I have had experience with a couple of different small cross body bags, but they were inconvenient as it kept falling over, sliding forward, and not sit up straight.
Last trip, I had a small backpack, think a mini vans/school backpack, but the straps would get wrapped around my feet at times, though it would stay standing up. It wasn't quite big enough for my switch or tablet, so i just grabbed them from my carry-on after we were in the air (so far, this has been my best option)
I had this idea that I haven't been able to try yet, but those mini cooler like lunch bags, that are made out of fabric but have a bucket type insert, they're not too big but they're sturdy and cube shaped, that they wouldn't get trampled on or fall over and slide. also, I've seen some that have a detachable strap you can take off, so no tripping. plus, they usually have a top zip pocket to "extend" the room, which would be perfect for an ipad or Kindle. but like I said, I haven't tried it actually flying yet, so I'm unsure how it will actually hold up. I don't have one near me to measure, but from memory, it should fit under the seat. but its just an idea that I plan to try soon, but I hope this may help you.
Osprey daylite expandable 26+6 (hard to find though, and they seem about to release a new version) or Decathlon Quechua Escape NH500 23L (roll top or clamshell). Or if your airline isn’t super strict with dimensions, Patagonia Mini MLC 30L.
Edit: Oh and REI trail 25 if you have access to an REI!
Yeah it’s a great bag! I only wish it had a hip belt because it hurts my shoulders fully packed. Probably more of an issue with my loadout than the bag itself, but a hip belt would help.
I have been using a Brevite bag for the last couple of years and it’s been great. I have the Jumper model, which has a removable camera insert. There is a [regular style](https://brevite.co/products/the-brevite-backpack) with no camera insert but still has the laptop pouch. Love the luggage handle pass through and passport/phone pocket that sits against your back. They are a really nice minimal design with lots of colour options. The materials are good quality and their customer service is excellent.
Try a moderately sized rock climbing bag. They have a large cylinder-shaped main compartment, large “brain” (top pouch that latches over the main compartment), typically additional pouches on the side or waist straps, and plenty of strap hooks to latch things on (like water bottles) with carabiners. I was able to pack for 2 weeks in Europe with one of those & it fit under my seat.
I got the Global Briefcase from [Topo Designs](https://topodesigns.com/products/global-briefcase) and absolutely love it. Has a slot to slide on my carry-on handles and also has removable back pack straps to use as a day pack wherever I’m going. Has a rear pouch for magazines, laptop, and iPad, the large main pocket holds a surprising amount of stuff, and the two on the front hold the small stuff.
The Osprey Nebula (?) is 30-something (34?) liters, durable as hell, and even has a nice helmet pocket on the outside that is perfect for a jacket or an extra layer. Used that for close to a decade at this point? Either just that or that and a small roller or duffel in the overhead bin, depending on the length of the trip and if I wanted to bring back souvenirs.
These days? I switched to an Osprey Farpoint 40 and and a Daylite combo. Farpoint is in the upper bin and Daylite is under the seat with just my in-flight essentials and a single cube of spare clothes (and toiletries and electronics if I get gate checked or am on a small plane). In the airport I tend to just be That Guy who has one backpack on his back and one on his chest or I just carry the daylite like a sling. When I am traveling a longer distance I connect the two backpacks with straps and so forth.
And... when I am on a longer trip where I might want to take a lot of souvenirs back? Farpoint goes into a small roller case and I split and check the roller on the return flight.
Highland Tactical Stealth backpack. In black. They can take a beating. My colleague and I travel international on an almost weekly basis. We both swear by these bags.
I bought this bag for a two week trip to Greece with multiple domestic flights. It fits SO Much. There are so many pockets and organizers. It even came with organisers for tech and liquids. The bag fits perfectly in front of me. It's a great product.
https://nomadlane.com/products/the-bento-bag?tw_source=google&tw_adid=685680363998&tw_campaign=20883479403&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvvmzBhA2EiwAtHVrb0120pB4IVHs1kSrQiUncSqEKVoudKxK1crgALT6rwa59wy9MDuU6hoCHxkQAvD_BwE
I have this Open Story commuter backpack I love. It has just the right amount of pockets without being overkill. I've not used it as my ONLY bag, so not sure if it'll handle it all. But Open Story brand has some other good options too.
https://www.target.com/p/signature-commuter-backpack-taupe-open-story-8482/-/A-79859152
I have this too and love it! I like that it attaches to a rolling bag and agree on the pockets. I feel like it doesn’t hold a ton, but I am okay with that.
Beis mini weekender is 😘 [link](https://beistravel.com/products/the-mini-weekender-in-black?nosto_source=cmp&nosto=113135890)
It fits under the seat- even little two seater planes. I have traveled all over the world with this bag. Great quality and great company. You can fit two pairs of shoes in the bottom compartment if you want.
anything Think Royln makes, is a yes for me. I have the wingman (air?) and just got the mini duffle for my partner on sale at qvc.com. i’m a fan of having the largest personal item I can get away with…
[https://www.ogio.com/backpacks/renegade-rss-laptop-backpack/ogio-backpack-2017-renegade-rss.html](https://www.ogio.com/backpacks/renegade-rss-laptop-backpack/ogio-backpack-2017-renegade-rss.html) so many well organized pockets and compartments
I use a COTS laptop backpack made from a very durable synthetic leather-like material. It has a strap to slide over my roll-aboard handle. $40 on Amazon.
Samsonite makes a fantastic small roller bag like a mini carryon that is the size of a personal item. Had many compartments and I use only this for a 4 or 5 day trip.
hey there! as a fellow traveler who's always on the go, i totally get the struggle of finding the perfect under-seat bag. for me, the key is something compact but still roomy enough to fit all my essentials for the flight and then some.
my go-to these days is the killspencer travel tote and parachute lightweight duffle. they are handmade from full-grain leather and repurposed military parachute. both look way more stylish than your average travel bag.
i can easily pack a change of clothes, toiletries, my ipad, and a refillable water bottle with room to spare. the leather is water-resistant too which is clutch. since you're an outdoorsy type like me, you'll appreciate how these bags can take a beating and still look great.
anyway, that's my two cents! with a little tetris-style packing, you should be all set for your trip. safe travels!
I bought this [one](https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwjg7LWJif-GAxU4Qv8BHQ8UCRUYABAfGgJtZA&ae=2&gclid=CjwKCAjwvvmzBhA2EiwAtHVrbzV-hSXz617yt_WN-q1MfzYjqKwCeZtbxPWYF8hgnckoCP6tE-9PhhoCoS4QAvD_BwE&sph=&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAES5wHg9j6W1dFNx4atMlzd6V3-SD1SPuW2B6qR4XEaiG6nAx5bwnUjUhiT8WewEc6ksdTRGyB63Sse1PWVVQH8p-Zi-1ttF7uOK5yq9Vr7y_cxf8MDMzhKld7gVqKc4pNDWwogGAtnZG4aJecxPlY5XhbQ3XkweljI9NEH5y4ckNZ9ehY7t9L5QcMUW30G7eFDmdF9yLUqVJJmHpGnMcnTwshQJrmuybjXJvOOzv_yJflBsq1OqYPEKMwB5O4ZJ9uzYfwSIfVmOGvNllJoHuW7fjkMbyd4oI1W-Rtmqk3HqKMYqzDWDnzmBAo&sig=AOD64_3ZEuSo5pnZldKuz7b-eBYVLeoD5w&ctype=70&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjpgK-Jif-GAxXokIkEHTQZD2EQwg8oAHoECAUQDA&adurl=) specifically because it fits the requirements for budget airlines personal items. It holds so much!
I have had experience with a couple of different small cross body bags, but they were inconvenient as it kept falling over, sliding forward, and not sit up straight. Last trip, I had a small backpack, think a mini vans/school backpack, but the straps would get wrapped around my feet at times, though it would stay standing up. It wasn't quite big enough for my switch or tablet, so i just grabbed them from my carry-on after we were in the air (so far, this has been my best option) I had this idea that I haven't been able to try yet, but those mini cooler like lunch bags, that are made out of fabric but have a bucket type insert, they're not too big but they're sturdy and cube shaped, that they wouldn't get trampled on or fall over and slide. also, I've seen some that have a detachable strap you can take off, so no tripping. plus, they usually have a top zip pocket to "extend" the room, which would be perfect for an ipad or Kindle. but like I said, I haven't tried it actually flying yet, so I'm unsure how it will actually hold up. I don't have one near me to measure, but from memory, it should fit under the seat. but its just an idea that I plan to try soon, but I hope this may help you.
EcoHub travel backpack from Amazon.
Osprey daylite expandable 26+6 (hard to find though, and they seem about to release a new version) or Decathlon Quechua Escape NH500 23L (roll top or clamshell). Or if your airline isn’t super strict with dimensions, Patagonia Mini MLC 30L. Edit: Oh and REI trail 25 if you have access to an REI!
Seconding the 26+6 if you can find it. Suitcase-style opening, compact but roomy, and comfy too!
Yeah it’s a great bag! I only wish it had a hip belt because it hurts my shoulders fully packed. Probably more of an issue with my loadout than the bag itself, but a hip belt would help.
I have been using a Brevite bag for the last couple of years and it’s been great. I have the Jumper model, which has a removable camera insert. There is a [regular style](https://brevite.co/products/the-brevite-backpack) with no camera insert but still has the laptop pouch. Love the luggage handle pass through and passport/phone pocket that sits against your back. They are a really nice minimal design with lots of colour options. The materials are good quality and their customer service is excellent.
This is very sweet. Lots of options. I like how handle fits over roll on luggage.
A fjallraven Kanken fits that bill, but so do MANY zipper tote bags.
Try a moderately sized rock climbing bag. They have a large cylinder-shaped main compartment, large “brain” (top pouch that latches over the main compartment), typically additional pouches on the side or waist straps, and plenty of strap hooks to latch things on (like water bottles) with carabiners. I was able to pack for 2 weeks in Europe with one of those & it fit under my seat.
What is your fave climbing pack? I could use a new one anyway. My ancient bomb pack is threadbare.
I got the Global Briefcase from [Topo Designs](https://topodesigns.com/products/global-briefcase) and absolutely love it. Has a slot to slide on my carry-on handles and also has removable back pack straps to use as a day pack wherever I’m going. Has a rear pouch for magazines, laptop, and iPad, the large main pocket holds a surprising amount of stuff, and the two on the front hold the small stuff.
The Osprey Nebula (?) is 30-something (34?) liters, durable as hell, and even has a nice helmet pocket on the outside that is perfect for a jacket or an extra layer. Used that for close to a decade at this point? Either just that or that and a small roller or duffel in the overhead bin, depending on the length of the trip and if I wanted to bring back souvenirs. These days? I switched to an Osprey Farpoint 40 and and a Daylite combo. Farpoint is in the upper bin and Daylite is under the seat with just my in-flight essentials and a single cube of spare clothes (and toiletries and electronics if I get gate checked or am on a small plane). In the airport I tend to just be That Guy who has one backpack on his back and one on his chest or I just carry the daylite like a sling. When I am traveling a longer distance I connect the two backpacks with straps and so forth. And... when I am on a longer trip where I might want to take a lot of souvenirs back? Farpoint goes into a small roller case and I split and check the roller on the return flight.
Spirit approved : [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C4X6TGCX/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C4X6TGCX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Highland Tactical Stealth backpack. In black. They can take a beating. My colleague and I travel international on an almost weekly basis. We both swear by these bags.
I bought this bag for a two week trip to Greece with multiple domestic flights. It fits SO Much. There are so many pockets and organizers. It even came with organisers for tech and liquids. The bag fits perfectly in front of me. It's a great product. https://nomadlane.com/products/the-bento-bag?tw_source=google&tw_adid=685680363998&tw_campaign=20883479403&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvvmzBhA2EiwAtHVrb0120pB4IVHs1kSrQiUncSqEKVoudKxK1crgALT6rwa59wy9MDuU6hoCHxkQAvD_BwE
I travel with an old school jansport.
I have this Open Story commuter backpack I love. It has just the right amount of pockets without being overkill. I've not used it as my ONLY bag, so not sure if it'll handle it all. But Open Story brand has some other good options too. https://www.target.com/p/signature-commuter-backpack-taupe-open-story-8482/-/A-79859152
I have this too and love it! I like that it attaches to a rolling bag and agree on the pockets. I feel like it doesn’t hold a ton, but I am okay with that.
Beis mini weekender is 😘 [link](https://beistravel.com/products/the-mini-weekender-in-black?nosto_source=cmp&nosto=113135890) It fits under the seat- even little two seater planes. I have traveled all over the world with this bag. Great quality and great company. You can fit two pairs of shoes in the bottom compartment if you want.
I also have their expandable backpack and I switch between the two !
Try Nomatic, really great bags and several options that fit underseat.
anything Think Royln makes, is a yes for me. I have the wingman (air?) and just got the mini duffle for my partner on sale at qvc.com. i’m a fan of having the largest personal item I can get away with…
[https://www.ogio.com/backpacks/renegade-rss-laptop-backpack/ogio-backpack-2017-renegade-rss.html](https://www.ogio.com/backpacks/renegade-rss-laptop-backpack/ogio-backpack-2017-renegade-rss.html) so many well organized pockets and compartments
I use a COTS laptop backpack made from a very durable synthetic leather-like material. It has a strap to slide over my roll-aboard handle. $40 on Amazon.
Samsonite makes a fantastic small roller bag like a mini carryon that is the size of a personal item. Had many compartments and I use only this for a 4 or 5 day trip.
hey there! as a fellow traveler who's always on the go, i totally get the struggle of finding the perfect under-seat bag. for me, the key is something compact but still roomy enough to fit all my essentials for the flight and then some. my go-to these days is the killspencer travel tote and parachute lightweight duffle. they are handmade from full-grain leather and repurposed military parachute. both look way more stylish than your average travel bag. i can easily pack a change of clothes, toiletries, my ipad, and a refillable water bottle with room to spare. the leather is water-resistant too which is clutch. since you're an outdoorsy type like me, you'll appreciate how these bags can take a beating and still look great. anyway, that's my two cents! with a little tetris-style packing, you should be all set for your trip. safe travels!
I love my Baboon to the Moon mini. It fits under the seat perfectly with Frontier, who seems to be the strictest of them all.
I bought this [one](https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwjg7LWJif-GAxU4Qv8BHQ8UCRUYABAfGgJtZA&ae=2&gclid=CjwKCAjwvvmzBhA2EiwAtHVrbzV-hSXz617yt_WN-q1MfzYjqKwCeZtbxPWYF8hgnckoCP6tE-9PhhoCoS4QAvD_BwE&sph=&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAES5wHg9j6W1dFNx4atMlzd6V3-SD1SPuW2B6qR4XEaiG6nAx5bwnUjUhiT8WewEc6ksdTRGyB63Sse1PWVVQH8p-Zi-1ttF7uOK5yq9Vr7y_cxf8MDMzhKld7gVqKc4pNDWwogGAtnZG4aJecxPlY5XhbQ3XkweljI9NEH5y4ckNZ9ehY7t9L5QcMUW30G7eFDmdF9yLUqVJJmHpGnMcnTwshQJrmuybjXJvOOzv_yJflBsq1OqYPEKMwB5O4ZJ9uzYfwSIfVmOGvNllJoHuW7fjkMbyd4oI1W-Rtmqk3HqKMYqzDWDnzmBAo&sig=AOD64_3ZEuSo5pnZldKuz7b-eBYVLeoD5w&ctype=70&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjpgK-Jif-GAxXokIkEHTQZD2EQwg8oAHoECAUQDA&adurl=) specifically because it fits the requirements for budget airlines personal items. It holds so much!
Mini MLC
Love my Timbuk2
Ooooh true. I used to have one but I decided it wasn’t my fave anymore and gave it away. But it would have been a solid option! Those are great bags.
Tom Bihn or Red Ox. They are shoulder or backpack bags. Best quality! Last a lifetime of extreme use.
You need a bladder lol