Looking for a crossbody bag (not backpack) for my husband. He needs a bag that is large enough to carry "stuff" for the day: jacket, water bottle, purchases, guide book, map, and sometimes a DSL camera, but NOT an iPad.
Last year on our trip he used the Civita Shoulder Bag, which was alright, but the bag has no shape, and everything settled on the bottom.
So, I'm hoping to hear from people who have used the Veloce Guide bag for iPad as their day bag.
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6289 posts
Carol, I use the older version of this bag as my daybag. It's a bit shorter (about 9.5", not 11) and doesn't have the "expandabilitly zipper." It is handy, with lots of hidden pockets, which I love, but it is not big enough for a jacket or a regular water bottle. I have been known to tuck a very small water bottle in one of the front pockets, but it's a strain. Literally - the seam ripped after about a day carrying the water bottle.
I do carry a notepad, phrase book, map, tissues, and various odds-and-ends. A small camera would fit, as well, and a small guidebook.
So while I like mine, and have used it as my daybag for 8 years or so, I don't think it will meet his needs. Maybe someone who carries the newer, slightly larger version will chime in.
Posted by
1855 posts
I also like a bag with some "shape" and padded back and straps. Checkout eaglecreek.com - wayfinder 20 liter pack. There's a male and female version. This is a great day pack. Good value for cost.
I know you are looking for a crossbody bag - but give EagleCreek a view.
Posted by
franktown, colorado
2252 posts
I have this bag and use it a lot as a day bag. It can hold a water bottle (from the grocery store-not the large size or fancy ones), guide book and other assorted important-to-me-stuff. It can and does easily hold my iPad BUT mine is an iPad mini. Not sure what the difference in size would be. There is plenty of room for the mini. It is over the shoulder and cross body if you want it to be and is structured and well made. I like it. Fitting in a jacket is probably a stretch......😄
Posted by
California
132 posts
I used the Veloce Guide bag on my most recent RS tour and loved it. (Our assistant guide also had one.) It was a nice size for all the things you mentioned you use for daily touring, camera, notebook/guidebook, phone, sunglasses, water bottle, etc. I also don't have an iPad, but found that I used that pocket for other things like my notebook or maps. I liked all the different pockets to keep my stuff organized. I also used this bag as my underseat bag on the flights because it was big enough to have my sweater, snacks, etc. in that I needed for the flight so I didn't have to access my bag in the overhead bin.
Depending on what else I had in there I could fit a sweater, maybe a light rain shell, but it's not a huge bag, so a larger jacket might not fit, especially if you also have other bulky items in there, but at those times I would just drape my jacket over the top and carry it that way. I have also used this bag at Disneyworld and on a few other trips. It's comfortable to carry all day, even when packed reasonably full.
Posted by
SF Bay Area-East Bay
116 posts
I have the Veloce bag and have used for my last two RS tours. I find it works great. The water bottle holder is not made for large bottles but the medium size one I take fits nicely. It does fit my rain jacket and my Mountain Hardware down puff coat with no trouble. The nice thing about the down coast is the usually can be packed into a pocket so it does not take space when packed down it also works as a pillow in a pinch. I do love all the compartments, but I do have a problem sometime finding something I know I put in the bag as there a lots of places to look.
Good luck with what ever works best for you.
Posted by
OP
Southern Oregon
647 posts
I appreciate those of you who took time to respond, especially Andi, Allie, and Mark since you used the Veloce Guide bag on your last trip. However Mark, I'm wondering if you have the Veloce Shoulder Bag since you mentioned a water bottle pocket. The Veloce Guide bag for iPad doesn't have a designated pocket for a water bottle. I think we'll order it in the next few days while it is still on sale. Just waiting for the Civita Hidden Pocket to be back in stock.
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6289 posts
Carol, the hidden pocket is great, but here's a "heads up" for your husband: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/hidden-pocket-a-cautionary-tale Some of the folks who commented on the thread had good ideas to keep the pocket more secure. I think DH will probably get another one this year; he did like it. But from now on we'll be more careful. Every trip, another lesson learned!
And about carrying a water bottle in the Veloce Guide Bag for Ipad: as someone commented, there is no water bottle pocket. It is possible to fit a water bottle in the main compartment, but that leads to other contents getting wet. (I speak from experience.) There's a small front pocket that I tried to use to hold a small water bottle, but as I mentioned, the seam ripped the first time I tried it.