Civita Shoulder/messenger bag

Pauline,

I can't offer any comments on the Civita Messenger Bag, however I use the Day Pack version and it's been great! Regarding each of the criteria you listed:

Stuffability - the Civita bags are very "stuffable" and when empty they take up very little room.

Comfort - the Day Pack has been very comfortable. It's constructed of a soft microfibre material, but has reasonably well padded straps.

Size - the Daypack is probably a bit larger than the Messenger bag, but I've found the size to be more than adequate. The larger centre compartment easily holds a rolled up coat and other larger (but light) items, and the two smaller compartments allow some "organization" of the contents.

Water resistance - given the type of material used in the Civita bags, there won't be much water resistance. If you're going to be touring in areas where lots of rain might be encountered, I'd suggest either using a more water resistant bag or placing any water-senstive items in a zip-lok bag.

One final point is that the Civita bags appear to be a "light duty" product, so they don't have the capability to hold very heavy items.

Cheers!

I agree with Ken about the bag, and I use mine exactly as you are asking about. I load it for the plane, then when I'm traveling it holds my items for the day. About the only thing is that it isn't water resistant, but you can put paper items in quart-size baggies.

i used this bag last spring for the same purpose and it worked great. very easy to fold up and stuff in you big bag without taking up too much room, but also big enough to hold your gear for daytrips and plane rides. The shoulder strap was comfy and the material seemed lightweight but durable. very glad i had one with me!

Be aware that the Civita Messenger Bag is smaller than the Civita Day Bag.

Thanks for your responses so far. Ken, don't you sleep??
I guess my dilemma is the size and how much I want to take during the day. I'm trying to travel really, really light--maybe even lighter than Lee!!

The bag I am looking at is actually the Civita Shoulder Bag (messenger style). Is that the one you use, Steve, or is it the Day Bag? Which messenger bag did you find too small?

I have both Civita bags. I've used the daybag (backpack) style one frequently but found the messenger bag too small for my tastes. In fact, my Civita Messenger Bag still has its tags on it. Never used.

Nothing wrong with the bag...but I prefer a larger messenger.

BTW...if anyone is interested in an unused Civita Messenger Style bag in Black...let me know.

I have both Civita bags and have used them both. They are stuffable as mentioned. The shoulder bag is much smaller but easier to get things when you are using it. It does hold my daily essentials - camera, water bottle, daily money, etc. It didn't hold a stuffable rain jacket like the backpack style. The Veloce Guide Bag is very small. I saw one last weekend and was surprised how small it is (more like a shoulder purse). I actually took both Civita bags on my last trip and used them both. A perfect bag has been my goal for decades ---- I have so many bags, people refer to me as the bag lady! :D

Audrey

You're not the only one that's a "bag-aholic". I'm always looking for the "perfect" bag to streamline my travels.

You mentioned that you saw the Veloce bag last weekend. Were you at the Travel sessions at ETBD (me too - it was great!).

Cheers!