Double Your Carry On Bag Space With the Perfect Personal Item: LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack

Long story short: The LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack is my favorite personal item for travel. It basically doubles my carryon space, but still fits under the airplane seat. Here’s my full review so you can decide if this budget friendly Amazon bag should be your go-to travel bag also.

We try to fly carry on only as much as possible. But, I am not what you would call a minimalist packer. More of a maximalist.

So, I treat my personal item like an extension of my carryon with items that didn’t fit in my bag. One of my favorite bags to use as a personal item is the Longchamp Pliage. Its lightweight but durable, and can be easily organized with an insert. Plus, it zips closed so items don’t spill out.

But, a carryon and standard personal item won’t cut it when we are doing back to back locations. Especially if those destinations have different climates.

Like the time we went from the sweltering June heat of Charleston, South Carolina directly to Colorado Springs where it was snowing on Pikes Peak.

A few years ago, I started the hunt for a personal item bag that could handle all the things. I needed it to be large enough for extra clothes, plus my purse and flight essentials. Basically, I wanted a second carryon bag.

But, it had to fit under the airplane seat. It also needed to be strong enough to handle the weight of my camera equipment (including my drone).

Plus, I wanted it to be cute, stylish, and inexpensive. I didn’t have high hopes of finding one to meet my standards. But I was determined to try.

No Baggage Required is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why I Travel With a Backpack

I tried the viral travel duffels and I hated them. You know the ones with the zippered section at the bottom for shoes? I found them bulky and hard to carry when full.

Yes, the trolley sleeve fit over my carryon when walking through the airport. But, I wanted a weekender I could take on budget air trips when a carry-on wasn’t an option. I got tired of totes and duffels slipping down my shoulder or getting in the way. Basically, I couldn’t be totally hands-free because I was constantly hoisting the tote bag back onto my shoulder.

And the one shoulder thing is the larger problem. When I carried an overstuffed tote as my personal item I always found myself doing that one-hip-out balancing act to support the weight. Not good for my midlife lady back.

Enter the travel backpack. I figured a backpack could evenly carry all that weight without throwing out my back. But, not just any travel backpack. I needed the perfect travel backpack.

My Travel Backpack Criteria

So, I’m rather very picky when it comes to travel bags. The full collection of discarded bags at the top of my closet is evidence of the lost hope of past “perfect” bags.

So I ordered at least 7 backpacks from Amazon to test. The finalists were all LOVEVOOK travel backpacks. They varied in features and color, but all of them were super functional.

I could have easily gone with any of them. That’s the good news. Because, the bad news is that the exact one I have is no longer available. No worries. LOVEVOOK has several solid options available.

Large Capacity and Clamshell Opening

I was surprised by how much I could fit in this backpack. With a 40L capacity and multiple compartments, it made organizing everything simple.

The game-changer is the clamshell opening. It opens like a traditional suitcase and lays flat. So, packing and unpacking are super easy. I leave room for my crossbody travel purse so I can access it as soon as we land.

Airline Approved Dimensions

I needed the backpack to serve as a personal item, so it had to fit under the airplane seat in front of me. My LOVEVOOK travel backpack measures 18″ x 12.5″ x 8.5″, so it easily fit under the seats on our Delta flights.

You do have to avoid the temptation to overpack the bag or it will be too tall to fit under the seat. LOVEVOOK sells several sizes, so be sure to check our favorites at the end of the article and pick one that matches your needs.

Pockets, Pouches, & Practical Organization

This thing has over 20 pockets and compartments for everything I could possibly need. To be honest, the pocket configuration was the deciding factor in picking my bag. The padded laptop sleeve also has space for a tablet and a separate spot for a full size notebook.

I keep all my in-flight essentials like air pods, snacks, pens, phone charger and any other items I need quick access to in the very front pocket. The other front pockets are great for my planner or magazines. The padded laptop sleeve that can hold a 17″ laptop as well as a tablet.

The waterproof zippered pouch came in handy when my swimsuit didn’t completely dry overnight before our flight home. This would also be a great spot for toiletries if you didn’t want to pack a separate toiletry bag.

The hidden zippered pocket on the back the perfect size for your passport or phone. I tuck everything I need for airport security in there while its strapped to my suitcase.

Durable and Comfortable Construction

This backpack can take a beating, which is a must for me since my bags usually go through a lot on trips. The fabric on the LOVEVOOK travel backpack is tear resistant and water resistant. I was a little nervous about the light color, but so far, marks have easily wiped away.

This bag has been on over 30 trips with me, including Martinique and an Alaskan land & sea cruise. And, it still looks as good as the day I got it.

The adjustable shoulder straps and ventilated back panel keep it comfy, even when I overpack (which is pretty much always). I also love the padded grab handles on the top and side—they make it super easy to grab and go.

Pros and Cons of the LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack

After using this backpack for almost 20 trips, I found some strong points as well as a few drawbacks. Here’s what stood out the most.

Pros

• Ample Space: The 40L capacity is impressive. I can easily pack everything I needed for a four-day trip, and the multiple compartments make organization a breeze.
• Included Packing Cubes: The three packing cubes were a great bonus. I can use them in my suitcase or the backpack.
• Comfortable to Carry: The shoulder straps and back panel are well-padded. I also like having the option to grab it from the top or side.
• Stylish Design: I’ve received numerous compliments at airports and hotels. Bonus points in my book.
• TSA Friendly: The clamshell-style opening can really help when going through security.

Cons

• Size Issues: While it fits as a carry-on for many airlines, it’s little bulky for a personal item on some. It might not fit comfortably under every seat, so definitely check the size before ordering.
• Weight: When fully packed, it can be heavy. But this has been a me problem. It holds so much, I’m tempted to overpack it.
• Limited Laptop Space: The laptop compartment is designed for a 17-inch device, but some reviewers found it a snug fit. Its not an issue for me since I travel with a 13″ MacBook Air. But it’s worth mentioning for those with larger laptops.

Final Thoughts on the LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack

After using this travel backpack for over two years, I’m very impressed with its design, functionality, and durability. It has plenty of pockets to keep me organized and the clamshell opening is a game changer for packing. I’ve personally recommended it to friends and whole heartedly recommend it to my readers.