Nomad Lane Bento Bag vs. Away Everywhere Bag: Which Should You Buy?

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When it comes to personal item bags, I’ve tested a lot — but there are two that I keep reaching for over and over again: the Away Everywhere Bag and the Nomad Lane Bento Bag.

Every time I travel with one of them, people ask me: “Which do you like better?”

And the truth is… I use and love both. But for totally different reasons.

So in this post, I’ll break down the key differences, what makes each bag stand out, and what type of traveler each one is best suited for. 

By the end, you’ll know exactly which one is right for you.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This post is not sponsored and I only share information about things I know, love and use!

Key Takeaways

• Away Everywhere Bag: Sleek, minimalist, slightly smaller, and flexible — great as a catch-all travel bag that also doubles as an everyday work, gym, or commuter bag.
  
• Nomad Lane Bento Bag: Structured, hyper-organized, and holds more — perfect if you love compartments, travel often, or want a mini suitcase disguised as a personal item.
  
• Airline Fit: Both bags fit under the seat, even if they don’t always pass official sizer bins. Enforcement is loose, especially on major airlines.
  
• Price & Value: Away is $195 (style + function at a lower price point), Bento is $298 (an investment for travelers who want every feature and maximum organization).

At a Glance: Away Everywhere Bag vs. Nomad Lane Bento Bag

Quick Overview of Each Bag

Away Everywhere Bag

• Dimensions: 16.3″ x 10.2″ x 7.3″ (41.4 cm x 25.9 cm x 18.5 cm)
  
• Style: Minimalist tote/duffel hybrid
  
• Best Features:
  
  • Full wraparound zipper that opens super wide — no more digging in a black hole
    
  • Light grey interior makes it easy to see your stuff
    
  • Padded 16” laptop compartment on the back (separate from main space)
    
  • Slim front pocket for passport, wallet, or phone (almost hidden for extra security)
    
• Look & Feel: Sleek, minimalist, water-resistant nylon. Soft and unstructured, which means it sags when empty — but that actually helps when squeezing into an airline sizer.

Get all the details about the Away Everywhere Bag here

Nomad Lane Bento Bag

• Dimensions: 17” W x 10” D x 8” H (43 cm x 25 cm x 20 cm)
  
• Style: More of a mini suitcase disguised as a personal item
  
• Best Features:
  
  • Opens clamshell-style with two main compartments
    
  • One side: spacious enough for a couple of outfits + laptop + tablet
    
  • Other side: built-in pockets + matching pouches for toiletries and tech
    
  • Quick access at airport security — no more rummaging like a raccoon
    
  • Large front pocket + trolley sleeve (that doubles as storage when zipped)
    
  • Bright orange interior so you can actually find your stuff
    
• Look & Feel: Structured and holds its shape even when empty. Basically, if the Away bag is your chic minimalist friend, the Bento is your type-A friend who color codes their spice rack.
  

Get all the details about the Nomad Lane Bento Bag here

Under the Seat & In-Flight Use

Both fit under the seat with room to spare.

• Bento Bag: Perfect if you want quick access to lots of smaller items mid-flight. Pockets and pouches keep everything in place.
  
• Everywhere Bag: Fewer compartments, but that giant opening means you can see everything at once. Great if you’re more of a “dump it in and deal with it later” traveler.

Airline Sizer Test

Here’s the truth: personal item enforcement is loose.

• Both bags fit under the seat even if they don’t always fit the official sizer.
  
• Example: the Bento doesn’t fit in WestJet or Air Canada’s personal item sizer — but still slides under the seat.
  
• The only time you’ll really get flagged? On ultra low-cost carriers or if you buy the cheapest fare that only allows one personal item.

Pro tip: Bags are like clothes — darker colors are slimming. A stuffed black bag barely gets noticed, while a lighter color looks like it’s fighting for its life.

Pairing With Carry-Ons

Both bags shine when paired with a roller carry-on.

• They sit nicely on top of your suitcase as you walk through the airport.
  
• Fully packed, they’re heavy on the shoulder — so unless you love pain, let the suitcase wheels do the work.

Price & Value

• Nomad Lane Bento Bag: $298
  
• Away Everywhere Bag: $195

Yes, they’re an investment. But they’re designed to make travel easier — from breezing through security to finding your stuff mid-flight.

• The Away is the sleek, functional option at a lower price point.
  
• The Bento is the “pay more and get every feature you didn’t know you needed” option.

I do love that the Bento Bag comes with the toiletry pouch and tech organizer, so there’s definitely extra value there.

In my honest opinion after using each of these bags several times, once you’ve used a high-quality personal item bag, it’s really hard to go back to a random tote or a cheap Amazon find.

Who Each Bag is Best For

Away Everywhere Bag

• Slightly smaller → fits more international airline dimensions
  
• Flexible, unstructured design squeezes into tight sizers
  
• Perfect as a catch-all: souvenirs, jackets, layers, random travel extras
  
• Stylish enough to use for work, commuting, or even the gym

👉 Best if you want one bag that works for both travel and everyday life.

Nomad Lane Bento Bag

• The ultimate hyper-organizer (or the bag that will make you one)
  
• Holds more: extra outfits, shoes, and essentials
  
• Great for frequent hotel changes — keeps everything in one place without unpacking
  
• A lifesaver if you fly often — quick access to liquids, electronics, and documents
  
• Structured enough that nothing spills out when half-unzipped

👉 Basically: if chaos stresses you out, this bag is your emotional support personal item.

Final Thoughts

Both of these bags are fantastic — it really comes down to how you travel and how you pack.

• Want flexibility and everyday style? → Go for the Away Everywhere Bag.
  
• Want organization and calm every time you unzip? → The Nomad Lane Bento Bag will change your life.

Personally? I’ll keep using both, depending on the trip.

But if I had to sum it up in one sentence:

The Everywhere Bag is $100 cheaper and fits more airline dimensions, but the Bento Bag has a pocket for literally everything, holds more and is just…aesthetically better looking (the color options are the best).

👉 If either of these feels like your perfect travel companion, here are the links to purchase: 

Nomad Lane Bento Bag

Away Everywhere Bag

Alternative Options

I found a few bags that are similar at a lower price, and some backpacks if you prefer that style: 

Bagsmart Travel Backpack – under $30 and opens like suitcase!

Bowen 30L Travel Duffle

Bagsmart Weekender 

BEIS Expandable Backpack – this is the bag I’m bringing on my trip to Japan

Luka Mini Duffel

Best Alternative to the Bento Bag

The Knack Backpack appears to be the closest thing to the Bento Bag.

It’s got the same clamshell style opening and packability, but can be worn as a backpack!

They have different sizes too, so if you’re looking for a smaller personal item bag (especially in the depth measurement), the small size measures:

• Unexpanded: 17″ x 12.5″ x 5″