Hi, guys - I was wondering what you use to tote your stuff around in CR. I just want something small that I can throw a bottle of water, etc. in for when we're hiking, but everything I see online is big and expensive. Does anyone know where I can get just a simple drawstring backpack or something similar? I've seen them as giveaways at games, but never seen them for sale. Any ideas? I don't really want a fanny pack or anything like that, just something simple that I can throw over my shoulder or back. I am currently using an old camera case - lol.

This pack may be more than you are looking for, but my girlfriend loves it. Excellent backpack for the money.

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/775740

Think about a waist pack you can wear in front and keep an eye on. My wife had her pack/purse on her back and someone took her wallet right out of it in Quepos, near Manual Antonio NP. The police were no help. She now has a waist pack.

I also own this minimalist bag which you might like:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Timberland-cinch...QQcmdZViewItem

Vgirl - I toted a daypack on my first trip but ended up carrying it in front most of the time to deter pickpockets in the city. I wore it like a backpack as it was intended to be when I was in the country and had no issues.

But like you, I wanted something I could sling over my shoulder and keep a hand on when necessary so I brought a PacSafe CitySafe 200 shoulder bag on my second trip and loved it. It's thin enough to keep tucked close to the body and it's slash proof to boot. It's also amazingly light considering I carried a small bottle of water, a small Moleskine, my camera, my wallet/passport, my cell phone, sunglasses, umbrella, sunblock, mozzie repellent and sometimes my guidebook everywhere I went. It's also water repellent and remarkably stain resistant.

$64.95 from REI: http://www.rei.com/search?query=Pacs...=31&button.y=9

Thanks, everyone - I will check these out.

VG, I used my old hiking Kelty pack, sort of like a fanny pack (Yikes, doesn't that conjure up some bad images!!)
Anyway, why I liked it, nothing on your shoulders and back, it was so hot,a back back would have been too hot and heavy IMHO. I carried it b/c hubby sweats too much and we did not need a full backpack. It held my camera, 2 big water bottles, extra batteries, memory, tissues, snacks, hat etc. This link shows the newest style. I have used it alot hiking in the Smokies, this is the first time I used it in CR, worked great.

here you can see it, I even had my Keen's hanging on it so I could wear them on the beach. I was wearing a light hiker for the trail.

http://ovies.smugmug.com/photos/562041999_Asc5v-L.jpg

here is a link to the pack

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___90299

Toni

I LOVE my Rick Steve's day pack. Super light, scrunches up to nothing, can double as a pillow (hope to use it for that purpose soon), holds tons. It's small but holds a surprising amount -- and it doesn't take up any luggage room.

http://tr.im/oNYz

Any schoolkids' lightweight backpack from a Target or Walmart will be perfect (and lots cheaper!). That's what I used (even had two pockets for my water bottles, which cost losts more than the pack).

Good article on day packs and links to suppliers. All under $30.

http://www.onebag.com/leisure-bags.html

I use a mini purse backpack in Costa Rica and anytime I'm out with the kids all day. eBags sells them cheap cheap. http://www.ebags.com/ful/julz_mini_b...?modelid=59974 I love all the pockets too.