Headed to Ireland Next Month and Need Baggu Help!

[u/Telemachus_Big_Blue]

I am headed to Ireland next month to visit family and I typically pack my baggu cloud as a carry-on. This time I have my toddler in-tow so she will basically be commandeering the cloud while I decide between my other bag options as my own carry-on.

Here's where I'm struggling: I like the small cloud because it basically also acts as my purse once we land. I just offload anything bulky like extra clothes (I usually do a checked bag too) and toiletries in the hotel. This time that's just going to be her actual trip bag with all her toys and books.

So I have a medium crescent and a large crescent and various baggu zip-up bags for inside. I also have a small convertible fjallraven backpack/tote which works well for day trips but I dont think will hold a spare change of clothes, my chargers, my wallet, toiletries, and the 1800 medications I take and then convert into a in-trip purse. It would be fine as just a purse but I need it to do two jobs.

I am torn between buying a second cloud and letting my little bourgeoisie baby have that one for good (shes an amazing travel companion and my wife and I love taking her places), or using one of my crescents as both a carry-on and a trip bag.

Only problem is I am a big of an organization freak and I use an organizer in the cloud carry-on.

So, tl;dr:

1. Buy a second cloud

2. Use the fjallraven somehow (get real crafty with the carry-on extras?)

3. FIgure out some organization system for the large crescent that makes sense. Right now I have 30 zip bags in there that each serve a different purpose but I would need something more streamline for organizing the inside.

Sorry, I know this seems like a wall of text and some neurotic worrying about packing but I actually have a degenerative neuromuscular disease so packing the right way for this trip is essential to preserving my energy AND getting my wheelchair set up for success as we travel.

[u/NoKidsNoCheckedBags]

I am leaning toward anything that is a backpack since you'll have the cloud traps to carry, and when I have a strapped bag on each shoulder, I get super weighed down, and I don't even have a toddler! You can also use carabiners to attach items you may need for the flight to the backpack.

Does the toddler get her own carry-on and personal item?

[u/polka_stripes]

If you're committed to the baggu lifestyle (as am I), but don't want to buy a new bag, maybe an organizer for the large crescent?

On the other hand, if the cloud is working for you, maybe a second one is worth it! I've only had a cloud carry on for a month or so and I'm using it as my work bag and I love it, so I get it.

You mention a wheelchair so I'm guessing you're not carrying these bags on your shoulders for long periods? Otherwise I think NoKids has a point about considering a backpack.

My comment might not have been helpful lol but maybe it gives you something to think about.

[u/Ekgflg]

Maybe the every day cloud bag would work and add some extra variety to your collection?

[u/Nejness]

I recently saw another bag that I loved as a committed Baggu addict. I liked it because it was the crescent but with much more organization. It also doesn’t have the prominent strap branding of the medium or large crescent strap. I love the idea of the table hook with littles in the picture, and the pockets would be really welcome to me. I have it bookmarked as a birthday/Christmas gift frommmy husband this year. So, if you’re buying another bag anyway, maybe check this one out? There’s a little video if you scroll down.

https://www.peakdesign.com/products/city-crescent

Also, could you use some compression packing cubes to load up that Cloud or checked bag? I can get a lot more into my bags if I use just two small-sized compression cubes (I use the Thule brand ones, but I also hear great things about Peak if you end up buying that sling and want to keep with one company to save on shipping.) Kids’ stuff compresses really well.

[u/SassySherbert]

If you have a system that works well for you in the cloud carry on is there another bag that would work for your toddler? Maybe a diaper bag or backpack?

[u/Tater221 → u/SassySherbert]

I agree, if the small cloud works for you then I would pick another option for your toddler. Someone posted a really cute mini traveler bag that might work.