Need a day bag that won't hurt my shoulders

The pain from the bag comes from the weight in the bag. Keep it light. You really don't need much when sightseeing daily. We just use common, small backpack - almost book bag types of bags. I have a small bag not much bigger than an ipad (it is designed for an ipad) with a couple of big pockets that works when the ipad is in the hotel. The ipad slot holds the maps, the pockets a water bottle, small umbrella, and a couple of misc items. It is a shoulder bag and I added a padded shoulder strap for the bag. That works for us.

Yes, lighten it up... then go to a vest with pockets for both you and your husband. Or be really "American" and go to the fanny pack.

My husband and I usually get by with one backpack between us unless we are hiking. We have Osprey packs with an attachable day bag that is MUCH more comfortable than most backpacks that size. I agree with other posters - try a fanny pack and let your husband carry the backpack.

I have seen a very similar question in the past few weeks, but I don't know which of the various travel forums I use did I see it in....so you are not alone.
Vests definitely help support weight and as you say 'in a few months' then it won't look as different as if it was the heat of summer. Problem is that the more pockets you use, the harder it is to remember what is where :-) then all your patting around may bring as much attention to you as a back pack. Like a new purse, a multi pocket vest may need some practice time at home so you get used to knowing where everything is in which pocket. Magellen makes one affordable and looks practical https://www.magellans.com/itemdy00.aspx?T1=MMV954B+GY+L just remember you still need to minimize what you carry.
Maps - can you take just one paper map, or better yet, learn how to use google maps off line and just use your phone.
Would 2 pounds aggravate your shoulder and neck? If not, Then a wallet on a string like this Baggalini mini can carry a phone, paper map with area just for what you need for the day, few cards, passport, bills and coin, lipstick and tissues.

Otherwise, then back to the fanny sack consideration. In a few months you will need a sweater or light jacket and perhaps it can at least be hidden a bit.

Can your husband carry the bag 90% of the time? I get the sense that you have specific neck/shoulder trouble. If he doesn't then perhaps he can be the main bag carrier. If you both have this trouble, then I agree - take as little as possible. Bare minimum is a small wallet or other way to carry money, a phone if you use it, a map if you don't use electronic maps, small personal items like medicines, and maybe a sweater if you are in a variable climate. Look at each item and see if it is needed. Every little bit counts - don't carry your stack of hometown membership and business cards around Germany. Find a lighter sweater. Use e-guidebooks on your phone. You should be able to get all this into a small bag, and I'm sure someone can recommend a comfortable option. Sometimes people seem to lug the kitchen sink around when touring and it's just not necessary. If they can carry all that, good for them, but if it's a problem for you there is a lot you can ditch.

I like the Merrell Rouge - 15 liter size. It has nice padding on straps and back. Don't get anything more than 20 liters. I just use a small luggage combination lock on main compartment. However, I carry my important stuff in a neck pouch.

I recommend a SCOTTeVEST coat or vest. I have a Chloe hoodie with many pockets that I wear for my cooler weather trips. The pockets hold a lot, phone, scarf, ziplock with a few meds, cut out pages from the RSBook, and more. Look them up online. There are often sales

Lighten the load, in general; hubby can carry day pack too to take stuff. We used the
RS day bag that concert to sling bag so you back and neck share the load too.

We used map.me for all our maps on phone. So we didn't need to carry maps.

😊

I have a Berghaus day bag it has a main part with an inner secure pocket an outer bit with various pockets inside the main bit and two outside slots for bottles it is light weight comfortable and has air flow so it doesn't stick to your back with sweat. I use it for walking to work and cycling on the weekends

I understand perfectly what you are saying -- I can't carry anything asymmetrical like a cross body bag either! Now here's my two cents' worth:

• Choose a backpack with good, well padded straps. You may have to look for that in a specialized store like an outdoor supply store. Most regular day backpacks have only thin straps that will kill your shoulders after a short time.
• If you have issues with your shoulders, you should absolutely use a backpack with a good, well padded waistbelt that is not only adjustable in diameter but also to your height. Make sure you have a well qualified salesperson show you how to adjust it perfectly so it will take maximum weight off your shoulders. Again, this is not something I'd look for at the department store next door or (worse) on the internet. And it's not something we can just tell you a brand name for either, for the simple reason that a backpack that works well on my back and for my height may not work at all on your back and with your height. This is something you absolutely want a good specialized salesperson to advise you on.
• Agree with the others: Pack light. Take only what you really absolutely need, and take as little of that as possible. For instance, if you feel you will need sunscreen lotion: Put it on in the hotel already, and then take along only a small sample size bottle.
• Use a moneybelt to store your valuables, and pack the less valuable things in your backpack, like water bottles, snacks, maps, and the like. That way, if you do get ripped off, you won't be kicking yourself too much.

Wow thanks for all the replies! It sounds like some sort of a backpack might be the answer. I have a real nice crossbody Eddie Bauer bag but I can see that pulling on my shoulders in no time. Hubby's shoulders aren't too much better after a motorcycle accident. I will check out some of the suggestions above and go from there. About 11 weeks to go before we leave on our first vacation in 20 years. It's been since 1997.... woo hoo!

Definitely go for a backpack that spreads the weight evenly. No reason they should be easy picking for thieves if you choose one with suitably secure pockets and plenty of zips (I have one with a zipped pocket next to my back, where I keep phone & things like tickets, passport etc.)

Just exercise spatial awareness on public transport and also some museums/sites have strict rules on backpacks (even small ones) so you may need to be prepared to wear it as a shoulder bag occasionally.)

I have the same problem! After being a dental hygienst for 30 years, any weight on my back hurts my back, neck and shoulders. My hubby carries the day bag backpack full of sweaters, umbrella, etc. and I have a fanny pack that I keep in front of me with my camera, iphone, etc. In areas where pick pockets are around I also use a produce tie or safety pin to secure the zippers so I have it very secure in front of me and tied shut.

Yes, it isn't the most attractive, yes I look like a tourist, but you will anyway. For me this is very comfortable, and I have hands free, don't have to worry about setting down a bag, etc. and no problem with my neck, back or shoulders. I always travel with my fanny pack :-)

No reason they should be easy picking for thieves if you choose one
with suitably secure pockets and plenty of zips

A waist belt will also add some protection, I would think. Someone could still of course just cut your backpack open from behind, but an additional strap will at least make it more difficult to tear it away from you entirely.

I have actually seen some waist belts with zipped pockets. Looks like a pretty good place for things you need on your day trip and can't put into your moneybelt.