I Can’t Believe How Much This T+L Editor-loved Travel Tote Holds — and Still Fits Under the Airplane Seat

We tend to give a lot of attention to our carry-on bag — is it the right size, right material, right wheels? But for a frequent traveler like me, the unsung hero of stress-free trips lies in a great personal item bag. 

After years of using every backpack, tote, purse, and laptop case imaginable, I knew I needed something more substantial for a two-week international vacation. I did a deep dive into the latest options, ultimately landing on the T+L-editor-loved Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote, and I cannot stress this enough: it was a total game-changer. And if you're thinking of switching over, the good news is that the spacious tote is on sale for 40 percent off as part of Lo & Sons' New Year New Bag sale, which runs through Wednesday, January 31.

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote

At first glance, the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote is simply a stylish tote, but it shines in its thoughtful features and uber-versatility. For starters, the bottom pocket: an individual zippered compartment designed to keep your shoes, dirty clothes, or toiletries separate from the rest of the bag. On our way to Thailand, I was able to fit two pairs of women’s sandals (size 9) and one men’s sandal (size 14) comfortably, with room for socks and other little fill-ins. On our way home, we made even more room to fit some of our dirty clothes that we didn’t want mixed in with our checked bags. No wonder it was even named one of the best weekender bags of 2023 by T+L editors.

On the back, you’ll find two exterior zippers that create a pass-through sleeve, letting you easily slide the tote over suitcase handles. Because they’re zippers rather than a standard slit-opening trolley sleeve, you can adjust the width to your specific carry-on handles, giving you a locked-in fit. I promise, no matter how quickly you’re moving through the terminal, this bag won’t budge. (Bonus: When you’re not using the trolley sleeve, simply zip the bottom zipper and you have an additional external pocket!)

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote

The construction is built tough, with well-formed handles and a structured body that feels decently protective for a soft-body bag. Knowing we were going to be traveling in and around water, I chose one of the five color options in the 600D recycled polyester — a water-resistant fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. But there are also nine additional colorways available in an eco-friendly, high-quality canvas (which has a softer, less structured feel, but is still durable enough for travel). 

Last but not least, I adored its size, which can best be described as ludicrously capacious. Measuring in at 14 inches wide and 15 inches high with a volume capacity of 24 liters, the Catalina Deluxe Tote is the largest in the brand’s line that qualifies as a personal item. (The Catalina Deluxe Day Tote is also personal-item compatible, but comes in quite a bit smaller at 14 liters; the Catalina Deluxe Small and Catalina Deluxe Large — which hold 40 and 49 liters, respectively — both qualify as carry-on size but do not technically qualify as a personal item, though I’ve been told the smaller size can sometimes fit under the seat if it’s only partially packed.) To be honest, as I was packing I didn’t believe that this sucker would fit under my seat. But sure enough, even fully stuffed, it zipped shut and easily slid under on each of our eight flights.

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote

Like a Mary Poppins bag, this tote fits a baffling amount of stuff, yet is so light and easy to carry. “I needed a bag that would allow me to bring a lot of extra stuff on a trip to Europe for two weeks with only a carry-on plus the Catalina,” one reviewer wrote. “I was able to add three pairs of shoes (sandals, wedges, and high heels) in the shoe compartment. In the main compartment, I had two blazers, a blanket, my laptop, makeup bag, chargers, wallet, Beats headphones, sunglasses, and gum — and I still had space to add more.” 

And while it obviously shines as a travel bag, you’ll find yourself taking the Lo & Sons tote everywhere. “I’ve been using it the past month for beach and pool trips with my kids — the separate zipper compartment on the bottom fits four rolled-up Turkish towels,” said one reviewer. 

“I’m not kidding when I say I use it for everything — gymming, work, I even took it on a weekend trip with four outfits, swimwear, laptop, and shoes,” said another. (Oh, one more deceptively useful feature I forgot to mention: If you don’t need a bottom pocket to carry separate items, simply unzip the panel that divides it from the main compartment and you’ve got yourself an even more spacious tote bag.) “I usually do that for grocery days, then put it back in for days I’m going to work and need to pack my gym shoes,” the reviewer noted.

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote

Streamlined for everything you need and nothing you don’t, this spacious bag convinced me to join the same bandwagon as the woman who bought hers in 2019 before her honeymoon: “I searched high and low for the most spacious carry-on with pockets for all my things. I landed on the Catalina Deluxe Tote and have used this bag religiously since then. I travel quite often, and it comes with me every time.” 

As she says, “I couldn’t recommend this bag more. If you’re on the fence, get it.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. Trust me, you won’t regret grabbing the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote while it’s up to 50 percent off.

Looking for a similar style? Keep scrolling for more options.

Shop More Lo & Sons Bags on Sale:

Catalina Day Tote

Rowledge Backpack

Waverley 2 Crossbody Belt Bag

Hakuba Backpack

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