Please sign in to post.

Civita Day Pack and Jacket

Hello: I am wondering how much fits into the Citiva Day Pack. I am traveling solo on my first trip to Europe (London -Paris -So France and Italy mid-Sept to mid-Oct. I have a lightweight adirondack jacket (1 1/2 pounds) that I roll up to fit in my day bag because it serves as warmth and rain protection. Also would want to stuff my fleece vest in there if it becomes too hot to wear. And iPad2. A guidebook? Some first-aid stuff for my feet. A light lunch, a bottle of water.
Does this sound like too much? Would it be better if I had the new iPad mini? :) Thanks for your responses.

Posted by
922 posts

You could probably stuff that much in the Civita daypack. It's made of very soft, thin (but sturdy) material. The iPad Mini might be better.

Posted by
10206 posts

You can fit quite a bit into the main part the day bag plus there are two other zippered sections and pockets for water bottles on each side. Are you asking about putting your iPad in it while in transit or do you plan to carry it with you during the day while sightseeing? I travel with an iPad, but I don't take it with me for daily sightseeing. I think you would find that with all the things listed the pack would get very heavy quickly. I'm not sure that an iPad mini would solve your problem.

Posted by
1335 posts

It's too early to tell. You'll know on day one if you're carrying too much stuff. The good news is you can just leave what you find unnecessary in your hotel room. Do be careful with your ipad. I never carry mine with me in fear of my bag being swiped or me losing it myself.

Posted by
11613 posts

I stuff an incredible number of things into my Civita day bag, your list sounds fine. The difference between the iPad models wouldn't be significant. I also use the day bag for taking laundry to the laundromat, plus snacks and something to read.

Posted by
922 posts

The reason I suggested that the iPad Mini might be better was more about size and shape than about weight. The iPad has hard, square corners. The Civita daypack is made of very lightweight material. If the iPad is placed inside the large area of the pack that rests directly against one's back, and it shifts inside there as you walk, it's possible it could create some discomfort. You could wrap it in your jacket, though. The Mini might fit in the front compartment, but that could create a security concern; the zipper pulls aren't made with holes that allow use of a lock, the way some daypacks are made, though safety pinning would work.

Posted by
1914 posts

I think it will hold all of it. I put my iPad in the middle compartment and it fits fine, but I think the mini would be a lot easier. It really is lighter and the size will just make it easier. I'm still taking my iPad 2, but if I could I'd swap it for a mini, I would!

Posted by
3 posts

Thank you all so much for your helpful replies and advice. It sounds like the right size for my needs. Another question - for those who have used your bags for awhile, how is it holding up? Is it true I shouldn't rely on the straps for the bottles?
Thanks again!

Posted by
10206 posts

We've had our black Citiva day bag for about 7 years. It has been well used both internationally and closer to home. It still looks like brand new. No problem with regular (16 oz.?) water bottles, but larger bottles would probably not be very secure.

Posted by
922 posts

I think the Civita daypack may have been redesigned since 7 years ago. I got one in 2006, then received another one as a gift about a year ago. The new one is different material, different straps, etc.

Posted by
307 posts

I have had my Civita for 4 years now, plenty of use ( 12 countries and counting ), and still as solid as the day I got it, except for the toggle straps for the water bottle pouches..they've shredded...but all in all, I am quite happy with this day bag....as advertised, it's tough, spacious, and lightweight
I can, and have, packed everything you mentioned in my bag with no problems, and did not find it uncomfortable to carry..somewhat weighty perhaps with the iPad, but certainly manageable...

Posted by
3 posts

It sounds like a good bag that will meet my needs. I usually put my water bottle inside anyway. Thanks so much everyone. Happy traveling!
Florie