Need day bag recommendations
Oct 19th, 2008, 03:19 PM
#22
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I have two bags - a bag from Canon that is a back pack type bag that has additional padding for my misc. camera lenses.
However - I also use a "messenger" type bag if in the mood for style. It holds my digital 35mm and an extra lens or two. When I use this - I use lens cases that are padded.
Both allow for a bottle of water and a guide book!
8-)
However - I also use a "messenger" type bag if in the mood for style. It holds my digital 35mm and an extra lens or two. When I use this - I use lens cases that are padded.
Both allow for a bottle of water and a guide book!
8-)
Oct 23rd, 2008, 11:27 AM
#23
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whoknew,
Sorry for the delay in responding. I just noticed your post.
I'm trying to remember how long I've had my bag and it's been so long I'm not sure - at least a decade. It's held up very well. I have thrown it in the washing machine a few times over the years (air dry) and it comes looking new.
Sorry for the delay in responding. I just noticed your post.
I'm trying to remember how long I've had my bag and it's been so long I'm not sure - at least a decade. It's held up very well. I have thrown it in the washing machine a few times over the years (air dry) and it comes looking new.
Oct 28th, 2008, 10:59 PM
#24
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I'm with whoknew on the search for the Holy Grail of bags, my husband is convinced I will ask him to move out so I can store more bags in his side of the closet.
But - every bag has a purpose I say!
I used the MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) bag for years & loved it - it stood up VERY well, but it became too small for a time, so I gave it away and searched out bigger bags for my 'mid-life crisis' when I thought I had to carry everything I owned with me.
But, over the last two years I have switched back to the MEC size of day bag, and was on my way down to get one (I live in Vancouver where there are tons of MEC stores) when I saw the Eagle Creek Guide Pro bag that others above recomended. I haven't gone anywhere with it yet, but I think this one will be a winner (of course that's what I say about all of them!). I have tested it out around town and so far I love it & think it will work great for day-trips off of cruise ships, and wandering around exploring cities on land trips. We also go on safaris quite a bit, but a different bag from my magic closet is needed for that as it is a different vacation!
Of course, being only $19.00 I will still go to the MEC store and get that one too!
But - every bag has a purpose I say!
I used the MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) bag for years & loved it - it stood up VERY well, but it became too small for a time, so I gave it away and searched out bigger bags for my 'mid-life crisis' when I thought I had to carry everything I owned with me.
But, over the last two years I have switched back to the MEC size of day bag, and was on my way down to get one (I live in Vancouver where there are tons of MEC stores) when I saw the Eagle Creek Guide Pro bag that others above recomended. I haven't gone anywhere with it yet, but I think this one will be a winner (of course that's what I say about all of them!). I have tested it out around town and so far I love it & think it will work great for day-trips off of cruise ships, and wandering around exploring cities on land trips. We also go on safaris quite a bit, but a different bag from my magic closet is needed for that as it is a different vacation!
Of course, being only $19.00 I will still go to the MEC store and get that one too!
Oct 29th, 2008, 06:02 AM
#25
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I bought the Ellington "Stella" when someone highly recommended it here on this forum.
Firstly, it's very lightweight but the fabric is quite rugged. The sections and compartments are well placed and actually make sense for perfect organization of your "stuff". It's very roomy without being too large. And, it converts instantly to a pack (and back), without buckles, strap adjustments, etc. You can adjust the straps, but left alone they're perfect length for carrying by hand or on your shoulder.
The best part about this bag is the security features (magnetic snaps, inside zipper pockets, recessed zipper).
I carry this for essentials on the plane, then remove things I don't need while out and about for the day.
I carry similar items, so think you'll find this bag perfect.
I have it in black. At first, I thought I would have preferred a black rather than silver lining, but it's easier to locate items with the light colored lining.
Firstly, it's very lightweight but the fabric is quite rugged. The sections and compartments are well placed and actually make sense for perfect organization of your "stuff". It's very roomy without being too large. And, it converts instantly to a pack (and back), without buckles, strap adjustments, etc. You can adjust the straps, but left alone they're perfect length for carrying by hand or on your shoulder.
The best part about this bag is the security features (magnetic snaps, inside zipper pockets, recessed zipper).
I carry this for essentials on the plane, then remove things I don't need while out and about for the day.
I carry similar items, so think you'll find this bag perfect.
I have it in black. At first, I thought I would have preferred a black rather than silver lining, but it's easier to locate items with the light colored lining.
Oct 31st, 2008, 02:34 PM
#26
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Every trip I have taken includes my healthy bag from L L Bean.
I keep most of my money, passport, ccards etc in my money belt.
In the healthy bag I can carry my umbrella, water bottle, extra pair of shoes if you like to trade off during a day of walking. Can even roll up a sweater and put it in and did roll up my 3/4 length microfiber raincoat and it fit in the bag. If you are in an area that may be insecure just carry it in front of you. And I always have room in the bag for snacks.
Wouldn't be without it. But think the larger size PacSafe bag may be something for you to check out.
I keep most of my money, passport, ccards etc in my money belt.
In the healthy bag I can carry my umbrella, water bottle, extra pair of shoes if you like to trade off during a day of walking. Can even roll up a sweater and put it in and did roll up my 3/4 length microfiber raincoat and it fit in the bag. If you are in an area that may be insecure just carry it in front of you. And I always have room in the bag for snacks.
Wouldn't be without it. But think the larger size PacSafe bag may be something for you to check out.
Nov 1st, 2008, 05:29 AM
#27
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travelnut, that looks like a great every day bag! I'm putting it on my wish list.
I think it would be too small for a day bag for my purposes, though.
suze, those Bagallinis are nice. Have you found a site with good prices?
Lizzie_17, how organized is this bag from LeSportsac?
Silarem, I just use a digital when I travel. My SLR is much too heavy!
LyndaS, how did you end up liking the Eagle Creek bag?
I think it would be too small for a day bag for my purposes, though.
suze, those Bagallinis are nice. Have you found a site with good prices?
Lizzie_17, how organized is this bag from LeSportsac?
Silarem, I just use a digital when I travel. My SLR is much too heavy!
LyndaS, how did you end up liking the Eagle Creek bag?
Nov 1st, 2008, 06:54 AM
#28
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I'm looking for a day bag with the following criteria: must hold - Steves guide book, small camera, small journal and a few pens, small wallet w/ a couple of credit cards and some cash, small umbrella, i-pod, tissues, lipstick. I think I want too much. I want to also use it as my carry-on so to that list add a paperback book, toothbrush, brush, small amt. of makeup, couple of snacks like candy bars and granola bars. I'd like it to look chic (-ish). I would like to use it when I get home as a regular purse. I want to be able to carry on one shoulder or across diagonally. No backpack style. Don't need a water bottle holder. What of these suggestions would work? Or do I want too much?!
Nov 1st, 2008, 07:21 AM
#29
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Follow-up ques: I was going to purchase Rick Steves duffle - the one that folds up to almost nothing and can travel over in suitcase and then come out for any purchases during the trip and be carried on on the way home. Anyone have this?
Nov 1st, 2008, 09:48 AM
#30
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fieldtripcordinator, I haven't used the Eagle Creek Guide Pro on a trip yet, but I tested it out around town for a few weeks and I think it's going to be ideal for wandering around cities.
The one big thing I like to have in a bag for walking around exploring cities, etc is a slip pocket, on the outside, big enough to carry my journal book - which is just the office supply store-bought Cambridge 8" x 6" spiral book. This has to be easily accessible to me, ie not in a zipped area beacause I constantly take it in and out of my purse for maps, notes, writing in, whatever. The Guide Pro has such a pocket - it can be zipped, but doesn't have to be, and it fits my notebook perfectly with just enough of the top of it sticking out to make it an easy 'pull out'. It also leaves me just enough room to clip a pen on the side of it so that my pen is always easy in and easy out. A bonus to me is that this bag doesn't seem to have a 'front' and a 'back', so I can carry this notebook to the front, which is always handier than the back.
My next biggest criteria for 'the perfect' bag is the ability to not have to carry a wallet, usually I look for a bag that has credit card slots, a place for easy access to money and a small zipped compartment for change. The Guide Pro does not have this, so I will have to carry a wallet in it. But, at least there is a place that I can put the wallet in, that is separate from the main compartment, so that will be easy access. Or, in the same compartment there is a large zipped mesh pocket, I could actually carry the credit cards in a little credit card wallet ( I only take two or three to travel anyways)and the money loose in there - I'm undecided about that as of yet.
In the same compartment there are two pen slots, a paded sunglass pouch and a padded pouch for what I think may be for an ipod - but not having one I'm not sure. As we travel to many countries with poorly stocked washrooms, I will use that area for my 'TP to go' roll and hand sanitizer pkgs. Also at the back of this compartment is a secure, but easy access passport pouch, with a slip-in area in front of it that I would think would fit travel documents. There is also a key fob here, I usually do not carry keys when I travel - but maybe I can carry my little flashlight hooked on it.
The main compartment is a good size, but not too big - here I will carry a small umbrella, odds & sods as needed, and my Panasonic FZ250.
On the outside side panels, there is a small, but tall slip pouch on one side - not sure what I'll put in there yet as I don't think mucyh will fit in it; and a zipped, padded cell phone area on the other side. As I don't want to be in touch when I'm on vacation, we do not carry cell phones, so it will make a great place for me to put a spare battery for the camera and the memory cards.
Overall, I think it's going to work just great!
The one big thing I like to have in a bag for walking around exploring cities, etc is a slip pocket, on the outside, big enough to carry my journal book - which is just the office supply store-bought Cambridge 8" x 6" spiral book. This has to be easily accessible to me, ie not in a zipped area beacause I constantly take it in and out of my purse for maps, notes, writing in, whatever. The Guide Pro has such a pocket - it can be zipped, but doesn't have to be, and it fits my notebook perfectly with just enough of the top of it sticking out to make it an easy 'pull out'. It also leaves me just enough room to clip a pen on the side of it so that my pen is always easy in and easy out. A bonus to me is that this bag doesn't seem to have a 'front' and a 'back', so I can carry this notebook to the front, which is always handier than the back.
My next biggest criteria for 'the perfect' bag is the ability to not have to carry a wallet, usually I look for a bag that has credit card slots, a place for easy access to money and a small zipped compartment for change. The Guide Pro does not have this, so I will have to carry a wallet in it. But, at least there is a place that I can put the wallet in, that is separate from the main compartment, so that will be easy access. Or, in the same compartment there is a large zipped mesh pocket, I could actually carry the credit cards in a little credit card wallet ( I only take two or three to travel anyways)and the money loose in there - I'm undecided about that as of yet.
In the same compartment there are two pen slots, a paded sunglass pouch and a padded pouch for what I think may be for an ipod - but not having one I'm not sure. As we travel to many countries with poorly stocked washrooms, I will use that area for my 'TP to go' roll and hand sanitizer pkgs. Also at the back of this compartment is a secure, but easy access passport pouch, with a slip-in area in front of it that I would think would fit travel documents. There is also a key fob here, I usually do not carry keys when I travel - but maybe I can carry my little flashlight hooked on it.
The main compartment is a good size, but not too big - here I will carry a small umbrella, odds & sods as needed, and my Panasonic FZ250.
On the outside side panels, there is a small, but tall slip pouch on one side - not sure what I'll put in there yet as I don't think mucyh will fit in it; and a zipped, padded cell phone area on the other side. As I don't want to be in touch when I'm on vacation, we do not carry cell phones, so it will make a great place for me to put a spare battery for the camera and the memory cards.
Overall, I think it's going to work just great!
Nov 2nd, 2008, 04:28 PM
#33
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Surf around and take a look at the PacSafe/Citysafe 200 bag. I cannot say enough good things about it. I got it for the security features and after traveling from St. Petersburg to Vladivostock with it last year, I opt not to travel with anything else. I have the medium size and it holds just about everything I need. With its wire mesh bottom and strap, a "wrap the strap around your chair" feature, and a "fasten your bag's zipper here" snap, I felt significantly less vulnerable in crowded places.
Fashionable? Definitely not! Inconspicuous and utilitarian? Yup.
I found it on Travelsmith, as I recall, but a number of travel sites carry it.
Happy trails!
From "She always wants to be somewhere she ain't."
Fashionable? Definitely not! Inconspicuous and utilitarian? Yup.
I found it on Travelsmith, as I recall, but a number of travel sites carry it.
Happy trails!
From "She always wants to be somewhere she ain't."
Nov 24th, 2008, 12:35 AM
#35
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bdjtbenson, where can we find Rick Steve's Civita bag. This sounds like something I'd like to purchase for domestic trips of weekend or four-day duration. I love Rick Steve's European-travel shows on public television, too, which motivates me to buy his merchandise. Thanks in advance!
Nov 24th, 2008, 07:07 AM
#36
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I bought mine on the website www.RickSteves.com. It's pretty easy to navigate. They have a travel store where you can get one. Most of the stuff is reasonably priced and they had a sale recently so it may still be discounted.
Dec 7th, 2008, 03:01 PM
#40
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I too prefer to carry my tiny valuables in an over the shoulder tiny leather purse-- this I pack into larger purse and that purse into a huge canvas pocketed tote that is my day bag. It folds if not in use into a suitcase, but is easily accessible for maps, purchases of lunch, that we pick up along the way. Current fave is French Upla with lots of outside pockets like a gardening bag, LeSportsac is also great. I pack empty one to repack coming home as necessary for 'stuff' acquired.
Yes, forever the heavy packer am I.
Yes, forever the heavy packer am I.
