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I’ve always wished to be a more efficient carry-on packer, but the truth is I bring just a little too much. I want options! I don’t know what shoe mood I’m going to be in. I want to be a person who reads several books while traveling. For these reasons, I am always on the hunt for a bag that will check several boxes.
The thing is, I find most travel totes to be out of sync with my preferences: some are too heavy, many are not roomy enough, and others look a little too much like a gym duffel. In my mind, it also needs to pass for an oversized purse when I’m not checking a bag, and I prefer an option that can deflate in case I need to pack it as an extra tote for later. For all these reasons, I’ve relied on Baggu’s Small Cloud Carry-On to stretch my precious luggage space for the last year. Whether for work or personal travel, it comes in clutch.
Baggu Small Cloud Carry-On
Made with 59 percent recycled nylon and available in nine colors or patterns, this bag is light as can be—and can easily squish into my suitcase if I don’t need it right away. It’s just over 12 inches tall and four inches wider than that, and sports a roller bag sleeve, an interior snap pocket (which the bag can pack down into, too), and four exterior pockets that I use for a water bottle, easy access to my wallet or boarding pass while in security, and other bits and bobs.
The exterior zippered laptop pocket, a feature so many bags I’d like don’t actually have, is the real hero. My 16-inch MacBook Pro slides in easily, and I don’t have to worry about it clanking around since it’s securely tucked in there. I can fit a lot of things inside, too. On my last trip to Copenhagen, I stashed three books, two pairs of shoes, all my chargers, a toiletry bag, one small purse, one fanny pack, and my Cheez-its. It fits snugly under an airplane seat if needed, and pops onto my shoulder with padded straps. The larger size is just $6 more, so if you want slightly bigger proportions, you can have it. I’m finally jetting off for a vacation this week, and you bet I’ll be bringing the Cloud Carry-On.
