There’s something satisfying about finding the perfect travel bag—the one that fits everything you need, keeps you organized, and doesn’t slow you down. For years, I relied on my trusted Travelpro Rollaboard and Pacsafe backpack, but with more short trips on the horizon, I needed something different. Enter the Nomad Lane Bento Bag.
In 2021, Nomad Lane kindly sent us a Bento Bag to review. We don’t do sponsored posts, but we’re always open to trying new travel gear—as long as the company understands we’ll share our honest opinions. My wife took the bag on two trips, and while she liked it, it wasn’t the best fit for her travel style. So, she passed it on to me, and I figured I’d give it a shot.
First Impressions of the Bento Bag
Fast forward to 2025, and the Bento Bag has unexpectedly become my go-to carry-on for quick weekend getaways. I have an earlier version of the bag, as now they are up to v4 with some improvements. Designed to be compact and packed with organizational features, this bag measures 17x8x10 inches—small enough to fit under most airline seats.
I first used it as an addition to my Travelpro, carrying essentials like my laptop, headphones, travel pillow, and toiletries. It easily fits under the seat on multiple aircraft, including an American Airlines A321.
a United E170,
And a United 737 MAX8.
Putting the Bento Bag to the Test
But could it work as my only bag for a short trip? I decided to put it to the test on two weekend trips to New York. On our first trip, flying on a JetBlue E190 to Newark, the bag fit perfectly under my seat.
Coming home on a United 757-200—an airline notorious for tight under-seat space—I was pleasantly surprised to see it slide right in.
For the next trip, I needed to pack more, including a dressier outfit for a benefit concert.
It was a tight fit, but I managed to squeeze everything in.
Once I removed my Bose headphones and travel pillow, the bag fit under the seat of a JetBlue A320/
On the return flight, a Delta A321, it was the tightest squeeze of any airline due to the IFE system and support bars under the seats—but it still worked.
Final Thoughts on the Bento Bag
When we first tested the Nomad Lane Bento Bag in 2021, it wasn’t the right fit for our travel needs. But now, in 2025, I see its value in a new light. Packaging efficiently while avoiding the risk of gate-checking a bag makes it a must-have for short trips.
While I’ll still use my Travelpro Rollaboard and Pacsafe backpack when needed, it’s great to have a reliable, compact bag that can easily handle a weekend away.
Have any thoughts on the Nomad Lane Bento Bag? Drop a comment!
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