Hi all,

I'd love to get your opinion on the best travel tote bag that holds a laptop.

I have used a canvas laptop messenger-style bag for years. It has lots of compartments and holds everything needed for a long plane ride to Europe. But it is old, heavy and doesn't have a trolley sleeve.

I typically pack my purse in a medium Briggs & Riley hard case and check it so this is my only bag that I carry on flights.

What does everyone use?

I have several (though I do take a carry on and never check a suitcase) I'm not brand loyal -- I just buy whichever lightweight tote that has good organization inside, at least two outside pockets and both cross body and shoulder capability (whether one adjustable strap or two different straps). My old favorite is a Kate Spade I've had for years and I still use it now and then. But lately I've mostly used an IHKWIP from a couple of years ago. (don't think its still available)

I don't worry about a trolley sleeve -- if I like a bag otherwise but it doesn't doesn't have a sleeve, I use a Cincha https://www.cinchatravel.com/products/travel-belt-jet

For work trips, it was always a Kate Spade tote. Boxy. Sat on the suitcase well.
Recently I've purchased both a duffle and backpack from Vera Bradley. I'm not really a VB fan but chose items that were on sale. Both have trolley sleeves and I love the trolley sleeves. They make a big difference! The duffle has no organization to mention - other than a couple of exterior zipper pockets. I like that it is very lightweight and I use it to hold all of the extras. I take it along with the roller as carryon. I'd be concerned about the weight of the tote if you aren't rolling it on board using the suitcase's wheels. IOW, go light.

That belt is pretty cool.

I love the Monos Metro Tote but it does not have a crossbody strap. The Paravel Pacific Tote doesn't have a zipper close.

I just came across the Haven Laptop Tote Bag by CalPak -- it might be the answer!

A lightweight Osprey Daylight Commuter backpack, since it has the two side pockets for water botlles and some logical interior compartments.

I can't stay organized using a tote, lol...

I just bought a TravelPro Drop Bottom Weekender for this purpose. It's super light, and a 14-inch laptop will just fit, along with a loaded camera bag and other extras for the flight. I plan to place some sort of padding around the laptop as there is no dedicated sleeve for it. I'm trying it out in France this fall. Let us know what you decide!

I have many totes, that include a giant Etro duffel bag, a LeSportsac (actually a diaper bag), another weekender Le Sportsac, but alas -- these do not have wheels, so when I check my 24" or 22" suitcase, the bag I must drag to/fro the furthest gate of an airport (always, it seems) is just way too heavy for my old shoulders. Therefore, when I spotted a large Lucas duffel with two outside zippers plus main center zipper, and noticed it is wheeled (from one narrow end), I GRABBED it, and have not used any other since. I still bring a large leather tote handbag that fits well under the seat for the stuff I will retrieve throughout the flight. It fits atop my checked bag well, as it is narrow. My husband has left home two other backpacks which have way too many features and is now opting for a featherweight Travelon nylon backpack w padded straps that works well for him.

Alice, do you use a crossbody strap?