For frequent fliers, the “personal item” has become an increasingly crucial piece of luggage. Most airlines won’t let you get away with a carry-on bag and a laptop case—and if you try, you might be Twitter-shamed (yes, #carryonshame is trending).

With the need to repurpose and reuse as much as possible when flying, I went on a mission to find decent-looking bags that can hold both my travel essentials and my tech. Below, five multi-purpose carry-ons that all fit underneath the seat in front of you (and don’t cost more than $300).

Lo & Sons OG (Overnight & Gym) Bag ($295). This is one of the most highly recommended travel bags on the market, and for good reason. It’s designed specifically to hold technology while you’re traveling, and it’s spacious enough for all of your overnight necessities. There’s a padded pocket for a laptop and an additional, smaller pouch for a tablet. A patented, adjustable back panel sleeve slides over larger luggage handles so you don’t have to deal with sore shoulders. Genius. Dimensions: 17″Wx15″H x6.5″D.

Land’s End Large Natural Zip Top Canvas Tote ($37.50). This extremely roomy canvas tote can fit almost any size laptop (just be sure it’s stored in a case), and has a water resistant base. The front pocket is a perfect place to store your smartphone and wallet. Monogram up to six letters for $6. Dimensions: 22 ½”Wx9 ½”Dx17″H.

Stella and Dot Getaway Bag ($138). The Getaway Bag comes in a ton of fun prints like Ikat and Zebra. This bag also fits almost any size laptop (again, with a case) and leaves room for clothes and books. The bag also has an expandable mid-section—so you have room for souvenirs—and comes with a messenger strap and a small pocket in front for easy iPhone access. Dimensions: 15″H (expanded 19.25”) x23″ Lx8.”

Lululemon Om For All Bag ($118). From the gym, to work, to travel, this bag basically has it all. It comes with an interior padded pocket that holds laptops measuring up to 15,” can store up to 50 pounds, and includes padded straps, a compartment for shoes, and an exterior pocket for your smartphone. Dimensions: 17″H x 8″D x 14″W.

Ju-Ju-Be Legacy Better Be Bag ($135). It’s billed as a diaper bag, but Ju-Ju-Be’s tote makes for a very functional travel/laptop carrier. It’s super lightweight and has a zip-down front pocket for easy access to your phone, wallet, and keys. It’s also washing-machine friendly, and has Teflon on the outside to ward off stains. Bonus: The side insulated pockets will keep your water bottle cold. Dimensions: 14″W x 11″H x 5.5″D.

By Veena Goel Crownholm

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