when we travel together, I have a travel handbag that has lots of pockets that I use for different things, like our passports and main money, and DH uses his backpack for bottled water, sandwiches, books, a jumper each, etc.

if he didn't, i know that I'd end up having to use a bigger bag and carrying everything so I'm grateful he does. Nothing valuable goes into it anyway.

I'll let him know that you won't be talking to him, Bedar - I'm sure he'll be gutted.

I do, but it's a small-ish one with a cross-strap - enough compartments for a camera, maps, and something to read, notebook and pen, and so on. It can also unzip to spread out as a full scale holdall. It came as a promotional freebie with something or other.

Most backpacks strike me as too big for this sort of purpose - my usual one I use for hiking, when I need to be carrying waterproofs and food and stuff. I used to have a small two-strap backpack, but carrying it on one shoulder caused me no end of problems because, to stop it slipping off, I was unconsciously hoicking up that shoulder which set off muscle pains.

I always travel with a backpack.
inside are :

-my laptop
-some papers
-receipts for my expenses
-clothes : clean inside, dirty in the outside pockets
-in inside pockets : passport, reserve credit cards
-a power supply for the laptop, a spare battery to recharge my iphone
-a book - always have a book !!!
-toothbrush
-flashlamp (small)
-a flamethrower of course.
-a battleaxe to take the subway

Not exactly a backpack, but could be worn as one . . For years I carried a neat bag that Singapore Airlines gave me . . it was just the right size for things that I would otherwise have carried in the briefcase. It was small enough to stuff in the briefcase when I did not use it, and very light.

I usually carried it over one shoulder with the pockets to the inside. After 15 or so years, it finally gave up the ghost and I have not seen another one as versatile to replace it.

Can't imagine using choice of luggage as a factor in discussion with strangers . . weird!

The thread is almost eight years old and was topped by an advertiser . . .

But the info is still valid . . . Carry on :)

I don't, but my wife often uses a small backpack which she more usually wears slung over a shoulder. She loves it and would not be without it.

I have always felt that a backpack invites problems just because it would be on my back where I am not able to protect my belongings. I feel much safer with a fanny pack or crossbody bag. I have both that cannot be cut (lightweight steel cable running through the straps and mesh in the body of the bags). This may be overkill, but I have not been robbed or pickpocketed since using them, and I prefer to be safe than sorry. If using a backpack, I would certainly never put anything of value in it, and would be particularly conscious of people around me. I have been nearly knocked over by young people who seemed completely oblivious to the additional bulk on their bodies as they navigate through and around people.

No. I used to, when I was traveling alone with two small children because I needed my hands free. But these days I just wear a cross-body purse. I've been knocked over more times than I carae to remember on planes and trains by thoughtless folks with overstuffed backpacks. Plus, they're an invitation to robbery.

OK, people claim backpacks are invitation to robbery.

Highly unscientific survey:

How many people have been robbed or pickpocketed while wearing a Backpack and how many without?

As noted above, I have never been robbed while wearing a backpack but have been pickpocketed when I did not have one AND put my wallet in front pockets for safe keeping.

Funny, I was just in a crowded museum where people were essentially shoulder-to-shoulder, and there were people wearing bulky backpacks that kept bumping into other attendees.

I wanted to say to the backpackers, "You have got to be effin kidding me."

Other than the inconsideration of those who wear them in crowds, I have a neutral feeling about them. I (a male) carry a should bag for travel. It's easy to get into, and I can lodge it between my body and elbow.

Topped by an advertiser? What are you talking about?

No, I carry a large tapestry-looking purse most of the time. I can put quite a lot in there--camera, odds and ends--and I don't feel so vulnerable.

happytourist - this thread was from 2008. If you look at the first post from 2015 it's been removed by the mods and was apparently an advertisement...maybe for a backpack? :)

I wear both a backpack and a fa__y pack. If the backpack is full it sinks down and sits on the fa__y pack, which looks funny. So I swing one of them around to the front.

I like to look good when I travel.

Happytourist: >>Topped by an advertiser? What are you talking about?<<

Pretty obvious since the moderators posted >>Comment has been removed by Fodor's moderators<<

No I don't carry a backpack (but yes this thread is really OLD!)

Yes always, you want a light, small North Face day bag. You'll be grateful when you make those impulse purchases and don't have to carry them around in some crappy plastic bag))

Funny, I was just in a crowded museum where people were essentially shoulder-to-shoulder, and there were people wearing bulky backpacks that kept bumping into other attendees>>

shame that they didn't put them in the cloakroom - IMO museums should insist on that.

I often use one as an airplane carry-on. I rarely carry one around any of the locations in which we are visiting. I understand the concern about it being theft-prone and I suppose that is why some people "wear" them on their chest rather than on their back.

I know folks like to carry cameras and equipment in them when walking about. Some carry bottles of water, maps, guidebooks, etc.

Now for the part you aren't going to like: I think anybody who is concerned about "looking touristy" is somebody I do NOT ever want to know.

Dukey: >>Now for the part you aren't going to like: I think anybody who is concerned about "looking touristy" is somebody I do NOT ever want to know.<<

Not totally sure who you are lecturing but the OP asked about them being too touristy . . . nearly EIGHT years ago and hasn't been on the forums in years.