New !travel handbags, an update please!

Old Jun 26th, 2009, 02:34 PM
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New !travel handbags, an update please!

I have been scrolling the handbag topics and think possibly it is time for an update.

I am going on a quick trip up north this summer and started digging out my travel gear.

After placing my four favorites on the bed, they are looking mighty sad. I am a big fan of zippered bags that are the cross-body style. My bags really have to be comfy and hold all the junk that you take for day trips.

My summer bag for everyday is open and I can dig into it while driving the car and watching the road at the same time. It is also soft and sort of collapses on itself and really is not all that great for travel. I learned my lesson a few years ago. I did carry a bucket type on a trip to Alaska. Bag on the floor, I exit the plane, when I arrived at the hotel , no meds, and no one found them nor turned them in. That stupidity cost me half a day at the pharmacy and a one gazillon minutes on my cell phone holding for the patient assistance. Dh was not happy!

My other bags are baggalleni, Travelsmith, Perlina and Landsend. They all look mighty tired and probably would like to retire themselves and stay home. I have been looking at Ebags, Travelsmith, Magellans and the bags seriously need an update.
Or, perhaps all that could be done has been done.

I am considering a cloth bag, which I have never had before. I imagine it would be so difficult to keep clean. Vera Bradleys are the ones I am checking out, but I don't know, all those garish colors tend to look real "cute," then real "cheap."

Any ideas? What are ya'll carrying now? All of my stewing is for the Italy trip this fall.
That reminds me, I did buy one in Siena a couple of years ago.
Beautiful leather, but it was so stiff and scratched easily.

I do love soft leather. B.
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Old Jun 26th, 2009, 04:44 PM
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I use a black Sport Sac for travel because it's light weight and has several pockets. The small front pockets hold my camera (tethered to the strap) and a small bottle of water. There are 2 large zippered compartments and a small zippered compartment inside where I stash my credit cards.

I just tried to find the one I have on their site but I guess it's not made any more.
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Old Jun 26th, 2009, 06:05 PM
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Adrienne, is that a Le Sport Sac? I will try to google it. Thanks, I was just looking at Longchamp travel bags on Ebay. I am wanting something very lightweight. B.
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Old Jun 26th, 2009, 06:31 PM
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Yes - Le Sport Sac. They have lots of styles.
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Old Jun 26th, 2009, 06:38 PM
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I've used a black LeSportsac Deluxe Everyday bag on several trips to Europe and found it perfect. It comes in various colors and patterns. Good luck on your search for the perfect new bag!
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Old Jun 26th, 2009, 06:39 PM
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A thought about the fabric bags. While I like them very much they do not wear well (the handles always wear out before the bag) and they are not water proof or water repellent. I guess you can spray them but I find the nylon (or whatever material Le Sport Sac uses) keeps things inside dry if it rains.
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Old Jun 26th, 2009, 06:49 PM
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This will sound really weird to some of you, but I needed a new travel bag and searched the net so much. I just did not want to pay upwards of $100 for a bag just for travel.

I had specific requirements: I wanted a cross the body thing so my hands would be free. I wanted compartments for camera, money, water bottle, etc. For some reason, I did want a softish material as opposed to stiff leather. I thought it would be more comfortable.

Walking through WalMart one day, I saw a display of Boys Courier Bags, in the back to school display. $12 and fits my needs perfectly. Dark green and canvas-like. Can be stuffed like anything, although I try to keep from carrying too much in it as carrying too much, whether in a $200 leather bag or a $12 cloth bag, gets heavy.
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Old Jun 26th, 2009, 07:08 PM
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Ok, I just went through many hours of finding a good handbag for travel. First, I bought the "Sutter" bag from Fossil - large messinger style cross body bag. When I got it home, I keep trying it on, only to decide that it was too big for daily use. Literally the bag was bigger (wider) than my behind. I kept thinking that my husband would eye all of that space and have me hauling all of his stuff all over Europe. So, I took it back and went to the nearest large department store - Macys. I bought a really cute Giani Bernini leather cross body purse ( perfect size -10 inches tall, 11 inches wide. about 3 1/2 inches deep) it has great outside pockets, one that zips up and will take the place of my wallet with inserts for credit cards and my ID, small pockets for glasses and change, etc. I may add a small lock for extra security when traveling on metro or in crowds. The best part was that the second purse was only about $64, versus the first one at full price of $138. Good luck, this purse will be perfect. I have already checked it out and can fit a small paperback book, sweater and umbrella, which is probably the most that I need to stick in it. And I won't have to haul all of hubby's stuff, he has his own man-purse to use!!
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Old Jun 26th, 2009, 07:27 PM
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trav, I will check that one out. I think that is what one of my college roommates carried to London about eight years ago. It was red, trimmed in black. I must have like it, I can't remember yesterday morning and I remember that bag.

Adrienne, you are right, I haven't thought about the water-proofing part, and after reading the last handbag post I will never look at the bottom of a handbag the same again.

Cynthia, I am 50 miles from the nearest Macys. I am 25 miles to the Walmart Supercenter.
I do try to look at Wallyworld when I go. I am not a handbag whore, I just know what I want and don't care where it comes from. (I am a book whore!) Everybody has their obsession.

Bubba, I know exactly the bag that you are describing. I looked at it last year and loved all the colors. I bet I stood there for an hour, just imagining the possibilities. And they were on sale as well.

The search goes on........... Thanks once again
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Old Jun 26th, 2009, 07:30 PM
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I am still using an Eagle Creek bag I bought in 2003. It's very functional, sturdy, plenty of zippered pockets. Of course, they don't make that model anymore. But here's one from Eagle Creek you may want to check out:
http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_lugga...ohemian-40484/
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Old Jun 26th, 2009, 08:19 PM
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I really like my Baggalini purse - enough room for my stuff plus stuff like ibuprofen that others in my family use. I can fit a camera in there or a paperback as well.

Lee Ann
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Old Jun 26th, 2009, 09:49 PM
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I second the recommendation for looking in the men's or boy's department.

I am always on the hunt for the perfect travel bag. Last year I got a very expensive sling bag made specifically for DSLR cameras. It's nice and padded and sits across the back securely. I felt like a turtle wearing it though.

One day I was in Marshall's in the men's dept and came across a black nylon messenger bag. It's about 10" square and 3" deep. Holds everything I need, including my camera. I prefer having my bag in front of me rather than behind me.
The best part (besides not feeling like a turtle) is that it only cost $10!

As for husbands and their things; I make mine carry his own man-bag!

Both my Mom and a friend of mine carry Bagglini purses for travel and love them.
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Old Jun 27th, 2009, 06:26 AM
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If you're near a Marshall's or TJ Maxx you might find a LeSportsac, a good brand that's become a bit expensive. A few weeks ago I saw a LeSportsac backpack in TJ's. I have several in different sizes, one from Marshall's, the rest at TJMaxx over several years. They are great for travel, lots of zippered pockets and lightweight.

Good luck with your search.
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Old Jun 27th, 2009, 06:42 AM
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Yk, the Eagle Creek bag looks pretty good. It is the right size and I do love black.

Kristina, If I can get a dog-sitter today, I am going to run into Walmart and check out the boys section. I never thought to check out that section, and I am pretty good at repurposing things.

Ellen., I will google the Bagglinis and see what new is out there. My is very sad looking.

We are going to the beach in a couple of weeks. I know there is a Marshalls, Ross and a Steinmart. I can look there and hopefully they won't be to picked over.

TJ Maxx is a favorite store and there is one in Birmingham. Hmmmm, the possibilities. Thanks everybody!
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Old Jun 27th, 2009, 07:43 AM
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I used to be a big fan of the Lesportsac everyday deluxe bag, but my current favorite is the Eagle Creek bohemian bag yk mentions above. I like it better because it has a padded pocket for my camera, and just enough other spaces for ease in finding things. It also has just enough structure to look good, instead of lumpy/sloppy.

~Liz
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Old Jun 27th, 2009, 08:05 AM
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Another Le Sportsac Everyday bag fan. I've used the same black bag for years and it shows no sign of wear. The many zippered compartments are ideal for keeping things safe. Try eBay
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Old Jun 27th, 2009, 08:44 AM
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I'm a big fan of Timbuk2 products. I've had one of their medium messengers for three years that I use for work every day; it still looks great. I just throw it in the washer occasionally. (An XS size is probably more what you're looking for.) I got a Eula a few months ago to use for everyday and travel, and I love it. The style may not fit everyone, but if you like that, then their functionality is terrific.

www.timbuk2.com
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Old Jun 27th, 2009, 11:25 AM
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Liz/elberko, you might have just convinced me to get that Eagle Creek Bohemian bag! While my old Eagle Creek bag is still very usable, I'm getting tired of it. Can you tell me more about the material? The website says "Ballistic" whatever that means. Do you find it somewhat water resistant; and dirt resistant? These are the 2 most important aspect to me when it comes to travel daybags.

bramsole - I used to have lots of Le Sport Sac bags. I haven't had one for years now, so I can't say for sure. But I find the Le Sport Sac fabric to be thinner and not water resistant. Just my 2 cents.
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Old Jun 27th, 2009, 05:16 PM
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REI has several messenger-type and other bags. Everything is under $100, and many are on sale now.

http://www.rei.com/search?cat=450169...AShoulder+Bags
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Old Jun 27th, 2009, 09:16 PM
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I have often used an unstructured tote in nice fabric or nylon (Le Sports Sac) when I travel. No they don't last forever, but I like how they work for planes, trains, touring around in a city. Lightweight when empty, but roomy enough to hold water, camera, bottle of wine ;-)
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