I'm carrying the Civita daypack next month & wondering how to organize small items such as coin purse, phone, camera so they don't get lost among bigger things such as raincoat or sweater. I don't think I want to carry those items in the outside pockets & there are no pockets inside the bag. I thought I'd use the outside pockets for books, pens, kleenex, etc. Please let me know how you use this large space.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2707 posts
It is a challenge keeping things organized in the Civita, especially since it's so soft & flexible (not a bad thing). I use a variety of smaller bags to keep things organized; a couple are like a sturdy Ziploc. One holds my picnic supplies (napkins, plastic fork, handy wipes). I keep my electronics in a small zipper top bag (I think it actually is a coin purse from Guatemala). I roll up my sweater or coat and put it in the bottom of the large section, creating a "base" on which to pile the rest of the stuff. If you're going to be in big cities, consider "locking" the zippers shut with a carabiner or the like to deter pickpockets - they can get in the big part of the bag just as easy (or easier) than the small outside pockets.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I do a Civita and the best tip is to keep it simple.
In the pocket, the most I will carry is a tiny flashlight, my swiss army knife, a small monocular, some bandaids, sewing kit, plastic fork, small pack of baby wipes, pen, chapstick and/or a small tube of sunscreen. Each day I decide if I need something or not so I carry the least I will actually need.
The large space holds my shell, a sweater and/or a travel towel depending on what I need that day. I usually keep my shell handy because I got soaked in London one day after dropping off my shell because it was such a nice day. I also put anything I purchase in the big part (but I'm not a big shopper) and keep a ziplock bag for paper stuff I want to add to my journal (e.g. ticket stubs).
I keep my small camera around my neck. Mine came with a wrist strap only. I traded the wrist strap for the neck strap that comes with a thumb-drive. Petty cash and phone are in my pocket and everything important stays in the money belt.
Posted by
OP
Indianapolis, Indiana, usa
360 posts
Thanks for the responses. Today I bought a small zip bag with a thingy on the end that'll clip onto the small ring in the lower section of the daypack. That'll keep it in place so I can easily find it under my raincoat &/or sweater. I'll put the small items (camera, pen, mini notebook, eye drops, coin purse, lipstick) in it. I tried it out & it works. I also bought a little bag for my phone that has a small strap with a snap which I hooked thru the label at the top of the pack. Other items will go in the pockets. Think I'm set now.