I’ve used another manufacturer’s bag as my personal item on flights for a number of years, starting back when I carried a laptop and paperwork. That waxed-canvas bag had room for those plus cables, chargers, a camera, along with snacks and a few odds and ends. But it was really designed for a laptop and perhaps a tablet, and some files, divided between two skinny sections running the length of the bag.
Enter the Tom Bihn Night Flight. I splurged on a whim, and have ended up very glad that I did!
When I first saw the bag, I thought it was smaller than it looked in the photos. And I assumed it wouldn’t carry as much as I hoped. It has matching sections on each end, with a center are accessed fron the top.
There’s no room for a laptop, but the center area is just big enough to fit an 11” iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard case, along with snacks, a book, and a sweater for the flight. I have my camera, cables, and charger in one end, with stuff for the flight on the other end.
The only flight irritation is that the shoulder strap can sometimes get in the way when accessing the main central section, but that’s minor.
The bag is well made, materials look good, the zippers are sturdy, and it’s not heavy.
I’m a happy camper!