Alternative for backpack?

Planning for my upcoming vacation where we (hubby, 3 kiddos, and I) will be doing a lot of all day sightseeing. Usually hubby likes to bring a huge backpack full of snacks and light jackets in case of rain or evening chill. I think the backpack screams "tourist." Tote bags bother me since one strap is always falling off my shoulder. Any alternatives from all you lovely Fabbers?

12 years ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from Inge

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Messenger bag. The best thing ever. Hands are free and if you get big one (but not toooo big) it will hold decent amount of things.

I personally prefer the bags with a lot of inside compartments generally and with messenger bag - especially on vacation - that would be a must. You'll need compartments for easier organisation AND for keeping valuables under the zipper.

And, I also need to have one outside pocket, usually turned towards me for quick and easy access to the camera.

12 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I use a messenger bag too. Do you mean a larger bag though with stuff for the five of you?

12 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Everyone needs their own bag, I think. A decent sized cross body or messenger should work for you, but get the kids each a backpack to carry their own layers and snacks. There's no reason for tiny little you to be lugging everyone's stuff around all the time- or get hubby to do it! Yes, backpacks scream tourist, but if tourists you are then so what?

12 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

My first thought was "messenger bag," too. I have one I love, but it's just black nylon (dull). I love the leather versions, but they're expensive and heavy. I adore this brand -- popular with college students, however these are really more computer bags:

ogio.com/womens-s

Chewy also has an excellent point --- once the kids are past the early years, you can spread the burden, literally!

12 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I agree with above. Some sharing is ok but having one pack burro person means huge bag. However that's a personal choice too and could be what works best for some families. Also I struggle myself with whether to be prepared for everything, or to lighten up and let go-- veteran travelers may want to comment. Messenger bags allow for a reasonable amount of stuff but encourage some triage.

12 years ago

Glory

Veteran

I would also recommend a light weight messenger bag. With the kiddos, you know you will end up having to carry their items as well :).
REI, MEC etc carry some really nice ones. http://www.mec.ca/shop/?q=messenger%20bag

12 years ago

Anonymous

I am a very utilitarian traveler and would refuse to travel with a heavy burden.

I have always been a city Explorer, rather than a beach goer. When my daughter was little, I would refuse to leave my hotel each day with anything other than the bare minimum. I figured that I was not to go about into an Amazon expedition, and that if I *really* needed something I could stop and buy it. I also noticed that I seldom used all of that stuff I was carrying back and forth.

I do not recall what other destinations you will be going to, but for the one I know, I recommend against the big backpack. First, the city is hard on travelers. Blocks are long, the humidity hits you hard. There is a street vendor in every corner and you can find inexpensive snacks too. I am not sure if I would want my kids lugging weight around. Do they need to snack thru the day?

My solution: A decent size "manpurse" for your husband, so he can put his wallet and necesities and perhaps a couple things for the kiddos and a decent size crossbody bag for you. The kids can knot their light jackets around their waists when it gets hot.

Another disadvantage of a backpack is that those give easy access to pickpocketers.

12 years ago

Veteran

Oh thanks so much for all the responses! I already have a good size crossbody bag. See pic #1 here:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....e-days-2-3

I think I'll get a medium size messenger bag for hubby to appease his "What if we need it?" concerns.

12 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I love that crossbody bag on you, AJ, and really like the plan to get your hubby a separate messenger bag. Problem solved;-)

Have a brilliant holiday!!

12 years ago

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