Large purse vs tiny purse + carry-on?

Ah, the perennial decision: is it more convenient while traveling (no check-in bags) to bring a large purse, or a tiny purse plus a carry-on? In the case of the former, the purse can hold your electronics and cameras and other miscellaneous items, but if might be too heavy if you spend a lot of time walking. In the case of the latter, the light purse feels great, but you often need more items from your carry-on during your day than you realize. What do you use for work and travel? I've been looking at the See by Chloe Bluebell bag, but wonder if it would e too heavy after a few hours. http://www.net-a-porter.com/us.....aQodo0EA4Q

9 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Mander

Anonymous

Voting tiny purse + carry-on because I don't like to carry extra weight, uneccessarily, especially unevenly. Also, tiny purse could be stashed in the carry on whenever it's not on duty.

9 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I usually bring a large lightweight tote (usually my Longchamp) and a smaller, also lightweight crossbody that I stick inside the tote. That way, I can have the best of both worlds. The big bag for the actual plane/train/automobile part, then I leave it at the hotel and carry the small crossbody when I go sightseeing, etc. I often have a laptop or ipad with me, and I don't like to stick it in the carryon (which would go in the overhead compartment on a plane, and there is a chance that annoying airlines will force you to check it) so a bag large enough to hold it is essential. Both of these bags actually take up very little room if empty (they can be packed flat) so can be packed inside the carryon if they are empty.

ETA: Also, I have managed to pack for an entire weekend trip (with one night in a hotel in NYC) in just the Longchamp. It was for a YLF meetup actually! I had a change of clothes, PJs, toiletries, and an extra pair of shoes even. No laptop in that case, obviously. I did lug the whole bag around with me, which was kind of bulky but not bad. I think the key is to get a bag that is lightweight on its own.

Bloomingdale's

Longchamp Tote - Planetes Large

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Nordstrom

MZ Wallace 'Mia' Nylon Crossbody Bag

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9 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

I do something similar to Diana - I like a bigger bag for the plane and then a small purse while at my destination.

9 years ago

Dee

Veteran

I also do what Diana does. I often stick a small satchel or crossbody in my Le Pliage bag, along with my laptop, headphones and any snacks for the plane. Once at my destination, I usually put the necessities in the crossbody and leave the rest in the hotel.

9 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Messenger bag. All that sight seeing, eventually you'll want to give your hands a rest and stash your jacket.

9 years ago

kkards

Veteran

another vote for large carry on tote with a smaller "destination" bag inside. this bag stays with me, and carries electronics, chargers, wallet, wrap etc. then in a seperate bag i pack my clothing etc. since i often end up on small planes with very limited overhead space, i always make sure that i have a carry on that will fit under the seat.

9 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I've had to do the same as Diana a few times and pack only in my carryon, and then haul it around all day because I didn't have a place to leave it. (Flashbacks to wandering around downtown Newark a few years ago...) not my favorite!

For me it depends on a lot of factors: do I have a place to stash my luggage after I arrive or am I going to have to wrangle it all for a while, say on transit. Do I have pockets in the clothes I'm wearing to fly where I can keep my phone etc. or not. Do I have a an aisle seat so I have easy access to my bag, or does it fit under the seat.

Most of the time I put a smaller purse into my checked luggage to use once I get to my destination, and carry a tote sized bag on the plane with all my electronics and stuff to use during the trip.

9 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I also do what Diane does. I bring a Longchamp bag and a small crossbody inside, plus a small carry on bag that fits in the overhead bin. The Longchamp carries my iPad, sunglasses, wallet, device chargers, healthy snacks, medication, pen and paper, and a small cross body bag. With careful packing, I can carry enough to get by for over a week without having to check any luggage. I still have enough room to make small purchases and bring items home.

9 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I do the same as Diana. I have a nylon Prada that is light & can also be worn as a cross-body bag - which is great if it is full

9 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Same as Diana! Dressy clutch/envelope that converts to cross body, slipped inside a Longchamps Lepliage, and a small wheeled carry on. Clutch holds tickets, passport, wallet. Then lightweight nylon Lepliage gets the iPad, extra layers as they come off, water bottle, snacks, the stuff DH ends up shedding, etc. it is bottomless!

I actually store my LP in my suitcase. It is my automatic travel set.

9 years ago

rizamei

Active Member

Same as Diana, except that I pack my smaller bag (currently a LeSportsac Hobo) in my rolling suitcase rather than my large tote (currently the Baggalini Avenue Tote). Depending on the nature of my travel, I sometimes pack a wristlet or clutch in place of the hobo.

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9 years ago

Mander

(website)

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Anytime I fly trans-Atlantic I take the same approach as Diana. I have various lightweight tote bags that will fit under the seat, and I put all the stuff that I don't want to check in there. I usually have a smaller bag inside, sometimes with the things I'll want during the flight in it, like my headphones and mp3 player, so that I can pull it out easily and not have to dig around in the bag under my feet. Even if I'm going somewhere with only a carry-on bag or on a train, I'll still have a bag under my feet for stuff I'll want en route, because I hate the hassle of getting things out of overhead storage.

I have packed for a weekend in a single large hobo bag that I then had to carry around, and while it worked well enough it would have been better to have a biggish messenger bag. I got tired of keeping my heavy bag on one shoulder. That particular trip was before cute stylish backpacks came on the scene but in retrospect I would have taken one of them if I'd had it. Or else decided that it wasn't worth the bother of looking stylish and just used a backpack!

9 years ago

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