Ladies, your hand bags please

Eli, I bought a Pacsafe City Safe 200 bag for an upcoming trip to Paris. It is surprisingly stylish for what it is, although not something I would carry into a swank restaurant. The strap can be adjusted so that I can wear it across the body as a messenger bag, or shortened if I want to carry it like a conventional purse. I've been testing it out for the last month and I really like it.

I originally purchased a RS Civita backpack to use as my daybag for Rome. I did end up packing it, but never used it. Instead, I bought a small tote bag at a local craft show that did have to sit on the shoulder/under the armpit but a) that made me feel relatively secure and b) because it was on the small side, it wasn't too heavy. I could carry the straps in my hand too if I needed to shift the weight.

It easily held my guidebook, maps, phrasebook, camera, medications, snacks, and (barely) about 50 euros worth of presents I bought in Florence. My favorite features though, were that the main compartment had a zipper across the top (which was tucked under my arm) and the only external pocket had velcro loud enough to wake the dead--and I never kept anything more valuable than chapstick and used metro tickets in there anyway.

Hi Eli,
Ah, every woman's dilemma!! I like a messenger style bag and found that Sherpani's Trevina worked well for me. You can see it at www.zappos.com - just enter "sherpani" in the search box and then check "urban/traveler".
For my "valuables", I used the attached coin purse for everyday cash and then put my CC and other cash in the interior zippered compartment.
I liked the bag because it's light and has a pouch to hold a water bottle and the bag itself isn't too big but holds all my essentials (including snacks for my kids!)
Good luck and let us know if you find something fabulous!

Nancy, I will keep looking but that Pacsafe sounds like a good option, though I am dying at the thought of it not being stylish enough. Some people collect shoes. I collect handbags. This will be the most simple unstylish bag I've ever own if I buy it, LOL

But my camera would be safe!

Chelsea, is it heavier than most? I was reading about the wire they used in some areas.

The bag is pretty light, except when I add my guidebook, folding umbrella, maps, etc. :) I was worried about the style factor before I bought it, as I am also a collector of cute handbags. While it won't win any style awards, this bag is not dowdy or ugly. It is just a good, solid bag that I will use for many future trips. I hope that helped, Eli!

I should also mention that I bought my Pacsafe in black. My sister has the red version (we bought these without even consulting each other first - ah, sisters), and it looks fine, too. I don't think I would go with the beige.

I bought a BAGGALLINI "City Bagg crinkle" for my month long summer Eurotrip and I love it! It is stylish and holds alot, weighs very little, and sits across the mid section of my body so I can keep it close. I scotch guarded the purse for extra water proofing. I found it online for around $60.00.

Which of the Le Sportsac did she get? I see several on the link.

I like the idea of the Pacsafe (all that anti-theft stuff), so that's why we are looking at them for now.

Eli, I know this borders on blasphemy and I am sure Pat will chastise me, as she has in the past, for not appreciating the importance of the FEMALE PURSE !!! --- but -- have you consider the idea of not taking a purse. It took my SO nearly 15 years to go without and now does not understand why everyone doesn't. Talk about having your hands free. She went from a large underarm purse, to a Smart bag (?), to a fanny pouch, and finally nothing. We carry her critical items in a small bag inside the day bag. It can be done -- just have to think out side the purse !!!

I got the PacSafe bag for Christmas and absolutely love it. It is not heavy and the security features are really nice. The strap is adjustable to allow it to be worn in different ways and the locking zipper is a great deterrent for someone trying to "casually" get into your bag.

I am not a Lady, but I know of a shoulder bag that Ladies like. It is the Sunwashed Canvass Shoulder Bag, from L.L. Bean. (not the Messenger bag). Various colors to choose from. It can be carried at a person's side, it has an adjustable strap that can go to the opposite side of a person's neck, and around the person's torso. This bag has quality construction, and is well designed. It has a zipper at the top, under the flap. An internal zippered pocket. And a metal clip for keys in an other compartment. Price = $ 39. L.L. Bean also has a beautiful leather version of this shoulder bag. (The price for it is not $39). On the internet : llbean.com

..... The photograph of the shoulder bag looks better in the printed catalog "L.L.Bean, Summer 2008". page 97. That bag looks better than the photograph of it. (I have that bag, in the Dusty Olive color. That bag is for men or Ladies.) That shoulder bag was new in the year 2006. It is from L.L. Bean, exclusively. A good bag for tourists.

Another vote for LeSportSac purses. I ordered a PacSafe one year and immediately returned it as I did not like the feeling of weight and stiffness that the cable caused. I've done the across my chest bag for many trips but the last two times I've taken the slightly larger totebag sized SportSac. I do carry it under my arm but that doesn't bother me. The SportSac is SO light and I was also anticipating a lot of rain this past trip so I liked the material as opposed to a leather-type purse. My 20 year old daughter thought it very cute and stylish.

My husband does not take a daypack or anything other than a wallet so no, I'd never go without a purse. I carry the map, my sunglasses, a water bottle, camera. I have passports, cash & cards in a separate zippered holder that is attached to the purse. At least for us, since I am very used to carrying a purse I would never put it down and forget it, but my husband doesn't have that habit with regards to a daypack

For me a light-weight backpack works best because my back and shoulder get tired carrying any sort of purse. Besides my money belt I need sunglasses, a small water bottle, a wallet for the day's spending, sanitizing gel for my hands, chapstick, tissues, maps or paper instructions, a pen, my very small notebook, and a small coin purse. These items can be carried in my raincoat/windbreaker pockets, but I am not always wearing it. I got serious about doing without a purse when a friend experienced a purse-snatching in San Francisco years ago. For men, their jackets often have enough pockets for most of this stuff, except for the water bottle. And some men do carry bags; they just don't call them "purses." I have worn a travel vest most of the time the last few times I've traveled in Europe. It has a bunch of secure/hidden pockets. Sometimes I stuff my things into those pockets so I don't have to carry anything.

I am seriously looking at the Ameribag Metro New Yorker for travel. You might want to check it out also. It looks well organized and not ugly (IMHO). I usually carry a small well organized over torso Fossil but I am finding that I may need to go slightly larger. I have looked at the PacSafe but really do not feel the need for the noncut cables and have plenty of travel experience. Maybe if I were going to more dodgy places.

Karen, I wondered whether the bag would be heavier because of the wire used. Did you order the larger size or smaller one?

I am going to look around town to see what's available. Was checking out LL Bean online too.

When I posted on another site that I had taken a handbag to be worn close under the arm and we never had a problem, someone told me that my daughter and I were just lucky.

Christie, I see those Ameribags are on sale at Ebags. Is that where you're looking? Read the comments. Some people talk about staining problems.

I have a Tumi messenger sling bag I bought just for our trip so I won't be bringing a purse with me. It holds all I need to plus has slots for cc's passport and a bunch of zipper pouches. It has a flip over top with double metel latches at the bottom of the bag so no one can easily open it. It also has a bunch of room for books, camera, bottle of water, sweater etc...

Eli- Thanks for the tip on the Ameribag Metro New Yorker but I cannot find the reviews about stains. I first saw this bag in a Dillards store. The only reviews I have found are on Cabelas, both positive reviews. I wonder if Scotchguarding would do the trick. I always do that with travel bags. Has anyone out there had this bag? Thanks.

I saw the reviews on Ebags.

I checked the weight on the Pacsafe, and the weight was 1 lb , 3 oz! Size 13.5" x 9.5" x 4". Even bigger than my Coach bag.

That's without all the junk we ladies tend to lug around. Oh dear.

Last time we were very lucky to take bags that we would use in the States (carry under the arm pit), so this time I don't want to tempt fate.

Do you all feel like any bag that is worn across the body would be safer?

Hi again Eli!!

From what I have read, yes, across the body is "safer" but depending upon where you are going that may or may not be an issue. I have always used an across the body bag in Europe and haven't ever had a problem. I prefer the across the body because it distributes the weight better and I have my hands free. I also can rest it on my hip when digging around for something instead of having to hold it as I do with a shoulder bag.
If you can find a bag with a key clip, those help. Use the key clip to clip the strap for your camera. For your glasses and meds, put them into a cosmetics bag that zips and then clip that to the key clip as well. Pickpockets need the quick grab and if they can't quickly lift the item, they will move on.
Nothing is 100%. Find what works best for you, take reasonable precautions (i.e have backups!) and then enjoy your trip!

I definitely like a cross-body bag. I looked at the PacSafe Bags and really like the idea of them, but don't like the way they look - they look really stiff. I have found that if I have a cross-body bag that isn't too girly my husband doesn't mind trading off with me which is definitely a plus. A backpack would be ok but I like the bag in front of me. One thing to note is to make sure that you get a thick strap. If you get a thin strap and the bag has a lot in it- it will cut into your shoulder. A thicker strap will distribute the weight better.

I am still looking at Pacsafe on other sites, and saw one that looks smaller but they really don't have that 'buy me' look to them :-(

This one looks okay.

http://www.luggagepoint.com/lpEmailAFriend.asp?productId=17177

Eli - I'm not sure, but I probably ordered the large pacsafe. As I said, it felt heavy and yes, very stiff. I really wasn't wanting it for the cable but I liked the idea of a travel purse with all kinds of pockets. After receiving it in the mail I knew it would not do for me.

I am very happy with using a regular purse in Europe. By "regular" I do mean one that has a zippered top because even without pickpocket worries, things fall out when you put an open purse on the car floor. I would prefer one with lots of inside pockets & dividers but haven't found one that has that.

I don't feel unsafe with the on one shoulder type of bag though I do carry it with the zipper in front so I can see it or even put my hand over it.

I have a Derek Alexander nylon over the shoulder bag. I got it last year and I love it. It zips closed then has a full flap that folds over the top and clamps shut at bottom, impossible to pick,, the strap is woven and thick, and adjustable. I can wear it over shoulder like a normal purse( which I do at home) or when travelling I can lengthen strap a bit and wear it over neck across chest. Thick strap is strong so not as easy to cut as a thin one, but has no metal .
It has two outside pockets for glasses or cell phones, and it is big enough for a small water bottle but small enough to "look" just like a purse.

I purchased the Pacsafe for a London trip this year. While I agree it definately doesn't win any style awards, it held alot and was comfortable and light. In addition to my camera (a larger digital) and maps, etc. It easily fit a snack and juice for my daughter. I liked it for the safety features, but will probably look for something a little more stylish for next time, that still has some sort of safety value as well.

Let me know if you find something great!

I carry a Coach Bag purse only b/c I have to as part of my uniform. The first thing I do when I get on Crew Transport is stash it and take out the bare essentials.

When I travel Non-Rev (Leisure) or Dead Head I don't take a Purse at all. I started by "travelling at home without a purse". Felt really strange at first. But it really does liberate you, especially when you're Grocery Shopping or trying on new clothes.

S/t I carry an almost empty purse for the fashion factor alone. That way, if it's snatched, my goodies will be safely tucked away elsewhere. I only do this at home.

I'm currently trying to encourage my Mom to go hands-free...It's not an easy sell;-(

FA, I need my purse because I want to control where my sunglasses, camera, water, chapstick etc. are and not keep asking someone to pass me whatever I need. I tried it at an amusement park and really preferred to have my bag. That being said, I also don't want something that is easy for "eager" fingers to explore, or be too cumbersome.

Isails, it's great that you have the luxury of seeing some of the bags mentioned, especially the PACSAFE. It is definitely not the greatest looking bag. Maybe I can order one from the companies who do not charge for shipping and returns to try out? The only thing is I don't like the sound of the weight. Did you find the Pacsafe heavy?

I was up late last night recovering and ended up watching Infomercials...I don't usually but my remote fell on the floor and I didn't want to disturb my K-9 Companion!

Anyway, I saw this tote bag by Buxton that looked interesting. I remembered Eli's thread and thought I'd report back my findings...

It's supposedly only available through "this exclusive TV offer for a limited time only". Which means it will show up at Flea Markets at the stall for "As Seen On TV Products"...

Sorry I don't have a link. Maybe Google it??
Anyway I'll tell you about it...It was $29.99 CAD plus $7.00 S/H. It was leather and came in 4 solid colours. Similar to an expandable slimline compact tote bag, with an inverted, rectangular shape. It had an adjustable, expandable strap with cell phone or eyeglass pocket. It had multiple pockets and could fit two waterbottles, magazines and a whole lot of other stuff.

It's marketed by Buxton but looks like good quality unlike the Buxton stuff found at Wal-Mart.

I live in Edmonton Canada and nobody and I mean nobody carries pacsafe up here. So I ordered the Pacsafe - SlingSafe 100 - Travel Shoulder Bag in sage but I haven't received it yet. It measures 8x9" and weighs 9 ounces. I don't plan to carry a lot in it. One credit card, the day's cash, my digital camera, a lipstick, the trip calendar, but they say it carries a surprising amount. I'm looking forward to seeing it. My husband can carry the waterbottles and maps in his backpack. Then he will also carry a nylon zipout tote bag for shopping purchases (12 oz.) and any guidebook pages. The moneybelts will be on our necks all the time with the debit cards, backup CC and any major cash we happen to have. I just can't wait to make this happen. I can't even think about anything else anymore!!!

I have used the pacsafe backpack a couple of times and I love it. It can be worn safely on the back since it is theft proof. But as far as regular purses with lots of pockets, I almost always use Fossil purses. They have cc slots, zippered pockets, and lots of small pockets inside sized for a small digital camera, iPod, cell phone, etc. the one I have know is also a cross body. I have back problems and it doesn't hurt to wear like shoulder bags do.

I have a PacSafe 100. It is FANTASTIC for sightseeing. I have a really tiny camera (a Canon Elph digital) and it fits in one of the interior pockets, which is padded so I don't need the camera case. I also slide my Treo in the other pocket. Since the compartment zipper is "lockable" I keep the hotel room card and driver's license in the interior card slots and carry a slim zippered pouch for the day's cash supply, which tucks in nicely. The strap is very long and can be worn across the body. It also can be converted to a waist pack. I'm not sure you could fit much else in there, though. Not sure glasses would fit unless they are small.

I have it in black and think it looks fine, though of course not the latest fashion. When you're gawking at buildings and taking photos, everyone knows you're a tourist, anyway. It's nicely made and I really like it as a light urban daypack solution. If I were hiking in the country, I need my Civita, though.

I should probably add a link to the bag I have--it's much smaller than the one you are considering.

http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Metrosafe-100-Anti-Theft-Shoulder/dp/B000ZPJNY4

And it occurs to me that if I didn't carry the Treo then glasses would fit into it nicely. But I would be naked without my Treo. :-)

Stella - I also have back problems and I own 3 Fossils which I adore. Very organized and of wonderful quality and can be worn cross-body. I have one that is small enough to carry everything but a bottle of water and it will fit under a coat if I am in a crowd. I've been looking at the Ameribag Metro New Yorker and I maybe should be looking at larger Fossils since I am looking for something larger than what I now have. Thanks for the reminder of how great these bags are.

I bought 3 different purses in prep for our recent trip to Amsterdam, ended up using one called DayMakers, from TravelSmith ("Security Guide Bag")& it worked out fine & dandy. (Had one of those PacSafe ones but it just wasn't pliable enough to get much in it.) Cost: $45.
The DayMaker comes in tough nylon, black or 'cherry', a sort of merlot color. Long adjustable strap has cable in it, bottom of the purse has mesh inside. (A little heavier than I'm used to; I use a Healthy Back Bag normally.)

This purse holds a LOT. Digital camera, coin purse, journal, the usual pens & kleenex, bottle of water (water bottle pouch on one side), guide books, postcards, etc. Bag is 9" high, 7 1/2" wide, 4" deep, has lots of pockets, some w/zippers, inside and out.

Also inside is a little strap with a little gizmo on it that you put around shoulder strap, then hook to the 3 outside zipper pulls--added safety feature.
I was very pleased with this purse

This is the black bag I bought a couple of months ago in prep for our upcoming trip. Loved it so much I got it in both black and tan. I find that I use it all the time. Great cross-body strap, pretty lightweight, lots of compartments...I carry my small Canon camera, eyeglasses, coins, etc...it will carry everything I need but water bottle, but my husband will have that in our Civita bag. It's not quite as lightweight as microfiber, but much nicer looking.

http://www.fossil.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=12052&catalogId=10052&categoryId=30005&parent_category_rn=30000&productId=1000843&Ne=29&N=4294959785&No=12

Hi Eli,

I just came home from JCPenney and I bought this handbag [see below] today. It's orig. price is $88.00 but I got it 30% off plus a coupon. It comes in many colors (blue, green, tan, black, red, yellowish-orange, etc.) and it has 7 pockets (5 are zippered pockets). It also has a convertible handle - you can use it across your body or as a handbag with a double handle. The only "negative" I can see thus far is that it's leather, so it's not exactly lightweight.
Search for:

Sophia Caperelli® 'Cavalier' Leather Cross-Body

I couldn't get the link for you

Hope this helps.

I'm a few days behind everyone else in responding to this post, but here it goes. I just ordered a Pacsafe DailySafe H100 handbag. It's a "new" design and looks pretty stylish actually. It's a bit pricy, but I decided it would be worth the cost since it would be something I had with me at all times. Anyone else purchased this handbag yet?

Donna, I looked at that one online and found this comment:

"Nice little bag! True to the description, it is small and sleek and fits close to the body. The H100 is great for city use and for women who don't have small children (and need to carry extra stuff). It is on the small side. I can only carry my wallet, sunglasses, phone, and a very small makeup bag. I just ordered the larger size H200 for travel. I need the extra space when I have my pre-schooler in tow."

Does your choice sound like it would be a good enough size? I was trying to find the weight on this one. Even if I don't carry my water bottle, I would need enough space for my digital camera, but I don't know if there is enough space in this one for that. I do love the look though compared to the boring style of the other Pacsafe handbags.

Gretchen, checking out your link at Pennys. My daughter seems keen on the Fossil bags. Many of the brands most have posted can be found at the mall, so I will check them out. The only one that I can't find locally to "test" is the Pacsafe.

My sister has the Pacsafe city 200 in black and took that with her to Paris last year. It's a great purse. You can wear it like a messenger bag. (Also note that messenger bags are popular in Europe among the locals) I recently bought the Pacsafe Roamsafe 100, so that I can carry my dslr camera around with peace of mind. its a smaller backpack. I can stuff my dslr camera, a guide book, bottle of water on the side, a sweater etc etc into it. I'm actually using it as my commute bag to work right now. (My trip isnt till October)

http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&activity_id=44

i got a mini backpack from Eddie Bauer with a small lock. No one slashed it, no one really messed with it. The bag didn't have any value inside except my journal. map and and some pens.

Hi!
I use the Pacsafe Citysafe 100 every day, along with the matching walletsafe. Both are black. It's holding up very well (I tend to be a little rough with bags!).

The bag is a little small for travel though - the Citysafe 200 is a better size if you're lugging maps, guide books, water, etc.

Em

I just recently got back from a week in Italy and carried a Longchamp Planetes Cross Over bag the entire time. I felt very safe the entire time with it and carried the same things you are talking about carrying (sunglasses, camera, map, etc.). My husband carried a Rick Steves Civita bag, which I would highly recommend (and wore a money belt).

I have an upcoming 2 week Eurotrip next month and am a purse collector. So my handbag is of utmost importance whether I'm home or abroad. I had been debating on getting a Pacsafe Citysafe 200 for a few months and was able to see them in person at a local store. I tried it on and adjusted the strap to multiple lengths and it was a great size.

What sold me on the bag was reading a review on a site in which the woman had been touring a city in Europe all day with her family, got back to the hotel some 12 hours later. Upon laying her bag on the bed she noticed on the bottom of the bag where someone had attempted to slice it. They couldn't do it because of the wire mesh. Never even noticed the person.

In short, you can't see the mesh and you can't feel the cables in the strap. I love that it's lightweight, holds a lot, and is not too bad looking (it's no Coach, but black fits in well in Europe). I found the best price at www.basegear.com. Great site, fast shipping, total quality.

Here is my take on the Pacsafe Citysafe 200 bag. It seems HUGE compared to the online photo, but is not really heavy. However, I am not sure if my body size has anything to do with it, but the bag is too big for me. It would hold everything, but at 5' 5" and slender, I look like I am taking along a school bag.

Might send away for the smaller version or look for something else in town. The clock is ticking...I need the something soon!

Maybe if you're a taller and bigger person than I am, this bag might look better proportioned.

Hi Eli- Thanks for your update. How much would you say would fit in the purse? I am looking for more of a bag that would fit: pocket-size camera, guidebook (or pieces of one), water bottle, cell phone, a couple granola bars, and a small jacket (rolls up to pocket camera size). Would you say that would all fit in the bag? Thanks, Kristy.

I used the PacSafe Metro 100 bag in Europe for three weeks. It is extremely light, held my camera, guide papers (rather than take entire books, photocopy what you need)change purse for coins, medicines, pens, iPod,papers, glasses, snacks, plastic cutlery for picnics and much more. There are lots of little inside pockets to keep everything safely organized.

It has a long strap so it can be worn sideways over your body, or shortened to wear under your arm. The black color made it a little dressier for evenings.

The best this is that it is PacSafe safe. It has clips to "lock" closed all of the zippers, and even had a clip for me to attach my small light weight travel umbrella.

I bought mine at Sport Chalet for $50.

Kristy, it can hold everything you mentioned and more. I think it's way too big for me, and probably the Pacsafe 100 will be better based on the description above for my needs, so I am going to exchange this one.

Thanks, Eli. That is good to know. It is so interesting that this bag is so large- it sure doesn't look like that online! Thanks for checking it out and providing feedback. I'm going to continue looking for that elusive perfect travel purse/bag :)

Kristy, I tried the 200 on yesterday and think that is what I will end up with. Things that I liked: shoulder strap is infinetly adjustable; purse has well-arranged organization - clip-in key ring, zipped pockets, storage for 2 devices (cell phone, Ipod, pda, glasses case. I'll be carrying our meds inflight - together that will be close to 20 bottles. They will all fit in the bottom of the purse - I'll be able to stand them side-by-side on the flat floor (I think about 1 1/4" wide) of the purse. Since I have the meds labelled on the tops of each bottle, it will be easy to grab whatever one is needed when it is needed. While I only take meds morning and evening, hubby is on a 3 hr schedule. Rather than burying all in the carryon, they will be at hand when needed.
For non-plane travel, my large camera will be safe in the bag, along with wallet and all the other 'stuff' we tend to carry....
The wired strap was not as stiff as I expected, and the purse in general felt quite nice.

Eli - I used the CitySafe 100 on a 3 week European trip. At one point, I believe I had a very small coach wristlet (as a coin purse), camera, cell phone, sunglasses, OTC meds, a pocket umbrella, Rick's Italian guide, sections of Rick's Italy book as well as a 1/2 liter bottle of water in it. We were calling it the bottomless pit - although when it had all that it was completely full. I also got some clips and was able to clip my camera and wristlet to the bag. One thing I did notice with the size of the 100 was that I could carry it in many museums and sites while my friend was constantly asked to check her really small purse backpack. I originally looked at the 200, but it seemed more like a tote...

On another European trip, I used the Fossil Sutter Crossbody bag for 4 weeks. Since it was leather, it was heavier, but it fit about the same amount of stuff and had a lot of zippered compartments.

I now use both for my travels depending on whether I need a tan or black bag.

Update on our handbag choice.

Daughter picked Pacsafe Slingsafe 100 in Taupe.

I really like hers, but she didn't want to be "twinkies" so I had to choose the other style.

Mine is the Pacsafe Citysafe 100 in black.

I like them both. We had checked every store in town and online, but couldn't find something we liked especially geared toward travelling. I will now put them aside after our trip and be ready for the next one! Thanks for all the suggestions.

Check Basegear.com. They had lowest price and free shipping over $50.

I have used my PacSafe "tote" bag on several trips to Italy last year. It holds lots of things and is well organized (locking zipper a plus). I have this in Black. I tied a beautiful scarf around the handle and felt fashionable while carrying it.

I hope this isn't too late a posting for you - I just got back and had to chime in on this subject. The PacSafe bag is my absolute favorite bag! I know it's not particularly cute or chic, but it holds absolutely everything - even maps, guidebooks and a water bottle - and I always know exactly where to find what. The security clips are a great help in crowded places and you can even clip the bag to your chair or a table leg to prevent someone from taking it. The fabric it's made from seems to be impervious to everything - it never gets dirty - and rain runs right off of it. I love the stiffness of the strap because when you're wearing it across your body (which is not only safer but distributes the weight better and leaves your hands free) it's really easy to lift off and over your head. I've taken regular handbags, ordinary tote bags, and organizer bags in the past, but this is the last bag I'll ever buy for traveling! I love it. Bonnie

I got a DayMaker from the Magellan store. It's a leather bag with lots of security features, even a built in clip for the zippers. It's also a cross body bag.

Bonnie, I am so glad you loved your Pacsafe. We're leaving tomorrow for Europe, and I just finished putting in everything I need in my handbag.

It's very well organised inside, but as you said, not the cutest bag. However, I think the safety features and your description more than makes up for looks. I will have to report back how I felt to actually carry my Pacsafe daily.

Daughter loves hers already, and you know how teens can be.

I bought a pac safe camera strap, its great, can't tell the diff. and there is no extra weight, there is a wire inside the cloth strap.

I also got one of the buxton bags but wanted to return it as the strap is not leather and really cheap looking.

I use a money belt, but sometimes I carry a medium-sized black microfiber security bag with slash-proof cables in the shoulder strap. I wear it diagonally from shoulder to opposite hip. I carried it a few years ago in Paris, and it thwarted a young female pickpocket. I caught her in the Metro with her hand inside the bag. It had a double zipper and she couldn't get past the inside zipper. It saved my passport and money that day. On that same group trip, a gentleman had $1500.00 cash stolen from the inside zippered pocket of his blazer. The woman he got up and gave his seat to on the Metro (he stood, she sat on the seat "under" him) reached up into his jacket, unzipped the pocket, and stole all of his cash! I ordered the security bag from a popular travel catalog.

Eli, I have used my pacsafe tote twice while traveling in Italy last year. This style does not fit across the body but was very comfortable. I have had back surgery and was concerned about the weight, but it did not give me a problem. It has a sleeve where you can slide it over the handle of your suitcase which made for easy transport and walking. I really like the locking zipper feater on the pacsafe bags. Oh, and as far as looking stylish, I tied my best silk scarf around the handle. P.S. In my world, "Liz Claiborne" IS a designer :-)

Yaayyyy, so glad this time around I already have my handbag :-)

The Pacsafe bag I got is not stylish, but I did not have to worry about losing anything. Seriously, they would have had to knock me over to take this bag from me. Of course you could lose the darn thing if you left it hanging in the loo!!

Eli, I am going to buy the Eagle Creek Guide Pro. From what I have looked at I want something that is roomy but organized. It seems perfect for the "neccessary" items we women keep in our purse, and it has safety features for anti-theft. Cute enough!

http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/carry-on_companions/Guide-Pro-40481/

I decided to order Pacsafe Daily Safe H100 in black. I ordered it at discountluggage.com and got 20% off and free shipping $64.00. I think it is the most stylish of all the Pacsafe bags and had plenty of room for the daily necessities.

I bought a PacSafe 200 and loved it. Here is the background:

First Trip to Paris in 2000, my wallet was stolen out of my purse. Made me very aware of securing things.

Next trips: I wore a neck bag to hold my money and credit cards, as well as my passport. Carried a few Euros in my pocket and everything else in an ergonomic underarm backpack from Lands end. Used a safety pin to attach the two zipper pulls to deter getting into it. Worked great, except it was hard to get at cash, cards and anything in the backpack. Plus, my bag was over my shoulder and I wanted hand freedom.

The Pacsafe is fantastic. I still wear the neck pouch for some things (extra cards, passport, etc.) but kept everything in the bag. Wearing it like a messengar bag left my hands free and made it more secure than the shoulder. The locking zipper was great--I felt safe, even on the Metro. It has lots of zipper compartments inside, so you would need to be very familar with the bag to steal from it quickly.

As to not carrying a bag, that it hard, as I am diabetic. I carry food for low blood sugars, testing equipment, etc. So, I need a bag.

Laura, I hadn't seen the one you are ordering.

Sue, am glad to hear that you enjoyed your Pacsafe bag. I really like the safety lock and didn't worry on the Metro either, even when it was crowded. My daughter was talking about taking her Coach bag because her Pacsafe was one of the smaller models, but I am going to try and talk her out of it. Better to be safe than sorry.

I ALWAYS wear my bag across my body. I have actually watched women lose their bags by someone who just runs up and grabs it off their shoulders.

I wear a messenger bag almost every day, or I found a beautiful green bag that zips shut and then folds over completely with a snap at the bottom. It depends on whether I want to be dressy or not which bag I take, but the messenger wins out most days.

I have only been to Europe twice, each for 3 1/2 weeks. The first time I did not take a messenger bag, and knew right away that this was a mistake. I bought one in Lucerne for an outrageous price which a man on the street in a suit (!!) tried to steal from me. He got a nice blow to the chest and I kept my bag. LOL> Anyway, my second trip, I didn't make that mistake. I carry a lightweight messenger bag and take a 4x4" black silk evening bag with me. The silk bag weight one ounce and has a long strap for hanging over the body like a messenger bag. Very handy for nights out. By the way, on my last trip I bought a funky messenger bag that is black and white at Zurich airport. I saw a woman with one, asked her where she got it, and bought one! It's in my vehicle right now - I use it all the time for the fun of it. :^)

I apologize for the errors in my previous post! I did not realize that I could not edit it. Sorry! :^)

I have used a Tilley 'Pickpocket Proof Purse of Many Pockets' (www.tilley.com) for several years (8 months of European travel). It is still hale and hardy and I would not travel without it. We find that carring a purse lets us blend in and not look like tourists (in our 60's). We have been mistaken for being French in France, Greek in Greece, and Italian in Italy. A wonderful travel experience! Also helps to be able to converse at a basic level in several languages. It really pays to take some lang. lessons but that is another topic. We also use Tilley travel clothing for travel as they all have their signature hidden pockets. No need for an inconvenient money belt. Sorry, Rick! We keep important stuff in the hidden pocket and everything else in the purse for day use. Note that on one trip I my luggage was overweight (only allowed 20Kg) so I stuffed all heavy none liquid articles in pusre (about 15 lbs.)knowing they never seem to weigh a purse! After that experience, I never buy souvenirs any more!

I bought a Jansport mini backpack for bike riding and found it was perfect for travel, too. On the Metro & wherever I felt the threat of thieves, I would just flip it around and wear it on my chest. Very light & easy to carry!

All in all, any small backpack would be my vote. Have fun!