chrysalis

Hello! I'm a few weeks away from my Western Europe trip and have been looking for day bag suggestions.

Found some online and I really love the look of this - http://www.asos.com/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2882155

I also have a Longchamp Planetes tote that's really hardy.

Comments/suggestions please? Thanks!

sparkchaser

Looks ok to me. Good price too.

annhig

Hi chrysalis,

yes it looks pretty but will it do the job?

I looked high and low for just the right bag for travelling - it had to be light, have lots of inside compartments, a very secure closure, and MOST important, somewhere on the outside for things I might need frequently, so that i wouldn't have to keep opening the bag all the time.

what do I need most frequently when travelling? [or at least when I'm at the airport] - my passport. so it had to have a pocket big enough for my passport, but also secure, and eventually i found just what I needed in a local shop. When we've finished with out flights, the passport goes inside the bag, and things like tickets go in the outside pocket.

your needs may be different but make sure your bag meets them.

mamcalice

It looks quite large. When filled it might be pretty heavy. I find that pockets (jeans or pants) and a small day bag work better. I wouldn't want to lug a bag of that size around all day. You really don't have to carry a lot with you.

sparkchaser

That bag looks big enough to carry a DSLR, an extra lens or two, an ereader/tablet, plus a few odds and ends.

Truffles

I just bought this for my trip (I leave tomorrow YAY!!) It's light, has zippers, and will fit my iPad. The gorilla had to go though...

http://www.kipling-usa.com/product/i...entPage=family

chrysalis

Thanks all! I'm planning to bring a waterbottle, random maps/guides, handphone/purse and some snacks in the bags that's all My pockets are pretty shallow/non-existent as I favor skinnies/shorts/dresses. I'll prefer a roomier bag so that I can also put whatever I bought along the way into the bag (e.g. small souvenirs/gifts)

sf7307

That bag looks great -- it's too big for me to lug around all day, but I like the fact that you can wear it cross-body.

ahiddenbird

Your travel style sounds similar to mine! Personally,for travel, I favor a leather tote/cross body bag that I have. It's simple, has a zip closure on top and a wide strap so it doesn't dig into my shoulders. It has the option of being worn either as a cross body bag a shoulder bag. I also use it as my 'personal item' on the plane, to stash my book/snacks etc.

I don't need a lot of pockets for a day bag personally because I don't bring much more along with me than what you've listed. The only other thing I tend to have in my day bag would be wet wipes (they REALLY come in handy) and a light cardigan or my scarf, in case it gets cool or I'm in a situation where I need to cover up. So while I don't need pockets, it helps that my bag is on the bigger side. Plus, you're right, its nice to have space to put purchases!

Jean

How do those straps close? Magnets? Snaps? Without a zipper running across the top of the bag under the flap, it looks easy to reach into. And I don't mean just by you! Also, being cotton canvas, I'd be curious as to the bag's weight.

I've used the bag Truffles bought, but after one trip I bought another Kipling bag that was slightly bigger. It's perfect for me, lightweight, and somewhat water-proof. I think Kipling has discontinued this style, but Zappos still has a couple in stock.

http://www.zappos.com/kipling-u-s-a-...l-bag-espresso

I like Baggallini bags too.

annhig

I have a kipling bag for work [I love the fact that the bag itself weighs very little and that I can get my Macbook Air into it] but it's not right for travel - for me.

I find their bags very practical and well-made.

LuLu

I just bought the Sportino Medio. Looks lighter than the one you chose.

http://www.bricstore.com/brics-colle...ollection.html

sharona

I definitely prefer a bag with a zipper rather than just a flap. Flaps are way too easy for someone to stick a hand in plus I have a tendency not to fasten the flap and if it turns over everything spills out. Zippers work much better for me. That bag will also likely be a bit heavy since it is cotton canvas and leather. I didn't see the dimensions listed nor the weight, two very important points for me in considering a bag, especially a travel bag that I'll be toting around all day.

I have that Kipling bag that Jean has and other Kipling bags as well. They are very lightweight and well-made.

chrysalis

I'll look into kipling like bags - I personally hate the material and the little gorilla. They were a favorite of my mother when I was young and I had to use kipling bags all the time then :/

gh21

I love my baggellini bag-- very lightweight and many compartments. http://www.baggallini.com/category/B...gs?perPage=all

chutney

I have the baggalini "Sydney" and worked great or our last trip to France in the fall.
Have you checked out the web site ebags?

HappyTrvlr

I love my Nike day bag and also have a good quality one from Rick Steves.

sf7307

LuLu, that Sportina is beautiful, but HUGE!

easytraveler

Our entire family has now converted to using the Rick Steves Civita Daypack.

http://www.ebags.com/product/rick-st...daypack/122306

We look for lightweight, rugged build, easy on the shoulders, and "invisibility", i.e., no bright colors. Ours are all black. We don't want anything with bright colors to attract the attention of thieves.

There are three zipped compartments and two outside mesh pockets. When completely emptied, they can be scrunched into into a small ball and weigh next to nothing and therefore can be put in a larger bag. I've washed mine after each trip and it still holds its shape and the zippers still work fine.

We used these daypacks all over Europe and Asia. They're useful, not pretty. We can carry them on our backs or bring them in front of us in the metro for protection.

I can pack all my "gear" - netbook, camera, phone, chargers, plus a couple of changes of clothing and everything else I need for short trips away from my base European city and still have room in the daypack.

Good luck in your search! Hope you find something you like!

Jean

I bought two "packable" daypacks a few months ago that we haven't used yet. The daypacks fold into their own pocket, are extremely lightweight and when collapsed fit easily in my purse. I think they'll be useful in many situations: days when we start out wearing sweaters/jackets and shed them later; carrying lunch/picnic in the morning but not needing the bag later; and having something to hold unexpected purchases.

http://shop.eaglecreek.com/packable-...k/d/1120_c_314

Tumi, Magellan (and I'm sure others) make similar products.