Favorite Messenger bag/carry on bag?
 

I'd love recommendations for a light, well-thought-out, carry-on bag to take in addition to my 22" on a 3-week trip to Europe. Something with pockets, piggybackable, maybe with roller wheels (if it doesn't add too much weight), comfortable on the shoulder?

Thanks.Ceili

Unless you are planning to check that 22" will you need a bag that fits INSIDE it to return to the US?

Think this through carefully--plus the new rules that are going to be in place about carryons.
And I don't think anyone can really recommend for someone else. YOu need to go to a lot of stores and look at what there is. But a lot of pockets can be very confusing (which pocket DID I put those things in), particularly if new to you. And the one thing you don't want is to look confused in the middle of a European terminal or street--it makes for being a target.
Where will you put your camera? What will you carry for the day while sightseeing--anything, or a belt pack?
Walk through your daily routine and see how much you want hanging off of you.
If you are talking strictly carryon for the plane, some of the same applies.

Try Totes on Wheels for comfortable messenger bags.
http://tinyurl.com/23udrd

Check out before you buy a messanger bag "per se". I have had two and finally gave up as they tend to collapse and not retain their shape...they are really designed to carry a laptop or stiff files.
We fianlly relented and bought Briggs & Riley luggage which piggy backs the carry on. But it is heavy and expensive.

I don't like wheels for my carry-on tote. I've tried it both ways. The wheels make even a small bag heavy and clunky and (assuming your 22" is a roller) two roller bags aren't so great; been there done that.

Are you looking for something you'll use each day during your trip to carry around with you? Or this is just for the plane ride over/back?

I have a Rick Steves Veloce bag - it has a laptop sleeve (fits my 14" iBook +) several organizational pockets, is NOT an unwieldy size or shape and best of all can either be a shoulder bag (w/ comfortable strap) or a backpack... Great little bag that can be stuffed to the gills w/ whatever you need on board. Plus, the laptop!

Definitely agree with Dukey - remember that you can take a carryon suitcase + "personal item" on the way TO Europe, but on the way back you're only allowed one item, period.

With that said, along with the other recommendations, I love my Timbuk2 messenger bag. I have the regular medium size, and one of my brothers has a large laptop bag. We both use them every day, and they're great for planes. Organizer pockets inside for smaller items, plus a large main compartment. Fits under the seat.

I drink Franzia wine-in-a-box. When I am finish with the box, I punch holes in the top and string an old Hermes belt through. (I think I stole the belt from Suzy Menkes.) It make a perfect messenger bag. (The opening to the bag is where the wine spigot used to be.)

The great thing about this item is that it can be easily replaced if it gets damaged. Just buy another box of 12.99 Franzia.

Enjoy.

Who knew! The things one can learn here.

http://www.instructables.com/id/E5C9CZY7AEEQZJIFEJ/

jent103 - we came back from Canada and didn't have a problem with a carry-on plus a personal item (in my case a large pocketbook). Is the rule now different for Europe?

If they only allow you one carryone back to USA/Canada, buy a purse that's foldable and easy to stuff inside the larger carry-on. I bought a tote-like purse with a zipper that's really large from Roots. If I can't bring it on the plane due to # of carry-on limits, I just take everything out and put it in my backpack and stuff the bag inside.

As I understand it the one bag rule is in efect in UK now and goes into effect throughout the EU on April 17.

kenav - I took two flights out of the UK and one out of Italy last fall, and each time we were only allowed one carry-on bag. It could be a carry-on suitcase, a purse or anything in between, but one bag is it. What Dukey and others have pointed out is that you can have both, as long as you can put the smaller bag inside the larger one to go through security and boarding. Hope that helps!

Thanks for the feedback. I don't mind checking my 22" for the flight back to US. What I'm looking for a light bag to carry plane food, reading stuff, sweater & clean undies, camera & 1 folder of travel papers that I can also use for a day bag (water bottle pocket, safe camera pocket) in Spain & Morocco. Steves Voloce bag sound very good because of the straps. Any other feedback.

Thanks,
Ceili

Does this new rule about only one carry-on on the return to the US ( which sounds like it refers to even a purse) refer to US airlines also?

Yes, at least from the UK - we were flying Continental in October. The airline web sites will have their guidelines.

I've had good luck finding nice purses at ebags.com

Dukey's right, unless you check your 22" you will have to put whatever bag you decide on as your "carry-on" inside it. ONE personal item only going through security and boarding, including handbags. Once you are on the plane they could care less if you get your purse back out of the larger carryon and carry two items when you disembark.

Check your airline webpage, but my understanding and recent personal experience was that the one carryon item only rule applies to all inter-European and Europe-to-US flights. From US to Europe two items (purse and carryon) are fine.

coolest messenger bag =

www.freitag.ch

I really like Overland Equipment bags. They are well-made, and some have water bottle pockets. None have wheels, but there are many sizes/styles. (I like Donner, but you may want slightly larger--though be mindful that gets heavy)
http://www.overlandequipment.com/products.htm
I feel safe with a cross-body strap.

We came from Gatwick in early March. It is gov't security rule not a rule put in place by the airline.

I had a large shopping bag and as long as all my things fit into that I was allowed to go thru security. Your purse, jacket etc all need to fit into one bag...no exceptions.

Once we got thru security I took out my purse and jacket and where never bothered again.