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Original poster

Has anyone found the perfect travel tote … ?

94 replies

Sarvanga38 · 27/12/2023 22:19

I am driving myself a bit mad trying to find something that I’m sure should be available …

Would much rather it was leather, but definitely NOT fake leather (open to other fabrics)
Quite large, looks like a tote bag rather than a travel holdall/rucksack
Zip across at least most of the top
A pocket or two inside, zipped one outside would be great
Decent length handles to comfortably go over the shoulder even if in winter clothes
Would prefer not to have gold ‘hardware’ on it - just about any other colour fine
And, the holy grail … a sleeve to fit over a suitcase handle.

Obviously the oft-recommended MIA Tui Jennie is not going to do it, on the leather requirement.

There are some makers on Etsy who customise and it feels like I should be able to get all this, but in reality it’s not working out.

Am reasonably open to a fair budget, if I could find the right thing. If anyone has seen something I’m missing, would be much appreciated.

OP posts:
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18
coodawoodashooda · 27/12/2023 22:32

So nice

MILTOBE · 27/12/2023 22:33

There are surprisingly few - there are some vegan leather bags and some light, nylon ones. Perhaps a department store might help?

Original poster
Sarvanga38 · 27/12/2023 22:53

MILTOBE · 27/12/2023 22:30

Is this the sort of thing you'd like? It's from a US site though.

Overnight Bag – Cuyana

Lovely bag for its purpose, ticks a lot of boxes, but just too ‘laptop bag/holdall’. Thank you though.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sarvanga38 · 27/12/2023 22:54

MILTOBE · 27/12/2023 22:33

There are surprisingly few - there are some vegan leather bags and some light, nylon ones. Perhaps a department store might help?

I feel like I could go nylon or canvas, but when I actually find some they do seem to be more holdall than tote.

OP posts:
Janeb1965 · 27/12/2023 22:56

I suspect more holdall than tote but I have this Antler weekend bag and I love it. Easily get enough in it for a weekend

www.antler.co.uk/products/chelsea-overnight-bag-navy

Original poster
Sarvanga38 · 27/12/2023 23:02

Janeb1965 · 27/12/2023 22:56

I suspect more holdall than tote but I have this Antler weekend bag and I love it. Easily get enough in it for a weekend

www.antler.co.uk/products/chelsea-overnight-bag-navy

Yes, a bit too holdall, but Antler do have some lovely bags if I end up going that way.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sarvanga38 · 27/12/2023 23:02

Britpopbaby · 27/12/2023 23:00

No trolley sleeve, no shoulder straps, but thank you.

OP posts:
applespearsbears · 27/12/2023 23:07

www.brics.it/uk/recycled-nylon-sportina-large-2in1-107386.html

Fits very well suitcases

Isometimeswonder · 27/12/2023 23:09

Have you looked at Kipling?

Aydel · 27/12/2023 23:38

The Bric’s one is lovely.

abbey44 · 27/12/2023 23:38

I had this problem when I last went away in the summer, so I found some fabric and made one. Navy and white to coordinate with my outfits, it’s got a zipped outside pocket on one wide, a magnetic pocket on the other side, zipped top and loads of pockets on the inside too, for all the things I wanted to keep handy. And being fabric, it goes through the washing machine, and rolls up if I want to pack it instead. Quite handy as a beach bag too.

Has anyone found the perfect travel tote … ?
Original poster
Sarvanga38 · 27/12/2023 23:40

applespearsbears · 27/12/2023 23:07

This one a new brand on me and promising, thank you!

OP posts:
Original poster
Sarvanga38 · 27/12/2023 23:40

Isometimeswonder · 27/12/2023 23:09

Have you looked at Kipling?

Yes, another option if I end up with something a bit less ‘handbag’.

OP posts:
NancyJoan · 27/12/2023 23:44

I think anything with a suitcase loop is going to be a bit more hold-all than you want, tbh. I use the Longchamp Pliage with the long straps. Couple of individual pouches, for travel docs, and for chargers/AirPods etc.

DelightfulDoris · 27/12/2023 23:46

You need to look at the brand Belroy. It’s Australian. Very good practical quality bags, they are sold on various sites. Wildbounds often have good prices.

TinyRebel · 28/12/2023 00:03

This one ticks most boxes, but doesn’t come in leather.
https://www.kipling.com/uk-en/bags-c10544/art-m-signature-blk-q-ki2819m3400-999.html

Bearpawk · 28/12/2023 00:07

Arket do some really great nylon ones

Bearpawk · 28/12/2023 00:09

www.arket.com/en_gbp/men/bags/product.48-hour-tote-black.0905892001.html
Utilitarian rather than glam though

TinyRebel · 28/12/2023 00:10

Of course if money were no object, it would be this one.
https://uk.louisvuitton.com/eng-gb/products/travel-bag-monogram-empreinte-nvprod3950488v/M46357

Original poster
Sarvanga38 · 28/12/2023 00:11

Some of these links have led me to Knomo too, who seem to have some nice stuff when they (hopefully) get stock back in.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sarvanga38 · 28/12/2023 00:11

TinyRebel · 28/12/2023 00:10

Alas, no trolley sleeve. 🤣

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