Originally Posted by
swampwiz
The way I had been rolling was to have my official carry-on be my computer backpack, and have another bag that could be carry-on if it needs to be, but I have been just checking it (I could fit the backpack in that other bag if I needed to take a bigger bag as check-in, such as for skis). Anyway, I only carry a few days worth of stuff in it, to get me through the time of putting my stuff into storage at my "home away from home" and my real home - but as my "home away from home" can be icy, I have to carry snow shoes (actually just trail shoes with a really good tread) and cold-weather stuff like a ushanka. I also carry a "purse" (i.e., a bag for my 10" pad)
Anyway, it seems to always be a very tight fit, and I was thinking about getting some type of a sling bag that I could wear in front, even while flying. I don't think I need a whole lot of extra volume - about 400 cubic inches would be fine. The important spec is that I can wear it around my front while I wear my backpack on the back. And of course, it has to be something that the gate staff don't call a "bag".
EDIT: It looks like this will do nicely:
https://www.amazon.com/G4Free-Sling-.../dp/B072MGSJTZ
Is there anyway this sling could fit around your waist and be carried like a.fanny pack? I've seen people wearing fanny packs and also having a carry-on and personal item. I actually do that and none of the gate personnel have ever said a word. I do wear a thin jacket unzipped, so it appears like an external money belt and I wear it the entire flight. Been doing this since my first international trip years ago. If you're really concerned, just wear it on your back and wear a very thin windbreaker to hide it. Or buy a scottevest (which I love) and put the sling with its contents in the large flexible tablet pocket. But, I've never had an issue with a fanny pack, or something resembling a fanny pack.