I have read about Rick's other bags, but hadn't noticed his Hide-Away tote.
If you used this on your trip, can you comment please? I want to have a backup and make sure I some space to bring back whatever goodies we collect on our month long trip.
If you didn't use this tote, but found something similar that you liked, please let me know the name and where you got it.
Thanks as always for your help.
It's not Rick's bag, but I have a very light weight, zip top bag that folds to about 4x5 inches - expanded it's about 18x24. There are many varieties - make sure it's sturdy but not overly heavy (the Baggalini brand makes some but I found them too hefty for stash away purposes - 1 pound for some!). Also, a zip top is ideal. See examples on eBags at Here.
I also bring a very small shopping bag that folds up to 1 x 3 inches (mine is from Container Store, see Here). Many stores in Europe charge you for plastic bags - this saves you the bother.
I have Rick's tote and it's great. Very light weight, but opens up pretty large. I always take it with me...just in case...:)
Love mine - if all else fails, a handy tote for dirty laundry!
Kiva makes them. I got mine at Amazon.com and then saw them at Bed, Bath & Beyond.
I have one of Rick's. It's fine, but there are many others out there as well. The key is to carry something light that you can pull out and use if and when you need it. We have often just bought a lightweight bag at our destination to carry thing home in. That way, the bag serves as a souvenir.
I have one of Rick's and it was very handy. I bought way too many souveniers and such so I definately ended up needing it.
We won't need to haul laundry, but I thought maybe for some market shopping or definitely to bring extras back.
Those who used Rick's (and I thank the others for their suggestions - will check those out too), do you like the material/quality? He seemed pretty excited about his little tote from the video I watched, LOL
Eli, we used on on our last trip. It came in very handy when we couldn't fit everything in our bags for our trip home. I also used it for hauling dirty laundry a couple of times I plan on taking it on our upcoming trip also.
I use a zip-top Baggallini tote that's lightweight but sturdy nylon. Got it at Storables, I think. It packs completely flat in my suitcase. I've used it on trips as a laundry bag, market bag, beach bag, overnight bag to a nearby town (while I stored my larger luggage at the hotel).
And although I've never had to do this, it would certainly hold enough and be sturdy enough to be a carry-on on the plane if I wanted to check my main 22" suitcase on the way home.
Yes, I think Rick's is very well made. I have used mine on many trips and it is still like new. It is light-weight and fits easily in a daybag or larger purse. It comes in handy when you want to pick some things up at the market, or just to consolidate your purchases throughout the day.
What about the Appenzell Day Pack? Is it like a regular backpack?
Eli,
I got the packable backpack by Kiva, which I like better than a regular tote because I can carry it on my back. $6 from Dick's sporting goods. It's very nice, the straps are very light, no padding.
Hi Eli. I have the Rick Steves' "Pocket Tote". I think it is one of the most clever items in his Travel Store. When empty it can be in its pocket : a pouch, the size of it is 2 1/2 inches x 4 1/2 inches. Very light weight. I carry that empty tote bag, in its small pouch, in a pocket of my jacket.
When I do not need it, I am not aware that it is there. When I need a tote bag, I unfold it : it can hold groceries, books, souvenir art, etc. If a tourist accumulates extra items in Europe, that tote bag could be carried in an airplane, as a personal item, if necessary. When I am a tourist in Europe, I carry a very small shoulder bag, and the "Pocket tote" in my jacket pocket. I, and most people, do not need more than that. Have fun in Europe !
The tote is very well made. It has made it through checked luggage twice now and no wear and tear at all- which is frankly amazing since the way they treat the bags. It folds up quite small, smaller than other options I have seen at stores. It also has nice straps so you can carry it or sling it on your shoulder.
I have been using my Don't Tell Rick Tote on every trip I've taken since I bought it back in 2002. I keep it ready to in the bottom of my carry-on "just in case".
It's great for dragging laundry to the corner laundromat, packing up the extra souvenirs that we just had to bring home, and most recently, I used it to put two purses** in so I could carry on only one bag (had to check my over-weight rollaboard). The bag, unzipped, is carry-on size, so I don't know that you could carry both it and a rollaboard on to the plane.
**(I couldn't pack and fold either of the two purses, so I put them together in one bag. Worked like a charm!)
Bon voyage, Eli!
