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

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

See, I’m telling myself I could buy a nylon one, but when I see them I’m not sure I will …

(I’m not remotely glamorous, I just like leather bags.)

OP posts:
UnctuousUnicorns · 28/12/2023 00:15

https://www.kipling.com/uk-en/bags-c10544/art-m-deep-sky-blue-k13405c4g00-999.html

The Kipling Art M is available in various colours.

UnctuousUnicorns · 28/12/2023 00:17

Ah, I see Tiny rebel has already linked!

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 28/12/2023 00:27

Worth looking on Vinted,lots of leather totes.

OP posts:
Colinorpercy · 28/12/2023 01:23

Beis do some lovely bags with luggage sleeves but I don’t think they’re available in the UK, not sure if they ship here from US. I had a Mia Tui and I don’t like that it’s quite heavy before I put anything in it. I recently replaced it with a Scamp and Dude bag that I do love but it’s not got a luggage sleeve which I really miss….so I feel your pain!

Original poster
Sarvanga38 · 28/12/2023 01:29

Colinorpercy · 28/12/2023 01:23

Beis do some lovely bags with luggage sleeves but I don’t think they’re available in the UK, not sure if they ship here from US. I had a Mia Tui and I don’t like that it’s quite heavy before I put anything in it. I recently replaced it with a Scamp and Dude bag that I do love but it’s not got a luggage sleeve which I really miss….so I feel your pain!

Could find hundreds I like without the trolley sleeve (several in my own closet😆), but I am so bored of them falling off that I have convinced myself i need this in my life.

I have just ordered the Knomo Audley from Amazon, saying it’s from Knomo but at a ridiculously good price which makes me a bit suspicious - but, we’ll see what comes … it’s Amazon, hopefully it’s safe enough, or can be returned if any issue.

Thanks all - even if not a direct suggestion, it’s something I hadn’t found without this thread.

OP posts:
Inyourwildestdreams · 28/12/2023 05:48

Oh, ignore me 😅 I should have read for updates! Just seen you’ve ordered something already!

Original poster
Sarvanga38 · 28/12/2023 08:46

Inyourwildestdreams · 28/12/2023 05:47

This would have been my next choice after what I ordered, about the only nylon one I actually liked - good options from Knomo!

This is Vegan Leather (which isn't leather IMO but ...) an option maybe?!

No opinion about it, the phrase ‘vegan leather’ for a plastic bag just daft.

Love the Westwood, but too weekend bag and looks as if would weigh a ton empty. I’d have been susceptible to that though.🤣

Will come back to this thread if the Knomo arrives and is a knock-off to explain the bargain price (although I always assume knock-offs unlikely unless bags commonly seen, but we’ll see).

OP posts:
Simd1 · 28/12/2023 10:19

Mia Tui have bags in nylon as well as the fake leather. The options that say Lite are a nylon type material. The Jennie and some others like Tina are available in this fabric.

SelectiveParticipation · 28/12/2023 10:37

Sarvanga38 · 27/12/2023 22:54

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

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I’ve got a couple from didgeridoonas, they might not look great but they are without a doubt best travel bags I’ve ever had. Especially if travelling to hot countries. Just brilliant.

Aydel · 28/12/2023 10:59

I like theBric’s one and also the Frida Kahlo Kipling bag.

JanefromLondon1 · 28/12/2023 11:11

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn due to privacy concerns.

VictoriasSponges · 28/12/2023 12:20

Why do you need a trolley sleeve so much?

I have the Longchamp travel bag and it's amazing- very light and holds masses.

CharlotteStreetW1 · 28/12/2023 12:32

applespearsbears · 27/12/2023 23:07

Ooh! If I didn't already have Le Pliage, I would definitely get this for the luggage sleeve.

CharlotteStreetW1 · 28/12/2023 13:06

CharlotteStreetW1 · 28/12/2023 12:32

Ooh! If I didn't already have Le Pliage, I would definitely get this for the luggage sleeve.

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Damn you! This one is a bit bigger than the Le Pliage so I couldn't resist. And it will go nicely with my new large cabin case.

I really need some willpower! 😳

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