Looking for simple shoulder bag

I was in Macy's recently looking for something similar and they had a variety of options from a number of different brands. Some were on the pricey side though.

Are you talking a small bag or large bag? Do you have dimensions in mind?

I have several "Travelon" bags that I absolutely love to use as day bags. They are made of nylon type material with zippered tops. I ordered mine from QVC.com.

I'm looking more for a medium size - maybe something around 12 inches by 16. Enough to fit my camera bag, guidebooks, etc.

the one i have might be too small, but I got an awesome one from Eagle Creek at REI. could hold one rick steves book, a camera, sunglass holder and a wallet. it is an olive color with a zip top and about $30. it has little compartments and was great.

Magellan's has several nice ones, in fabric and leather, different sizes. They are fairly pricey though, but seem very good.

You could also try ebags.com. They have a lot of different brand/types of bags, purses, luggage, etc. I have bought many items from them and it has always been a positive experience. Also, there is a big price range, which is also good. Hope this is helpful and I hope you find what you are looking for.

I like my Overland Donner bag. It's available for $46.80 (free shipping) at e-bag. I'm a "purse person;" however, travelling is the time I go for utility. I like having a bright colored (easy to spot) bag that is full of useful compartments. I also do not want to carry anything that indicates I might have money or valuables.

the Veloce bag that ETBD sells is quite nice.

I agree w/Mary Beth - on my first two trips I used an Eagle Creek Guide bag that cost about 30 bucks. It held small items like my journal, a book, and various knick-knacks quite well.

On my 2nd trip, I also brought along a larger REI shoulder bag (to hold some bulkier items, like my iPod headphones). However, I don't believe they sell it anymore - the closest to it I could find on their site was an REI Boarding bag for $39.

I'm not sure yet which one I'll bring on my upcoming trip in July. I may forego them both and use an Eagle Creek day pack I have that folds up into a bag (I used it for my return-trip carry-on and checked my main pack). It's been fun trying these various bags, and all served their purpose just fine.

Hi Jen,
Elsewhere in the Graffiti Wall of this site, a man in Seattle said he uses a DIAPER BAG from Wal-Mart as a camera bag. He noted these desirable qualities: It's cheap, it's padded, it's waterproof and WHO WOULD STEAL IT...
Hope you can find a bag that fits your needs and that you have a great trip... Bon voyage, P.

Here's a great one. Simple, clean lines. not expensive.
Choice of colors to suit you.

http://www.ebags.com/high_sierra/mia/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=70442

Thank you so much! You've all given me some great ideas!

Have you tried the AmeriBag? They come in 2-3 sizes, several colors, most are machine-washable, and when you are wearing one, you have both hands/arms free. They are sold online, run about $45-50. Pricey, but they last almost forever and have several pockets. I have worn out 3 over the past several years, am now on my 4th.

I've had luck with tote bags. I bought a Baggalini brand tote, large size. It's straps are justlong enough to slip comfortably over the shoulder but short enough the bag won't drag when carrying it in the hand. It's made of a strong nylon, zipper top.

Another bag I found was made of olive green canvas, had a small inside pocket, zip top, leather handles and optional strap for shoulder wear. It's quite roomy and tough, doesn't weigh too much.

Both of these hold everything I might want to carry around like camera, sweater, snack, guidebook. I could even put my tiny purse into it if I wanted. It looks like something a local might carry. In fact, I often got mistaken for a local in Rome while wearing my raincoat, beret, and carrying my tote.