Found my ultimate Personal Item for one-bag travel in U.S.
After several false starts and much Internet research, I finally gave in and spent the extra dollars for this high quality travel partner made in the U.S. My goal was to maximize Personal Item carry based on 18x14x8 (I fly on American Airlines most often). I am tired of competing for overhead storage, so my hope was a bag that can go under the seat if needed. In practice, I might put it overhead but I know I have the option to fit it under my seat, which reduces stress. I traveled for 7 days with just this bag, and it was pretty full. Next time I think I can reduce my load even further, if I have laundry at my destination. This trip included 5 t-shirts, 2 polo shirts, a button down shirt, jeans, khakis, shorts, bathing suit, underwear, socks, sneakers, flip flops, laptop and charger, bathroom products, glasses, and a few small items such as pens, flashlight, and AirPods. The bag went right under the seat and allowed space for one leg to stretch out. When I felt like I needed to stretch both legs, I stood the bag between my legs. I did notice that it was so full that the side pockets were not particularly spacious, so I didn’t insert a water bottle. Next time, if I am successful packing a few fewer items, I will hope to add a water bottle I will buy at the airport. I placed it in the AA sizer and confirmed that it is a Personal Item. I believe it actually holds more than 30L, holding as much as the Aer TP3 35L yet coming in with smaller, more manageable exterior dimensions. I also noticed an Air Canada sizer and confirmed this would have worked as a Carry On item, but not a Personal Item. I have been very satisfied with the carry comfort and materials on this bag. I am excited for my next trip with it! The zippers do jingle, but installing the zipper pulls reduces the sound by half and I didn’t notice around the airport. I removed the waist belt and sternum strap, finding those unnecessary. The shoulder straps do have some dangle, but I improvised an attachment method to hold them in place, using zipper pulls. So far I don’t see a need for the shoulder strap, but that could be a neat option for some users. If you are on the fence about this cost of this bag, that is understandable, but I have spent almost as much on bags that didn’t make me nearly as happy. Despite its somewhat awkward lines and high price, this is a top quality product and makes you much quicker on your feet while traveling. It all begins with managing the load you pack and eliminating bulk and duplication. As I mentioned, laundry at your destination helps a lot. This may be a bit too large if you are ALSO carrying a rolling suitcase, but this is awesome if you want to get down to just a backpack. I would recommend it over the Aer TP3s 28L, TP3 35L, and the Osprey Daylite 35. The one test I forgot to conduct was rotating it sideways, but I suspect it would have fit, allowing more concealment but taking away the space where I stretched one leg. Good luck in your search and travels!
