Advice needed on carry-on bag options...

[walds11]

I am looking for a personal carry-on bag that can hold books, magazines, travel docs, passports, iPhone, snacks, kids stuff, etc mainly for air travel and day trips. Exterior pockets are a must for easy access to certain items. Also, the bag must fit under the seat. I like the messenger style bags with the shoulder strap and main flap that opens to the main compartment. A backpack may not be a bad option either for more casual trips. I bought a small Tumi messenger bag and returned it, too small. I am a huge Tumi fan and have my eye on these. What do you think?

There are nice, slick and sporty...

http://www.tumi.com/product/index.js...FindSrc=search

http://www.tumi.com/product/index.js...FindSrc=search

Your typical messenger bag...

http://www.tumi.com/product/index.js...ndSrc=paramNav

Another other suggestions? I didn't think it would be this hard to shop for a bag.

[xraygun]

Check out the Filson bags.

[MrMurphy]

Agreed.

Also, Eagle Creek, whose entire design is based on traveling.

[Benbo]

Not cheap, but Tom Bihn bags are very useful.

[Samurai-5]

Oakley Computer bag...Looks similar to ones you are looking at. I have this one and it is a TANK.

http://sclick.net/cool%20gadgets/new...8_oakley_1.jpg

[Doc4]

Red Oxx rocks ... er, roxx! Made in USA & worthy of the expectations that go with that label.

[MASSDRIVER]

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/...-Bag-13p62.htm

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/...um-13p1017.htm


Tactical manpurses may fill the role better than messenger bags.
Brent.

[cernel_joson]

Check out the Filson Sportsman bag and the Medium Travel bag.

[Rudy Vey]

I switched to a back pack and have not regretted it. You may find some nice ones in pretty much any store, but you get some great deals in places like Marhalls or TJMax. I picked my Targus back pack, with special laptop compartment for less than 50 bucks. It was at the time their top product and I have seen the same pack in other stores for $130 and more.

[Basil]

Chrome bags have a pretty good selection of what you might like.

[Dboygoode]

From what you mentioned this may work well. Same brand as the others you have listed.


http://www.tumi.com/product/index.js...efProd=4209915

[walds11]

Thanks everyone. Lots to look at. I plan on heading to the local Tumi store within the next few weeks to check out their selection. I just love their Ducati selection, sporty and functional.

If I decide to go the backpack route, this one is slick and slim...

http://www.tumi.com/product/index.js...FindSrc=search

[PhiGam]

Red Oxx rocks ... er, roxx! Made in USA & worthy of the expectations that go with that label.

+1000

Red Oxx is incredible...Sky Train and Air Boss are unbeatable, and both are good for different reasons. Backpack Straps on skytrainhave helped me proceed rapidly while stil carrying SWMBO and junior SWMBO (Daughter) carryons. We travel one bag each internationally with these things.

[DukeGrad]

My friend

I did a tour in the middle east about 1 year ago.
Retired military, was contracted for the DOS in Iraq.

One person turned me on to MAXPEDITION!!!!
I recommend you look at this style.
Takes a beating like none I could do, and I have used everything, from Hartman to Ghurka to Filson.
If that is your style, go for it.
It is a brute!!
I like packs for carry on.
MOst military use this equipment.

Good Luck

[chab]

+1on tom bihn bags...

[walds11]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I went to the Tumi store today to look check everything out. I decided that a backpack would be my best option because they are so easy to "carry" as opposed to carrying a messenger bag around my shoulder. This backpack is very stealthy, lightweight and high quality. Being a huge motorsports fan, I am digging the Ducati motorbike theme. I am going to purchase it from one of my favorite online retailers to save on the sales tax.

http://www.tumi.com/product/index.js...FindSrc=search

[blantyre]

Another Red Oxx fan here.

[chrisgayle885]

Backpack would be the best option for your requirements. Since you need for air travel and day trips, backpack would be extremely useful. I personally owe Eagle Creek backpack which has convenient business organizer and file storage, quick access pocket to carry wallet, passport, ipod, airline tickets and many more. So I’d suggest you to go for backpack rather than messenger bags

[Stubblefield]

Another Red Oxx fan here.

And here. I'm dumping all my other bags and slowly switching over to Red Oxx.

[¢orey]

I use Patagonia. Great service -- guaranteed for life. I was in a store recently with a jacket where the zipper broke. The saleslady replaced my jacket on the spot.