I’ve purchased both of them and ran packing tests for my (now aborted) trip in March to Spain. First of all i like to travel with only one bag so this is probably a more extreme review than someone using a normal bag and a carry on. My trip was going to be to Missouri for 3 days then Spain for 10 and then back to Missouri for 6 so quite a bit of time in two different types of weather. I found the MinkeeBlue way to heavy with what can only be considered extreme minimal packing. (No laptop, minimal clothes, one pair of shoes, etc). I love the bag but if you use the shoe compartment or bag compartment then using it as a “suitcase” is almost impossible. It’s half the bag gone. The umbrella is beautiful but weighs a ton. So out it went. I love the tiny purse that comes along with the bag. The colors on the umbrella and shoe bags are a beautiful classy blue. The cooler bag was removed immediately for space. And in the end I would have to open out the whole bag to use it as my carry on. The straps were an issue for me because there is no way to use it as a crossbody to help distribute weight for a trip like I was heading on. My zippers were a bit on the sticking side. The Nomad Lane bag is less “classic” looking but everyone I know-no matter who they were loved the looks of it. Heck my dad wanted one for travel. It’s a bit easier to get things into, you can pack it more efficiently and because of the overall design it wasn’t as heavy to carry. The water bottle placement was odd to me but I figured well they make you dump it anyways so the amount of time it’s filled in there is pretty slim. The plastic wet container bag is nice, the shoe bags are convenient albeit utilitarian looking. The strap options were a plus. My zippers worked really well. MinkeeBlue had a long fulfillment/‘shipping time due to massive back orders. The Bento Bag shipped immediately which was nice. Both feel really nice and are good quality bags.
Well things being what they are still, I’ve not really traveled yet! No airplane travel anyways. I’ve used my Bento bag on driving trips. It was okay, but a bit difficult. The Bento Bag people made a new design called the Sport. It’s really nice and I’ll probably be using that when I fly! Kat will need to review that one! @radiochickpro
I love these types of videos. They give me peace of mind when investing a lot of money into travel gear! Can I make a request? I would love to see a video on how you pack for a trip during the winter months! I’m always afraid to book a flight because I can never figure out how to pack my coat and layers!
I was so excited to purchase this bag based on your first review. It arrived just when the country shut down so haven't been able to use it, BUT my bag was defective. The little outside charger port had dislodged itself from the mounting and I was quite puzzled that I couldn't find it. Like, where did it go? LOL. After some digging around I realized it was pushed all the way in and it was a bear to reach in and shove it back into the slot. It worked ok but whenever I tried to plug in again it dislodged. I contacted the company and sent photos of it, and they replaced it right away. I didn't even have to send the damaged one back so now I have two, even though the outside port is rendered useless. I guess I can give the bag to my daughter if she wants it. I still love the bag, I find it a little bulky but love all the pockets and organizing features. Thx for the recommendation, can't wait to finally travel again and use it!
My God. I am one of the best salespeople in the US in my field (diamonds) and you are AMAZING. If you ever want to make some serious money, go into sales. You are a natural.
Hey Kat! Just wondering u able to do a video on what your guy FA counter parts like carrying? Might be a bit hard but kinda curious what do guys like carrying aside from a backpack.
Love to watch you sell. I have no interest in the bags, but when you finished, I had my wife watch the video and she plans on buying the one on your left. ABC: always be closing. Such sincere enthusiasm. Don't change a thing.
Love your videos Kat!! I’m so happy I stumbled on your channel a while back. You’ve sold me on both bags tbh 😂 ahhhh travel gear gets me dreaming of adventure every time!! Love it. Now I just need a reason to purchase ☺️ I hope you and hubby are doing well in these difficult times. All the best and thanks for posting 💛💛💛
Thank you for this video. I've been struggling to decide between these two bags. After this, I think I know which one I will go with. The Ella Tote 2.0 will be my new bag.
Going through security where you have to take out your laptop, do you have to open the NomadLane all the way? Or can you access from the other compartment?
I need some help. I saw that your last video the BENTO Bag v3 fits the Untied specs but when I check the BENTO website, it says the length of the bag is 17" and not 10" so I'm so confused on how specs work. I'll be flying the first time ever in January so trying to learn.
Hi! This is a great video. I am really interested in buying the Nomad Lane bag, the only thing is I need to travel with a Wacom Cintiq 16 and I'm worried it won't fit in this bag. It's 16.6 x 11. I just don't want to buy this expensive bad only for it not to fit :(
Have theMinkeeBlue... love the bag and accessories. However it is starting to fray around the top near the zipper....I will have to contact MinkeeBlue about it.... I plan on ordering the Nomad Lane bag but the plum will not ship until August (so sad that’s the color I want) and I get back on the road in June...
Hey Kat, I'm about to start training to be a FA. Can you tell me what pieces you use on tbe line? One of these totes plus what else? A carryon and a cooler bag? Help .I am in overload of all of the decisions I have to figure out. Thanks so much
I did purchase the Nomad Lane bag after seeing your first video on it. I love it and it is half packed for my trip in 2 months. Until you pointed it out I didn't know what that little space was was for a water bottle. It would have to be a narrow bottle. Either way, thank you for figuring that out!! The layout of the bag is great for me as it is easier to pack as a mini suitcase just with lots of extra great features.
I love my Nomad Lane bag! It made traveling with my toddler so much easier. I went to Europe with her with 2 backpacks and one luggage and it was impossible. Switching a backpack to the Nomad Lane bag on our next trip made navigating travel days a lot easier! I wish I had discovered the Nomad Lane bag prior to our Europe trip but I’m glad I have it now!
I bought the Nomad Lane bag based on your review video (thank you for the discount code!) and I love, love, love it!!! Can't wait to get travelling again 😀
I have the Nomad Lane bag! It’s usually my personal item for domestic travel, where I keep tech/toiletries/shoes, and it’s perfect for an overnighter a couple hours’ drive away!
I purchased the nomad lane bag (blue) on your recommendation and I love it! For all the reasons you just said!! Now, having seen the minkie blue bag I have to say I want that as well! I want to keep nomad as my travel bag and I want the minkie for a work bag!! I’ll wait until the new version comes out but wow what an amazing bag and your timing couldn’t be better! Have always loved your channel and content and you’re such a joy to watch! Thank you so much and please be safe and stay well and take care!! 💕💕
I bought the nomad lane bag from your recommendation and it's so great.I'm a fa and my travelpro tote was so giant and also falling apart so I needed a new bag. My company still has a paper manual and our tablets are huge. The bag fits both plus all of my other junk(and I have a lot of junk). I love that it doesn't feel like a bottomless pit like my old tote did. I can only imagine how much it will hold when that giant fam and tablet are gone from my bag.
I have the bento bag (first version) and found it kind of clunky and cumbersome once packed for carry on - I too was hitting the chairs accidentally as I walked down the Isle. So I have only used it a couple times before going back to my old faithful O'Neil backpack! I've been looking for a tote version of carry on and this Minkeeblue looks fantastic - I just wish it had a shoulder strap too. Thank you so much for the detailed review it was really helpful!
Just got the Bento in Jumper Green with your code! Been looking for a carry on bag like this! I don’t know when I’ll be able to travel next but I’m going to enjoy looking at it 😭🥺✨😂💕
The key holder is a brilliant addition. I need that. These are all sold out right now but I did buy the minke blue backpack. I want the tote for work and work trips though. agreed it would be nice to see you pack them but appreciate what you did show. Very thorough
Does one of them carry more than the other? THAT'S the burning question! I'm the queen of overpacking but I hate those checked bag fees, so anything I can stuff more crap into while keeping with me in the cabin is *chefs kiss* lol. I usually pack either a Jansport backpack or a knockoff Speedy 40 as my personal item and I'm just at that point where I don't want to look like a teenager (as in the first example) or a bougie pickpocket target (like in the second) BTW: Your videos have helped me keep an iota of a sense of normalcy while in lockdown, so thank you for that.
Try putting some wax on the zipper, like candle wax or you can get zipper-ease wax on Amazon for like $5.00, but I've never used it. I just use a tapered candle & rub the zipper with the bottom end of the candle.
I have the Minkeeblue bag like yours. I too had an issue with the small compartment zipper which fixed itself. I will say that I wish the inside pockets were bigger. The smaller compartments are really too small to hold anything. Also, before C-19 and working from home, I would bring a weeks worth of breakfasts (5 little plastic containers with my oatmeal mix) and part of the weeks lunches to work on Monday. That totally fills up the bag, and then I can't get my coffee container into the outside side pocket. The Michael Kors nylon tote I have that's about the same size works much better for me. I'm actually sorry I bought the bag because I hardly ever use it. It's also going to be too small for all the stuff I put into my carry on...once I can actually travel again. I am interested in the Nomad Lane bag though since it looks like it can hold more stuff.
I’m glad Nomad Lane changed zippers because I bought them for our family (5 bags) and two bags had zippers break in 6 moths. Functionally, nice design.
I was glad to see it wan't just me who has trouble with the smaller zipper on the Minkeeblue bag! I bought it & the first time I used it I saw my stuff peeking out as well! Thought I had broken it but, like yours, it magically fixed itself. I now make sure to not pack it quite so full. It is .my go to bag daily Also is there a promo code for the Nomad bag?
thank you very much for the minkeeblue review (we already have the bento bag). the minkeeblue tote seems unfinished from a number of aspects. lots of things have not been thought through, although it looks like a nice and functional bag
Enjoyed your review of both bags. I recently purchased the Bento bag after I saw your review of the bag. Thank you for the discount coupon! 😀. I haven’t received it yet as the factory was shut down due to the Covid crisis but they are starting to take orders now. They were sold out of the plum color which is what I wanted to match my new luggage. I am looking forward to receiving it. Also, I watched another video review on the old and new version of the Bento bag. It has been updated. The main update is the new version has better smoother zippers. Super upgrade in my opinion. So I am glad I will be getting the new version. Although both bags are nice, I prefer the Bento bag. You mentioned that the Minkeeblue bag is going to be updated as well. I would be interested in seeing those updates.
I bought my Minkee Blue bag the DAY you came out with your video! I was in training and had it shipped to my training facility!! LOL Everyone started complementing my bag right away!! I've been using and abusing it as well for the last 6 months and it still looks brand new! I feel your pain about the balance on the bag with the J hook buttttt I still love this bag!
I bought the Nomad Lane bag because if your videos a couple months ago and was excited to use it. . . And then COVID. So I’m looking forward to trying it out! Love the unique design and organization - and its def very high quality.
If you do a new video with the improved version, I really hope that you can show us how you would pack it for as many days as you can. It would be really great to see what you think this bag can handle. Like three days of clothes + food, or what? But I do love this bag, and I do think I am going to buy it, and I am grateful for your videos on it. The only thing i wish it had, was a shoulder strap option.
Would be cool if you could lay out everything you packed so we can see exactly what will fit. I pack 3 pairs of shoes and a lot of toiletries and that alone takes up so much space.
Could you do a video, or a short snippet, about what it’s like to be an LOD flight attendant? I really want to know more because languages are my focus right now in uni and I think it would be amazing to use them in this field! Thanks 💜
Now I really want the Minkie to use as my school bag so I can hide my lunch bag lol! I have a smaller fa style lunch bag because my classes are so spread out I have to pack breakfast, lunch and a snack. My classmates always kid me about what is coming out of the bag next (usually after they see the HUGE salad bowl coming out)
I own the Ella bag but it didn't fit the locker at the gym unless I shove it in so I usually leave it in the car. I can't wait to use it for traveling~ Thanks for your input on both bags.
Thank you for doing this comparison. My go to travel backpack broke so I needed something for my upcoming trip. I immediately thought of the minkie blue bag. The in depth review and comparisons are so helpful
I have the Minkeeblue bag in the backpack style. Same features, but I can throw it on my back as I hustle through an airport. I also have an issue with the zipper on the outside. The fabric snags a bit. I hope that is something they are working on, because it’s an amazingly functional bag😊
I bought the Nomad bag after watching you review it and think it’s the best personal item I’ve ever used. I’ve had a million totes and they just don’t compare. My friends are always jealous when I travel with it. Thanks.
I love my Nomad Lane bag. I got it on recommendation from you. It has flown many miles as well as ridden many miles in a large truck. Thanks for the recommendation. I travel with two large lithium batteries, so the twin pockets make a great space for them to be in. When I get to security, I don't have to dig for them. I know exactly where they are. My Nomad usually weighs between 38-42 lbs fully packed out for my needs
Kat this video about the bags are very informational. You did a great job of explaining the difference between the two of them👍 I might consider getting one of them.
Great tips on both bags, very informative too and both look sleek, professional, perfect as a carry-on & underseat - Kinda leaning towards the Minkee Blue - Thanks Kat
