Speedy B 35 or 40 for carry-on?

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KaliDaisy

KaliDaisy

*pixie dust*
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Aug 31, 2008
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#1
Hi all! I've been searching for quite a while and trying to figure out a good bag to use as a carry-on for future trips. Something that will hold the things I normally use on a flight and will fit under the seat. I think I've settled on the Speedy B as one of the best options. I don't care for the style as an everyday bag so I've never owned one, but think it would be great and sturdy as a carry-on. My issue is choosing the right size. I haven't been able to get to a store to see them in person (I'm not even sure that boutiques have any in stock right now), so I'm hoping to get some feedback here. I've watched as many YT videos as I can but I'm still undecided. Below are the general items that I normally carry with me onto the plane - any opinions on which size would fit these? It seems like the 35 might be too small, since my laptop is 13" plus the soft case it goes into. Would the 40 be better? Am I better off just getting a Keepall 45 at that point?? I'm also torn because I really want DE but it doesn't exist in the 40, I would have to go 35 or Keepall Bandouliere 45. Help!! :biggrin: Thank you for any feedback!!

Typical carry-on items:
13" Macbook Pro in soft case
iPad (regular size)
Kindle
Lightweight jacket or sweater
Cords/chargers/portable power bank/AirPods
Small purse, like mini camera bag size or PA size
Snacks
Bottle of water
Small/med pouch with personal items (wipes, hand sanitizer, lipstick, powder, hand lotion, meds, etc.)
Small change of clothes (if it fits, not crucial)
 
#2
I'll be interested in following this thread. I just ordered a Mon Mono Speedy B 35 for my airline carry on. I have a Keepall 45 but it doesn't fit under the seat and my NF doesn't zip closed. I use my Keepalls for road trips and my NF's for work/road trip bag.

I went with the 35 mostly because I already have a 45 (Keepall) and the 40 seemed too close. I also want to use this bag for work at times (Realtor) and the 40 seemed like it might be too big for both under the airline seat and for work. Since I'm pot-committed with the Mon Mono, I'll make it work even if it's a bit tight once in a while. But hoping that won't be the case. I tend to travel light.

That said, it sounds like the 40 may work better for you with all that you're carrying. The laptop, iPad, Kindle, and lightweight jacket sound like they will take up the bulk of the bag. But again, I'm very interested in others thoughts with practical experience here.

Good luck deciding and share your bag, whichever you decide!
 
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#3
MooMooVT said:
I'll be interested in following this thread. I just ordered a Mon Mono Speedy B 35 for my airline carry on. I have a Keepall 45 but it doesn't fit under the seat and my NF doesn't zip closed. I use my Keepalls for road trips and my NF's for work/road trip bag.

I went with the 35 mostly because I already have a 45 (Keepall) and the 40 seemed too close. I also want to use this bag for work at times (Realtor) and the 40 seemed like it might be too big for both under the airline seat and for work. Since I'm pot-committed with the Mon Mono, I'll make it work even if it's a bit tight once in a while. But hoping that won't be the case. I tend to travel light.

That said, it sounds like the 40 may work better for you with all that you're carrying. The laptop, iPad, Kindle, and lightweight jacket sound like they will take up the bulk of the bag. But again, I'm very interested in others thoughts with practical experience here.

Good luck deciding and share your bag, whichever you decide!
Click to expand...

Thank you for the information! It didn't even occur to me that the Keepall 45 wouldn't fit under the seat! LOL Bummer. I think the 40 is the one I'm going to have to go with, unless I end up choosing a different style altogether. I don't like that the Neverfull doesn't zip, and I just haven't come across anything else that I like and think would work well enough.
 
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#4
I’ve found the 45 doesn't find under most coach seats without smooshing and cramming in a way I’m not even remotely comfortable with. The one time I took it on a flight it had to go overhead but then I couldn’t access my stuff since this was my carryon piece.

The Speedy 40 in a print available may be the way to go. I SWORE I was going to get a DE bag for travel/occasional work since it’s more care free - but DE has never really spoken to me and I was forcing it. Personally, I’d rather deal with the vachetta and I really wanted the Mon Mono anyway.

As mentioned, I went with the 35 over the 40 both because I already have a Keepall 45 and because I thought the 35 would be a good fit for both carry on and (at times) work bag.

if carryon is a big consideration, I would not recommend the Keepall 45. I love mine, but not for this purpose
 
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#8
I'm 5'3" and wear a 35 as a handbag. For travel I'd go with a 40, especially since you can smoosh it into whatever you need to fit it in. My monos have survived wars and can really take a beating. I baby my things in general, and am amazed at what the Speedys can do. I've packed them full of books, mags and documents, stashed store purchases in them, jackets, they're almost indestructible. If nuclear disaster strikes, cockroaches and Speedys will be the only survivors :P .
 
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