YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 20:22:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Elly on "Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice#post-1350104 Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:46:39 +0000 Elly 1350104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Cerinda ---  that is another great bag. I have one similar (which is showing heavy wear after a field season and several years of school use) but unfortunately it doesn't fit under my desk and is bigger than the tote space I have. Cerinda on "Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice#post-1349528 Sun, 07 Sep 2014 21:05:14 +0000 Cerinda 1349528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I second recommendations for both Eagle Creek and Timbuk2; Osprey is another good maker.  For extended and remote fieldwork I use a Timbuk2 carry-on (a couple of days of clothes), and an Osprey duffel (camping gear, more clothes), plus:  1) this gargantuan daypack:  padded computer sleeve big enough for any Mac; multitudinous pockets for meds, toiletries, files, notebooks; a divider to separate the main compartment into distinct spaces for clothes and neoprene-wrapped cameras, lenses, audio recorders, etc. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/tls-workstation-laptop-backpack/143143?productid=1370229">http://www.ebags.com/product/e.....id=1370229</a> 2)  this contraption of steel mesh, cables, and lock which allows me to secure my entire pack or my small suitcase to some other fixed object. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.rei.com/product/709207/pacsafe-55-security-web-small">http://www.rei.com/product/709.....-web-small</a> Finding the right system of bags is such a personal thing, isn't it?  And so much trial and error.  Good luck! ETA:  I have a whole different system for working in urban areas.  And yes, that Longchamps tote is a workhorse. Elly on "Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice#post-1349298 Sun, 07 Sep 2014 16:43:31 +0000 Elly 1349298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lyn-- thanks so much for sharing your system with me. It sounds excellent and might be what I have to go to! Shiny-- thanks for sharing your system as well, very valuable advice from the seasoned traveler. I will look at Eagle Creek. I'm dissapointed about the theft as well. I have litterally nowhere to lock something. Supposedly the drawers on my desk lock (they have locks but do not lock) but beyond that issue is the fact that the drawers on my desk are the only two filing spots in the entire office for myself and my co-worker to keep files! Meredith, I will check out Timbuk2! Isabel -- I could indeed lock my bag at work although I think that might be tricky with most bags as it seems that most non-travel bags don't have a suitable setup, but I don't have anywhere suitable to lock the bag to  -- I don't think my whole bag is gonna walk off, but I still don't have a place to put a bag big enough to put meds and wallet in, let alone the laptop and camera when I have to bring it in from the cold--- last winter my bag had to sit on my desk and my coat on the chair, which is a problem since I occasionally have others in our office having to sit at my desk. There is nowhere to hang a coat, no closet, etc. My co-worker's solution is to carry a big backpack, stuff her coat in it, and shove it on the floor under her desk, but her bag is always dirty from this (we have hard floors that get dusty, her bag gets stepped on, etc.) and I would worry about my electronics and other things getting broken, plus I don't want a huge bag. I think this year I will buy a tub and put the coat and bag in the plastic tote/tub, but that still leaves finding appropriate bags. I leave a set of toiletries at the SOs house, but clothes and electronics gets complicated because of the small wardrobe situation. Isabel on "Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice#post-1349240 Sun, 07 Sep 2014 15:58:16 +0000 Isabel 1349240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Elly, I just want to throw in that you could get a lock for your valuables and lock them in a bag at work.  Then you could use a bike chain to chain the bag to something like a desk or whatever.  And could you leave things at your SO's so that you don't have to drag things back and forth ?  Would that be feasible ? Meredith on "Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice#post-1348633 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 17:01:12 +0000 Meredith 1348633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't have much in the way of advice about sizes but this is another good company to consider. Lots of specialized options and very durable. <a href="http://www.timbuk2.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.timbuk2.com/</a> shiny on "Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice#post-1348618 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 16:23:39 +0000 shiny 1348618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not much help here because I do the roller bag myself. But, I  hear the best things about Eagle Creek. What about something like this? <a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.eaglecreek.com/2in1-backpackduffel/d/1292_c_114">http://shop.eaglecreek.com/2in.....1292_c_114</a> It has zippered locks. You could also invest in some of their cubes, tubes, and sacs to help with internal organization -- and organize bag within a bag, exactly how you want it. I believe they also have cubes specially designed for camera gear. Consider the compression versions so you can pack the maximum amount of clothes into a small space.  I *just* broke down myself and ordered the Eagle Creek starter set, the Pack-It Specter. After reading so many endless rave reviews on FlyerTalk. So check back in with me in a few weeks after my next business trip, and I'll give you the full report. It's not so much about being able to pack more things -- I am getting really good at packing efficiently in my 22" Spinner. It is about keeping it all organized.  I can't find it now but in my googlings recently I saw some tip about taking one of those hanging closet organizers, the kind you can use to store folded tee shirts, sweaters, and pants from the rod in your closet. The tip was to use these to pack for a trip: you don't load it to the hilt. You fold in your clothes and perhaps organize one outfit a day in each of the pockets. Then you just take it off the closet rod, and drop it into your bag... then when you get to your hotel room, you just lift it out, and hang it in the closet... I just thought that was SO CLEVER!!!  Imagine what time that would save! For medication this is what I travel with:  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.lnt.com/product/personal-care/615698-22291/dormco-happy-pills-pill-case-with-inner-weekly-plastic-case.html?utm_source=googleproductads&utm_medium=cpc">http://www.lnt.com/product/per.....ner-weekly</a> Takes up very little room, and the compartments fit 7 days' worth of meds. Or, 7 different types of pills (which is what I do - including ibuprofen, melatonin, vitamins, etc). Plus it's so cute and the "My Happy Pills" slogan makes me giggle.  Otherwise, my best tips are: 1) Duplicate all your toiletries -- including your razor and makeup. It save so much time! Just keep it stocked, grab and go. 2) Consider investing in high-quality, leakproof travel-sized containers for makeup and other toiletries. Cuts down on how much you have to schlep. Just have to remember to refill.  3) Consider clutch purses. I have collected an array of these. I look for ones that are on the larger side (not dainty) which when empty do not take up that much room. Or can serve double-purpose in my luggage, to hold lingerie, underwear, jewelry, and other items. Or can tuck neatly into a laptop bag or tote. It's really not all that different from grabbing a wristlet -- especially if you can find one that has a wrist strap. The ones I prefer are big enough to fit my wristlet wallet inside. You can also get a clutch that has a removable carry on strap, if you wish. Anyway this is the opportunity to add a dash of fashion to your bag strategy, which sounds like you need more serviceable, rugged, etc... rather than fashionable.  It's a shame to hear about the office theft! When I commuted into the office, my cubicle had a locked cabinet. So I just left a gym duffel bag inside it, including a couple changes of gym clothes, a pair of sneakers, and a towel. If I was up and about during the day I could lock my handbag into it. We then later had a series of laptop thefts, so we were required to also lock up our laptops at night, if we weren't taking them home.  lyn* on "Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice#post-1348604 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 16:01:43 +0000 lyn* 1348604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a system that is similar to Suz's. 1. Every day carry - wristlet with capability of taking 3 credit cards (I put in my hospital swipe badge, one credit card and one debit card) - and it has a spot for cash and can still fit my cellular phone (iPhone 4s). I got mine from Coach. A bright colour so I can easily find it. I toss this in whatever bigger bag I am using that day, or use it by itself. Fits inside all bags. 2. Work bag - big enough to carry my planners, an umbrella, a water bottle, my recording device and notebooks; I can stick my iPad Air in there too (yours might have to be a bit bigger to accomodate your laptop if you carry it every day). If I don't carry an umbrella and my iPad I can shove my gym clothes in there (gym shoes are stored at work - sucks you guys don't have a place though, but I have left mine in the car to freeze before). My current Kate Spade. Fits inside bag 4 and 5. 3. Large Work Bag - For the days I know I will have a lot of files (big sized) and if I have to carry my full on laptop in a leather case (MacBook Pro; 15"). I got mine from Zara ... I think it was about $50 on sale? Fits inside Bags 4 and 5. 4. Short Trips and Weekenders - I have a small-ish duffle that has sheep on it from ModCloth. I can actually pack up to 7 days of clothes in it, if I am strategic about what I take with me (plus my gym clothes). If I don't take a roll-on bag, I fly with this bag all the time. No problem in the overhead bins, and I can squish it beneath the seat if I have to. I prefer not to - the sheep don't like it. 5. Suitcase Proper - I have a carry-on black Heys that I use to carry clothes that can't be squished (blazers, work outfits, etc) for conferences and other types of business travel. And that's all my bags! :)  6. Bonus bag - I have a small cross body (pink!) that I also use. It fits my clutch and I use it when I don't want to carry the wristlet on my wrist :p Elly on "Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice#post-1348598 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 15:50:02 +0000 Elly 1348598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Awesome, Suz! Thanks so much for sharing you system with me. You look like you're really getting things figured out.  The duffle that I am replacing is one of those ripstop nylon bags of good quality-- I use my duffle much more than most since there have been several times in the past few years that I've essentially lived out of it (May-Sept 2011, Sept.-Dec 2012, August-Dec 2013) not to count the trips to the gym, several weekends a year to visit family, and of course the constant overnights since April of 2012. It lasted about 4 years, which is impressive, but I do fear that they may not be up for that abuse. Prior to that I had a coated canvas bag in a similar size that I didn't find too heavy-- that one lasted almost 10 years but of course didn't take the abuse the current one has. What I particularly liked about the one in the link is that it has such a wide open top and a bit more structure than my light nylon one.  Ideally I would like duffle that was easy to get my 15" laptop in and out of since most of the year I leave the laptop and camera in the car in the duffel (except Dec, Jan, Feb or during cold snaps).  But, I guess I do need to include in my plan what to do with the laptop and camera when it can't be left in the car.  I also like it to be laptop friendly because when I have to leave my computer or camera unsupervised in the city or hotels without a safe, I feel it is much safer in the duffle under some clothes, maybe with a lock, than in a separate more accessible bag.  Being able to pick it up and carry on my shoulder is king, but it doesn't have to be packing the thing miles. Pretty much every accommodation for travel jobs and my home, etc. all are gravel drives, so the roller is no use. I actually think I have a carry-on size rolling suitcase that was a gift, but it never gets used because of the "country" factor--- plus, when I travel further abroad I really like a bag I can wash.  Excellent idea to use a wallet wristlet of sorts. Prior to taking medication I usually carried a small card case in my pocket and a very slim laptop or camera bag as needed. However, traveling with at least 3 forms of medication in prescription bottles really puts the kabosh on that --- I don't take anything that anyone would want, but really feel uncomfortable taking the scripts out of their containers because they kinda look like something else. That said, I feel vulnerable to prescription theft when people see the bottles in a bag or vehicle.  Suz on "Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice#post-1348515 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 13:53:18 +0000 Suz 1348515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Elly, this makes sense. When you're doing a lot of back and forths to different situations it can take some hard analysis to figure out what will work. I'd say I've been two years in figuring out my bag situation -- and it's not perfect yet! But I am getting there.  The small duffle bag you show in your final link is similar to one that I have. Mine is an older generation Eddie Bauer packable. It's actually heavier and thicker fabric than the current model, but the newer one is much lighter and packs smaller -- also, this new fabric is supposed to be more durable than it looks and feels.  I would not go with canvas. We do have some canvas luggage from LLBean, many generations old. It lasts, that is true. And it looks pretty good. But it's a lot heavier.  I do a ton of travelling -- and quite often have "trips within trips" like you describe, where I have to go to work and to see family.  I don't travel by car so my needs are a bit different from yours. For me, a rolling bag is a help when I am commuting by public transit or flying.  My "system" is like this:  For my "city trips" -- either on business or to see my mother -- I have a small rolling suitcase. It's carry on size for international but not within country flights (We bought just before a regulation change. argh!! -- anyway, that gives an idea of the size.)  I can pick this suitcase up and carry by the handle, which I often do when traversing railway station stairs, etc.  With the suitcase, I carry a big tote from Danier. It has room for my computer, water, wallet, phone, cords, etc. etc. I have one for winter and one for summer.  Inside the suitcase I put a small clutch, crossbody, or shoulder bag, which I can use at my destination. I also often carry a wallet that is more of a "wristlet" -- it has room for phone, cards, money -- and serves in a way as its own little "purse"  -- though no room for medications or grooming needs, etc.  For shorter trips and for summer trips (lighter clothes), I often use the Eddie Bauer duffle.  For longer trips -- like a month long -- I use the small suitcase and the duffle together.  I'd like a le Pliage or Planetes  tote like Diana's but have yet to buy. The Daniers are leather, so heavier, of course, but they are also incredibly durable/ useful. Both have removable sections in the centre should I want to take those out (but I don't).  You can see my bags in photo 1 (that was for a month long trip -- I also had my tote with me for my computer ...and I bought a knapsack to use at my mountain destination for hiking...) And then the second pic shows my Danier tote and duffle all stuffed at my feet -- that was for a week long trip including lots of activities.  Elly on "Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice#post-1348429 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 04:45:26 +0000 Elly 1348429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks so much for the input, ladies. Kelly-- thank you for the link. Those bags look like a great "pocket" option-- I do wonder how they would hold up under 4 days a week use, esp. with a laptop. Joy-- laptop backpacks are fabulous. I had one I used for my graduate program. It will eventually need to be replaced if I head back to finish my masters' -- unfortunately, most of the laptop options that will fit my laptop are really too small for a weekend worth of clothes (and work clothes for a day or two) or are just too big to keep at work. I have to keep any bag under my desk or in a smallish plastic tub with my coat, etc. I think I'd rather have a tote with a zip that a purse, my shoes, my drinks, lunch, etc. could go into and then could fold up when I got to work and 90% of the contents get emptied. Emily-- that looks promising, I will have to see if I can find out more about it. I've heard good things about their bags. Diana -- your bag is lovely, and I already carry my laptop in a neoprene sleeve, so I'm set there. I really don't want the weight of a rolling duffel since I carry it everywhere (my driveway, the SO's driveway, and the path to the front door at work are all gravel and it SNOWS here and our local airport is the size of a high school gym). Crackers-- that bag looks lovely for a trip-- I hope you enjoy yours. This thread has really helped me clarify my needs I think. Basically, I want a wallet I can grab when I run into walgreens after work, a purse I can take shopping and to meetings, etc. that is small enough to stay out of the way but still hold my sunglasses, maybe my planner and small notebook as needed, meds, etc. Then I want a lightweight nylon tote I can put the purse in along with my lunch, drinks, gloves, and possibly a pair of indoor shoes in the winter but that takes up practically no space when the lunch and shoes leave -- easy to wash would be a plus- when not working my camera could replace the lunch until I find "THE" camera bag (you can tell where my priorities are). Then for weekends and traveling, a new duffle more suited to a laptop and camera. <a href="http://www.ebags.com/product/lewis-n-clark/urban-gear-canvas-duffel-bag/266191?productid=10279259&cartItemId=1" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebags.com/product/l.....59&ca</a> I'm just still really unsure of sizes and funcitonality for purses and totes, I suppose. claire on "Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice#post-1348267 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 00:21:02 +0000 claire 1348267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What about this backpack from lululemon? I plan on using it as a carryon for an upcoming South Africa trip, it holds a Laptop and has a separate cross body purse that you can zip off and carry on its own. Friends rave about it. (Sorry, I can't do finds from my iPad). <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/bags/Travelling-Yogini-Rucksack?cc=15475&skuId=3564937&catId=bags" rel="nofollow">http://shop.lululemon.com/prod.....catId=bags</a> Diana on "Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice#post-1348242 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 23:57:14 +0000 Diana 1348242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How about a rolling duffle? I'm pretty sure the next luggage I buy is going to be one like this: <a href="http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63915?page=adventure-rolling-duffle-medium" rel="nofollow">http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop.....fle-medium</a> (I don't currently own one, but my sister does and it seems like the perfect bag. Can be carried like a duffle or a rolling bag and is carry on compliant.) For my laptop tote, I use a Longchamp planetes with my laptop in a neoprene sleeve. The le Pliage would work too, or any number of copycat styles. It's nylon so super light and waterproof, and zips shut (important for commuting on public transit or in crowded places). the laptop, lunch bag, a cardigan or small indoor jacket, plus wallet/phone/etc all fit with room to spare. Emily on "Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice#post-1348231 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 23:50:21 +0000 Emily 1348231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I bought the baggallini Elena tote as an "under the seat" carry-on and am really happy with it.  It might fit as your light tote - lots of room to toss in a small crossbody bag. The back is designed to attach to a rolling bag, which can be pretty convenient. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ebags.com/product/baggallini/elena-tote/242552">http://www.ebags.com/product/b.....ote/242552</a> Anonymous on "Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice#post-1348215 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 23:36:39 +0000 Anonymous 1348215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What about a good sized backpack? I have one from an Eddie Bauer sale a few years ago that includes a padded pocket for pad or laptop,has outside pockets for water bottle, even credit cards and wallet stuff, although I put a clutch/shoulder bag inside with wallet in it, and much more. It is often my second carryon for plane trips with a change of clothes, snacks, books, meds, shoes, neck pillow and my trench coat inside with clutch, etc. Back packs come in many sizes and configurations, hold a lot and are east to carry hands free. Some are more plain, less sporty. kellygirl on "Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice#post-1348196 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 23:19:43 +0000 kellygirl 1348196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's a tall order. We did some carry-on only travel this summer and ended up purchasing a couple of bags. One LeSportsac Large Weekender which was roomy but not great over the shoulder. Kate recommended the Chico Bag Nomad Tote which I absolutely loved. We also got a duffle by the same company that worked out well. What I loved about those is that they stuff into an internal pocket--collapsing to almost nothing. They are lightweight, zippered, washable and seem fairly durable. I recommend that for the tote/duffle. I don't schlep a laptop so I will let others chime in on that. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.chicobag.com/category/nomad-tote">http://www.chicobag.com/category/nomad-tote</a> Elly on "Odd bags/on-the-go packing situation -- advice?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/odd-bagson-the-go-packing-situation----advice#post-1348192 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 23:12:54 +0000 Elly 1348192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So, many of you know that I have a 35-40 min commute. My SO now also has about a 25-30 min commute to his job (essentially he lives outside the city I work in and I live just outside the town he works in). Prior to that he lived 45 min from his work and about an 1 hr 15 from mine. Last fall I spent 6 months of 3 days a week in a city 4 hours away. Currently I'm trying to spend at least 2 nights a week at his place, and in the winter anticipate spending a few more because of inclement weather.  I do drive and have a vehicle that I can leave things in, although without being properly insulated some things will freeze come winter.  This whole time I've been carrying either a duffel and a purse or backpack on overnight days and just a purse to work otherwise.  It is a big cheap vinyl bag that I hate (first actual handbag bigger than a wallet in many years) that hasn't been super functional for me.  Recently I had a intern steal some cash from my purse (we don't have a proper place to lock up bags, so i'd left it on my desk). Then we had a bed bug scare at work (turns out, we actually had bats in the attic) but during that I stopped carrying a bag. That wasn't great either, since I have to remember to keep medications on my person and all kinds of stuff I need for running errands in my vehicle-- plus, I still use a paper calendar because I don't have truly smart phone.  My duffel bag (which I think is actually a Nike gym bag) is about to bite the dust and I'm trying to figure out a better system than 12.9 million poorly designed bags. Basically, on non-work days I need something to carry 1 bottle of prescription medication in the original tube, Excedrin, a wallet of some sort (I have a tiny leather card case currently), a checkbook, notepad and pen, clippers, hand sanitizer, lip balm, sunglasses, cell phone, keys, and sometimes a water bottle (but I'm not a stickler about it being in the bag).  On work days I add my lunch and a big water bottle and sometimes a travel mug (I'm ok with carrying 2 of the 3 separately) my paper calendar, sometimes planner-size notebook, and a knife. A couple days a week, being able to fit my gloves, hat, and indoor shoes and or tossing in my lunch and bottles would be great.  On weekends or overnights I need a bag with minimal clothes and toiletries, plus a laptop and chargers, and my DSLR. I currently have it in a neoprene sleeve (along with my laptop) so that needs to fit into either the duffel or the purse/tote.  Currently the big heavy purse isn't working for me. I'm wondering if I need a duffle that will fit my laptop, clothes, and dslr (maybe in its own camera bag), a small cross body purse, and a third light tote bag I can toss the purse and maybe the camera in when I need to carry more stuff for work.  How on earth do you ladies do this? Any recs for techniques or bags? I'm so tired of living out of a suitcase --- I have some toiletries I leave at his house but can't duplicate my glasses, razor, and makeup, and making sure I have clothes should I need to stay on a whim has become a problem with my small wardrobe and increasingly tighter dress code.