Those who travel for work and carry a laptop

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May 18, 2015
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What handbag do you use when you travel? I prefer not to check in luggage (the last time I had to wait forever and a day for my checked in baggage!) So I end up with a wheeled suitcase and a backpack (with my laptop and a few misc items inside). Since only 2 carry on items are allowed, I can't travel with a handbag, unless I can squash a mini bag into my laptop or into the backpack. What do you all do? I was thinking of maybe getting an LV Neverfull (in DE) which I could carry instead of a backpack but....
 
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A NF may be too open, and the straps look a bit thin for the bag to be loaded up. I would look for small overnighter/weekender (that are usually and annoyingly hidden in the men's/travel sections) and take a bag that packs flat inside for when you get to your destination.
 
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My most common travel setup is either a huge backpack (CabinMax or Jansport) and a hand carry tote like LC Le Pliage nylon or Cuir, plus a mini bag stashed away for evening outings etc, OR a trolley + shoulder carry tote or Pacsafe CS350 backpack. It holds a small laptop. Plus I usually have two other bags with me - a medium LP and a mini. Often the role of the mini is played by LC Cuir Mini or MbMJ Percy. LP is perfect for travel because it folds into a tiny little thing. It isn't out of the ordinary at all to find me traveling with 2-3 LP's...

If you have to carry a laptop, I recommend a larger Pacsafe backpack or a tote with a separate laptop compartment. Really liking the new Samsonites. I hate it when I carry a bag with no laptop compartment and my laptop seems to be in the way whatever I need from my bag and tumbling over which irritates me SO much. I need a new laptop tote (was thinking either a Samsonite from the pretty new line or Herschel). If you want a large/huge tote with a zipper, I recommend a custom made LP in the Travel bag size. A good felt organizer will give the bag structure and it also helps you not lose your mind when looking for things in your bag. Samorga has some organizers which have a slot for a laptop.
 
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I have a few laptop bags for different uses. I have a Coach Rogue Brief for my daily carry, but also have a Francine London Laptop bag which fits my huge laptop and I can fit a mini or flap bag as needed and then stuff. If you're looking for something more stylish, you may wish to check out Senreve. I've seen a lot of great reviews on them, they're versatile, and they have a dedicated laptop slot. I'd buy one in heartbeat but my laptop is too large.
 
I use a Rimowa carry-on and a large tote. Into the tote goes the handbag I will carry that trip, my laptop, and anything else I need in-flight (kindle, water, etc.). Right now that tote is likely to be either a Longchamp or a Garden Party (the Garden Party allows me to then have a laptop/business bag as well as a smaller handbag on my trip). . I don't use a backpack as that would not allow me to keep my actual handbag safely packed, stuffed, and upright.
If the trip is short I use a 35 cm Birkin as my carry-on, but I really don't like loading down the Birkin with a laptop.
I never check bags for trips under 2-3 weeks. not worth the risk or the wait.
Edited to add: I often throw a small bag, like a WOC, into my hard shell rollercase and sometimes I wear an Evelyne TPM which no flight attendant has ever flagged as a "third item" (the TSA is a different story). The TPM makes it really easy to access my passport, wallet, and Kindle, which are the most important things for me to reach - this is helpful for instance if I am sitting bulkhead and have to put my bags in the overhead.
 
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I use my Neverfull GM in the monogram print and i have my laptop case in a thin case that I bought at the Apple store recently. The Neverfull is an amazing bag for work and just everyday life hence the name “Neverfull”!
For me it was hard to choose between the MM size or the GM size. I chose the GM size because it holds a lot more then the MM and that way I don’t need to compromise if I have too much stuff to carry [emoji4]
 
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Last weekend, I had 30 min to make an international connection flight at Chicago O’Hare airport. There was no way I could’ve ran so fast without My Senreve Maestra. It can turn into a backpack which allowed me to sprint through the airport, and I would’ve for sure lost my passport or ticket if it wasn’t for Senreve’s awesome interior compartmentalization that kept everything in order.

For me, the Senreve Maestra does it all. My laptop is indispensable to my life, and Senreve has designed the perfect, elegant handbag that fits and protects it. What I love the most are the suede lining that cushion my digital devices, the hand-bag turned backpack that makes the weight of the laptop more bearable, and the secure buckle that makes it impossible for your belongings to be stolen. It also just sits so well by my feet at airports.

Love the bag . It’s a true savior in my life!
 
https://www.timbuk2.com/ Huge fan of these for travel. I own the Classic Messenger in Collegiate Red, size medium(which is actually quite large at 18 inches). The bottom of the bag can expand out and hold a LOT of stuff. Dedicated inside pockets for water or small umbrellas. There's a special side access zipped pocket for your wallet or card holder, which you can reach without opening the bag. Zip pocket with a LONG strap and clip for your keys. I can have my keys on that strap and unlock my car and house without removing them. Holds weight very well.

Of course, I don't wanna haul that thing with me all over the bloody place. So I also have a small "messenger" crossbody behind the laptop. Lately, I've been using a Coach X Disney bag or I will borrow my sister's Chanel WOC if I intend on going someplace dressy.
 
Really depends on how professional you need to dress for work. I travel often and need to suit up, so my personal item doubles as my work bag and I use the Givenchy Antigona. It's structured and solid enough to carry a 15" Dell laptop.
 
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