How to Find the Right Personal Item for Your Needs
Over the years, I’ve gone through so many different personal item bags — totes, backpacks, crossbodies, you name it. I feel like I’ve tried them all. And while it’s honestly tough to find something that checks every single box, you can definitely get pretty close. Here’s what I was specifically looking for when I started shopping for a new one:
Size Matters (and so does legroom)
The first thing I always check is whether the bag will fit under the seat in front of me. Most airlines have similar personal item size rules, but I also think about how much legroom I’ll have left. I’m short and don’t need a ton of leg room, but with economy space getting smaller and smaller, I knew I didn’t want a bulky bag stealing precious space.
Can It Hold My Essentials?
I mentally laid out everything I like to have within reach on a flight — headphones, snacks, my Kobo reader, chargers, gum, hand cream, water bottle, my iPad — and made sure the bag I picked could hold it all. I really don’t love getting up to rummage in the overhead bin mid-flight, so it had to fit my in-flight comforts.
Backpack? Tote? Sling?
Ah, the classic debate. I’ve tried them all over the years, but backpacks have officially won me over. They’re way more comfortable, keep me balanced, leave my hands free, and don’t slide off my shoulder every five seconds. Do I sometimes wish I was the effortlessly chic woman gliding off a plane with a polished looking tote? Absolutely. But realistically, backpacks just work better for how I travel. I also considered a sling — it’s a great hands-free option with quick access to essentials — but for longer trips, a backpack felt more practical.
Organization is Everything
I love a bag with thoughtful organization — pockets, zippered sections, a spot for everything. I’m not a fan of the bottomless “black hole” bag situation, though I know some people prefer that and just use pouches to organize. For me, built-in organization saves me from endlessly digging around.
Security Counts
One thing I was firm about: the bag had to fully close. Some totes are open at the top, and while that’s fine for everyday errands, it’s a no-go for travel in my book. I wanted a bag that could zip or snap shut to keep everything secure, especially when I’m on the move.
Carrying Tech
Since I usually bring my laptop or iPad when I travel, I made sure the bag had a padded compartment or a safe, separate spot to stash my tech. It’s just not worth the stress of worrying about bumps and drops in a crowded airport.
Bonus Feature: Luggage Pass-Through
This was non-negotiable for me. I love being able to slide my bag over the handle of my rolling suitcase. It takes the weight off my shoulders — literally — and makes airport sprints or long walks to the gate way easier.
Style
Lastly, I wanted my bag to look sleek and simple. I’m into more of a minimalist aesthetic, so I wanted something that could go with everything and that was free of frills and unnecessary decoration.
Why I decided on the Day Owl Pro Backpack
After tons of research, I discovered that the Day Owl Backpack Pro was the best fit for me. It ticks most of the boxes - ample amounts of space, a dedicated water bottle pocket, a separate padded area for my laptop or iPad, and a luggage pass through. I also love that it can open clamshell style so that I can open it fully and grab what I want, instead of digging through it from the top down. If I had one complaint, it would be that it’s on the heavier side. But that’s a small price to pay for a travel item that feels like the right fit.
Hope these tips help you find your perfect personal item!
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hi there, I’m angi the founder of roam & gather. My mission is to curate joy-centered, small group journeys that are relaxed, intimate, and rooted in culture, community and slowness.
Roam & Gather is a small travel company offering soul-nourishing, curated travel experiences that help connect people with global communities, like-minded travelers and themselves.
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