backpack purse

oops! i meant that the backpack purse shouldn't look like a backpack :-). s.

Just be very careful what you keep in it. A girl I worked with had a backpack purse which she used in Europe and when we were in Bruges (we had split up for the day), she was pickpocketed. She didn't even know it until she was going to buy something at a tourist shop and pulled her purse around only to find it open. They took her wallet, which had her driver's license, credit cards, and cash (about 150 euros which she was going to use to buy groceries).

I would re-think using a back-pack as a purse also. Consider using a messenger bag instead, worn cross body. Easy on the shoulders, safer with your wallet, camera, etc. and you don't have to take it off every single time you want something out of it.

Backpacks are great because they leave both hands completely free. However, they are difficult for quick access. If you keep your camera in there, what a pain to take it off your back to get it. I love to travel with my pacsafe Metro 200. I wear it cross body. it's secure so I don't worry about pickpockets, and I usually keep one hand on it when in crowds anyway. I don't take any of my normal everyday purses with me when I travel. too heavy, and in most cases too large. you are so wise to consider excess bulk when traveling. it's amazing how little you really need. I do bring one daypack on the plane, but usually, my shoulder bag is inside that pack until we arrive at the airport. If you want a lightweight backpack that's pretty secure, you might find one like I bought at heathrow airport from Longchamp http://www.longchamp.com/en/bags-back-pack-women-255.html The downside to this is, only one compartment, and everything is jumbled at the bottom! However, it is very lightweight, and is secure when on your back and the straps are tight. No hand are getting into the top for sure!

Susan, I'm not 100% sure of what you're considering. I even went to the TravelSmith website, but nothing obvious jumped out at me...The only purse I saw that looked like it was meant to be worn on the back is the Convertible Baggallini Brussels Backpack; that certainly wouldn't be bulky because the fabric is soft. I've worn a backpack - on one shoulder, or on my back - very successfully on every international trip I've taken, but I also watch it like a possessed person and I usually travel with a very observant partner. I'm not really crazy about the backpacks that are really purses, though, because they look like they have 'better goodies' in them than a plain ol' backpack... 'Purses' look like they have cash and credit cards in them; 'backpacks' look like jackets, water bottles, books, and possibly a wallet or a camera. Can you give us an example of exactly what you have in mind?

I'm mystified at a backpack purse that doesnt look like a backpack. Do you mean the teardrop shaped shoulder bags that are healthy back bags.... http://www.ameribag.com/ .? They hold a water bottle, a guidebook, and more without being heavy;a little funny looking but you can wear them crossbody.

Hi Susan, I've got a Beijo Twice As Nice Backpack/purse that i love. It's not the most practical thing, in that it doesn't hold tons of stuff... I can't get a water bottle or jacket in it but it has room for the guidebook, wallet, notebook etc. And it converts from a backpack to a purse to suite your needs. It also has little 'feet' on it so if you set it on the floor in a beerhall the bottom won't get all nasty. beijo doesn't make the 'Twice As Nice' bag any more so I have to resort to e-bay... here's an example: http://cgi.ebay.com/Beijo-Brown-Black-Shoulder-Backpack-EUC-/280659095824?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item415895f110 it's also pretty secure b/c it zips all the way around and if you have the zips meet between the straps there no way anyone will get into that thing from behind. Options are good=)
-Libby

I just bought an AmeriBag that is a very pretty tapestry; business is in New York. You can go to the web site ameribag.com to check out their items. I bought mine at a travel store.

About this time every year, Target starts to carry purse/backpacks. They are canvas, in various colors, with rope straps. I never carry valuables (money, credit cards, passport, etc.) in it. It is a fabulous hands-free way to carry the stuff you might need. Mine always contains a sweatshirt, water bottle, guide book, phrase book, travel pack of kleenex, aspirin, pen, sun block, gum. It is a handy place to stash picnic food as I acquire it, or an umbrella if that becomes necessary. Since it doesn't look like a backpack, I am rarely asked to check it at museums. Since it's canvas, it's not bulky, and I can toss it in the washing machine when it gets grungy.

I think a traditional purse (that has a shoulder strap), messenger bag, or other non-flashy shoulder bag would be safer. Just make sure to hang it on one shoulder and have it hang on the opposite side (to make sure that a thief won't rip it off of you). Day backpacks and backpack purses are in your blind spot and you'll have the tendency to forget about them. Going with a shoulder bag means that you can partially keep an eye on your valuables and, if you find yourself in a crowded or touristy area, you can pull the bag to your front and place your hand securely over it. Plus, they can help camouflage you as a local (pickpockets can spot heavy-backpacked tourists a mile away). Just as a rule of thumb... No flashy or attractive bags; you want to blend in and look least attractive (from a theif's perspective). Pickpockets and thieves target the nicest bags because they know they have more money. Backpacks are a pickpocket's paradise, as the mark you off as a tourist with a lot of valuables and goodies on hand.

Rick has a new Civita Tote which is great for a day bag. It's not a backpack as I would never put anything I cared about in a backpack. Money in my money belt. Water & maps & a sweater in my civita tote.

I just bought a KAVU SYDNEY SATCHEL for my trip this June. It's very light weight, kind of like a small hobo bag. I think it will hold all my daytime items well enough. It comes in some nice summery patterns, too. http://www.kavu.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=4205&idcategory=86

I'm afraid Susan is no longer with us; I hope she's in Purse Heaven...

eileen - i'm still here. just absorbing all the responses. thanks everyone for your input - 3 weeks and counting! i've decided to not go with the backpack based on your responses - just a small cross body purse. i was sort of leaning that way anyway, but now it's official.. again thanks! sue

I carry a small cross body bag (Fossil - well organized). I clip the zipper pull to the metal link of the purse handle. No one is getting in there! You can buy little clips at hardware stores.

My friend who was wearing one of the lightweight drawstring back bags was nearly pickpocketed. I used a large cross-body bag instead and it was perfect. I could keep it in front of my body and keep my hand on the zipper the whole time. Consider one of these, and you'll have many stylish options.

I hate to admit it, but the traditional Longchamp le pliage purse is great. It comes in all colors, is durable, waterproof, and EVERYONE carries it (and it is cheaper to buy in Paris than in the States). It holds a lot more than it looks like it would. I managed to fit everything I needed for a weekend trip to Amsterdam and had room for five bags of stroopwafels to bring back to Paris.