Need a lightweight backpack
 

I use a cane and a backpack would be better for me on this upcoming Italy trip. Trouble is I can't find one. Travelsmith has a style that is not that attractive, etc. Any clues? A small problem but a big one for me.Microfiber would be preferable because of its light weight.

I dont't know what your price range is, but I also carry a back pack due to herniated discs in my neck.....I LOVE Kate Spade's nylon backpack. It's casual enough for jeans, but you can dress it up as well. You can find it at most department stores - $100.

Coach has great backpacks - you can find them on Ebay for about 1/3 of what they cost in the stores - just be sure you check the sellers "score" and recent items sold/feedback to avoid getting ripped-off.

You can check LLBean and Lands End, on line. I think eBags may have something. I'm thinking more in the $29.- to $49.- range.

Prior to my European trip last year, I was warned that backpacks can be easy targets for pickpockets and are sometimes a nuisance on buses and trains. I used an LL Bean microfiber "Healthy Back" Bag instead. It can be worn on the back or shoulder, so you don't have to take it off and mess with straps all the time. Here is a link to several styles of these bags:
http://www.nextag.com/microfiber-hea...ag/search-html

Try http://www.rei.com. I don't kow if they'll have anything attractive enough, but they do have nice backpacks.

I have several "healthy back" bags and love them, but I also love my Baggallini messenger bag from ebags.com. It sells for about $40, comes in several colors, is lightweight but strong nylon, and holds an amazing amount of stuff. You wear it across the front, diagonally, rather than the back, so it's much easier to access, especially for sunglasses and cell phone. Read the reviews and ebags.com and see if it will work for you.

Are you looking for a large backpack to use instead of a suitcase?

Or you want a smaller daypack to use instead of a tote/purse?

Author: greekartist ([email protected])
Date: 04/12/2006, 08:40 pm
I forgot to say that I am a woman and require a smallish bag. Thanks again!!!

Greekartist- If you add your comments as a "post my reply" to the thread you already started then it will stay together. (You started a brand new separate thread instead.)

:-)

ebags website (of same name) has all sorts of bags

Your best bet to get the correct fit is to visit a backpacking store if you have one. You first need to determine if you want an external or internal pack. Bring your items to the store so you can see if they will fit inside & how easily you can access them. If you plan on carrying on board plane it will have to fit inside the airport sizewise holders. If you don't bring your items from home be sure to put weights of some sort inside the pack while you are trying it on. Bounce or walk up & down steps so the load will shift. Be sure you get one with an adjustable padded hipbelt and check that the arm straps don't cut into you. Check out www.gearfinder.com.