As I've mentioned on a few recent threads, the past few months have seen me devolve to carrying my Patagonia backpack all the time.

Apart from rare forays to the grocery store and post office, when I go out, I am typically hiking in the woods and/or on suburban paths. I'm carrying keys, water bottle, jacket/ hoodie/ windbreaker, phone, mask, sanitizer, earphones, wallet, card case (sometimes alternating), sunglasses, sunscreen/ lipgloss etc, tissues.

But then other times -- evening walks -- it's just phone, earphones, card case, keys. So the backpack really feels like too much then.

A dressy purse -- even my leather backpack -- just feels like too much in these environs. (A few pics below). Leather's also heavy.

The Patagonia is actually a bit too large for my needs but it is nylon and lightweight.

So. I am thinking of what might work instead.

I've considered a nylon Minkoff Julian and might get one if I could find in a colour I liked -- but right now the options at the Bay or Nordstrom's Canada don't make me smile. (I'd go for red or silver, but not black.)

But what I really think I need is, essentially, good looking gear. The kind of stuff that works like gear but won't completely clash with an outfit if we are ever released from our isolation and can move around out in the world a bit more.

I could also very much use something that I can pop into my bicycle panniers easily that holds all my essentials!!!

Two options I'm considering -- a Bellroy backpack and a Bellroy mini-sling. I own a few Bellroy products and LOVE them. I got them on Jenn's recommendation.

I own a folio wallet (smallest sleekest wallet of this type I've ever owned and fits my phone if I want to put it inside...); mini-pocket (card pocket); a classic pouch, a pencil case (I use it as my makeup bag), a A4 tech folio (for my ipad mini and notebook). I truly love the product line -- they are brilliantly designed.

Does anyone know anything about the backpack or mini-sling? Thoughts on something else that might work for me as well? Or better?

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