The 12 Best Personal Item Bags for Easy Travel (2024)

The Everywhere Bag really lives up to its name, perfect for just about anywhere you end up. It's designed with a clever wraparound zip that opens wide, giving easy access to a surprisingly spacious main compartment. There's a trolley sleeve for the airport or a padded strap for a weekend away.

It also has a padded 15" laptop pocket, which is a game changer for days when you need to go straight from the office to the gym or catch a flight right after a meeting. Plus, the detachable key clip? Total lifesaver for keeping your keys handy and not lost at the bottom of your bag. It's functional, stylish, and versatile—an all-around winner for any routine.

The Luka Duffle Bag is a do-it-all companion. It's perfect whether you're hitting the gym, heading out on a weekend getaway, or just need a day-to-day bag.

What makes it so great? Well, we love the nine different pockets to keep everything organized—from your keys and wallet to your travel documents and gadgets. Plus, the shoe compartment keeps your sneakers separate from everything else, which makes it an incredible gym bag.

The best part? That polyester material is built to last. Truthfully, we didn't expect that, but CALPAK has made a functional, surprisingly sturdy little personal bag.

Perfect for quick getaways and weekend exploring, beloved by consultants going to their once a quarter in-office work days, the Allpa 28L Travel Pack is a great backpack. It’s built with both durability and lightness in mind, making it suitable for everything from alpine adventures to urban excursions.

This backpack is designed for easy carrying, thanks to its weight-distributing harness system. It fits comfortably as a carry-on on any flight, and it works under-seat on most. The full-wrap zipper opening mimics a suitcase for simple packing and organization, while separate mesh compartments keep your gear neatly arranged.

It also includes a padded sleeve to protect your laptop or tablet, secure anti-theft zippers, and handy tuck-away straps for when you need to stow it. Practical touches like multiple grab handles and an included rain cover make it well-suited for whatever type of travel you digital-nomad types are doing these days.

Though it's more weekender, less personal item, this bag perfectly blends spaciousness and style. It's great for tossing in the back seat, carrying-on, or even sneaking under the seat in front of you.

The July Weekender features a minimalist design with ample storage, including a hidden pocket and a 16-inch padded laptop sleeve. Practical for travel, it attaches easily to rolling luggage and offers two comfortable carrying options with soft leather handles and a cushioned shoulder strap. Water-resistant and crafted from durable twill nylon with gunmetal hardware and premium leather trims, this bag is as functional as it is sophisticated.

It’s equipped with organized compartments for easy access to essentials, making it a perfect choice for both business trips and casual getaways.

If your definition of "travel hacking" is looking like a commercial pilot, the Travelpro Crew Classic UnderSeat is your perfect little travel sidekick. It’s built tough with a fabric that can handle the hustle of travel and has a cool lining made from recycled plastic bottles. This bag is just the right size to tuck under most airline seats to keep all your essentials close. And it screams "frequent flyer," so the attendants might even hold it for you in a closet.

It’s super organized, too, with a padded sleeve for your laptop or tablet, handy side pockets for things like your water bottle, and a removable organizer perfect for keeping your toiletries tidy. Rolling through the airport is a breeze with its smooth wheels, and you can even strap it onto your larger luggage when you need to be hands-free.

This laptop backpack is a commuter's dream and a traveler's must-have. Crafted from recycled PET bottles, this backpack looks good in black or heathered gray. Not amazing, but we're talking budget here. It's super easy to keep clean—just a quick wipe with a damp cloth, and you're good to go.

One of its standout features is the checkpoint-friendly design, which means you can breeze through airport security without a hitch. There's an external USB port to keep your devices charged, and a headphone port allows for a tangle-free listening experience. And if you're over carrying it on your back, slide it onto your suitcase handle with the handy external strap.

This bag has gotten plenty of shine on TikTok, but we can say it holds up in real life, as well. It's a compact bag that's perfect for minimalists and efficient packers. Whether it's for an overnight stay or a weekend getaway, this bag toes the line with a manageable size and plenty of useful compartments.

It features a wide, easy-access opening that simplifies packing and includes a built-in padded laptop sleeve to keep gadgets secure. Additionally, it boasts a separate bottom compartment, perfect for shoes, toiletries, or segregating dirty laundry from clean. When it's time to move, the trolley passthrough pocket allows for easy attachment to suitcase handles, making it an ideal travel companion for those who prize both style and practicality.

As for the design, we know this is Esquire dot com, so we do have to acknowledge that Béis has more of a lock on the femme market with this purse-looking bag. That said, we've seen guys pull off a Béis bag in black, so if you're really into the functionality—we very much are—there's no reason to hold back on this one.

The large Landon Carryall ticks all the right boxes for a weekend getaway or as a handy carry-on. This bag is lightweight and adaptable to both wilderness retreats and city breaks. The sides unsnap to offer more packing space. Though that takes it out of personal item and into carry-on territory, it's perfect for those souvenirs you're bringing back.

Other key features include a padded laptop sleeve for up to 16-inch laptops, an air mesh pouch for essentials, and a dedicated water bottle pocket to keep you hydrated. Organization is a breeze with a stretch key leash, shoe duster, and additional interior pockets, while a secure pocket on the back makes accessing your passport or phone easy. Crafted from premium neoprene, it's water-resistant, shock-absorbent, and relatively easy to clean.

The Bento Bag by Nomad Lane is as classic as it gets, ideal for savvy travelers looking for best-in-class organization. As a travel expert, I can't tell you how valuable it is to have a reliable under-seat bag. You'll never be asked to pull this one out to go in the overhead.

It’s like a mini suitcase that opens flat so that you can pack and unpack in a snap. Inside, there’s a spot for everything—your laptop, gadgets, and even your toiletries. It’s made from tough stuff that stands up to the rigors of travel, so it’ll look sharp trip after trip.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional jet-setter, this bag keeps you organized and ready to roll right from the gate.

Just looking for a travel bag that ticks all the boxes? This personal item bag from Amazon-favorite Samsonite is a fantastic pick, especially if you prefer keeping your essentials within reach. It's sized to fit under most airline seats—just double-check with your airline for specifics.

What sets it apart? The inline skate wheels. (This is one for my fellow travel nerds.) They're crafted from polyurethane with ball bearings, minimizing friction for that silky-smooth roll through terminals. The ergonomic handle with a push-button locking system is a nice touch, making it comfy to maneuver. There's even a Wetpak zippered compartment for those damp swimsuits or muddy shoes, keeping the rest of your gear clean and dry.

Plus, quick stash exterior pockets are perfect for organizing all your smaller go-tos, like snacks or your passport. And the smart sleeve on the back? It slides right over the handle of your larger luggage, making it a breeze to navigate through busy airports.

The Metro Duffel combines style and practicality, making it a stellar choice for everything from your daily commute to weekend adventures. Crafted from water-resistant nylon twill and accented with vegan leather, this bag looks good and keeps your belongings dry through drizzles and spills.

The standout feature? Its innovative modular system allows you to customize the bag with different inserts depending on your day's needs.

Inside, there's plenty of space to keep things organized, including a sleeve that can handle a 15-inch laptop and side pockets perfect for a water bottle or an umbrella. Plus, the built-in trolley sleeve hooks onto any Monos suitcase for easy travel integration—or doubles as an extra pocket when you're not jet-setting.

This two-wheel underseater is perfect for your next overnight or weekend trip. Crafted from durable recycled poly and trimmed with vegan leather, it embodies the iconic Chatelet design. Not only is it designed to fit snugly under airplane seats, but it also features a hidden front pocket that provides quick access to your essentials like your phone, passport, or snacks.

The smart band on the back is a handy addition allows you to slide the bag over the handle of your rolling luggage for easier movement through crowded terminals. Its lining is treated with SILVADUR technology for effective odor control. And with its ergonomic handle and soft-grip top carrying handle, this bag is a breeze to maneuver. It's worth the investment.

PAK Rêve Transit PAK Weekender Tote: The large nylon Weekender Tote is perfect for anyone with a busy lifestyle, thanks to its durable design and parent-friendly features like built-in water bottle holders, a laptop compartment, and a luggage sleeve. It's ideal for everything from office days to family adventures, making it a dynamic and indispensable accessory.

Bellroy Lite Duffel: The Lite bag is crafted from ultra-light Diamond Ripstop, making it perfect for active lifestyles, as it can be easily folded or rolled for travel. It features a unique double-ended zipper for wide access, a spacious main compartment, and multiple pockets for organization, all backed by a three-year warranty.

Size Matters: Always check the dimensions your airline allows for personal items. The most common personal item size limit is 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Look for bags that maximize this space without going over the limit.

Compartments Are Key: Opt for a bag with multiple compartments and pockets. This will help organize your essentials and make them easily accessible during your flight.

Material Magic: Durability is crucial, so select materials that can withstand the wear and tear of travel. Waterproof fabrics are a bonus for those unexpected spills or rain.

Comfort Counts: If your personal item doubles as a shoulder bag or backpack, ensure the straps are comfortable and adjustable. Remember, you'll end up carrying it through long airport corridors.

Style Sync: Choose a design that fits your style and travel needs. A bag that looks great and functions well can boost your travel experience.

Q: Can a personal item bag have wheels?

A: Yes, some wheeled bags are designed to fit under airplane seats. However, always verify the dimensions with your specific airline.

Q: How heavy can my personal item be?

A: Weight limits for personal items vary by airline. It's generally a good idea to keep it light since you'll be carrying it throughout your journey.

Q: Are backpacks considered personal items?

A: Absolutely. Many travelers use backpacks as their personal items. Just make sure it fits under the seat in front of you.

Q: Can I bring a personal item and a carry-on?

A: Most airlines allow one carry-on and one personal item. Check your airline's policy ahead of time to avoid any surprises.