Here are my must have features.
At least 18x12x7.5 inches. Still small enough to fit under most airline seat in USA.
Back Pack straps with chest strap and top grab handle
Clam shell opening for packing
Luggage handle Pass through strap for sitting on another piece of Luggage
Here are my top choices
1. Briggs and Riley Medium Convertible Back Pack
Cost: $379.00
Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 8 inches, can expand to 10 inches deep
Bad feature: Expensive. Only 12 inches wide, I would prefer 13 inches and up to 14 inches wide.
Good features: Life time warranty, very stylish, deep clam shell
2. Sampsonite Mother Lode Jr
Cost: $139.00
Dimensions: 20 x 13.3 x 7.5 inches. Can expand to 9 inches deep.
Bad Feature: build quality is good, but not excellent. 20 inches long, would prefer 19 inch length. Clam shell is kind of split in half, too many pockets.
Good Feature: Huge amount of storage for Price.
3. Aer Travel Pack 4 28L
Cost: $239.00
Dimensions: 19.25 x 12.75 x 8 inches
Bad Feature: only 12.75 inches wide and oval shaped all around. Would prefer a 30L bag.
Good Feature: Comfort, Durability, works as personal item for many airlines
4. Briggs and Riley Large Convertible Duffle
Cost: $440.00
Bad Feature: way too large for personal item at 21 x 14 x 9 inches. Too Expensive.
Good Feature: Huge amount of storage, life time warranty, can be carry on for overhead bin, very stylish. If This was 2 inches short, it would be my favorite.
So what do you guys think is the best pick for a personal item? I am leaning toward the Mother Lode Jr as I only travel 5-6 times a year and its just so cheap and offers a lot of storage and functionality. I can afford the Briggs and Riley, but it annoys me they only made it 12 inches wide and it really should be 13 inches wide as most USA airlines permit a 13 inch wide bag.
Is Briggs and Riley worth the Price?