada (and some other airline's) carry on size. the Daylite 44

I'll help! I've been sewing for 60 years and love making bags! Here's a few I've made over the years: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ab4xhUNuvh9ESLCV9 We could do this!

Nah ... I already have seen that pack. Not even close to our underseat ideal bag Maria. I design, you sew, someone on this thread can help us source appropriate materials, invest $$$, and away we go! How many bags can you sew each week Maria?

Oh great! I see Mardee is joining our ranks!

It looks like Mardee is closer to you (and with no cross border customs to deal with), and much more experienced with bags. I have a semi industrial sewing machine good for bags but actually haven't made any with it yet, and I am not ready to commit my time to assembly line sewing...I much prefer to quilt :-)
however, I would love to see your designs.....

I much prefer to quilt :-)

I'm sure you're more experienced than me there, Maria! I mostly quilt baby quilts and occasionally bigger ones but not that often and they're always patchwork - I don't have the patience for piecework. I'd love to see some of your quilts sometime!

Quilting? These are going to be interesting bags. Look out Vera Bradley!

Have you looked at Cabin Zero bags? They are rectangle backpacks and may have something close to the size you are looking for--just google "Cabin Zero". Their prices seem reasonable for their Classic style, but the Adv style are a bit more--they are probably the ones with water bottles.

UKKrazy,
I looked at the cabin zero bag you referenced. That’s looks about right. Unfortunately, there are no dimensions listed in the description and there are some Chinese words that I can’t understand. So, lacking a bit of info.. Thanks for your reply.

Sun-Baked, I wonder if you are on the right website. I googled it and found this and it gives exact specs and a lot of information. The bag actually looks pretty nice - https://www.cabinzero.com/collections/backpacks-bags - and the 28L size is 15.4" x 11.6" x 7.9".

Mardee,
Your website link was far better than Amazon.com. I am seriously considering the 32 liter bag. The 28 liter bag is only 15.5” long. I know from previous bags that 15.5” doesn’t sit well on my back. Ideally, 16.5” works best for me. The 32 liter bag will still work for me on Frontier airline. MariaF and I still need to make our basic bag with your quilting added on the front flap.

Even the 36L Cabin Zero looks good and it seems to have less dimensions than than the 32L. 36L is 17.7x 12.2x 7.9 and the 32L is 18.1 x 12.2x7.9 so I cannot figure that out. But either one looks like the length would be ok--not much difference between 17.7 and 18.1. The 36L is the Classic style and the 32L is their Adv style if that makes a difference to you.

MariaF and I still need to make our basic bag with your quilting added on the front flap.

Ha ha! Maria is definitely the quilter - we need her to do the quilting and I can sew the bag!

A team of 3 works better. Play on each other's skills.

UKKrazy,
I looked at the CabinZero website more. Does not state where the bags are made - probably China. Also, there is a Military 28 liter pack that has better dimensions than the classic pack. Only the military pack lacks a front zipper pocket, costs more, and has molle webbing all over the front flap.

The ADV pack has a zipper that extends up and around the top handle. This would be an advantage for people who travel with computers and need easier access to the laptop pocket. I question the dimensions you mentioned about the 36 liter pack compared to the 32 liter. I will need to check that out. 32 liters can be placed underseat - but, that’s about it. 36 liters would be hard to put underseat.

UKKrazy,
Now, I’m mystified between the 32 liter classic plus and the 36 liter classic bag. Honestly, I would like an even more simplified bag - but, the classic bag comes close. My main concern is whether the 36 liter would actually fit underseat despite the listed dimensions. I will need to seek out YouTube reviews for it.

After watching YouTube videos - the 36 liter is definitely out as an underseat bag. That leaves zero cabin 28 liter military pack (by the way, it does have a front zipper pocket.) or the classic plus 32 liter. CabinZero needs a 32 liter military pack. The question is - how much does the 32 classic plus bulge out when fully packed? No YouTube video on the sizer/underseat for a 32 liter classic plus. Hmmmm.

Saw a good video. CabinZero 28 military bag when packed bulges to 17” x 13” x 7 1/2.” So, if I were to purchase a CabinZero bag for underseat - this would be it.

Sun-Baked, I have also been mystified by the measurements of the 36L. I didn't see the YouTubes yet, but what was the deciding factor to cross it off the 'under seat list'?

On YouTube - I watched videos. Type in cabin zero - there are a number of videos about these bags. Then, narrow down the videos - military 28 liter, classic 36 liter, etc.. One reviewer who does a good job is OneBag Travels with the green circle logo. The 36 liter bag will expand to 9” or more when packed - too thick for an underseat bag. The military 28 liter was by far the best of cabin zero bags as an underseat bag.

Okay. Thanks. But with the side tension straps it should be easy to just reduce the depth to the legal allowance, I would think. The rest of the space can be used on the ground for all the extra clothing one wears on the plane. For me that may be boots and coats. Regardless, good to know.
As for bulge, someone mentioned using a more rigid product for their shirt folder pack that helped with back pack rigidity. That could also work for minimizing bulge...or I thought to at least try that. At one time I used a Dollar Store art canvas board for my home made shirt folder pack, so I have something to try.

Technically, you may be able to use the 36 liter for underseat if you use the compression straps and leave slack in it. I personally don’t want to guess when it comes to sizer boxes. I want a bag that when stuffed to the max. will still fit the proper sizer dimensions.

Okay, now I will have to check out the videos. I get what you're saying, Sun-Baked, about not wanting to guess at the dimensions once packed.