Just received this bag and think I'll enjoy it; I've used the Civita day pack for several years, but wanted something that was easier to access frequently.
One perennial problem, though, is finding stuff inside the main (large) compartment. Has anyone got a solution for this? I've looked at eBags.com and haven't found an organizer insert that seems appropriate.
Check out REI's packing organizers on their web site. Personally, I prefer to use the clear plasic heavy-duty zip lock baggies when needed for the main compartment. My wife prefers the color coded small mesh drawstring bags. Some people might argue that an organizer insert defeats the purpose of the light-weight Civita bag. To each his own. Enjoy your trip!
Have you tried a small zippered packing cube? They are almost flat when empty and can help keep your smaller items separate from a sweater or other bulky items. That's the way I like to go.
hi Ann. I keep it simple and cheap inside my Civita. I put my sweater inside a yellow plastic shopping bag (recycling a bag from a previous purchase), my camera is in a red plastic bag in it's protective cover which is an old toque and a big sweat sock, that was a tip from someone here on the helpline. My journal is in a clear ziplock bag with a pen. In the smaller outside pockets, I also use ziplock bags to keep things sorted, the dollar stores here have small ziplocks that are good for keeping handwipes, glasses wipes, etc together. I do have an organizer I purchased for a purse that is flat and has a number of pockets; I am considering putting that inside the bag to hold smaller things. I do love my Civita; I put it inside my suitcase (carryon) and pull it out when I get there; I usually check my suitcase on the return trip and use my Civita as my 2nd carryon bag. Sometimes it is full of my dirty clothes because my purchases, usually some books, so quite heavy, are checked as baggage.
Thanks for the suggestions. I've used ziploc bags for years, but end up with a jumble of them in the bottom! And I did get a set of packing cubes, but planned to use them in my suitcase.
In the meantime, I've found two useful items:
(1) A SwissGear-brand "vertical travel bag" from Target. Although the specs give it as 7.3 x 6.3 x 3.1 inches, it seems bigger. It has two main compartments which can be opened up almost fully, and a bunch of other compartments and pockets. It does not have a flap, which is important if it's to be used inside a larger bag. It's quite light-weight.
(2) Also at Target, on clearance, a really cheaply-made lunch box/bag ostensibly insulated with that metallic stuff. I wouldn't bet on its holding up very long as a lunch container, but as a packing "cube", I think it will be good. (Unless that metallic insulation is a problem at airport security. Anybody know?)
