elaine

Hi
I'm in the market for a new travel totebag.
Here are my requirements:

not more, but not much less than 15" wide, 5" deep (gusset), 12" high (bottom of bag to where handles start)

Long handle(s) that will STAY on my shoulder

Internal zipped pocket(s), external zipped pocket a plus

Sturdy--can take some weight, handles won't break

water-resistant, nylon or microfiber

I've been browsing at Magellan's, but looking for a recommendation from veteran travelers. When I travel, this is a combination carry-on and purse for the plane, and my daypack while I'm on the go.
The one I've had for years needs to be retired.
thanks

tpatricco

Hi Elaine -

Check out Sherpani packs at www.sherpani.us They design backpacks & such especially for women. I just bought a daypack from them and think it's great!

Barb

I have and recommend LeSportsac tote. It folds down to almost nothing, but is very sturdy nylon. I use it as a carry on and then unload it when I get there and either just stuff it back into my suitcase, or use it like a shopping bag while I am there. Then I put all my purchases in it for the trip home. I think it comes in different sizes, but I use the large one.

dln

elaine, are you sure my mother didn't put you up to asking this question?\/ I don't think she wants me to borrow her tote...again! I need the same kind of tote you're looking for, so Fodorites, keep the suggestions coming. I have a big trip to France in the works!

elberko

I've been really happy with my Lesportsac deluxe everyday bag. Used it on two trips. Washable, too:

http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7507_5205.html

bellairegirl

Interesting that you should ask -- I'm looking for the same thing! I've had my eye on the Baggallini tote http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/expa...m?modelid=5788 and Eagle Creek Elements Market Tote http://www.letravelstore.com/ET60107.htm

Susan

nanb

was going to recommend going to ebags.
I just ordered the Baggallini, for my daughter and myself.

dln

I just took a look at ebags and the Baggallini tote is on sale now for $23.99. It comes in basic black or red.

elaine

that's funny, it's the Baggalini I think,
that caught my eye at Magellan's website, for a few more dollars.
Maybe that's the ONE!

Don't Sportsacs kind of collapse on themselves, I mean, they don't have enough heft, or am I wrong, to sort of stand up on their own?

bellairegirl

Elaine,

If you decide what you want to buy, check out www.ebags.com. They're having a sale today of 20% off everything. They sell the Baggallini, and some other similar totes.

I might have to break down and buy one today. I just have to narrow it down! I was also looking at the Overland Travel Tech tote on that site.

Susan

elaine

thanks all--I'm going to ebag

for anyone else still looking, I found this old thread as well

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...mp;tid=1370585

sherry1

I think their purses are quite heavy even when empty but perhaps the carryon bag line is not made the same.

abbydog

I just bought a Swiss Army pack that I LOVE at Filene's Basement -- single strap rests comfortably on the shoulder, lots of compartments, and lightweight. They have a wide selection on their web page. Mine is listed at $49, but I got it for $25.

Kate_W

I love my black, North Face borealis daypack. It's very roomy (about 32 litres): one very large central compartment (big enough to carry my laptop or several large binders, plus other bulky things), a large front organizer compartment (with lots of loops and pockets inside - holds my notebook), and a somewhat smaller but still roomy third front compartment (keys, bits and pieces). It also has two bottle/umbrella mesh bags and one of those cords that allows you to tuck a sweater or newspaper onto the front. Plus comfortable, well-padded straps, a handle - and it's very well-balanced.

It's my everyday briefcase (and I travel internationally on business with it), my holiday daypack and my grocery-shopping companion. I'll admit that I wish it didn't say "North Face" in white letters (about 2"x3&quot on the front, but that's a small price to pay for such a durable, roomy, comfortable bag.

elaine

I just ordered two from ebags, due to the sale

Baggallini expandable microfiber tote, and ebags microfiber open shoulder tote

I'll report back when I've received them

TimS

I love the Civita microfiber daybag I got at the Travel Store at www.ricksteves.com. Only $19.95, very roomy, yet takes up very little space when empty. You might also check out the nylon Appenzell daybag. Quite a bit bigger (and more expensive, of coure).

wondering

i just have a comment about bags standing up by themselves...i thought i would never like something that would not stand by itself, but took ,by default (no time to shop around beforehand), a samsonite backpack that can be stuffed into a pouch the size of a fist to rome and greece last month. i absolutely loved it. whenever i wore it front (in public transport or dicey areas) or on the back ,it was incredibly comfortable as it molded to my body. we jokingly called it "my baby" as it cradled next to me. it weighs nothing,is water resistant, and is very sturdy, as i always had a minimum two heavy books and camera. anyway, my point is that you may like something totally unstructured. the weight is only what you place into it and it was a delightful surprise to me!

m_kingdom2

If we're talking "micro fiber" then try any of Prada's (mainline or sport) little black bags, they will always look smart for wear in tourist hotspots or Grand hotel lobbys.

For gentlemen, try Bill Amberg's leather/cotton canvas bags, all hand finished, contemporary, but once again very smart.

nancyhol

I am always a sucker for a sale, so I ordered three bags on ebags today. One was an Overland bag - Model Donner II. Also two different Baggalini totes, both orange.

They have a pretty good money back guarantee, so whatever doesn't work will just go back.

dln

Ooooh, add another one to that Baggallini sale on Ebags! My husband said to me "Happy Mother's Day, do you want that in red or black?"quot;>