I’ve been traveling with the combo of the MLC45 and the MLC22 Micro and have found that this combo can take me any place anywhere for any length of time. On shorter weekend trips, I have been leaving the 22 at home and fitting all of my clothes and tech in just the 45. Issue here is that the 45 needs to go into the overhead bin, and I usually need to take a bunch of stuff to my seat, specifically: Laptop, charger, water bottle, and headphone case. Getting all of that out of the bag before stowing the bag (on the plane) has been a nuisance, and I’m thinking about getting an ultra light weight bag of some type so I can do my organization before boarding and just toss the bag of stuff at the seat with me. Key here is that the “seat bag” would need to be something compact and easy to store in the 45 since its only use is on the plane.
Has anyone solved a similar issue or have any recommendations on “seat bags” to consider?
Nano bags are great. I have a nano bag in my EDC, Travel backpack, and hiking bag. They are all different sizes depending on the use case.
This is what I do, but with the $2 IKEA version.
What's the $2 nano IKEA bag?
They have a packable tote called SKYNKE. But it's only $1.49 on the website so maybe she meant something else.
That's exactly what it is! It's even cheaper than I remembered.
Could be $2 aud
I second this rec! I either use my Nanobag sling or XL depending on if I think I may go grocery shopping at my destination (I prefer the XL for groceries and the sling for everything else).
What if you just got like a lightweight packable backpack? (Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH5B98RC/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWw)
Then you could keep it shoved into your big pack, pull it out right before a flight and pack it with what you need for that flight, and put it all right back in when done. It would be lightweight and small enough that it won’t take up any major space in your bag.
I use the sea to summit version of this and I bring it on 100% of my trips now no matter what. Great for what you described as well as at your destination if you want to bring a little extra with you for the day pack incredibly small.
+1. It looks silly as fuck when you unfurl it though, the cordura has crinkles on it for days like an old garbage bag lol. But it works. S2S doesn't quite pack down nearly as small as the nanobag, but it's what I already have and I make do with it. It has a zip, it has a main compartment, what else do I need?
Got one from Decathlon a while ago. Definitely one of my best travel purchases. It gets used a lot, and i’ve thought about using it for this purpose, but i usually wear a big hoodie and shove most of the incidentals in the pocket before takeoff.
I was considering something exactly like this. Just functional enough to get stuff on/off the plane in a semi organized manner.
I think it would work well for your needs! I have one similar and really love having the ability to pull it out as needed. It would be just functional enough for the plane but easily storable when not in use without any major extra space or weight.
Highly recommend picking a bag that closes in some way (zipper, drawstring, etc), as some that almost lost my passport because it slide out of an unzipped purse that was under my seat (yes, it was a silly move on my part, but I learned the lesson fast!)
Reusable shopping bag. Or a drawstring backpack since you can cinch it up to keep things from rolling out. They both do double duty while at your destination like for carry shopping or storing dirty clothes.
Just get a nano bag or a string cinch sack
I load a packable backpack or sling with the items I want at my seat, and simply pull it out of my main bag, before or after I get to my seat.
Edit: You didn’t say what make/model your laptop, water bottle or headphones are, so I can’t make bag recommendations.
Tote bag or nano bag.
I run with a low profile crossbody bag that can be adjusted to be a fanny pack. I picked it up on a whim in a thrift store in Japan, but found it so useful that I now bring it everywhere. It has both a quick release buckle and an adjustable strap, so it's versatile and not cumbersome. I use it as a crossbody sling bag as a daypack if I'm placing my backpack elsewhere, and as a fanny pack if on the plane.
It's large enough to carry everything that I would need during a flight, long with anything that I consider terribly essential. Mainly my camera, tablet, power bank + cable, medicine, a hand towel, wet wipes, a mini bag containing my sleep mask and earplugs, glasses case, and earbuds case. While still having space for my phone and my passport if I really want to be pocket free.
What I also like is that, when empty, it folds into a nice flat shape, so I can just stuff it in my main backpack if I don't need it out.
What's the name of it?
unfortunately, it's a thrift store bag with a completely generic look, so it doesn't actually have a name that you can search with. Any sort of small, crossbody bag with the same characteristics (specifically, the quick-release buckle and adjustable straps) will effectively give the same effect.
I use the Patagonia terravia tote pack. It’s super lightweight and packable. They claim it’s 24L….im not sure about that, but there’s no stiffness to it at all so it really only takes up as much space as you need it to.
I was eying this one actually. Just not sure how much space the empty pack would then take up in my MLC45 after. I might go to the store to look at one.
If you look it up on the REI website, they have a photo of it packed and sitting next to a water bottle for comparison.
Another good option is the Peak Design packable tote. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but is significantly smaller when packed and cheaper, too
Edit to add that both have straps when packed so you can hook them to the outside of your bag
I would not put it in its pouch or whatever REI shows it folded up into. I would simply lay it out as flat as possible in your MCL. I have a couple foldable bags/backpacks (currently my LLBean is my fav) and have found they take up less space just laid inside my one bag as flat as possible.
The laptop size will filter your choices.
14”
The Patagonia Terravia Tote Pack is a good under seat size and a packable design that can double as a day bag. The tote handle will help getting off the plane with both bags until you can re-pack in the arrival terminal as well as fishing it out from under the seat.
https://www.patagonia.com/product/terravia-convertible-tote-bag-backpack-24-liters/48814.html
Peak designs packable tote is lightweight and has a zip. I take mine everywhere, perfect as a seat bag.
Yup I think this is the one
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For long hauls, I have a little zippered pouch with charger, eye mask, inflatable pillow, sanitizing wipes & headphones. Something like that inside a reusable/ packable grocery bag.
The grocery bag is nice because it's a multi-use item. Use it for groceries, laundry, takeout food, a swim bag ...
I just use a decathlon jansport type bag, pull it out before you sit. have everything at your feet, chargers laptop etc
I use a Nano bag XL or the Love crossbody stash bag with a zipper.
I would just put all that stuff in the pockets of my hoodie, except the laptop, which I would carry separately as if it were the "seat bag".
Guys really forget about pockets these days
Not everyone is a guy here and not everyone wears hoodie's or clothes with big pockets
I just bought a "travel vest" from Amazon (33,000FT brand) with six pockets..I'll have a Sherpani computer backpack for under my seat, but my passport, phone, earbuds, etc can go in the vest. Sounds like a good deal and easy for TSA bins!
since we get to the airport with time to spare, I can move things to a separate bag while waiting to board
A nano or chico bag are super portable and would do what you need
I wanted a bag that could be used there as well so I have a Herschel Packable backpack that I use to have stuff I want available during the flight. It also doubles as a day pack once I'm there. Muji also makes a packable backpack that's very small.
I usually have a small fanny pack in the bottom of my bag that I keep most things for the flight
Waist pack , Sling or Bum bag . I keep it with me when i leave my plane seat. In mine, i have my mobile phone , a pair of ear foam plugs, lip balm, eye moisture drops, wallet, passport, wireless airpods - ear buds, eye mask or buff , wired ear buds for the seat back Screen monitor, mints candy and a silicone Leash for my wireless airpods ear buds. At the seat, i leave the charger for my digital device with my outerwear (parka or jacket).
A packable bag is your friend.
My go to place for packable bags is Decathlon. This their ubiquitous 10l backpack at £2.99. Larger sizes available too.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/travel-100-10l-foldable-pocket-backpack-black/309861/c382c382m8560403
This 15l messenger bag is my favourite though at £6.99
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/compact-travel-trekking-pouch-travel-15-l-black/309862/c382c382m8560413
I've used more expensive packable bags often recommended but honestly I don't see why you would pay 10x the price for something else. With the exception of nanobag. No messenger with a zip unfortunately from this brand, but the fabric is brilliant. I don't leave the house without the backpack but there are also totes as well.
https://nanobag.com/products/nanobag-uk-1
I use an evergoods cas2 or mhp3.5 as a seat back pouch: hangs on the arms of the seatback table.
has my earbuds, battery bank, pen & notebook, tissues, cables, etc.
Have yet to be told to not hang it there. But even if o did, i’d just put it under the seat.
I've used all kinds of bags including just a plastic shopping bag from the airport. I prefer something that zips and that can be used as a shopping bag during the trip but it really doesn't matter that much. Don't overthink it.
I use a 3.5L tomtoc sling as my personal item/valuables storage. Inside it is a nanobag sling, for just in case.
My Farpoint40 carryon only has clothes and toiletries (and laptop). I take laptop out during flight if needed, it doesn't need another storage of course it doesn't fit a laptop. No need to over-complicate.
A packable tote or slim sling solves this. Ultralight nylon, packs flat, holds laptop, charger, headphones, bottle. Pull it out before boarding, overhead bag goes up once. Bellroy Lite Sling, Matador packable tote, or any foldable tote works. Avoid structured bags, they waste space.
How big is your laptop?
How much stuff do you bring that you still need a 45l bag for a short weekend trip?
I often put my computer and iPad and other seat bound items in the Tom Bihn Pilot.
I just leave them in there all the time and it slides into the MLC loaded to be just pulled out first seat use.
The Pilot is also a great briefcase once at the destination and often is all I need to work from.
Just a great versatile bag and made and named for this use!
I use this. Works well for my needs
https://www.rei.com/product/235572/rei-co-op-roadtripper-pod-medium?sku=2355720005&store=133&CAWELAID=120217890020144975&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=113279930553&CATCI=pla-304938635001&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_2355720005%7C304938635001%7Cbrand_flag%7C11437668601&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11437668601&gbraid=0AAAAAD_DTlx09RI-iwuPshrx0AqMvqMzH&gclid=CjwKCAiA9aPKBhBhEiwAyz82J2RFeBa-7iVKiXoPPhKERV5oPdter1FEgkBy5ZA3cvkDEe_JOYLqjhoCJ0UQAvD_BwE
Maybe r/backpacks is better for your question
r/manybaggers too
Consider having "less" at your seat. Could you be happy with your phone, an ipad, a Kindle -- or even a book -- instead of the laptop? Can you do with ear buds instead of a headphone /case?
On the other hand, I always bring my own water (and snacks).
I use a good-sized pencil case for my "seat needs" -- fits everything except my drink, and it's easy to pack ahead of time and slide out during boarding. Reading the other responses, I'm liking the idea of a string-backpack -- packs to nothing and is easy to pull out.
I have an Alpaka Flight Sling as a seat bag. It holds my iPad mini, AirPods, cord/plug and other doodads I may use during a flight and fits perfect in the seatback pocket.
I don’t travel with a laptop and use a “side bag” like the 6.5 liter Tom Bihn Packing Cube Shoulder Bag or Daylight Briefcase. The latter can handle a 13” laptop. I don’t care for the fanny-pack-as-sling bags.
The strategy is to have a bag that I can wear with my backpack and board with my electronics and critical items like prescription medications. My overhead bag has only toiletries and clothing, so if it gets a mandatory gate check, there’s no panic. This approach adds to my cargo capacity vs subtract from it.
I have 3-4 messenger bags (different sizes) which play that role. I don't exceed 30L for my main bag & it holds most things I don't "need" while in flight.
I had this exact problem when I started doing more work trips with just my larger bag. what worked for me was getting one of those packable tote bags that folds into its own tiny pouch – takes up basically no space in the 45 when empty, but holds all my seat essentials when I need it. Before I figured that out, I actually spent way too much time scrolling through TravelGiftList looking at different organizer options, and that's where I realized the packable tote solution was the move.
Now I just pack it flat at the top of my bag, pull it out at boarding, and toss in my laptop/headphones/water bottle in like 10 seconds.
I love the nanobag for this, I often have the Uniqlo mini shoulder bag for my plane stuff, but a nanobag is great if there's a laptop involved.
Great at the destination as well, swimming bag/beach bag, shopping bag/carry extra layer bag etc
Xenosmilus ultralight sling bag. Available on Aliexpress, 15-19$. Good materials and a Zip, perfect for this use + as a shopping or extra bag once you are on your destination. I've also used it to carry my jacket around during the day.
I also travel with the MLC and I pack in it a Matador FreeRain 28. It’s about the size of a small peanut butter jar and fold out to an unstructured backpack. I take it out for hikes and city stuff. I shop with it. The best part of that it’s waterproof. The MLC goes under my seat so I can reach what I need if it’s not in a small sling I use for flights, but occasionally I’ve relied on it as my second carry on. The single disadvantage is that it’s not great for carrying laptops.
Peak Design packable tote
I would just leave the laptop in the 45L's laptop compartment (I assume it has one of those) and just take it out when you're in the air and seatbelt sign's off. There's no need to keep it with you in your seat. The smaller stuff can go into something like a nanobag or sea to summit ultra-sil day pack though as discussed by multiple people in this thread already.
Ziplock bag