The Very Best Personal Item Bags, According To A Travel Editor

Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 8 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Capacity: 22L | Material: Polyester

Best for:

• Weather-resistant nylon exterior
• Ample pockets, including shoe compartment
• Comfortable shoulder handles and crossbody strap

Skip if:

• You want a bag you can wear on your back

I’ve used Calpak’s Luka Duffel as both a personal item bag and a weekender bag, and it’s always the first item I reach for when I want a duffel option that allows me to easily store a pair of shoes. Alongside its spacious shoe compartment, this bag is a favorite of mine thanks to its soft, pillowy material that makes its handles among the most comfortable of any bag I’ve used (and the reason I’ve named it not only a great personal item bag, but one of the best luggage pieces to travel with). Its polyester exterior is also fairly water-resistant, making it a great option for multiple climates, and allowing the bag to be smooth enough to slide under the seat of any airline without snagging. It’s an ideal size (there’s also a large version available that can serve as a carry-on item), and is reasonably priced at under $150, especially for a style that stands the test of time.

Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Capacity: 16L | Materials: Cordura nylon

Best for:

• Easy organization
• Dedicated laptop compartment
• A durable Cordura nylon exterior

Skip if:

• You don’t want to carry a backpack
• You want more color options (currently only available in black)

San Francisco-based gear company Aer makes some of the most well-constructed travel backpacks on the market today, and the City Pack 2 has become one of my favorites. As its name suggests, this bag is specifically tailored to storing—and protecting—your gear as you hop from city to city. Featuring compartments that house a 16-inch laptop, tablet, phone, cords, chargers and more, the bag makes it easy to stay organized since there’s a place for everything—including a dedicated Apple AirTag pocket to help you keep track of your valuables. It has a clean, no-frills design, but don’t let its minimalism fool you: The bag’s durable Cordura exterior is designed to withstand heavy handling, whether it ends up under the seat or in the overhead storage.

Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.4 x 12.7 inches | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Capacity: 23L | Materials: Quilted REC nylon, Italian leather detailing

Best for:

• Organizational pockets
• Weatherproof exterior
• Large capacity

Skip if:

• A tote feels too deep for your packing needs
• You want to avoid leather materials

MZ Wallace’s Large Metro Tote Deluxe is one of my all-time favorite travel bags—I’ve traveled with it to multiple continents and have stuffed almost an entire wardrobe inside of it. That bag, however, measures a bit larger than the standard personal item allowance on most airlines, so to be on the safe side, I recommend the brand’s Medium Metro Tote as the best option for a tote to bring on board. What really stands out about MZ Wallace’s totes are the plethora of pockets: Each bag in this Metro style is built with six zipped interior pockets that include ones right near the handles, making it easy to reach for a passport or wallet. The tote’s quilted nylon material is another plus: It’s soft and comfortable on your shoulders (it also comes with an attachable shoulder strap) as well as being virtually weatherproof—it kept all of my items (including a laptop) dry when I got caught in a torrential downpour in Athens. 

Dimensions: 14.2 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches | Weight: 11.6 ounces | Capacity: 14L | Materials: Vinylon F (mix of recycled polyester and cotton)

Best for:

• Can be converted to a tote
• Water-resistant
• Lightweight

Skip if:

• You want more storage—this is one of the smaller bags on our list

If, like me, you love a tote bag but sometimes need a break from putting all of its weight on one shoulder, Fjällräven’s Kånken Totepack delivers: Pull down on one of its webbed shoulder handles and transition it into backpack straps for a hands-free carry option. Its flexible design is ideal for when you’re on the go, and its dedicated laptop sleeve and three pockets make it great for storing your in-flight essentials without taking up too much underseat space. This bag is made of the brand’s G-1000 Vinylon F fabric, a mix of recycled polyester and cotton that’s both durable and water-resistant. For extra water protection, it’s also compatible with Greenland Wax, a sustainable and DIY-friendly waterproofing method. 

Dimensions: 12 x 5.9 x 17.7 inches | Weight: 2.45 pounds | Capacity: 20L | Materials: Nylon, leather

Best for:

• Organization
• Clamshell opening
• Durable nylon and leather exterior

Skip if:

• You don’t want to carry a backpack
• You need an exterior water bottle holder

I’ve traveled with a wide variety of Away luggage over the years, and the brand has quickly become one of my favorites thanks to its durability. Gibson agrees: “Away bags always hold up so well, even after tons of travel.” I personally keep reaching for the brand’s Everywhere Zip Backpack thanks to its full clamshell opening that makes it easy to spot my items as soon as I open it. The bag also features no shortage of pockets, including several hidden zippered pockets that can store smaller items like keys or lip balm. The exterior’s nylon and leather is stylish and durable enough to withstand your flight, and on the backside there’s a trolley sleeve that allows it to attach to your suitcase handle. One thing to note: The water bottle holder is inside the main compartment, not on the exterior like with many other backpacks. 

Dimensions: 9 x 13.5 x 16.5 inches | Weight: 5.6 pounds | Capacity: 10.5L | Materials: Polyester

Best for:

• 360-degree spinner wheels
• Built-in USB port
• Exterior pockets

Skip if:

• You don’t want to roll your personal item bag

A rolling suitcase efficiently stores your goods while taking the weight off your shoulders, and this petite version from editor-approved luggage brand Samsonite is designed to fit under most airlines’ seats. It has four 360-degree spinning wheels for easy airport maneuvering and a built-in USB port to charge your tech on the go (batteries sold separately). I like its easy-access exterior pockets for items you’ll need on hand—like an ID or boarding pass—and its interior compartments protect your small laptop or tablet, toiletries, clothes and more. Take note: If you’re traveling with a purse or crossbody, you’ll need to store it inside this bag before boarding the plane or the airline will count this as a carry-on suitcase.