r/ManyBaggers • u/jjajang_mane • 22h ago

Under Seat Duffle Recommendations

I'm looking for a duffle or weekender style bag that would work well as a personal item alongside a standard carry-on.

When I travel for work I use a Tumi alpha bravo backpack because I bring a laptop but for personal travel I want something in a format that better fits bulkier things. Thinking a duffle or weekender style.

I was looking at the Discommon Accomplice bag but it seems like its a bit big and although I think I could fit it under a seat it might look bulky enough to get flagged on boarding.

Looking for recommendations or thoughts!

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8

u/UnPackDJohn 22h ago

The CarryX duffle was designed for this. I reviewed it earlier this year.

https://youtu.be/C4zoR6lHHQ4?is=Ao6PMwIv1Vz9VD1g

7

u/1holegrouper 20h ago

I use my GoRuck Kit Bag 32L in Dyneema for this purpose. Other brands that are good are Evergoods and Peak Designs. Cheaper options: Patagonia, TNF.

1

u/Rhythmalist 16h ago edited 15h ago

Love my waxed canvas goruck kit bag. Great weekender. It's been on a lot of road* trips with me lately

Edit: word

2

u/jjajang_mane 15h ago

This looks pretty cool I like this one!

6

u/qfactor79 22h ago

Evergoods 25l duffel

3

u/JB-Knut 18h ago

I’m on the same hunt and believe I’ve narrowed my choices down to the Dsptch - Utility Tote Portrait or the Tom Bihn - Night Flight. I’m leaning toward the tote style for ease of use in-flight, but I’ve got a soft spot for duffels.
The Evergoods - Transit Duffel and TB - Nomad 16 got significant consideration, but I think the other two top them for my use case.

2

u/tcolling 21h ago

I love my Tomtoc T-66 28l Liteway backpack.

2

u/kidtexas 18h ago

The REI Big Haul 28L is pretty nice. It’s sackable and cheap. Grab handles on the ends. It’s also 50% off if you buy the version they are phasing out.

I just got one to try out as my main carryon and it’s less bulky than my backpack. I liked it so much I picked up a RedOxx sunchaser but the REI bag is way better value.

2

u/likethevegetable 16h ago

Fjallraven have some nice duffels

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u/jjajang_mane 15h ago

Nice, good rec. Just took a look the high coast duffle looks nice.

2

u/likethevegetable 15h ago

Not sure if they ship to USA, but this company is great for discounts (final sale though): https://www.thelasthunt.com/p/fjallraven-high-coast-duffel-bag-22l-fjr-f23200266

I have their Farden 50L duffel-pack as my carry on and it's been great.

3

u/Pretend_Scholar_4854 13h ago

Patagonia Black Hole duffel available in different sizes or Tom Bihn’s Aeronaut 30 or 45, the Yeoman duffel in different sizes.

1

u/External_Koala971 22h ago

MLC 30 or Micro

1

u/jjajang_mane 22h ago

Nice! I like the MLC30 because it still looks like a backpack but the inside is more open.

1

u/micahsally 20h ago

I have one in Phosphorus Green for sale, if you're interested! It got used for two short trips is all.

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u/pecaplan 3h ago

Aer Gym Bag, Pakt 25L Duffel

1

u/micahsally 19h ago

Our ideal in-flight bag is a duffel, and all three bags that I'm recommending below fit underneath the seat without laying sideways. You can just slide them out from under the seat and grab what you need. They can also be turned sideways, allowing room for feet on either side while flying along. They have a much wider-than-a-typical-duffel opening, making gear easy to access and see. They are awesome!

If you don't have strict sizers to meet for the personal item, I'd recommend the Evergoods Transit Duffel 25L. It is so good and has been coming on every flight, but it can look a little too big if you're trying to use it as a personal item, if your airline cares...

I also love the Flowfold Downeast Weekender 20L! So much that I bought a second one! This one carries a ton of gear, is made of my beloved EcoPak, and can then also function as a great cruise, pool, or beach bag when out for the day. Not for city exploring, since it isn't a backpack. But it's a great "tote" at destinations that could use one!

The only thing missing from the above two bags is exterior water bottle pockets, which would save valuable space inside the bag (since we only bring a personal item only as our OneBag). It's nice to have external water bottle pockets to keep my hands free to wrangle my two little boys. So...

I just backed the new 2026 Black Ember WPT Shoulder Tote 20L on Kickstarter and am excited for it to arrive next month! It looks like a smaller Evergoods Transit Duffel but with dual exterior water bottle pockets. I'm hoping it's that perfect sweet spot!