I love totes. I have a few specific wish lists for my totes to have and this checks every box. It’s large but not too big. It’s light weight and easy on the shoulder to carry. It has multiple pockets and zippered closures. The shoulder straps are the absolute perfect size. I was a bit hesitant about the light pink and then I remembered the easy clean fabric on my sling and bento. Now I have to decide what I’m buying next!
Looking for a large enough tote for work meetings and for travel, I've compared the Origami tote with several comparable bags. I could pack more in it than in the Away Everywhere bag. I like the organization, the dual water bottle sleeves, and the hidden slip pocket. I wish the handles were attached with a ring so that they could lie flat (like the Tumi Valetta), but I do like that the handle drop is longer so that it fits on my shoulder and that the straps are flat and stay put. I like that it zips all the way closed and that the zipper is attached (unlike the Tumi Valetta). I like that I can take it to a meeting without it looking like luggage. It will hold my 17" Dell laptop, but only in the main compartment, not in the laptop sleeve. I haven't used it on a plane yet, so I'm hoping that it will fit under the seat upright.
I love this tote so much! It holds exactly what I need and keeps everything organized. It’s even great for everyday use…I love taking it to work! If you are on the fence, don’t be! Go buy this tote bag now, you won’t regret it!
I just recently received the bag and haven't travelled with it yet. I must say, it seems quite well made, very spacious, and smartly designed. I can't wait to use it on my next trip!
I had been looking for a travelbag for some time, saw his bag by chance on social media and bought it.
I am very pleased with the look and all the room and pockets. Have already made a trip and it worked well, was a little heavy. So nice when airport has carts.
Haven't travelled with my Bento bag yet, but I did a dry run; packed all the stuff I would need on the plane, and found lots of room for spare clothing and such.
Bag is very well made (YKK zippers are the ones!), and logical to pack. Looking forward to our next trip!
I have wanted a Bento Bag since I first saw it on a travel channel that I follow. I wasn't sure if it could be purchased in Canada, but was thrilled to find that it could be. This was my Christmas present to myself and I couldn't be happier with it! I can't wait to take it on my trip to Mexico in January.
I was amazed how much this bag holds. Also, the strap is long enough for me to adjust depending upon how I want to wear it.
I appreciate this bag and all of the compartments. It doesn’t, however, allow for many toiletries in a bag if that’s why you got it like myself so consider what you are purchasing it for.
This backpack appears to be a great quality backpack and very manageable for my 5'3" frame. I still favor the tote the best, but this backpack will be nice to go hands free on my next trip. Just wish the laptop compartment locked. There is no locking ring to lock the zipper pull to. Otherwise great product. PS: For me, the tote and backpack are the best. My bento bag throws my back out when packed. It's just too heavy even when using the crossbody strap.
I am carry on only, and my personal item is usually a backpack. I wanted to up my game with a bit more stylish bag when traveling. I purchased the Bento bag, but was unsure if I would keep it. It seems like it would get a bit heavy. I decided to keep it, and I will be taking it on its maiden voyage to Spain. I do not plan to pack a lot in it, leaving room for souvenirs to bring home. The Verde color is what I selected. It is a beautiful bag, and I hope I love traveling with it.
I am so glad I ordered this sling! I have the large, and it fits everything I usually carry while I travel. I can even manage a water bottle. It is well built and stylish.
Although I haven’t used my new Bento bag yet, I can tell I’m going to love it. It’s a great size with many thoughtful features. It also appears to be quite durable. Can’t wait to try it out!
I’m in love with this bag, I love how easy it is to organize, and the color (Venetian Violet) is beautiful. I’d been eyeing this bag forever, and I finally decided to get it during their recent sale. I’m so glad I did!
Had a slight problem with one of the items shipped but called Customer Service and the issue was addressed in a very prompt manner, much to my satisfaction. So much so, that I purchased another Bento Bag and Backpack.
Love the bento bag. Easy to add clothes due to layout of the bag. Only thing I didn’t realize was the accessory bags came with the bento bag so I purchased them separately as well and didn’t need to,
I love my new Bento Bag! I especially appreciate all the available pockets and the ability to open up flat. It will be so much easier to organize all my travel essentials—much better than my old, small duffel bag! The Verde color is beautiful, as well.
When I opened this bag, it was evident right away of its excellent quality, and I love the color (violet), and the organization is amazing and smart. It is well worth the price. I look forward to my next travel! The size is exactly what I wanted. It is the perfect bag!!
My wife is a super-organized packer and the Bento Bag is the only personal item bag she would consider after looking at all the competition out there. Was originally going to be her Christmas present, but she can't wait and will now serve as her only luggage for our upcoming weekender.
This bag seems to be at the top of everyone’s list for personal items. You can get a lot more in it than you think possible and it keeps you organized.
I have two small things to note however. These don’t kill the bag but they do show that it might not be perfect for everyone or for every trip. First it is somewhat heavy. Not terribly but a little heavier than a personal item bag might be expected. This is the price paid for organization as all those compartments take material and that adds weight. I can bring along an unstructured bag of the same size and save up to a pound in weight. It won’t be well organized but it will function fine. That’s about 10% of the total full bag weight so it is significant. I like to keep my overall bag weights to under 20 lbs (backpack and personal item side bag) and this takes too much if that weight capacity.
Second, and this is a quibble. The strap is not really long enough to allow an over the shoulder across body use for any distance of walking. I am tall so this observation is particularly focused on me and others over 6” tall. But I like to sling my side bag across body when I wear backpack (both hands then free) and it is very tight on me when I do. Just about foot of overall strap length would make a big difference for my comfort. As it is I am not comfortable wearing across body if I have more than a hundred yards to walk. Would be nice if they offered an extended strap. I’d pay for one that fit me better.
Overall these two points don’t make me regret my purchase. But there will be trips where I will use a different personal item bag. Especially where both personal item and carry on are combined for weight limitations.
Love the way it kept me organized and all the options it gave me to pack.
Great tote for travel: holds a lot, looks good, pockets for everything, easy on/off suitcase. But once you reach your destination and are carrying it like a tote, you'll miss alternate carry methods like the crossbody strap of earlier versions or short handles (never an option afaik). The other drawback for me is that the bottom is wider than the top, meaning it can get awkward depending on what you need to carry and if you need to zip it closed. All in all, though, a great travel option and better than many I've tried.
I purchased this bag to use for a cruise and it worked really well! I flew into town the day before we set sail and packed all my “day before” items into this bag so I didn’t have to go into my larger suitcase. I used a medium sized packing cube for the clothing and was able to fit:
-sleepwear
-an outfit for embarkation day
-house shoes (for the hotel room) and flip flops (for embarkation)
-toiletries (in a TSA-approved bag)
-tech items (iPad, AirPods, iPhone, and charging cords)
-snacks
-boarding documents and ID
-prescription meds
I love that it came with two smaller travel pouches; they worked great for organizing cords for my devices and as a small first aid kit. I also really liked the clamshell design and how it allowed me to maximize the space in the bag. The suitcase sleeve was also cool; I was able to use it as an extra pocket after my suitcase was gate checked on a flight. (Side note: The bag arrived in a velveteen dust bag, which I thought was really classy. Any bag that costs this much should come in a dust bag!)
My biggest complaint is the bag didn’t always fit upright under the seat in front of my on the place; on some legs I had to turn the bag on its side to get it to fit. This cause the bag to get a little dirty, but it was easy enough to wipe clean with a damp rag.
Other than that the bag was great! I’m planning to use it for a short road trip soon and also recommended it to my mom (who has struggled to find a good “weekender” type bag). I definitely recommend using packing cubes to maximize the space in the bag, but overall it is a good looking spacious travel accessory.
Nomad Lane Bento Bag – The Perfect International Travel Companion
The Nomad Lane Bento Bag is absolutely perfect — a total win for international travel and every bit as amazing as the iconic Origami Tote. While I still think the Origami Tote is the superior choice for a work bag, the Bento Bag truly shines for travel, especially on European airlines where personal-item space is limited.
What makes the Bento Bag special is how strategically designed it is. It fits beautifully under airplane seats on most European carriers, and the layout makes it effortless to pack both clothing and all your daily essentials. As someone who likes to be fully prepared for unexpected delays or connection issues, this bag gives me complete peace of mind. It’s the perfect “prep bag” — compact, organized, and incredibly functional.
I absolutely love that I can carry a change of clothes plus everything else I need for a long travel day. The Bento Bag keeps me organized, confident, and ready for anything.
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✅ Everything I Can Fit in My Nomad Lane Bento Bag
(This is everything you normally fit in your Origami Tote — and yes, it fits!)
Essentials & Daily Carry
• Wallet
• Keys
• Work badge
• Passport + passport holder
• Two work mobile phones
• Personal phone
• Eyeglasses (2 pairs in their cases)
Tech Gear
• iPad Air 11”
• Full tech pouch with cords and plugs
• Battery extender/power bank
• Collapsible mobile phone stand
Hygiene & Personal Care
• Oral hygiene pouch
• Travel-size toiletries (TSA-safe)
• Mints
• Lip balm
• Tissues
• Lotion
• Maxi pads for Ivy
Travel Comfort Items
• Eye mask
• Travel blanket
• Neck pillow (attachable to the bag or packable inside depending on model)
• Collapsible water bottle
Food & Snacks
• Breakfast protein shake
• Afternoon lunch
• Afternoon healthy snacks
• “Emergency” snacks for long layovers
• Hydration packets
Clothing & Prep Items
• Lightweight change of clothes for you
• Emergency underwear for both you and Ivy
• Extra socks
• Scarf (optional)
Paperwork & Miscellaneous
• Printed documents
• Small book
• Magazines
• Boarding passes
• Pens
• Small notepad
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💼 Final Thoughts
The Nomad Lane Bento Bag is a travel powerhouse. It’s sleek, it’s airline-friendly, and it’s incredibly reliable when you need a personal item that can carry your entire life for 12+ hour travel days. It keeps everything accessible, organized, and protected — exactly what a world traveler needs.
Nomad Lane has created a perfect combination of structure, space, and smart design.
I’m officially obsessed — and I can confidently say I have two favorites now: the Origami Tote for work, and the Bento Bag for Europe.
I love my origami tote! It’s sleeker than most carryon bags. It fits everything that I need on a flight and fits perfectly under the seat with room to spare!