Looking for a great, stylish carryon travel bag? Check out the Nomad Lane Bento Bag!
Nomad Lane Bento Bag: A Travel Game Changer for Me!
Longtime Eye of the Flyer reader Kish Vasnani and his wife, Vanessa, started luggage company Nomad Lane a few years ago. Last fall, Kish invited my wife and me to try two of Nomad Lane’s Bento Bags in exchange for an honest review here on the blog.
I was a little apprehensive at first. I hadn’t used a briefcase-style bag in gosh-knows-how-long. I preferred backpacks. But I did a little research and took him up on his offer just before I returned to the skies in April.
My first impression? The bag didn’t strike me as very big.
How can I pack everything? I thought. I love packing so much stuff (that I rarely use) and — wait a minute! That’s the whole point of the Bento Bag!
And I’ve used on every trip this year.
Here’s the thing: the bag both works and looks great.
It opens up like a suitcase.
On one trip, I was able to store in the main compartment (pictured above):
- a sweatshirt
- my 16″ MacBook Pro
- my iPad Air 2
- a legal pad
- a plastic bag with my mouse, mouse pad, and knick-knacks
That’s pretty good for a briefcase-like bag.
And you know what? I’ve started just packing stuff I actually use and need. Not everything needs to be in my carryon or personal bag. Or even brought on a trip. The Bento Bag positively changed the way I pack and travel.
I really like the two “quick access” pockets at the top of the bag. This is where I put my wallet, cell phone, passport, and whatever else is in my pocket before I go through airport security.
Kish told me both “quick access” pockets were designed with Delta One amenity kits in mind. This way, you can repurpose your small Tumi cases for things like USB cords, power chargers, or anything else you need handy and at your feet during a flight.
Another great feature: the built-in USB port! I attach my portable battery brick/charger to the USB cable inside the Bento Bag’s front pocket (which also has space for pens, business cards, and other small items).
Then whenever I need power on the go (i.e., my iPhone or iPad is running low on juice), I connect my favorite USB cable (read why I love it) to the port. Charging immediately starts.
“But everywhere has power outlets!” you might say. Well, not everywhere. CRJ-200s, for example. Southwest planes. Many smaller airports don’t have power or USB ports at every seat. So the Bento Bag’s USB port feature comes in very helpful.
I enjoy traveling with my Bento Bag for most trips. Some work trips necessitate my carrying a large backpack (photo gear, etc). But I love using the Bento Bag whenever I can.
–> Save $10 on your Bento Bag purchase when you enter promo code EOTF at Nomad Lane!
Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
You don’t say how much the bag weighs after you put all your stuff in. Most airline allow about 20 pounds as a carry on.
I’ve never weighed a carry-on, TBH.
lufthansa used to weigh carry-on bags even in FC??
Even in first class? Wow.
So this bag will fit on the CRJ-200 jets?
Yes. From personal experience, I have flown on Delta Skywest CRJ 200 jets and this bag fits under the seat or in the overhead storage bin.
Thank you so much!