comparing PacSafe handbag sizes

Of course it's an individual preference, but here's my experience. I was given a CitySafe 200 some time ago and only used it once. I found it to be larger and much heavier than my normal handbag. After a day of walking around with it my shoulders were really hurting. I tend to carry similar items as you described, and this bag was simply too much for me. I went back to using a smaller bag. I didn't buy another PacSafe bag, though. I just use a regular lightweight handbag with a clip on the zipper closure. But I don't really keep anything so valuable in there so I'm not too concerned with theft. For me, I didn't care that I already had the CitySafe 200. If it's not convenient for me, I'm not going to carry it around. However, I've heard other people say they really liked that bag. As I said, it's a preference.

I bought a Slingsafe 100 to wear as a cross-body bag on our recent trip to Spain. It is larger and heavier than my usual travel bag, a small leather cross-body bag, and I didn't like it. The strap rode too high again my neck, and even with as little as I carry in it (credit cards,cash for the day, phone, chopstick and sunscreen, but not sunglasses) it was too heavy. I won't use it again. I prefer a wee little bag with just the few items, then carry sunglasses, map, water bottle, etc. in a separate shoulder bag.

Maybe you already know this, but at ebags.com you can set up a comparison chart for different handbags, checking dimensions and capacities....... Personally, I have been pleased with both sportsac and bagallini for "walk-around-all-day" bags. If your shoulder gets sore carrying a heavier bag, you can buy those seat-belt-pads at auto supply stores and use it on your handbag strap.

Thanks for the tips. And Cynthia, I actually didn't know about the comparison feature, so thanks for the heads-up. I feel pretty silly that I didn't notice that.

The 200 looks like a very large bag - almost like a messenger bag. If you like to visit museums, be prepared for some over zealous security guard who may randomly decide you need to check that PacSafe bag if they feel its too large. And with all that slash proof wire inside the bag and strap it definitely seems like it would be quite heavy. Why not just put your ATM/credit card, cash & iPhone in a moneybelt or PacSafe neck pouch if you are worried about theft and then carry a regular purse for the hair brush, gloves & other stuff that is not valuable?

No way around it, PacSafe bags are just heavier. I carry a regular nylon Le Sportsac type of purse (and usually use a money belt for the important stuff). You do tend to accumulate things during a day of touring and I can't imagine lugging a PacSafe around all day. Since you received it as a gift, could you perhaps just exchange it for a smaller bag?

The PacSafe actually feels fairly light in comparison to the Coach I carry around now. So the weight issue doesn't bother me so much. I actually really like the bag itself. It seems durable and the inner pockets fit my items (such as my iPhone) to a tee. Also, the PacSafe products give added peace-of-mind to an admitted worrier ;) Thinking I may keep the CitySafe 200 as a carry-on and purchase the smaller sling-style as well. After using the eBags comparison chart, I found that the CitySafe 100 is not a whole lot smaller than the 200 (thanks again Cynthia!).

I think the reason so many of the ladies here have mentioned the weight issue is because there is a significant difference in the amount of time your purse stays on your shoulder in Europe vs. the US. When I am home I have my purse over my shoulder for about 20 minutes during my commute, then it sits in my office under the desk. On weekends, I may carry it around for 2 hours if I am out shopping, but it's not loaded down with a guidebook and a water bottle. In Europe as soon as I leave the hotel for the morning I am pretty much stuck with it on my shoulder all day. Your Coach bag may weigh more, but think about how long it actually hangs off your shoulder each day in Rhode Island. I'm guessing if you are like most women, it spends a good deal of time laying on the floor of your car, in a desk drawer at work, or riding in a shopping cart at the local grocery.

Oh no, I totally understand that. I was actually thinking of when we visited NYC in November. My Coach bag was what I carried around over those several days. Everything about the bag was just ill-suited for travel (it was a gift so I'm not complaining though!) ... so the PacSafe seems like a dream in comparison! It's obviously a whole different story between everyday use and traveling/sightseeing. And I certainly appreciate the advice. However the bag feels good to me and doesn't seem to be exceedingly heavy in comparison to others. It's the mass of stuff that I shove in it that will really do me in!

Then I guess I don't understand your question. If you like the bag's features, don't mind the weight, it "feels good" to you, and you think the extra room would be handy, why are you considering another bag? We have pointed out the down sides of the bag you have, but you seem satisfied with it, so perhaps you have answered your own question?

In my original post, I said that it's a bit larger than any handbag that I would normally carry, so I'm a little self-conscious about it. It looks more like a book bag to me, so I wanted a smaller option as well (for evenings out or days when I won't need so much extra space). I was just having a hard time visualizing the actual difference between the bags and determining what can fit in them. Thought someone might have one or more of them and be able to shed some light :)

I use the Pacsafe 100 for travel and it is perfect for my height/size and my needs (travel journal, tiny wallet, cell phone, etc.). The Zappos website has both bags for sale with the complete dimensions and specs and you could order the 100 and return it if it didn't work for you.

Ok. I didn't quite get your original question then either. But yes, that 200 looks big, and knowing what a PacSafe is made out of, plus knowing you have a tendency to overstuff your non-PacSafe purses, should be enough to make you rethink the size. I know if I carry a big purse, I inevitably will start to fill it up over time so I've learned to just not carry them in my daily life. I also don't want a big purse when I travel with my boyfriend because then he wants to stick all his junk in my bag and I don't feel like carrying it! For nights in Europe I actually bring a wristlet that's only big enough to hold however much cash I think I need for dinner/drinks and a lipgloss. But PacSafe or not, any purse that is roughly the size of a book bag or messenger bag is going to raise eyebrows with museum security at some point. And if they make you check the 200 purse and you don't have a moneybelt because you figured the purse was your theft-proof device, then you are going to either have to skip that museum or else carry your valuables unsecured in your pant or shirt pockets. Get the smaller PacSafe if you really feel it's a must have.

I have the CitySafe 200 and like it fine. It is larger than the leather shoulder bag I normally carry but it is lighter when empty. I pared down what I carried in it; with the bare essentials it was not heavy at all. The larger size does allow you to almost use it as a tote and when I stuffed a water bottle, umbrella, and RS book into it, it was indeed heavy! But I liked the versatility that I could carry a lot in it if necessary. It was very comfortable as a cross body bag or a shoulder bag. I never had a problem wearing it in museums in Spain. I did use it in lieu of a money belt or neck pouch. Neither of those worked for me so I appreciated the security of the PacSafe.

Sorry if my original post was confusing. I really appreciate all the responses. I didn't realize that I could be asked to check my bag at museums if it looks too large, so thanks for the heads-up. I think the CitySafe 200 looks exceptionally large on me (especially from the side view) because I'm more on the petite side. Ceidleh, I know exactly what you mean ... when I carry a decent-sized purse, my husband is constantly asking me to hold things! Most women I know carry enormous purses, but it feels strange to me.

Hi Alicia,
Take a look at these two PacSafe bags: the TourSafe Petite Handbag and the VentureSafe 200. I am small also, and as you have noticed, the CitySafe series is just too bulky for me. Both these other bags have a slimmer profile against your body. I use the Petite Handbag in Europe and use the Venture Safe 200 at home. I like them both. I have never been asked to check my Petite Handbag at museums or anywhere else. Also, I was able to find a travel store locally, took everything I wanted to have in my bag in Europe and tried out different PacSafe bags (and others) by packing them up with my things in the store. If you can do that, it will help a lot. Good luck and have a wonderful trip! Barbara

I have the pacsafe 200. I use it as my underseat bag on many occasions and as my commuter bag at home. I love it because it has a place for everything and I can secure it if I feel the need. I also use it as my day bag if I will be out all day as it holds camera, glasses, gloves, etc. However, I also carry a Sherpani Zoe shoulder wallet for when I only need a few things. In other words, I agree with your desire to have both a large and small bag available because it just depends on your plans for the day. I like to be prepared and comfortable so I like options.

I used the slingsafe 100 on my trip, If all you're looking to put in it are the items you listed above, you will have plenty of room. I got it particularly because I wanted to wear it cross body but the nice thing about it is the shoulder strap is adjustable. I found my shoulder did get a little sore as a previous poster noted, you do have it on for alot longer than you would carry your purse at home. Since the strap was adjustable, I would just shorten it and carry it like a regular purse. What's also nice about it is that it's pretty flat so it's easy to pack. I did not want to check in my suitcase so I had my carry on suitcase and 1 duffel bag as my under the seat bag but once I got on the plane, I whipped out my slingsafe and put all my stuff in so I walked out of the plane with 3 items instead of just the 2 I was supposed to bring it on. I was a bit paranoid about the airlines being strict about the amount of bags I could bring in.