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17 Best Personal Item Bags That Fit Everything You Need

best personal item bag

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Spring break is right around the corner, and whether you’re planning a quick beach vacation or a longer family vacation, a personal item bag is a travel essential. From sleek backpacks to roomy totes and versatile duffels, there’s no shortage of options that easily fit under your seat. And with so many to choose from, each one offers something unique depending on your taste and the travels ahead. That’s why it’s important to find the one that works best for your travel needs—that extra organization space will make all the difference when flying, allowing you to squeeze in those must-have items so you don’t have to leave any behind.

Think about what you’ll be carrying: Do you need space for a laptop and tech gear, or are you just packing a few outfits and need extra room for snacks and a neck pillow? Is this a budget-friendly trip with more minimal packing, or are you splurging on something a bit more luxe? Depending on your type of trip and what you’re looking to get out of your personal item bag, there’s a best choice for you out there that’ll perfectly fit your needs. To help you decide, we’ve rounded up the best personal item bags below for all sorts of travel scenarios, so you can keep your focus where it belongs: planning a great trip!

01

coowoz Large Travel Backpack

Amazon

$39.99

If you’re using your personal items bag mostly for clothes, then this affordable Amazon gem with nearly 12,000 five-star ratings is the choice for you. It comes with a wet bag, as well as a shoe compartment to keep dirt away from the rest of your gear.

02

Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote

Nordstrom

$155.00

The timeless Longchamp tote strikes the perfect balance between elegance and practicality. Made from smooth, sleek nylon with embossed leather trim, it’s perfect for everyday use, whether you’re hopping a flight or running errands. It features a top zip closure, interior smartphone pocket, and water-resistant lining to keep your essentials safe and dry. Plus, it folds flat for easy storage, making it a great space-saver for your luggage!

03

Vera Bradley Large Original Duffel Bag

Vera Bradley

$75.00

Vera Bradley bags are having their moment (again), and this one is ready for your next adventure. Whether you’re headed on a quick getaway or a week-long vacation, the Large Original Duffel has you covered with plenty of room for your essentials, an easy zip closure, and roomy slip pockets both inside and out. Plus, the vibrant patterns will bring a pop of personality to your travels!

04

Hanover 2

Lo & Sons

$178.50

The Hanover 2 from Lo & Sons looks simple on the outside, but it’s packed with functionality on the inside. Aside from a removable insert with plenty of pockets to organize all your usuals, it also includes a dedicated laptop compartment to save you time at security. There’s even a front pocket to stash anything you want quick access to during your flight, like headphones or a paperback.

05

Metro Convertible Backpack

MZ Wallace

$275.00

Buttery-soft to the touch, this luxe MZ Wallace quilted bag is a fashionable choice that will look equally chic whether you’re on a plane, running errands around town, or heading to work on the train. It features multiple interior and exterior pockets for organization. And since you can wear it as a backpack or as a tote, it’s also one of the best personal item bags for plane trips, when you need to be versatile.

06

Lagos Convertible Duffle

Dagne Dover

$305.00

This Dagne Dover beauty is one of the best carry on bags for looking chic and staying organized. Among its many enticing features is its functionality. It’s both a duffle and a backpack, with lots of zippered compartments to put your travel essentials within reach at all times.

07

The Expandable Backpack

BÉIS

$98.00

This eco-friendly Beis bag is made from recycled plastic water bottles and adorned with exquisite faux leather trim. The fact that you can expand it to instantly create more space is just one reason it’s one of the best carry on backpacks for over-packers.

08

Venture Backpack

Solgaard

$199.00

Solgaard’s ingenious design turns your backpack into a closet, so you barely have to unpack upon arrival. If you’d rather use it for non-clothes items, simply remove the closet system and you have a fantastic travel backpack. It’s also equipped with a ton of clever details. Think: USB charger, ergonomic padding, and hidden zippered compartments to ensure all of your items are safe.

09

The Quilted Everywhere Bag

Away

$225.00

If you’re a fan of Away luggage, then you’ll love The Quilted Everywhere Bag. Slip it over your carry on handle and easily navigate airports, city streets, or wherever else your travels take you. Five interior pockets provide excellent organization, and a water-resistant interior keeps your personal belongings dry no matter the weather.

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10

ETRONIK Travel Duffel Bag

Amazon

$37.99

Not only does this affordable Amazon find come in dozens of colors, but its thoughtful touches also make it ideal for travelers. There are multiple pockets and a strap to fit over your roller bag handle, as well as a USB charging interface.

11

YETI Crossroads Backpack 27L

Amazon

$230.00

Just like the iconic brand’s popular coolers and tumblers, this Yeti Crossroads Backpack is tough enough to tackle the outdoors but stylish enough for a day on the town. If you have lots of different destinations and activities on your travel itinerary, this jack-of-all-trades might be your best choice.

12

Carry All Weekender

July

$165.75

This weekender bag exudes cosmopolitan style while also offering plenty of practical features. From the water-resistant fabric and soft leather handles to the internal dividers and multiple compartments, it’s as functional as it is chic.

13

LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack

Amazon

$28.99

Considering its durable material, intuitive features, and incredibly approachable price point, it’s no wonder that this sensible option has more than 25,000 five-star Amazon ratings! It features a luggage strap and USB port, too.

14

Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe

Amazon

$139.13

From the ventilated back panel to the compression straps to the stretchy side pocket that accommodates all sizes of water bottles, this utile Timbuk2 backpack does it all. Even better? It’s crafted from 100% recycled materials, so you can feel good about your purchase.

15

Never Still Flap Backpack Large

Rimowa

$1,525.00

Looking for a personal item bag that screams status? Then Rimowa’s luxurious Never Still Nylon Flap Backpack is the perfect choice. Made in Italy from nylon and rubberized leather, it’s padded for extra comfort. There’s also a separate laptop pocket and drawstring closure with secure magnetic buckle to give you peace of mind.

16

Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack

Calpak

$175.00

Whether you need a duffle or a backpack, this two-in-one laminate option can do the job. It’s loaded with extra pockets, hidden compartments, and compression straps to keep all of your belongings in place. All these features and more make it the perfect travel companion.

17

Metro Duffel

Monos

$210.00

From the vegan leather exterior to magnetic snap closures and a separate laptop compartment, the Monos Metro Duffel’s touches provide that elevated feel. The coolest feature, however, is the smaller Metro Kit that snaps onto the outside of the bag. This provides extra space as well as easy access to whatever you need.

Frequently Asked Questions


What is not allowed in a personal item bag on a plane?

When packing your personal item bag, there are a few things you’ll want to leave out. For safety reasons, the TSA restricts certain items, including sharp objects such as scissors and knives, liquids exceeding 3.4 ounces (except in special containers for medication or baby formula), and flammable items like aerosol cans. Self-defense items like pepper spray are also prohibited. Make sure to check the TSA guidelines before you pack, so you’re not caught off guard at security!

What size bag is allowed as a personal item bag?

Does TSA consider a backpack a personal item bag? What about a duffel bag?

packing for a trip

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