Day pack/Shoulder bag/ What's the best

Jeal,

I tend to prefer a Backpack over a Messenger Bag (I'm assuming that's what you're referring to as a "Sling Bag"?), but you might try both types to find out which is more comfortable for you.

I find the Civita bag very easy to travel with, as it takes almost no space (and can be used as a pillow if necessary). I usually take it along even if I have another Daypack. However, keep in mind it's a "light duty" product as it's made with Microfibre. However, it should work well for carrying the items you described. Some of Rick's other packs (Appenzel, Veloce) use more robust materials if you need to carry heavier item (large Cameras, bottles of Wine, etc.).

If you're concerned about theft, you might have a look at the PacSafe line of products.

Happy travels!

We always used a small book bag. I preach all the time that is a crowded situation (subway, etc.) it is important to get it off your back and down by your feet where friendly hands cannot reach it. A book bag serves that purpose well.

My cousin put her bag "down by her feet" at King's Cross station a little while ago.....she and her boyfriend perused the train schedule for a minute. Bag was gone.

I carry a shoulder bag worn messenger style. Never take it off. Keep it in front when in crowded situations.

Frank II there has to be more to that story 'cause it doesn't make any sense. Second, I didn't say put the bag down by your feet. I said, Carry the Bag by your feet. If we are packed into a subway car or bus when it is wall to wall people, I put the bag on the floor with one foot on a strap and a hand holding the other strap. Going to have to be pretty short to get to that bag. If you are wearing a bag from the waist up -- front or back -- in a really tight car, someone can get to it.

I'm using Rick's civita bag now, primarily because it's so light-weight and can fold down to almost nothing when I want to stuff it in my convertible carry on.

If by sling bag, you mean the one strap day packs. I carried one for years that came free with the purchase of five rolls of 35mm film on an Irish ferry. I finally decided to go for the lighter and less bulky civita bag.

Before that bag, I used a largish daypack but that became my daughter's primary bag when she was old enough to travel. She's eleven now and still uses that as her one bag.

I used a day pack with water bottle holders on the outside. It was nice to have easy access to water without having to dig through the pack. Plus a day pack gave us room to pack some snacks.

Frank...without changing it, reread what your originally wrote:

"I preach all the time that is a crowded situation (subway, etc.) it is important to get it off your back and down by your feet where friendly hands cannot reach it. A book bag serves that purpose well."

Where does it say you "carry it" down by your feet or keep a foot on it?

The bad thing about this is that little kids have been trained to be pickpockets....I was with a group of people walking in Florence and until a shopkeeper started yelling at us, we didn't realize a kid, no more than 10, was in the middle of the group and had his hand in someone's fanny pack. He slid in, unzipped it and was ready to go. He was so small no one saw him. On a crowded bus or subway, a pickpocket "parent" could position himself next to you allowing his kid to crawl between legs and open your bag without you knowing it because you can't see it.

You'd be better off holding it in front of you with your eyes on the zippers. Or better yet, buying a cheap carabiner to keep the zippers fastened together. That makes it too much work for a pickpocket and they'll move on to someone else.

With a messenger bag around my body, kept it front, and something to keep the zippers fastened together, unless they cut it, no one is getting into by bag.

Of course, everyone is entitled to do as they please. No way is absolutely perfect. I was just trying to show you a pitfall of putting your bag on the floor that you may not have thought of. (I'm not trying to get into an argument or a one-upsmanship.)

Upon recommendations, I used the Ameribag Healthy back Bag (medium, microfiber) in Italy for 16 days. Loved, loved, loved it. Very organized compartments, durable, lightweight, etc. My husband and I alternated who carried it...I was amazed at how much you could fit into it. The strap is adjustable so you can wear it either across your chest or over one shoulder