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Briggs & Riley Large Shopping Tote – Great Quality and Loads of Space


By Kara

In all honesty, I  just learned of Briggs & Riley Travelware earlier this year. The luggage company just wasn’t on my radar prior to my joining the social-media network Twitter (where the brand has a lively presence) and reading recent gear reviews from fellow travel writers. But I’m glad through word of mouth I’m now intimately acquainted with Briggs & Riley: its Large Shopping Tote ($139) accompanied me on a five-night trip to Belize last week and it served me quite well.

briggsrileytoteThe tote was my “personal carry on” through four flights (DEN-IAH-BZE round trip), as well as three domestic flights on 14-seat planes in Belize (where twice I stowed the bag in the plane’s luggage hold). One feature that worked well as I navigated my way through airports: the “slip through back pocket,” which allows you to slide the tote over the handle of nearly any pull-behind roller bag. I found this worked on my way to Belize, when my tote wasn’t too full. But on my way home, when it was packed with various papers, brochures and flyers I picked up on my travels, I had a hard time slipping the tote through my pull-behind handles. It was just too overstuffed! Instead, I wrapped the bag’s leather straps around my pull-behind luggage handle and balanced the tote on top.

Indeed, I was able to pack a lot into this tote, which measures 13 x 17 x 7.3 inches. Even though I typically like using a checkpoint-friendly bag for traveling with my computer, I forewent that type of carry-on this go around so I could properly test the tote. So in the bag I fit my laptop in a sleeve, a gajillion chargers, camera, water bottle, book, aforementioned work papers, three (!) toiletry bags, sweater, scarf and snacks. The bag comes with a snap-on, waterproof pocket which I left at home since I brought along so many other little bags for small items.

In hindsight, I likely should have brought along the extra zippered pocket, because I wished I had had more spots inside the roomy bag to stash all my stuff in specific places. There is one huge zippered pocket inside, which became a dumping ground for all the little things that didn’t have little bag of their own, and it was hard to find my pens, notebook and tins of mints in the deep space. I also stuck items in the two, inside, open-topped pouches. The bag comes with a water-bottle pouch, but it was too slim to fit my 12-oz bottle; I used the water-bottle pocket for my hard eyeglasses carrying case instead. I always knew where my glasses were!

One brilliant zippered pocket that did help me stay organized: the slim, exterior SpeedThru pocket that’s the perfect size for carrying a boarding pass, flight itinerary (folded twice) and passport. I kept important items here at all times, and could easily access them when checking in and going through airport security. The pocket is lined in bright orange nylon so you can tell at a glance whether it’s unzipped. An additional exterior pocket has a magnetic closure to help keep your paperback book or other papers from falling out.

The Large Shopping Tote is built to last, as it’s constructed with thick, durable ballistic nylon. The bag — like all Briggs & Riley products — comes with a lifetime guarantee. Even if your bag is broken or damaged by an airline, the company will fix it free of charge.

I’d recommend the tote as a holiday gift for the female traveler on your list. If she already owns Briggs & Riley Baseline Wheeled Luggage, purchase the coordinating tote in chocolate, black or olive. Feeling extra generous? Give matching luggage at once! All of the Baseline (and Transcend) style products over $249 are on sale through Christmas Eve. Save $50 on items between $249 and $349, and save $100 on items over $350.

Or, if you’re feeling lucky, enter my giveaway to win a Large Shopping Tote, courtesy of Briggs & Riley. Just leave a comment below telling me what you’d do with the tote — keep it or give it away. And if you want it for your very own (and I don’t blame you), tell me where you’d travel with it next! I’ll take entries through Thursday, November 26 at 11:59 p.m., pick one name randomly, and announce the winner, fittingly, on Black Friday – the busiest shopping day of the year – November 27. One entry per person; U.S. mailing address only. Good luck!

Need Luggage or a new Carryon? Up to 60% Off on Luggage, Handbags, Backpacks & More. Free Shipping at eBags.com

UPDATE: Congrats go out to commenter#80 Renee Richardson, “With 3 kids (4 counting hubby) I would use this as an everyday bag. Diapers, wipes, drinks, snacks, cellphone. My whole life. LOL!! This would be perfect.”

I’ll email you, Renee, for your mailing address. Happy holidays!

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009, 11:06 am by Kara and is filed under Travel Light.

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  1. #1 by Beth - November 17th, 2009 at 11:27

    I would love to try out this tote during the December holidays! We’re traveling back to TN from Colorado to visit family, and keeping my laptop safe is always a big concern!

  2. #2 by Katie - November 17th, 2009 at 11:40

    I love this bag–it looks like the perfect size to fit plenty of necessities, but not leave a gal looking like Quasimodo.
    If I won this bag, I would give it to my mother. She travels to see me (and on her own adventures with my dad) and desperately needs a swanky tote. The free gifts from the make-up counter are nice, but don’t cut it in the real world!

  3. #3 by Jody - November 17th, 2009 at 11:41

    We have a week long trip planned in December that will take us over the road through 4 states with stops in Dallas, Houston and somewhere in Missouri or Kansas (depending on our route home). I’m sure this tote would prove just as handy on a road trip as it did for flights.

  4. #4 by Elle - November 17th, 2009 at 12:27

    What a great bag! If I won it, I’d keep it all to myself, and use it every time we leave the house for any extended time with the kids. I always have tons to take with me–things they’ll need or want while we’re out. Seems like I could fit it all in that one bag!

  5. #5 by kathy dunaway - November 17th, 2009 at 19:56

    If I won the tote,I would keep it and use it when we go to Fla. later this year.
    Thanks for the giveaway:)

  6. #6 by Fazal Majid - November 17th, 2009 at 20:07

    Heh, my wife left for London yesterday using a similar Hlaska tote as her “personal item” instead of wasting that allowance on a puny purse.

    I standardized on Briggs & Riley several years ago. Their bags are practical, very well made if slightly dowdy, and the warranty just can’t be beat. It’s surprising companies like Tumi or Hartmann can charge the premiums they do and get away with measly limited warranties.

    I’ve had to use it, and can attest the service was prompt and the bag was as good as new.

  7. #7 by Julia Smith - November 17th, 2009 at 21:17

    I could really use a large tote for all the stuff I carry everyday

  8. #8 by Vickie Riddle - November 17th, 2009 at 23:19

    Their lifetime performance guarantee covers ordinary wear and tear, airline damage and is good on every bag they make. That is what I call a guarantee on a product! And, I would keep it for myself. :)

  9. #9 by oona b - November 18th, 2009 at 00:54

    I would give this tote to my mother in law for all her trips to England, she’d love how useful it is!
    Thanks! foxsquirrelrabbit at gmail dot com

  10. #10 by Jody Tews - November 18th, 2009 at 05:23

    Keep for myself. Travel quite a bit and this looks perfect to keep all my things in.

  11. #11 by Tari Lawson - November 18th, 2009 at 05:51

    I would definately keep it for myself. It would be perfect to take with me to Florida when I go.

  12. #12 by Holly - November 18th, 2009 at 09:34

    I would love this for myself! I am traveling to Mexico this season and have always taken a backpack with my rolling suitcase, but this tote looks great and I would rather slip in over the handle and have easier acess to it.

  13. #13 by Sharon B - November 18th, 2009 at 11:15

    I don’t have a decent size/ utility tote, and realized it the last time I traveled. You’ve made this one sound great!

  14. #14 by Sandra k321 - November 18th, 2009 at 13:23

    I would give this to my sister-in-law. She loves to go on cruises and this would be perfect for her to take on the land excursions.

  15. #15 by Angela J - November 18th, 2009 at 15:06

    This is a “keeper” I need a roomy bag.

  16. #16 by Linda Lansford - November 18th, 2009 at 15:08

    I would keep it. I am a tote type person

  17. #17 by Carol Mathesen - November 18th, 2009 at 16:42

    I would give this as a gift to my daughter. She travels a lot and I know would appreciate a tote with style and function.

  18. #18 by Monique Rizzo - November 18th, 2009 at 17:21

    I would give this to my sis who is going to Paris and Rome next month! Thanks for the chance.
    mogrill@comcast.net

  19. #19 by Kimberly R - November 19th, 2009 at 14:15

    I would keep it for myself. It would make getting back and forth between school and work much easier.

  20. #20 by Martha - November 19th, 2009 at 17:23

    I would use this like a purse everyday and when traveling definitely use the back piggy-back to attach to my Briggs-Riley 22″ baseline pull handle, which I love.

  21. #21 by Joseph - November 19th, 2009 at 18:19

    I would be giving it away to my sister-in-law during the upcoming holiday. I noticed her other bag she carrys around is looking a little worn. I know she would appreciate a new tote to carry around all her personal things to work and or shopping.

  22. #22 by BRANDI - November 19th, 2009 at 23:12

    this is cute and roomy

  23. #23 by Susan C - November 20th, 2009 at 10:34

    I would keep this wonderful bag. The only thing I have for travel is an ugly duffle bag.
    smchester at gmail dot com

  24. #24 by M.A. - November 20th, 2009 at 12:13

    Know a young lady who will be doing much more traveling in the next few years than I ever can. Would be honored to present this to her!

  25. #25 by Jill - November 20th, 2009 at 16:23

    My Briggs & Riley suitcase has lasted many years. I’d love to use this bag on my trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. I’ll bet it can hold a good amount of beads and perhaps a coconut or two!

  26. #26 by Kathy Scott - November 20th, 2009 at 16:38

    I would use this for work.

  27. #27 by randi - November 21st, 2009 at 06:49

    This is perfect, diaper bag, purse, shopping bag all rolled into one!

  28. #28 by susan varney - November 21st, 2009 at 07:22

    my daughter in law would love this mverno@roadrunner.com

  29. #29 by Mellissa C - November 21st, 2009 at 10:48

    I would give this to me. I could use this o get torganized.

  30. #30 by Shirley Hodge - November 21st, 2009 at 11:14

    I will be leaving for my annual family visit to Scotland right after Christmas and this would be perfect for my notebook computer which I never go without and would never put it in baggage. One time we were on the taxi way to the gatr after just landing at Newark and right there in the middle of the taxi-way sat a lone suitcase. I ofter wonder if the owner ever got it back.

  31. #31 by cherice - November 21st, 2009 at 12:39

    I would love to give it to my mom who is traveling out here from LA in January to help out with our little one on the way! Thanks for the chance.

  32. #32 by Gina - November 21st, 2009 at 13:32

    I would give it to my mom who always has trouble finding things in her purses and carries a lot of stuff due to being a teacher.

  33. #33 by Judy - November 21st, 2009 at 13:42

    This bag is just the right size to carry all my things.

  34. #34 by Beverly - November 21st, 2009 at 14:48

    Living in a rural mountainous area, every time I leave the house is like going on a trip, this is perfect for carrying all the items needed to go shopping run errands and of course traveling on those long weekends too. It is so important to have good sturdy carrying bags whereever one goes.

  35. #35 by Annette D - November 21st, 2009 at 15:08

    I love it! I would love to have it myself and I am planning a trip to North Carolina to visit my sister, so it would be absolutely perfect to take on the trip!
    Thanks for the chance.

  36. #36 by Sharon A - November 21st, 2009 at 15:31

    I would give this to my girlfriend who keeps her entire life in a beat up tote.

  37. #37 by sal williams - November 21st, 2009 at 17:01

    I cannot live without a jumbo tote and mine is already 2 years old and pretty worn out so I would want to keep it for myself. This is a really beautiful giveaway, Thanks.

  38. #38 by sal williams - November 21st, 2009 at 17:07

    Oops, I forgot to say where I’d go with my new tote. I live 130 miles from the nearest city and a 70 mile roundtrip from our little town, so anytime I go anywhere, I have to load up a Tote bag with everything I need(Jacket, extra shopping bags, reading matter, food etc.)

  39. #39 by Julie L - November 21st, 2009 at 17:22

    I would keep it for myself :) I am going home for the holidays so I would take it with me then-I live 400 miles one way from there

  40. #40 by Ellen Ring - November 21st, 2009 at 18:48

    This would make the perfect gift for my sister. She does quite a bit of flying & needs this.

  41. #41 by Teresa - November 21st, 2009 at 18:56

    I would use it for shopping this Holiday season

    :) Thank you for the wonderful giveaway! :)

  42. #42 by Marie Rowley - November 21st, 2009 at 20:13

    I would give the tote to my sister in law, she is always traveling to visiting family and it would be a great gift for her.

  43. #43 by Samantha - November 21st, 2009 at 21:51

    If I were to win, I’d keep it and use it when I travel to visit my siblings! Thank you for this opportunity!

  44. #44 by JJ - November 21st, 2009 at 22:08

    I’d keep the tote. As a working wife and mom of three, I always like to keep big carry alls handy for storing all of the kids stuff. I’d travel with it to visit the kids’ grandparents in Trinidad, West Indies.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

  45. #45 by jen - November 22nd, 2009 at 00:24

    I’d keep this tote to bring my recyclables to the recycling center!

  46. #46 by angie - November 22nd, 2009 at 01:39

    This would be great for when I travel.

  47. #47 by Lori - November 22nd, 2009 at 05:50

    As much as I would like to say I would be a generous person and give it away, I would definitely keep it for myself (although I would certainly lend it to my mom as well who travels more than I do!). I would use it mainly for day to day comings and going with 3 kids!

  48. #48 by Aisling - November 22nd, 2009 at 06:33

    My granddaughter is in college and beginning to do quite a bit of travel (and carrying her laptop at all times). Her choir is going on tour, she just returned from an overseas trip and will be heading for Greece in a few months. This would be a great bag to give to her.

  49. #49 by Sharon Rooney - November 22nd, 2009 at 07:49

    What a beautiful travel tote.
    I would keep it for myself. I will be traveling to New Orleans in January and it would be the ideal carry on.

  50. #50 by Kim - November 22nd, 2009 at 09:49

    i’d give it to my mom for her birthday

  51. #51 by alicia wallace - November 22nd, 2009 at 10:05

    I would keep it for myself, definitely. I am going to the Superbowl in February, and it would be great for that trip.

  52. #52 by Denise B. - November 22nd, 2009 at 12:21

    I would keep it to use in our travels.

  53. #53 by Deborah Anderson - November 22nd, 2009 at 12:22

    I’d keep it!! Does that make me selfish?? :) Actually, I have very few travel plans right now, but I know it would definitely come in handy when I do travel. But what I really want it for is for my job. I’m a computer tech person and I have to carry so many things around with me in order to always have the right “tool”, including my laptop. This would be perfect for that, and stylish too!! What more could I ask for? Great giveaway, thanks for the opportunity to win!

  54. #54 by mindy - November 22nd, 2009 at 12:23

    keep it i always find myself in need and try to have several around thanks

  55. #55 by paige chandler - November 22nd, 2009 at 14:10

    I’d take this tote to work every day – it would not leave my side,

  56. #56 by Bill - November 22nd, 2009 at 15:34

    My wife told me about this bag and that she would love it for Christmas. We will be going to Mexico for Christmas this year and I would love the chance to win it for her.
    thanks

  57. #57 by Shilo Beedy - November 22nd, 2009 at 15:45

    I would keep it for my next Disney World trip! I love the looks of the bag.

  58. #58 by Gayle Morgan - November 22nd, 2009 at 18:18

    I would keep it and use it for shopping, to take to work, as a computer bag and just because.

  59. #59 by Elizabeth N. - November 22nd, 2009 at 20:04

    I would be selfish with this one and keep it for myself! I would use it daily – for work and regular life and definitely when I travel too! I usually take 5-6 trips per year, so it would get its use!

  60. #60 by Nanci K - November 22nd, 2009 at 21:37

    I would keep the bag. I have a bag issue. The more the merrier.

  61. #61 by jenn selke - November 23rd, 2009 at 11:18

    I would definitely keep this bag! My next trip is to Denver for the American Camp Association Conference.

  62. #62 by Jean F - November 23rd, 2009 at 11:48

    I would keep it for myself. My next planned trip is in April to Virginia, and then in July to the Poconos, and then in August to Maine.

  63. #63 by Melissa D - November 23rd, 2009 at 12:12

    I would share it with my mom for our upcoming shopping trip to New York City! There’s room for all of our stuff! Thanks.

  64. #64 by Erin M - November 23rd, 2009 at 14:04

    I’d keep it and use it as my every day bag- 5 kids means a purse is never big enough!

  65. #65 by Kay Fischler - November 23rd, 2009 at 18:54

    Definately keep it!

  66. #66 by Marjorie Whitney - November 24th, 2009 at 00:08

    I’d like this for my next trip to Boston.

  67. #67 by Andrea Contreras - November 24th, 2009 at 01:51

    I want it for myself and will travel to work with it. I’m an interior designer and will fill that beautiful bag with samples in no time!

  68. #68 by Jackie W - November 24th, 2009 at 03:29

    I’ve been looking for a bag exactly like this for a while now, and I am glad to finally find one!! I would be very grateful to win.

  69. #69 by Angela G - November 24th, 2009 at 14:11

    I would LOVE to travel with it to England but since that it very expensive with three kids, I will probably travel with it to the WA coast this summer. What a great bag!

  70. #70 by roseh2o19 - November 24th, 2009 at 14:54

    i’d take it to vegas, baby

  71. #71 by Karen - November 24th, 2009 at 15:28

    I would keep it and take EVERYWHARE I go! It looks so handy!

  72. #72 by Diane Baum - November 24th, 2009 at 18:47

    Looks great for airplane travel

  73. #73 by Angela Winesburg - November 24th, 2009 at 22:17

    I would keep it, I never have enough room in my current bag, thanks!

  74. #74 by Martha Payne - November 25th, 2009 at 03:32

    I would love to own this tote for myself, and it would travel everywhere with me. The first stop would be the library. Thanks for the contest! codisweepstakes2 (at) gmail.com

  75. #75 by Erma - November 25th, 2009 at 07:43

    I’d keep and use it for groceries.

  76. #76 by John Rasmussen - November 25th, 2009 at 10:46

    this would be great for family get togethers during the holidays.

  77. #77 by Pamela S - November 25th, 2009 at 10:51

    I have a teenager traveling to Europe next summer on a school trip and this would be perfect!! Thanks so much.

  78. #78 by Melissa H. - November 25th, 2009 at 13:58

    I would give this tote to my mother as a gift. She travels on the weekends occasionally & could really use this.

  79. #79 by Kimberly - November 25th, 2009 at 14:20

    I would give this to my mom because she no longer drives and I think this would be perfect for on the bus- sturdy, large, and not too flashy.

  80. #80 by Renee Richardson - November 25th, 2009 at 14:33

    With 3 kids (4 counting hubby) I would use this as an everyday bag. Diapers, wipes, drinks, snacks, cellphone. My whole life. LOL!! This would be perfect. Thanks for the great contest :)

  81. #81 by Lance Pearson - November 25th, 2009 at 15:36

    dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
    i would keep it for myself and go to hampton beach in new hampshire

  82. #82 by Rebecca - November 25th, 2009 at 16:39

    I would use it this holiday season for shopping!

  83. #83 by Susan Ledet - November 25th, 2009 at 17:38

    I would keep this great tote for myself. I could use it when travelling, shopping or for trips to the beach or park.

  84. #84 by Sheila Hickmon - November 25th, 2009 at 17:50

    I would keep it and use it this summer! We are on the go all summer long, and this would be great to keep everything we need in! Thanks!

  85. #85 by Audrey Morgan :) - November 25th, 2009 at 19:20

    I would use this bag for those long trips to the lake during the summer, or for shopping during the holidays. Thankyou! :)

  86. #86 by autie - November 25th, 2009 at 20:08

    I’d keep it for my shopping trips

  87. #87 by Joanne Schultz - November 25th, 2009 at 20:40

    I’d definitely keep it – it looks wonderful! It would be much better than toting plastic bags full of stuff when I visit people :-)

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  88. #88 by Pamela - November 25th, 2009 at 20:48

    This would be a great weekend bag for me.

  89. #89 by Vicki Andrew - November 25th, 2009 at 22:12

    I would keep this for myself, great for packing for weekend getaways

  90. #90 by Sheila B - November 25th, 2009 at 22:48

    I would give it to me daughter even though I love it because she travels more than I do. I would begreat in airports for her laptop and a small purse tucked inside.

  91. #91 by Paula H - November 25th, 2009 at 23:57

    I would keep it and use it as a diaper bag. It’s so stylish. i would use it when shopping, going to my parents, going to the zoo or on other outings with my son.

  92. #92 by Amanda - November 26th, 2009 at 03:04

    I would give it to my sister, she could put it to good use.

    Thank you!

  93. #93 by Jennifer gersch - November 26th, 2009 at 04:14

    I would keep it and take it to work with me

  94. #94 by Susan - November 26th, 2009 at 04:51

    I think I’d like to keep the Briggs & Riley Tote. It would be perfect to use everyday. I go over to my daughters house to watch the grandkids while their Mom & Dad work. Since I have to have my laptop plus all the other goodies a grandma needs to carry this tote would be perfect. The grandkids would be glad to see me carry someting stylish!!

  95. #95 by Carol Lawrence - November 26th, 2009 at 07:07

    What a great bag! If I won it, I’d keep it all to myself, and use it every time we go visit my daughter.

  96. #96 by mineola - November 26th, 2009 at 07:43

    Keeping it & taking it on a one way trip to Aruba. Kidding. It’s a round trip, sadly. But happily. You know what I mean! :D

  97. #97 by Dddiva - November 26th, 2009 at 08:17

    I’d want to keep it but I’d end up sharing with the little divas. Where would it take us? Wherever we were lucky enough to be going next. Hopefully to a beach… or on my dream trip to Italy.
    The little mini me would probably “need” it when she moves to Cali in a few months and that would be the last we’d see of it until she came for a visit. ;)

  98. #98 by R Hicks - November 26th, 2009 at 09:26

    I would give this to my wife when we travel to Florida this winter

  99. #99 by Meliha - November 26th, 2009 at 11:03

    I’d keep it for myself and would use it for our cruise that’s leaving from Puerto Rico!! :)

  100. #100 by S. Carter - November 26th, 2009 at 11:30

    I would keep it for myself and use it for my trip to Vegas

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