I have always been curious as to what others find comfortable when traveling. In my [usually extended] stays, I "live" in one town and take short trips from there when I want. So, I can change bags often if I need to. To go into town for coffee I just bring a wallet or only cash in my pocket. But when I do take a day trip, I find it schleppy when I have a big SLR camera, wallet, keys, water, etc. I don't care for backpacks, yet I find a big tote like bag on my shoulder with everything in it heavy after a few hours. When the camera isn't around my neck, it is in the bag, so I usually try to use a bag large enough to fit the camera. I feel like I am constantly rearranging arms, moving the camera to get to the purse, you get the idea. What do you travelers find comfortable/workable? (I don't like fanny packs either, although they certainly free your arms!)

When we aren't hiking, I also like a bag that I can toss my camera into. The quilted cloth bags like the ones Vera Bradley makes are nice because they are light and you can toss them in the wash when you get home.
For hiking, I like the small day packs that are basically mini backpacks. they cross over the shoulder and you can wear them across your chest.

Jnini - this is one of those recurring questions - and everyone has a different answer. Take a look at this thread for several options. You can also click on the "find" button at the top of the page to find other threads about travel purses or travel bags!

Judy

ps: and lest you think I don't appreciate your question, let me make it clear that each time I plan a trip I order two or three "perfect bags", then send them back when I realize they are too big, too small, too bulky, too heavy, have too many pockets, too few pockets, etc. So I continue to carry my small envelope purse that has a strap long enough to go across my chest, and bring a light nylon tote bag I bought at a British street market 10 years ago to use when I need to carry more than my digital camera and my glasses and phone!

I have been contemplating buying this crumpler bag. I like they show the important things that can fit like how many beers an fit








Another picture

And the model gives you a 360 view of what it looks like

http://www.crumplerbags.com/Cart/index.php?catId=22
Edited to correct URL

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Roz,

What a great way to show a bag's potential!

Ah, but Lee, does it keep the beer chilled ?

I think Judy is right - we've discussed this a few times. I haven't discovered anything new since previous discussions either - I like the healthy bag that lets me convert it to a backpack (i.e., distribute the weight over both shoulders or just one), or just my pockets but the best option I've found, is a backpack for Chris; let him lug everything around.

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but the best option I've found, is a backpack for Chris; let him lug everything around.

Actually this what turned out what worked best for me. I fretted and fretted over this, read all of the threads here, ordered a pacsafe 200. The shoulder strap hit me wrong in the neck, so that went back. I bought something similar with just a lightweight strap and it turns out my husband was the one who lugged it around. I had a small crouchet purse aboot a 5" x 6" with a shoulder strap I brought to use at night. Thats what I ended up using the whole time, Just big enough for my passport, small digital camera and some euro and a bankcard.

Laurie

I don't know why this is even being discussed. No woman has EVER found the perfect purse foe everyday use. You think it's going to happen with one for traveling? If someone succeeds I will personally worship at her feet.

The Ameribag Healthy Back bag is my favorite. I'm not much of a fashionista, so I have one for black for the winter and one in green for the summer. (I absolutely hate changing purses. Every time I do, I leave something out that I really need at a crucial moment!) The great thing about these is that you can put the strap around your body with the bag on your back and it keeps you from having all the weight on your shoulder. For safety, you can also have the bag across your chest and it isn't too big and bulky for that position like some of the small back packs. They come in leather or microfiber, but I prefer the microfiber because it is lighter in weight and it can be washed. I spot them and just toss them in the washer.

These all sound great, thanks. I know this has been discussed ad nauseum, but on the off chance that someone has found IT...WOW.

Re: the husband being the schlepper...well, this will be the FIRST time he is with me for the entire 8 weeks. So perhaps I will try that out.
I have the small over the shoulder little bags. One Kipling I bought and used for Paris and it was pretty good. It held a lot, not the big camera, but just about everything else I needed, was soft sided and I could even clip my umbrella onto it. I might take that too. It is still the camera issue for the big one. If I carry the little one, no prob. I guess it is the price I pay for wanting to take pictures. But I will check your suggestions.

I did recently find the PERFECT wallet though...

Are you going to tell us about it, jnini? You can't keep us in suspense now...come on, give!

While I can't wait to see Julie's perfect wallet--I just wanted to chime in that I have made lots of trips with my black micro-fiber Healthy Back bag and continue to think it's as close to perfect for me as I'm going to get. BUT I don't think I could fit a big SLR camera in there. For my small digital and the jusnk I like to carry around--lipstick, Tide-to-go, Tylenol, water, wallet, etc., it's great.

jan

Well, first, I think this wallet suits me. I have tried many styles of wallet, half size, clip, zip, fold, etc. I have had my purse stolen twice in 6 months (long story) and I noticed my friend had this wallet, so I totally scoped it out. What I love about it is the following: the complete zip closure, like a mini clutch, if necessary; full size bill compartment; can hold checkbook if you want (although I do not carry that)and cc on either side; change in the middle. Some people may feel it is too big, but you can even clip your keys to it so it can act like a purse for just running around. I have not purchased it, as the price is ridiculous! But if I can't find another similar one I just might. I don't want anyone to think I am a snob, so the fact that it is Coach is just a fluke. I am sure others make a very similar design. I have seen some, but not the same size as this. I don't want it bigger or smaller. Anyway, here is the link (I don't know how to post the picture, sorry.)

wallet

I have a very similar Coach wallet in leather. It must be over 20 years old and was well-used for many years. When the zipper gave out, Coach repaired it at no cost, I think. We are leaving next week for Prague. I should get my similar wallet out and consider taking it.

Perhaps you can find one on ebay at a better price? Then it would be "vintage Coach"!

I have one of these baggallini Only bags.
http://www.amazon.com/Baggallini-Microfiber-Only-Bag-ES...id=1209752837&sr=8-3
I don't keep any of my money (except coins) or credit cards in it though. I keep that stuff in a money belt under my clothes.
Because it is a synthetic fiber, it is a lot lighter than a leather bag.

Why, jnini, that is some cute wallet!! Really! Function + Cute = justifiable spending (in case you need encouragement!).

Dragonpat, I checked out that bag and seriously considered it as a carry-on. Have you used it? What do you think?

I like Baggallini, light-weight and washable. I have a "Teenie Baggallini" - perfect for a phone, a credit card and chapstick, and this fall I purchased a "Downtown Bag" with this summer's trip in mind. Downtown bag I like the idea of hands-free. Of course no passport/cc's inside. We'll see...

Laura

I like those Baggallini bags. This is very similar to the one I got for Paris (mine did not have the clip on the front and was black of course). It really did work well. It expands like crazy, which is nice when you have kids "collecting" rocks in Luxembourg Gardens! Maybe I am talking myself into using that bag. I think the camera is throwing me off. My dad used to have an SLR bag that acted like a fanny pack. It was great because it was hands free...but nothing like having 12 extra inches on your hips! ha

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

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Dragonpat, I checked out that bag and seriously considered it as a carry-on. Have you used it? What do you think?

I have used it as my "personal item" and carry on a backpack as my carry-on. The Baggilinni can carry several paperback books inside it, so I put the readin matter in there.

I used the Metro 200 from pac-safe, for my SLR,and my purse when out for a day. It heald an extra lens, credit card, money, umbrella if needed, extra battery. All in a safe bag, with lots of hidden pockets with zippers that lock for safty.

http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&activity_id=8
Sandra

Jnini, I bought that ziparound Coach wallet for my mother and mother-in-law for their birthdays. I liked that it zipped around so less chance of stuff falling out! My mother made me return it because of the price! I did, however, see a similar one in Lord & Taylor. I don't remember the brand or price, but it was definitely under $100 - probably between $55-90, plus you gotta use those coupons!

I actually use 2 small wallets when I travel - one for loose change and small bills, and the other for more money and cards - both very small - I travel light! I'm definitely bringing 2 bags for schlepping stuff - one for my husband, who insists he travels light, but ends up putting stuff in my tote! We need to spread out the kids stuff more too, as I end up carrying some of their stuff!

I have a wallet that has proved to be the most perfect one I have ever owned. It has many of the same features as the Coach wallet like the interior ring to clip keys and such to. It is 8"x4" (same as the Coach), has a zippered section divided like the Coach one, plus a section that has a snap closure that can hold more credit cards, check book, place for a note pad, has a detachable wrist strap, outside zipper coin section. It's microfiber, no snappy designer exterior, and I think it comes in black only.

Are you ready for this? It's made by White Stag and it is $9.88 at Wal-Mart! I bought an extra one for when my original wears out. I've had it for 2 or 3 years and it's still going strong.

Oh, Earline, you almost had me except for the snap closure and the inside ring for keys. I don't want an extra snap closure and the little tiny "ring" is on the outside for Coach. I love that the Coach is all contained. I did see at nordstrom one that was almost exactly, a-ha...Burberry--even MORE expensive. I kept looking and saw another one for under $50, but it was wider and not quite as long.

Sophia--nice gifts!