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light backpack for day use

I have a RS Civita backpack but I am looking for something a bit more fashionable but light and a bit smaller. I had a small Desigual printed thin fabric backpack but the fabric pulled away from a seam; I need to ask my friend with the serger to try and fix it.

I want to put my rain jacket, umbrella, water bottle and perhaps a snack in the light backpack. I may use it slung over one shoulder at times or as a backpack too.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Posted by
1321 posts

You might take a look at the Healthy Back Bags, sometimes called Ameribags. They are one shoulder only but do come in a variety of sizes and colors. I used them for years until I switched last year to a cross-body bag.
Happy shopping!

Posted by
472 posts

Lite Totes: both backpack & diagonal adjustable-strap styles, about 12"x10x6, lightweight but strong soft micro fiber, two outside zipper pockets, mesh pockets on the sides. I (Vicki, Stewart's wife) use my diag. at home as well as travel alllll the time, maybe two yrs now, & it's still in exc. condition. Cost $25-ish. Fabric allows for water-repellent-spraying. Very happy with it.

Posted by
380 posts

My teenage son has an REI Flash 18 day pack that he really likes. It's very light and soft and holds a lot. He uses it for hiking.

Posted by
135 posts

I used one of the small lightweight backpacks from Eddie Bauer (think it was 20L capacity???). Folds up into it's own pocket. was about $15 bucks when they do their 40% off sale.

Posted by
742 posts

I recommend this:
LL Bean Stowaway Day Pack

Both my cousin and I have it, have taken it on trips and love it. Only complaint is, there is not any organization inside the main compartment, so it has "black hole syndrome." But I consider that negligible.

I recommend that you stay away from packs that completely fold-up into pockets. They sag when loaded and can be uncomfortable. Find a pack with some back and strap padding. (I would have to look at the Ravenna for size.). Again, I like Merrell rouge. Not perfect - but the best bag I have found for me so far. A few organizational pockets helps a lot. A couple of small packing cubes can help also. Zipper pulls that can be locked is a benefit.

Posted by
797 posts

Thanks for the suggestions. I am searching the net now.

Posted by
402 posts

I considered the Civita bag, but got another one instead. Been very happy with it.

https://www.amazon.com/Everest-Deluxe-Small-Backpack-Black/dp/B001I4EJ8Q/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

During transit, it is a carry on. During tours, it is my day pack. The big compartments are great for a mirror-less camera body and a couple of lenses and a mid size tablet or laptop. Inside the compartments, there are multiple zippered organizers for passport, SD cards, batteries, charger, books, etc. Roomy enough to add a sandwich (during flights), or a light jacket (during tours).

I also use an extra small Timbuk2 messenger bag as an alternative. Much sturdier material, and more fashionable.

Posted by
92 posts

Hi June,
I recently returned from a European trip using the Eagle Creek Travel Bug Mini backpack, for many of the same reasons you posted. Something a bit more fashionable, a bit smaller and light weight. When the bag came I was a little concerned it would be too small if I needed to pack in my rain jacket, but I was able to fit that, a camera, snacks, water bottle, my iPad mini, cords and other small items (bandaids, aspirin etc.) I was very pleased, especially with how comfortable it was. Seriously, at times I even forgot I had it on. I purchased mine on Amazon because I couldn't originally find it on the Eagle Creek website. Though they have a black one there for sale if you search for it. I'm guessing they must be phasing it out. This bag has two zippered pockets with a way to secure the zippers through little toggle holes. I only did that if we were sightseeing in a crowded area. I do use a money belt for passport etc. I am very happy with this purchase. And I do often sling backpacks over one shoulder, either for convenience, or because that also allows you to swing it to the front when you want to have your arm over it, like when pretending in a museum that it is really a purse, or if you are in a crowded tram and don't want to whack anyone accidentally. This is really more of a purse sized backpack.

Link to Eagle Creek: http://shop.eaglecreek.com/travel-bug-mini-backpack-rfid/d/1477C1207?CategoryId=341&Query=travel%20bug%20mini%20backpack

Posted by
797 posts

Thanks for all the suggestions. I just bought a lovely purple Jansport backpack at an outlet mall for $49. It should pack flat and is large enough for all my Needs and more! I usually pack carry on to France and check one bag returning home so this bag could be my second carry on for my homeward voyage.

It is not smaller than the Civita but is a bit sturdier fabric.

Jansport provides many choices in packs. You put a lot of thought into your purchase. (If you have time before traveling, consider trial packing your bag and go for a one hour walk.) I think you will be satisfied with your purchase. Your bag probably has some padding in the straps, a water bottle pocket, heavy fabric on the "floor" or base, a rain flap, haul handle, and some pockets. You will do well. Enjoy your trip!

Posted by
56 posts

I have an Osprey day pack (I use it as my carryon below my feet and stow in the overhead my other carryon). I made the mistake initially of getting a very lightweight daypack but discovered I prefer something more sturdy than just a nylon stuff sack. I like the Civita bag for my bathroom items since you can easily hang it on a hook, has a couple of pockets and can pack a lot easier than a regular shaving kit.

Posted by
14 posts

Tom Bihn makes wonderful backpacks, travel bags as well as other marvelous travel gear. It is a tad expensive but well worth it. It is all manufactured in Seattle Wa. Different materials, colors etc. Always something new. https://www.tombihn.com/

Posted by
797 posts

Thanks for your recommendations. I looked at Tom Bihn online and one day will consider a bag. For now, my under $50 backpack will suffice.

Posted by
4 posts

I just bought and Eagle Creek bug at Sierra Trading for $29.99. I have an Osprey but want something lighter for daily sightseeing. I Osprey is nice, but has too many pockets ( I know that is supposed to be good), and I can't remember where I put things.

Posted by
50 posts

This might be more than you want to spend, but I have had this back pack for about six months and use it everyday for work. It's a great size, is stylish and would hold everything you list (it also holds my 13" laptop). I prefer a cross body bag when I travel for most days but this would make a great travel backpack that could have other utility when you get home. One of the reviewers even used it for an int'l trip:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/marc-jacobs-biker-nylon-backpack/4261893