stunned Posted June 30, 2022 #1 Share Posted June 30, 2022 I’ve always worn backpacks on shore excursions or just exploring cities, but in May I carried a Travelon anti theft crossbody bag and found it weighing me down and causing shoulder discomfort. Does anyone have suggestions for a lightweight bag (big enough for water bottle, rolled jacket and phone, travel umbrella and small wallet). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slidergirl Posted June 30, 2022 #2 Share Posted June 30, 2022 I just bought a Cotopaxi Taal convertible. it may be bigger than what you want, but it's worth a look. Extremely lightweight and you can use it as a backpack or crossbody. it has an internal bottle pocket and plenty of room for your other things, and maybe some snacks you pick up along the way. It's going to be my everyday bag. I like Cotopaxi as a company for it's use of repurposed materials, keeping it out of landfills, and their ethics and eco policies. Also, take a look at some of the Sherpani bags. i have a few of them, too (what can i say - i'm a bag junkie). Some of them are convertibles and have good anti-theft features if you want. I have used a Dispatch bag as my everyday bag for 3 years and i love it. Before my Dispatch, I used my Tempest bag as my everday and travel bag. it's still in good condition, but I like to try new things. I also have a Camden, but it's more for using as my 2nd bag for weekends. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruisemom42 Posted July 3, 2022 #3 Share Posted July 3, 2022 I've been a big fan of Kipling bags for travel for quite a while. They are EXTREMELY lightweight and yet they are very good at shedding water if you get caught in a downpour. (Not 100% waterproof, but better than most bags out there...) They have many different styles, all with good sturdy zippers and many pockets. I generally prefer the cross-body bags and Kipling bags have a nice long adjustable (and comfortable) canvas strap. Because I'm on the taller side, a lot of cross-body bags are rather short on me -- I prefer to not wear them just under my armpit, but rather nearer to my waist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slidergirl Posted July 3, 2022 #4 Share Posted July 3, 2022 6 hours ago, cruisemom42 said: I've been a big fan of Kipling bags for travel for quite a while. They are EXTREMELY lightweight and yet they are very good at shedding water if you get caught in a downpour. (Not 100% waterproof, but better than most bags out there...) They have many different styles, all with good sturdy zippers and many pockets. I generally prefer the cross-body bags and Kipling bags have a nice long adjustable (and comfortable) canvas strap. Because I'm on the taller side, a lot of cross-body bags are rather short on me -- I prefer to not wear them just under my armpit, but rather nearer to my waist. I bought a Kipling daypack at the airport in Cairo - I wasn't happy with lugging my camera backpack everywhere. The kipling was much lighter! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted July 4, 2022 #5 Share Posted July 4, 2022 Another lightweight brand is LeSportsac. They have all sizes and the colors and prints are really fun. The nylon is light and sturdy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Mary229 Posted July 6, 2022 #6 Share Posted July 6, 2022 Another fan of Kipling. I also have a small daypack which folds and zips into a wallet size case. When packed it is 4 inches x 6 inches. It folds out to a sturdy but light pack half the size of a day pack. I was gifted this one but I have seen them available in specialty travel stores or the travel gear section of Amazon. It fits small umbrella, poncho, water, etc…. I still prefer my phone and credit card in my thin waist wallet. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graceinga Posted July 13, 2022 #7 Share Posted July 13, 2022 I absolutely love my Lonchamp LePliage bag. I have it in large and it has wonderful shoulder straps and I feel like no matter how much I load it up it never hurts my shoulder and I am very sensitive to that. They also fold up perfectly for travel. I can't say enough good things about them. Look up videos on YT, there are tons of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mum2Mercury Posted July 14, 2022 #8 Share Posted July 14, 2022 On 6/30/2022 at 12:25 PM, stunned said: I’ve always worn backpacks on shore excursions or just exploring cities, but in May I carried a Travelon anti theft crossbody bag and found it weighing me down and causing shoulder discomfort. Does anyone have suggestions for a lightweight bag (big enough for water bottle, rolled jacket and phone, travel umbrella and small wallet). If it ain't broke, don't fix it: a small backpack is a fantastic choice. I love my small Osprey Day Lite. It's narrow, so it doesn't bother my shoulders, and it can hold a water bladder. If you want a different type of bag, consider a Healthy Back Bag. Mine is a medium, and I find it a nice size. It's tear-drop shaped, and all the details are spot-on: pockets sized for pamphlets or tickets, even a sunglass pocket. You can "sling it around" and unzip the main pocket to reach your wallet without removing it from your body -- and the main pocket zipper is kinda "under your arm", so difficult to pickpocket. Mine is navy blue nylon, and my husband'll even carry it -- it looks like a cross between a backpack and a tote bag, not at all feminine. Oh, and it is called a "HEALTHY BACK" bag -- it feels like nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruisemom42 Posted July 15, 2022 #9 Share Posted July 15, 2022 On 7/13/2022 at 10:20 AM, graceinga said: I absolutely love my Lonchamp LePliage bag. I have it in large and it has wonderful shoulder straps and I feel like no matter how much I load it up it never hurts my shoulder and I am very sensitive to that. They also fold up perfectly for travel. I can't say enough good things about them. Look up videos on YT, there are tons of them. I've tried to love LePliage, I really have. But the straps slide off my sloped shoulders unless I'm constantly holding the body of the bag down with my hand, and I'm not a fan of the big unconstructed interior. (Yes, I know you can buy inserts/organizers but....just don't want that much bother.) Also, so many people have recommended the MZ Wallace bags to me for travel that I purchased one to try. It didn't seem that much heavier when empty, but when I carried out around full of my usual travel items, it seemed MUCH heavier than the Kipling I'm used to. My advice to anyone would be to try out a new bag before you travel with it to be SURE it works for you, and don't necessarily rely on recommendations from others, as they may or may not mesh with your own needs/preferences. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neeuqdrazil Posted July 16, 2022 #10 Share Posted July 16, 2022 I travelled once with a theft-deterrent bag, and it's lived in my closet ever since. My go-to bag, both at home and while travelling, is the Tom Bihn Swift. As a knitter, I try to avoid zippers on my bags, and this one checks all of my boxes. It is on the heavy side, but I find that it's comfortable enough that I don't mind. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtdiva Posted July 30, 2022 #11 Share Posted July 30, 2022 OMGosh, I’m 77, 5’3” great grandmother, Ive traveled around the world with one of those unstructured backpacks 🎒you get from donating to a charity. I guess I’m missing out on new tech, but “ it works”. No one thinks I’ve anything of value in it , cause I don’t. Credit cards a bit of cash, ship card, I.d. goes in my bra. 😀 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHF Posted August 6, 2022 #12 Share Posted August 6, 2022 I use a sling bag. The bag part can go in front or in back. Vera Bradley makes several or you can look on Amazon. Ran all over Italy in one, all over Disney too. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackiel3290 Posted September 17, 2022 #13 Share Posted September 17, 2022 I love using a Vault Pro daypack from Magellans. They also make cross-body bags, totes and small bags. They have rfid blocking card holders, latching zippers, cut-proof stainless steel wires in the straps and slash-proof wire mesh between fabric layers. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeroTravel Posted September 19, 2022 #14 Share Posted September 19, 2022 What are everyone's top 5-10 items that absolutely must be in your day bag when you're on out on tour/excursion (that isn't the beach)? Mine are: 1. Hand Sanitizer 2. Tissue/Kleenex 3. Wallet (spare cash, cards, ID & copy of passport) 4. Chapstick 5. Lotion (hand & sun) 6. Stomach and headache medication (just in case) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Mary229 Posted September 19, 2022 #15 Share Posted September 19, 2022 9 minutes ago, KeroTravel said: What are everyone's top 5-10 items that absolutely must be in your day bag when you're on out on tour/excursion (that isn't the beach)? Mine are: 1. Hand Sanitizer 2. Tissue/Kleenex 3. Wallet (spare cash, cards, ID & copy of passport) 4. Chapstick 5. Lotion (hand & sun) 6. Stomach and headache medication (just in case) 1,2 and 4 for sure. Small amount of sunscreen, credit card and phone which is really all I absolutely need. If it can’t fit it a waist wallet it isn’t needed. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeroTravel Posted September 19, 2022 #16 Share Posted September 19, 2022 I'm also one for a waist wallet … or a hip bag (as I believe that is what they are called these days). I'm curious as to what people are putting in the slings and backpacks. For me less is better. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Mary229 Posted September 19, 2022 #17 Share Posted September 19, 2022 13 minutes ago, KeroTravel said: I'm also one for a waist wallet … or a hip bag (as I believe that is what they are called these days). I'm curious as to what people are putting in the slings and backpacks. For me less is better. My waist wallet is a hidden wallet. I use it for much of my travels. When crime isn’t an issue I use a tiny day pack and add water and apples and trail mix. I hate to eat garbage food but I get hungry walking around. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruisemom42 Posted September 20, 2022 #18 Share Posted September 20, 2022 5 hours ago, KeroTravel said: What are everyone's top 5-10 items that absolutely must be in your day bag when you're on out on tour/excursion (that isn't the beach)? Mine are: 1. Hand Sanitizer 2. Tissue/Kleenex 3. Wallet (spare cash, cards, ID & copy of passport) 4. Chapstick 5. Lotion (hand & sun) 6. Stomach and headache medication (just in case) Small wallet (leave all but what is really needed in cabin or hotel room) Sunglasses Kleenex Phone Chapstick or similar Collapsible water bottle Maps or notes + pen Small (trial size) pill bottle with ibuprofen, acetaminophen, claritin, immodium, etc. Depending on the day or the type of touring: Small folding umbrella Small digital camera Granola bar or similar Kindle Sunscreen 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slidergirl Posted September 20, 2022 #19 Share Posted September 20, 2022 16 hours ago, cruisemom42 said: Small wallet (leave all but what is really needed in cabin or hotel room) Sunglasses Kleenex Phone Chapstick or similar Collapsible water bottle Maps or notes + pen Small (trial size) pill bottle with ibuprofen, acetaminophen, claritin, immodium, etc. Depending on the day or the type of touring: Small folding umbrella Small digital camera Granola bar or similar Kindle Sunscreen My water bottle isn't collaspible and I now use my iPhone 13 Pro as my camera, other than that, I agree with Cynthia. What i will add is: reading glasses bandana or other scarf that i will use for multiple purposes. I usually tie this to my bag strap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarsenPNP Posted May 13, 2023 #20 Share Posted May 13, 2023 (edited) I like to use an infinity scarf with a zippered hidden pocket that holds my iPhone mini, a credit card, ID, small amount of cash. If you are talented, I would imagine they are easy to sew. If you're not (like me), check out Etsy. I carry a water bottle, but leave it on the excursion shuttle. Edited May 13, 2023 by LarsenPNP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mum2Mercury Posted May 13, 2023 #21 Share Posted May 13, 2023 (edited) Y'all carry a lot of stuff! For a typical shore excursion or day on an island, I'd bring: - Cash money and/or card on my person /not in a wallet - Necessary documents on my person /not in a wallet - Maps, notes about our plans for the day, tickets or other print-outs in my backpack - Sunglasses and hat (worn, not carried in a bag) - Phone in my backpack - Camera in my backpack - Clip-on watch, which stays on my backpack ... useful if your phone dies or if you're not sure about the time zones - A small snack for my husband's blood sugar in my backpack - I might bring a water bottle, but more often I pick up a cold drink on shore ... they're readily available - Anything specific we might need for the day's plans 21 hours ago, LarsenPNP said: I like to use an infinity scarf with a zippered hidden pocket ... I have one of these, and I never remember it! Wouldn't be much use in the Caribbean, but I'm going to try it out. Edited May 13, 2023 by Mum2Mercury Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrgabriel Posted May 14, 2023 #22 Share Posted May 14, 2023 I carry a medium sized cross-body bag. I carry my ID, a credit card, a bit of cash, sunglasses, lipstick, iPhone, and that’s it. The wallet stays in the safe on the ship. I’m surprised that so many people carry back packs … I always figure they make life easy for pickpockets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slidergirl Posted May 14, 2023 #23 Share Posted May 14, 2023 On 5/12/2023 at 6:02 PM, LarsenPNP said: I like to use an infinity scarf with a zippered hidden pocket that holds my iPhone mini, a credit card, ID, small amount of cash. If you are talented, I would imagine they are easy to sew. If you're not (like me), check out Etsy. I carry a water bottle, but leave it on the excursion shuttle. Wouldn’t have worked last summer in Europe. With the temperatures 100-103F in the daytime and still in the 90s at night, I wanted NOTHING around my neck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neeuqdrazil Posted May 15, 2023 #24 Share Posted May 15, 2023 I carry pretty much the same stuff on an excursion day that is part of my EDC at home: - Phone & power pack - Wallet - Notebook & pen (Traveller's Company notebook + Pilot Vanishing Point fountain pen) - Kobo ereader - Small knitting project & small knitting tool kit (snips, cable needle, stitch markers) - Handkerchief If it's hot, I add a small fan (old school folding fan, not powered), and a water bottle. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mum2Mercury Posted May 15, 2023 #25 Share Posted May 15, 2023 On 5/13/2023 at 8:02 PM, mrgabriel said: ... I’m surprised that so many people carry back packs … I always figure they make life easy for pickpockets. Eh, maybe, but that's why I keep my ID and money on my person. If I were to lose a map or a pack of crackers, my world wouldn't end. 3 hours ago, neeuqdrazil said: - Kobo ereader - Small knitting project & small knitting tool kit (snips, cable needle, stitch markers) Several people have mentioned a book. I think a knitting project is a first. Beaches aside, when are y'all reading or crafting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now