Group Tour with lots of walking in Paris! Should I take a backpack?
 

Hi! I am going on a trip to Paris with a group. We have it set to go on several all day walking tours. Should I take a backpack to put my stuff in. I know pickpocketing is pretty bad, but I thougt I could put my stuff in the in pockets and then put a lock on the zippers. I have never been on a trip like this so I am excited!

Thanks!

Just as a personal preference, I like messenger bags. They are easier on the back and shoulders and I think it is easier to maneuver around in. Been hit too many times by folks with back-packs on. Besides, messenger bags are trendy looking.

You will have a great time!!! If you use a backpack at home, use it in Paris. Do NOT carry your passport with you during the day. Lock it in the hotel safe. I personally use a camera case for my walking about. I only carry one credit card and enough money in cash for that day. Why bring with you tons of stuff that you really don't need?

What do you plan on carrying around that the whole large city of Paris won't have at your fingertips?
Your group will probably stop for refreshments. Personally, I'd leave the backpack.

Do you use a backpack to walk around your own town or some other destination back home? If not, you don't need one in Paris either.

What all do you plan on carrying? A camera -- it is probably small. Water bottle - OK, maybe. I personally don't carry water around unless I'm on an actual hike. (Somehow people were able to manage all day long before the idea of bottled water was ever imagined). A cardigan maybe. Small walking map. Wallet.

A messenger bag -- or just a handbag/manbag will work.

"<i>I thougt I could put my stuff in the in pockets and then put a lock on the zippers</i>"

That can be a problem - many places have security searches and you'd have to unlock all the zippers before you could enter most museums/Ste Chapelle, etc . . . .

Oops - hit post too soon -

>>you'd have to unlock all the zippers before you could enter most museums/Ste Chapelle, etc . . . . OR you'd have to wait in lines to check the backpack and again to pick it up.

Some museums may not allow you to carry your backpack inside. You will have to check it. I agree with the other posters, a messenger bag or light weight travel purse may work well for you and will look more stylish!

Not knowing if you are male or female or your fashion style, I won't necessarily recommend a purse per se.
Personally, when a tourist in a city out walking/touring all day I prefer the travel purse mentioned with room inside for the same stuff I carry at home (wallet, reading glasses, sunglasses, compact, brush/comb, pen, small kit with pins etc.), plus a couple of pockets for the extra stuff I don't carry at home (camera, small binoculars, guide or phrase book, small umbrella).

When traveling with my husband I take a small day pack instead that he would be willing to carry with all the extra stuff and I carry a small regular purse.

We have been known to carry a regular size day pack when jackets were required or when I expect to do some shopping.

My main requirements are that the piece be no bigger than necessary, comfortable to carry, and all compartments zipper securely.

I always use a messenger bag. There are tons of sizes and styles to choose from. I can sling it across it across my torso and it's less hassle than a backpack. Anytime I'm in crowded areas or anywhere pickpockets would be a problem I can easily pull it in front of me. A backpack is very vulnerable on your back and it's annoying to get in and out of. With a messenger bag I can protect it easily and I can get things in and out of it very easily without taking it off.

The one I use has tons of little zipper pockets inside to lock stuff away. I have a pocket for my wallet with a days worth of cash and credit cards, another pocket that's much harder to get into for my main stash of money and my passport when I carry it. It fits my camera, water bottle, souveniers, money, journal, book, sunglasses, umbrella, etc.


I'm glad you're excited, you'll have a great time! If you have any Paris specific questions be sure to use the Europe board and tag your questions for France. :)

If you do use the backpack, don't set it down ANYWHERE, unless your foot(or leg of a chair) is through one of the straps. Locks might suggest valuables inside and make you vulnerable to it being slashed, especially in crowded tourist areas and on the metro.

If you've never been on a trip like this, though, recommend not using a backpack. For one thing, you should drag as little as possible around all day. After a while, everything is literally a "drag". If you're with a group (and/or guide), everyone won't need maps, tour guides, etc.

Do be sure to secure cash/cards on your person at all times. Take only what you really need with you for the day. It's just a good idea to take precautions against pickpockets, then enjoy yourself.

Thanks! I think I will go with a messanger bag. Do you have to check these at the museaums? Also, can anyone recommend a great place online to get one?

Thanks!

Checking your bag at museums depends on the size of the bag and the museum. If it's small, you're more likely to be able to carry it with you. Don't get something the size of a suitcase. :)

ebags.com is a pretty nice site for all types of bags. I think they have free returns on everything, and I think there is a Veteran's Day sale on.

One option to consider, and one of my current travel favorites, are the Scottevest products, particularly their jackets and vests:(http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/s...ts_vests.shtml).
Currently I have a women's vest (22 pockets) and all of the claims that they make are true (women's are cut properly for a woman's fit; stuff in pockets do not stick out or show; designed to distribute the weight well so shoulders/hips are not overburdened.)

I stuffed my pockets full with various travel needs -- there is even a large pocket in the back for magazines?/sweater?/scarf?/hat? (though, it would probably fit all of that!) There are pockets large enough to hold an average compact umbrella and a bottle of water should you need either. The outerwear is very well designed for easy access to everything you are carrying. I am very impressed with this product.

It has an added advantage of being a nice carry-on luggage additive as the airlines do not, yet, consider these as part of your minimum. You would need to remove it, of course, through security, but they make you take off your jacket anyway so that is no big deal.

It was pure heaven not to have to have anything hanging on my shoulders while seeing sights -- other than if the weather gets very warm (most likely not a liability if you are traveling to Paris soon) -- but I attached a short strap to the top loop just in case I wanted to carry it hanging on a shoulder...I had to do that perhaps twice. In cool weather it helps to keep you warm while being your "backpack".

It may seem a bit pricey at first, but it is definitely cheaper than many travel-focused garments, with 10x the functionality -- I researched a lot of them before I decided on the Scottevest. I have not been disappointed.

...the "sad" smiley was unintended in that last post.
It must have been a typo.

Enjoy your trip! (intended smiley):)

I use a small backpack at home in New York City and carry it as a shoulder bag when entering a museum or another venue where a backpack would be inappropriate. So far, it's been no problem having to check it unless I wish to. I keep my wallet and keys on my person though. When traveling abroad, I use a larger backpack (a pretty one by Le Sac that has foldable handles when you want to carry it as a regular bag). It's made of a very lightweight nylon and is more comfortable for me than a messenger bag or rolling suitcase. The smaller pack, also nylon, folds up into itself becoming about the size of a quart Ziploc bag, and is easily stashed in the larger backpack until I arrive at my destination. It's made by Riesenthal and I ordered mine online. Of course, one has to be careful about keeping important belongings safe either at the hotel or while sightseeing, so I agree with the precautions others mention. Also, as was mentioned, I make an effort not to be one of those thoughtless people whose backpack bumps or blocks others on trains, buses, or on a crowded street. Wearing a backpack frees up my arms, makes loads lighter for me to carry and also seems to prevent me from slouching.