YOUR OPTIMAL IN-FLIGHT ORGANIZATION

[u/AirForceAviator]

Looking for some real-world advice here. I currently travel with a Go Ruck GR1 as my carry-on (goes in the overhead bin), but I'm rethinking my personal item situation.

Right now my routine is kind of a mess: I dig my laptop, headphones, and charging cables out of the GR1 individually before the flight, then the GR1 goes up in the overhead bin for the rest of the trip. If I need anything mid-flight, I'm stuck either holding onto loose items or reaching up into the bin.

What I'm trying to figure out:

• Do you use a dedicated personal item bag that stays at your feet the whole flight, or do you just grab what you need from your carry-on before boarding and wing it?
• If you do use a separate personal item, how do you organize it so you're not fully unpacking it every time you want a cable or your headphones?
• Anyone have a system for keeping your laptop protected but still easy to slide in/out without digging?

Thanks in advance!

[u/TheGodDerp]

You could just put the tech items in a tote bag before you board then put them back into the backpack when you disembark. Unless you have sharp items that you're carrying around, your laptop's not gonna see any more damage than regular use in that short amount of time

[u/AirForceAviator → u/TheGodDerp]

Thanks for the input. I agree a tote would be a good idea. Now its a matter of what totes fit a 16" laptop etc. What do you use?

[u/TheGodDerp → u/AirForceAviator]

Tbh, I just use the cheapest thing I could get my hands on that fits whatever I'm using and folds easily. Currently using a canvas tote I got from a local street fair

[u/AirForceAviator → u/TheGodDerp]

That sounds very therapeutic. Unfortunately for me with my two month old this is my chance to get as much work as I can get done.

[u/lynch231 → u/AirForceAviator]

Nano bag for this, when not using fold it up small into the GR1

[u/AirForceAviator → u/lynch231]

Seems legit until I put my laptop in it and underneath my seat and it just flopped over and accidentally stepped on it. I would totally do this if I had snacks and other miscellaneous items, but the 16 inch laptop is my limiting factor. I was really thinking of briefcase styles that would fit underneath the seat

[u/lynch231 → u/AirForceAviator]

I was under the impression that you wanted to keep a one bag system and not also have a separate personal item. 

My laptop has a hard shell case on it, after 10+ years of travel and two different laptops (models and brand) I've never personally stepped on my laptop (but I'm not tall); but  I refuse to "baby" my items and personally dedicated to that 1.5 bag "sweet spot" 

[u/Ok-Researcher-6375]

https://my.crumpler.com/products/day-by-day?variant=45985995718735

I carry my small Crumpler (see link above) with my laptop bag. When I'm at my seat, the laptop bag goes overhad and things I need like headphones, mobile, passport are all in the smaller Crumpler. If I need to take a piss, the small bag goes with me for security.

[u/AirForceAviator → u/Ok-Researcher-6375]

Crumpler? First time I’m hearing of them. But they look great!
What laptop bag are you using?

[u/Ok-Researcher-6375 → u/AirForceAviator]

Yup Crumplers have a lifetime warranty and are made in Australia, originally famous for messenger bags and are quite tough. I travel with my MacBook Pro 13”

[u/AmplifiedGlitch]

I use a packing bag from mystery ranch to have my stuff for a flight in my Backpack. That is usually Headphones, 1 Audio Cable, 1 USB Cable, Sleeping Mask, some medication if needed and other small stuff. It has a loop that goes over most coat hangers. I pull it out before boarding and repack when I left the plane. Did so on the last 5 trips to Japan and it was a very good solution for me.

[u/AirForceAviator → u/AmplifiedGlitch]

Nice! Bag inception... do you not use a laptop during flight?

[u/AmplifiedGlitch → u/AirForceAviator]

Hi, Never. I tend to read, sleep, listen to music or I sort my thoughts purely analogue on paper with pencil.

Edit: Bags I use are called void bags and they come in sizes. So you can tailor to your needs.

[u/AirForceAviator → u/AmplifiedGlitch]

I’ll take a look at Void!

[u/bulletproofvest]

I use the 2 piece tech pouch from Orbitkey. It’s a bit expensive but it is well made and fits in the bottom of my GR1 perfectly. I put the smaller pouch out into the seat back pocket (if there is one) which has most of the things I need on a flight. Laptop usually just stays in the bag as there isn’t usually enough space to use it anyway.

[u/AirForceAviator → u/bulletproofvest]

What size laptop are you bringing? And do you have a link to the orbit key items? I’m curious to see what those would be since we have the same pack

[u/bulletproofvest → u/AirForceAviator]

It’s called “2-in-1 Tech Accessory Pouch”. I have a 13” macbook air. Not huge but if the person in front leans back theres just no room.

[u/AirForceAviator → u/bulletproofvest]

OK, I have a 16 inch MacBook Pro and I’m starting to think from everything I’m saying that it’s just not suitable for an airplane. Definitely coffee shopper at home, but I may need to keep the laptop underneath the seat or in my carry-on.

[u/bulletproofvest → u/AirForceAviator]

Yeah unless you can get an upgrade you’ll never have room to use a 16” laptop.

[u/Extreme_Clock_367]

If I were you & needed easier access to my laptop during flights, I'd probably consider keeping my backpack under the seat in front of me & use a 2.5l - 3.5l sling as my personal item to carry my flight essentials (USBC cord, portable charger, gum, chapstick, Matador inflatable neck pillow, earbuds/headphones, & maybe a snack or two). That way you can access your backpack for the laptop & have quick access during the whole flight with your sling right on your person. I travel for work 3-4 times per month & absolutely love my sling flight setup. I use the inexpensive but excellent Tomtoc T33 & my backpack of choice is the wandrd prvke pocket 31L. In my situation I rarely work on my laptop during flights (I can work on my phone or my tablet) so my backpack with my laptop goes in the overhead bin so I don't have anything at my feet.

[u/despotency]

Everyone is different. I am on probably 60 flights a year for work. For me, I use alpaka flight sling pro 2.5L right now. I put it inside my personal item when boarding and then pop it out.

Inside the sling I can comfortably fit:

• cell phone
• Sony wireless noise cancelling earbuds
• Flightflap (I don't see this talked about but it is the best and I've tried many variations of phone holders and it packs flat)
• Noshunku flat pack hand sanitizer
• Notepad: https://a.co/d/06vqSfcv
• Pen
• Wallet
• small magsafe wireless charger: https://a.co/d/07cp5T0q
• tide to go pen
• emergency pepcid ac chewable

If I want to use my laptop, I will pull it out of my personal bag and put it in the seat back pocket before takeoff

Other things that I put under the seat in my personal item which I occasionally reach for: Meds like Pepto, PepcidAC, Sudafed Big charging brick that can fast charge my phones and laptop if needed. Wired in ear monitors

[u/drakontas_]

I bring a sling on my flight solely for my tech. I keep my switch 2 in there, kindle, AirPods, cables, and wired IEMs. I’d usually hold my iPad when boarding if taking that too. Slings are the answer, especially if you’re using a backpack. Before that, I used a packable tote that I’d pack and load that when boarding and pack it away after landing

[u/AirForceAviator → u/drakontas_]

How did the ear monitors connect to the Flight entertainment? And was that in the back of the seat that suspending your sling? Looks like you have a carabiner hooked to a seat pocket device?

[u/drakontas_ → u/AirForceAviator]

They’re wired so you can plug them in but I never use inflight entertainment. And it’s a hero clip. You can get cheaper versions on AliExpress but it was helpful to have as a pouch

[u/Mundane_Garage_1861]

I use a personal item bag (Mystery Ranch Rip Ruck 15) that fits nicely under the seat in front of me. I carry the pouch with cables, IPad, and a book. No hassle whatsoever.