4 min readAs a shopping editor, I’ve stress-tested my fair share of suitcases. I’m an over-packer, and the NYC-area TSA agents aren’t always gentle with your luggage. So my pieces have been tossed around and packed to the brim plenty of times. But I’m facing a new travel challenge: my first time taking a flight where all I can bring is a personal item. If you knew the way I packed, you’d gasp in horror. So to remedy this undesirable packing situation, I set out researching for the perfect under-seat bag, and I landed on the Dagne Dover Landon Carryall.
I’m traveling for a friend’s wedding, so I need to be able to fit a full glam squad in this bag, plus regular travel essentials. Dagne Dover had a reputation for durable luggage. Commerce Editor Angel Madison had sung its praises, so I decided to test it for myself. Namely, I wanted to see if the bag would live up to its namesake and truly carry all of the things I need. Below, find my honest thoughts on the Dagne Dover Landon Carryall.
Overview and Features
The Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag comes in four sizes, from a small purse to an extra-large duffel. Since I needed as much room as I could get while fitting under the seat in front of me, I opted for the Large, which the brand says is ideal for a weekend getaway. The personal item size limit for my flight was 9 x 10 x 17 inches. The Landon Carryall Large measures 16.5 x 9 x 11 inches, so I figure with a little bit of shoving it should fit under the seat with no problem.
The carryall is also available in up to 10 colors, depending on your size of choice. I chose Dune: a dusty mauve that I thought would hold up well even when getting dirty over time. The padded laptop sleeve can fit up to 16-inch laptops, and it comes with a zippered shoe bag in the same color. Plus, a lightweight camo laundry bag can hold any of your dirty clothes from your trip (or protect clean clothes from the rest of your belongings).
What Is the Dagne Dover Carryall Made Of?
One of the first things you notice about the carryall bag is its plush, yet durable exterior. That’s the 100 percent vegan neoprene, which is both padded to protect your items and super flexible. This is great for my odd packing arrangements; the bag shape-shifts to whatever I need to fit inside. The material is water-resistant and hand-washable, so you can keep it clean easily. The interior is made from a polyester lining, derived from recycled bottles. The carryall can be held like a purse or worn crossbody, with side snaps that can make it more compact if needed.
How Much Does the Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Carry?
This is the most important feature for me. I like to travel with absolutely everything I might need, so when I have to fit all of that in a personal item, the capacity needs to keep up. I was pleasantly surprised that the carryall was up to the task.
Here’s everything I was able to fit:
- My Away hanging travel vanity, full of travel-size toiletries
- My wedding dress, pajamas, and an extra outfit
- My makeup bag
- My jewelry and house keys are in the included pouch
- A pair of dress shoes in the included shoe bag
- A thick, hardcover book
- My 13-inch laptop and portable chargers
- An extra purse and wallet
- My 24-ounce Owala bottle is in a dedicated water bottle pocket
There was still enough room on top, after all this, for travel snacks. This wouldn’t be enough room for my usual shopping-heavy vacations, but it holds all my essentials well. The interior organization makes it super easy to pack, so I don’t have to dig through the entire bag to find what I need. A mesh zippered pocket holds anything I don’t want to risk falling out. Plus, at the end of my trip, I can just pull on the stretchy key leash to find my house keys.
Is It Comfortable to Hold?
The downside of traveling with just a personal item? It can get pretty heavy on one shoulder, especially if it’s a crossbody bag. The thick neoprene material keeps my items safe, but it also adds extra base weight to the bag. The weight feels more evenly distributed. However, if I had a long travel day, I do think it would get a bit heavy to carry for a long time. Luckily, the shoulder strap is wide enough not to dig into my shoulders, and it’s adjustable to let me add more slack. The bag doesn’t knock against my hips as I walk, either.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Durable padding to protect items
- Incognito pocket for your phone or passport
- Luggage handle trolley sleeve on the back
- Plenty of interior pockets for organization
Cons
- Can get heavy to carry crossbody
The Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?
Yes, especially if you’re a frequent traveler. I’m adding this to the arsenal even when it’s not the only bag I can travel with. It’s a versatile personal item and a great weekender for road trips. The soft neoprene makes it comfortable to carry, while still protecting everything I need and keeping it organized. It just might turn me into a light packer overall.
