Traveling can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to packing. One of the essential aspects of travel preparation is choosing the perfect carry-on luggage. Not only does it need to fit all your chic outfits and accessories, but it must also comply with airline regulations to ensure a hassle-free journey. With this in mind, we’ve designed several bags that both meet airline size requirements and look great in your travel photos.
Bags for Carry On Luggage
Our founder and designer, Heather Harris, is an avid traveler — constantly going on adventures around the world. When she travels, she needs a carry on bag that can keep everything important close by while being both durable and stylish.
1. The Travel Tote
Our top pick for carry on luggage is The Travel Tote. We developed this design in 2024 with your adventures in mind. It’s spacious and comes in several colors that make it stand out from all the black and gray bags.
What makes it perfect for a carry-on?
We’ve added a leather strap on the back to slide over your suitcase handle.
Travel Tote Bag Details
- 14" bottom length, 22" top length x 14"H x 7.5"w, 10" shoulder drop
- Crafted an all-natural full-grain, pebbled leather
- Vachetta Leather shoulder straps
- Exterior Vachetta Leather suitcase strap
- Top zip closure
- Kopal hand blocked cotton floral lining
Shop the Rose Leather Travel Tote
Shop the Camel Leather Travel Tote
Shop the Hunter Green Leather Travel Tote
2. The Adventure Tote
We designed The Adventure Tote to keep you organized while on the go. Most people find it’s easy to add smaller ditty pouches and cosmetic bags inside. It’s one of our unisex designs — made with both men and women in mind.
What makes it perfect for a carry-on?
The top zip closure keeps your tote closed while the interior hanging pocket makes it easy to grab your passport or wallet.
Adventure Tote Bag Details
- 16” L x 16” H x 7” W x Top Length 21"
- 7 ” handle drop
- Crafted with treated waxed canvas
- Leather base and English Bridle leather and shoulder straps
- Interior hanging pocket and key clip
- Top zip closure
- Red interior fabric lining
Shop the Camo Waxed Canvas Adventure Tote
Shop the Graphite Camo Waxed Canvas Adventure Tote
Shop the Olive Waxed Canvas Adventure Tote
Shop the Field Tan Waxed Canvas Adventure Tote
3. The Weekend Bag
Although you can’t fill it to the brim and make it past every airline, The Weekend Bag is flexible enough to fit within many carry-on luggage requirements. It’s a large tote with tons of interior space, a hanging pocket for smaller items, and a top zip closure.
What makes it perfect for a carry-on?
The flexible wax canvas material is easy to shape and fill according to your packing needs.
The Weekend Bag Details
- 26” L x 15” H x 8” W
- 11 ” handle drop
- Treated waxed canvas
- English Bridle leather base and shoulder straps
- Interior hanging pocket and key clip
- Top zip closure
- Lined with the acclaimed Liberty of London™ fabric
Shop the Pink Waxed Canvas Weekend Bag
Shop the Camo Waxed Canvas Weekend Bag
Shop the Olive Waxed Canvas Weekend Bag
4. The Original Backpack
This adaptable backpack comes with adjustable and removable backpack straps as well as hand-tote top straps. You can wear it on your back or under your arm like a tote. We designed it for everyday use like carrying a laptop — which means your bag has a life beyond vacation.
What makes it perfect for a carry-on?
It’s roomy enough to hold a change of clothes, toiletries, and your devices while also fitting easily on your back.
The Original Backpack Details
- 12”L x 14”H x 5”W x Top Length 15.5"
- 4.5 ” handle drop
- Removable and adjustable leather backpack straps and top handles
- Interior hanging pocket and key clip
- Solid brass hardware
- Lined with the acclaimed Liberty of London™ fabric
Shop the Black Waxed Canvas Original Backpack
Shop the Birch Mocha Leather Original Backpack
Shop the Birch White Leather Original Backpack
5. The Fanny Bag
If you’re a true light traveler, you might find The Fanny Bag is all you need after you check your suitcase. The compact yet spacious belt bag design keeps all your travel essentials within easy reach. You can wear it around your waist or as a crossbody. The adjustable strap (available in S/M and M/L) ensures a comfortable and secure fit.
What makes it perfect for a carry-on?
It fits snugly against your body — making it secure storage for your passport, wallet, keys, and phone.
The Fanny Bag Details
- 13" W x 8" H
- Crafted with Harness Black* Italian leather
- Black English Bridle* leather strap is adjustable and detachable
- S/M 19”-33”
- M/L 36”-48”
- Exterior back phone pocket
- Natural raw leather interior
- Solid brass hardware & metal zipper
Shop the Rose Leather Fanny Bag
Shop the Camel Leather Fanny Bag
Shop the Mocha Tuscan Leather Fanny Bag
Shop the Harness Black Leather Fanny Bag
Understanding TSA and Airline Size Requirements
When selecting carry-on luggage, it's crucial to understand the size restrictions set by airlines and the TSA (Transportation Security Administration). Most U.S. airlines allow a carry-on bag up to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches deep — including wheels and handles.
Quick Links to Major Airline Guidelines
However, these dimensions can vary slightly between airlines, so always check your airline's specific requirements before traveling.
Pro Tip: After you’re done packing, use a tape measure to ensure your bag fits within these dimensions, and remember to account for any expansion features that might increase the size.
All of the bags above fit within these parameters (the Weekend Bag is slightly larger but flexible enough to fit and fold into the restricted size). So, you can carry any of these bags with you on a plane!
Find Your Perfect Carry On Luggage
The perfect carry-on luggage balances airline size compliance with enough room to carry all your Instagrammable outfits. It also helps if it looks great by your side in your travel photos. That’s why we’ve designed these easy-to-organize, durable, and eye-catching bags for your next journey. We can’t wait to see where you go!
Shop The Travel Collection
See all the bags in our Travel Collection by Meanwhile Back on the Farm – a perfectly curated selection of handcrafted bags designed for your journeys near and far. Thoughtfully made with premium leather and waxed canvas, each piece combines function with style, ensuring you travel light, organized, and effortlessly chic. Shop the entire collection HERE.
About Meanwhile Back on the Farm
Our vision is to share our passion for all things “home grown” with you. Heather and Bobby Harris launched Meanwhile Back On The Farm from a desire to create handmade products together that represent their wholesome lifestyle. All of our bags are proudly made in Lynchburg, Virginia using the finest materials in the world!
