Travel purse

[artnbarb]

Not sure what happened to that link, but here's it is - Laurex Convertible Canvas
Backpack.

 

[artnbarb]

One thing I really need when buying a purse is a photo of it on a real person. Quite often, after reading the description I'll think it's exactly what I want, then I see a photo and it's way bigger (or smaller) than I imagined!

 

[artnbarb]

I really like that backpack, Barb!

I wanted something smaller, but still functional, and something canvas - so many of them are leather or nylon and even in milder weather they get too hot on my back.

 

[Joana]

I am always on the hunt for the perfect travel bag as well. As a result I have 4 Baggallini bags, all different sizes and shapes. My latest one is the Helsinki cross body bag, a little larger than Chris's.
I haven't used it for an extended trip yet, but it's been great for a busy day on the train, walking and museums. The front pouch holds my water bottle if I put something else in to keep it upright, such as a guidebook. There is a padded section for a full-sized iPad, as well as the usual pockets inside. There's also a large handy open pocket on back, which is perfect for maps. The only drawbacks are that the strap is not really heavy duty, and there is no flap over the zipper, if you are super security conscious. However, since it is a cross body, it's always visible to me and my arm is usually right next to it, especially in crowds. From my experience in museums, I have had to check even small backpacks, so I decided to stop using them.

 

[artnbarb]

what do you think about THIS BACKPACK? It's listed as a man's backpack, but I really like the size, and the fact that it's convertible!

 

[chachalaca]

Barb, you are on fire! I like the little cross body bag. It looks about the size of my regular purse. I agree about needing to see a photo of it on a body, though! I also LOVE the last link to the backpack. That is cute.

I have a baggallini backpack…I forgot about that.

Part of me wants to say "Why do you care???" but the other part of me likes the hunt for the perfect bag I think!

 

[Pauline]

I am always on the hunt for the perfect travel bag as well. As a result I have 4 Baggallini bags, all different sizes and shapes. My latest one is the Helsinki cross body bag, a little larger than Chris's.

Is it this one? Baggallini Helsinki Slim Light Shoulder Hobo Bag Crossbody?

I have two of the Baggallini foldable totes from years ago - similar to the Baggallini expandable tote . They came in 3 sizes and I always travel with the medium or large folded up in case I need an extra bag coming home.

I used a Baggallini carryon tote for years but replaced it with this that I bought in Nimes: Reisenthel Allrounder. This one is shaped like an old fashioned "doctor's bag" with one big space inside, no outside pockets. I don't know why I like it so much, but I use it on every trip for my carryon. (Mine is the mocha dots color.)

 

[chachalaca]

Oooh, the Helsinki is nice, too! As is your bag from Reisenthel, Pauline. Oh, no. I feel a fever (shopping fever) coming on!

 

[artnbarb]

what do you think about THIS BACKPACK? It's listed as a man's backpack, but I really like the size, and the fact that it's convertible!

And a quick Google search shows that there's a smaller version for women: Laurex Back Pack. Because I'm only 5'1" I like the smaller size, but it's not convertible, which was part of the appeal.....

 

[chachalaca]

Oooh, Barb! I love that - but I agree, there's an appeal to the convertible one. Decisions, decisions...

 

[artnbarb]

Here's what I want in a back pack:

• it has to be smaller than a 'regular' back pack - I don't want smaller stuff to get lost in the bottom, nor do I want it to be too heavy when filled to capacity
• large enough to act as my regular purse, plus room to cram in a sweater if necessary, or a few souvenirs
• cloth/canvas so it won't make my back too sweaty when hiking
• stylish but not flashy
• a secure, but easily accessible top - I had one with the drawstring top, with a flap over that and it was too much trouble
• comfortable straps, and a comfortable fit
• although I like the idea of convertible straps I'm not sure I'd ever use it for anything other than a backpack, and who hasn't carried their back pack on one shoulder from time to time? So - do convertible straps really matter?
• reasonable cost

I guess that covers it! Now I'm considering this BACK PACK......and welcome your comments!

 

[Chris]

Wow, Barb, that's really good-looking. I haven't been looking at backpacks for a long time, and you're really opening my eyes to the possibilities!

 

[artnbarb]

I have one that's VERY small. and nylon, but I need something a little larger and cooler! My problem is finding the perfect size. if I get a purse too big I tend to fill it up, then my shoulder aches. A backpack solves the shoulder problem, and because of that I could carry more weight - but I want to be practical!

 

[Lisa in Ottawa]

I like that pack also. But I'd want to see it 'in person." My fear is that the shoulder straps would slide off and the material would show the dirt. But it looks so cute. The pack I had in Nice was pac safe. I didn't get it for it's safety features but b/c it was small and black and a little elegant. But the straps sliding off ruined it for me. I on't think they carry that model anymore. Now I'm very wary of shoulder straps. On the other hand, once I figured out that it was the material I was wearing that made the straps slide, it made all the difference.But that's silly.
This is a fun thread and has made me think about what I will take to Italy.

 

[Pauline]

I went through a couple of Healthy Back Bags and liked them. I don't remember why I stopped using one. I think they were awkward to set down on a counter and dig out your wallet.

I wear a backpack when hiking/walking but never one as a purse. If I don't want to carry a purse, we have a small hiking backpack and I make Steve wear it. I think I look more clunky than usual wearing a backpack and I worry that in a crowd someone can get into it without me knowing. But I do like the looks of these ones the Barb has linked to. And they are better for your back.

 

[artnbarb]

Being short, and not having broad shoulders makes any back pack a challenge, just as Lisa mentioned. this one has a free return policy, so it might be worth the risk. I'm still torn between one with convertible straps and one without. Do those convertible straps really mean anything????

 

[Lisa in Ottawa]

Those healthy backpacks are popular. But I found it uncomfortable to wear the one shoulder strap. If I wear a backpack other than for hiking, it has to be small and purse like. I hate having a pack sticking out in an urban setting and it's true that getting your wallet etc is awkward.
Pauline, you're not with Steve all the time. How can he carry your stuff when and if you go out in the evening or by yourself? I'm going to have another look at that cute canvas one Barb posted.
I think I'll stick to my original plan. a small day pack and a small purse.
Now wallets are another story. I meant to replace mine about 2 years ago but still haven't gotten around to it.lol

 

[Lisa in Ottawa]

Here's what I want in a back pack:

• it has to be smaller than a 'regular' back pack - I don't want smaller stuff to get lost in the bottom, nor do I want it to be too heavy when filled to capacity
• large enough to act as my regular purse, plus room to cram in a sweater if necessary, or a few souvenirs
• cloth/canvas so it won't make my back too sweaty when hiking
• stylish but not flashy
• a secure, but easily accessible top - I had one with the drawstring top, with a flap over that and it was too much trouble
• comfortable straps, and a comfortable fit
• although I like the idea of convertible straps I'm not sure I'd ever use it for anything other than a backpack, and who hasn't carried their back pack on one shoulder from time to time? So - do convertible straps really matter?
• reasonable cost

I guess that covers it! Now I'm considering this BACK PACK......and welcome your comments!

Barb, it gets good reviews and is inexpensive. Why not order it and check it out for us and if you don't like it you can return it to Amazon. I think the front flap and zipper could be a problem. But nothing is perfect.

 

[artnbarb]

I ordered TWO backpacks and will report back once I've tested and compared!

 

[chachalaca]

Oh, yay! Thank you. All in the line of duty, or travel!