What's the best day pack?

You might also want to look at pacsafe http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=135

Sounds like you should be looking at messenger bags instead of backpacks.

I agree with Richard it sounds like you want a messenger bag instead of a day pack. As for "best" either day pack of message bag, it is a pretty subjective term. You can probably find multiple bags that would meet your needs at any department store (walmart, target, etc.) If you are looking for a daypack that is extremely light and easy to fit in your larger bag one of these are both ideal for that.... http://www.kivadesigns.com/index.php/products/packs/key-chain-pack/19/2 http://www.packbarefoot.com/ If the only thing you need is to carry a water bottle. You could probably get away with something like this instead... http://www.magellans.com/store/Health___Hygiene___Food___DrinkFP342 (and yes, you can find similar at a department store for a lot less money)

I prefer a messenger type bag. I have this one from baggallini: http://www.baggallini.com/product1.asp?collection=%27cmb%27%20&product=%27MES160%27
I use it all the time, not just for travel. It is light and carries a lot.

Hi Mary. I prefer a messenger bag-style purse also, and I've found several in department stores and places like Marshalls/TJ Maxx. The one I use now is similar to this: http://www.pursesdesigner.com/styles/tote-handbags/franco-sarto-big-top-ii-crossbody-hexagon-print/. It's lightweight and very roomy, and small enough to be permitted in museums. It can also fit inside a backpack if I'm limited to one carry-on on a plane.

I have something like that, like a backpack with one shoulder strap. I found it at a Woolworth in German and used it for an overnight trip where I left my carryon bag at the pension and just took a change of clothes. I use it with compartment in the back, but I suppose you could turn it around.

I have an old Eagle Creek messenger-type bag called a Wanderer, which I use for all my trips and is looking a bit shabby after 12 years. Was just looking for a replacement, and now they offer two versions, called a Guide Pro (a little smaller) and a Vagabond, which I think I'll get. http://www.eaglecreek.com/product/Vagabond-40483/?search=vagabond Both of them have lots of pockets, to keep your stuff separated, and a long cross-body strap. Very durable. Highly recommended.

My all time favorite: http://sherpani.com/sherpani-sojourn.aspx

Mary, You might have a look at the various Packs and Messenger Bags in the Travel store on this website. I always pack along a Civita Day Pack, as it's extremely light, however it probably wouldn't be a good substitute for a Purse. As the others have suggested, items in the PacSafe line would also work. They have a new product that's worn diagonally across the body (in the front), which might be perfect. Have a look at www.magellans.com/store/Small_Bags___Wallets___Security_Purses__Packs___TotesSB111 for the details. Happy travels!

WOW! Thank you, everyone! I'm excited to research all of these bags!

For a very lightweight a-l-t-e-r-native, look at the Bagallini "Around Town" bag. It has a little pocket at each end which neatly fits the 8 oz. water bottles. You can leave the zip pocket on the back side un-zipped as a stash spot for your map or guide book. It also has two inside zip pockets. To relieve the pressure on your shoulder, get one of those padded seat-belt protector items. (Sold at auto-supply stores, I got mine at the car wash place). It folds around the strap and secures with velcro.......I walked all over Paris and London carrying just this bag and was quite comfortable with it. You can buy it at e-bags, lots of colors.

You might also check out the range of messenger bags from Tom Bihn: http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/CTGY/200

Also consider the eBags Piazza day bag
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/piazza-day-bag/94553?productid=1318670 This is my everyday bag and my travel bag. It has a spot for a water bottle (not a huge one) and can be worn cross body. tons of pockets too. Excellent lifetime guarantee on the eBags brand (the zipper on my first purse broke, they replaced it no questions asked).

Mary, I recently used the MetroSafe 200 and it really worked for me. The straps, front panel and bottom panel are slash proof also, which gave me more confidence when wearing it. It does have a cross-body strap which was great. It has two side pockets which I fully used for water bottles and/or an umbrella. I stuffed all kinds of stuff in it including a rain jacket, travel journal, one travel book, my wallet, passport, camera, hat...the list goes on. I wouldn't suggest anything too large because then it starts getting really heavy. I purchased mine from a local travel store called Magellan's. Here is the link: http://www.magellans.com/store/Small_Bags___Wallets___Security_Purses__Packs___TotesLB860 Good luck!

Mary, have you actually gotten your hands on a Veloce Guide bag? Very often, I carry a full pint of water inside it - it fits just fine! I also put my stainless steel bottle in it, too. I've been using mine as a daily purse for several months now - there's room for my coin/bill purse, two reuseable shopping bags, a large eyeglass case, checkbook, sometimes my Kindle, various iPods, camera, and lots of other things. I keep lots of things inside the large zippered pouch underneath the front flap, too - cell phone, compact, folding fan, pack of tissues, chewing gum, and other things. I don't have anything in the other pockets under the flap where one is supposed to keep their phone, etc. LOL! Plus, the pocket in the back is great for maps, receipts, etc. In the small pocket on the front flap I keep a mirror, lip gloss, lip balm, a small hotebook and pen(s). My bag doesn't look anywhere near stuffed. I almost always carry it across my body so I'm hands-free while shopping; besides, I hate it when my purse slides off of my shoulder grrrr. And I hear ya on the Civita Tote - I'm going to perhaps try sewing another strap on it in order to wear it across my body. Otherwise, I love it! Why didn't they design it like nearly every other bag and include adjustable straps?!? My advice is to try a few bags out - take them out-and-about for several trips. The right one will rise to the top... Do look at the Veloce Guide bag again...and here's another look at it from eBags - they have probably the best 'demonstation photos' of all of the vendors of all products: http://www.ebags.com/product/rick-steves/veloce-guide-bag/201055?productid=10100413

Have you looked at the Civita Shoulder Bag? It's the same material as the backpack (light and squashable) and has two pockets for water bottles. The strap is adjustable and I wear mine across the body. Only thing I don't care for is that the bag is more vertical and my short torso would suit a bag more horizontal.

Pauline just beat me to it! I was going to ask you that same question...The only problem I have with it is that it grabs my clothing and twists it up - FAST. Bummer. I DO like the Civita backpack, though. Like I said, you just have to try some out; I never would have dreamed that as much as I loved my Civita backpack that my Civita Shoulder bag would spend so much time in the closet :-(

Just returned from 3 weeks in Italy. I bought an Overland Donner bag and it worked really well. Outside pouches for water bottle and umbrella or rollable hat. It has a great organizational area in front and room for a small camera in the main pouch. I had no trouble taking it into any place that allows a purse. http://www.rei.com/product/786598/overland-equipment-donner-bag-womens