Kind of packing related... What should my husband plan to carry with him during the day while touring Venice, Florence and Rome? Some cash, bank card, camera, ...? Maybe water bottle, phone, rain or other jacket. I just don't see that he needs much...lucky him!
What am I missing?
Trying to figure out if he needs a bag of any type.
Thanks,
Peg
A light weight back pack or light and thin folded shopping bag would be useful when walking around for your husband to carry your purchases. The back pack option would leave his hands free to protect his wallet from the pickpockets frequently mentioned in the Italy forum.
I have a Patagonia Lightweight Travel Pack (29 liters, under 12 oz, stuffs into its pocket). http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/lightweight-travel-pack-backpack?p=48817-0&pcc=1128
Thanks Edgar...I was looking at something like this at Travelsmith. Packs small til you need it!
peg,
All of the things you mentioned are things that a guy would typically carry. You can probably answer the question by looking at what he has carried on past trips.
Of course the other question is, what to carry the gear in. There are several choices, ranging from Daypacks to Messenger Bags or "man purses" (which seem to be very popular in Europe). There are LOTS of different options. FWIW, I prefer using a Travel Vest.
One point to keep in mind is that in some Museums in all the cities you'll be visiting, Backpacks or similar may have to be checked at the door.
You can get some ideas by having a look at the RS travel store or THIS website.
Thanks Ken, exactly the issue. I usually carry all the "stuff" since I always have a purse with me. Hoping to avoid being the pack mule for myself and the rest of the family this time. Working hard to keep minimal but prepared...it's such a fine line!
I think the deciding factor for him will be what camera and accessories he'll want to bring and carry around each day.
I'll have the maps, itinerary and ticket stuff.
Peg
peg,
it will depend on some things.
i try to keep my hands free. I will probably have a camera in one and if im thirsty i may carry a disposable water bottle in the other until its gone. I try to use public water fountains when possible, keeps the carrying to a minimum.
i have Point N Shoot cameras so i can put them in my pockets when not in use.
as far as maps, i usually have a paper one so that isnt an issue.
as far as buying souvenirs, i do that but i know what i will buy so that i either buy it on my way out so i dont have to lug it around or i have my "buying" day(s) or will buy it when im going back to the lodging. Either way, im not carrying stuff all day, but at the most half of it.
happy trails.
....missing? Sunglasses, corkscrew, wipes, Italian phrasebook, tissue, sunscreen, postcards, jar of Nutella, duct tape, pen & paper... OK just kidding about some of that. But don't you dare carry it for him.
My husband bought a leather messenger bag before leaving the States a few weeks ago and has used it every day, everywhere, in big cities, small cities, in museums, even hiking in the Dolomites. He loves it. We compared the weight with a cloth messenger bag and felt no difference. Now he helps schlep the junk around too.
From my experience nearly nothing.
Thanks everyone.... I'm feeling better about trying to convince him to carry a bag of SOME type. He was just planning to make good use of all his pockets.
I must admit: I was looking forward to see the dance while he kept track of all his pockets on a crowded bus. (Yeah, I have a mean streak sometimes!!!)
Peg
My husband and I each used this small messenger bag from Baggallini (he had the black, I used the khaki) on several trips. Holds folded light weight rain jacket, bottle of water, phone, small camera, etc. Can be worn cross body or on the shoulder.
[http://www.baggallini.com/product/Messenger-Bagg][1]
It is also easy to clean!!!
Toni, the link isn't working. Please repost.
Sorry to take so long. Hadn't rechecked this thread in a while.
The link seems to just take you to the Bagallini site.
The product number is MES160C
My husband used the RS microfiber messenger bag on one trip (Civita). He liked it, ok, but prefers a knapsack style. We have both used the Civita day pack for years, but have just decided to replace them with the Sea to Summit day knapsack which packs teeny tiny.
My husband carries nothing - everything is in my purse except my phone/camera which is in my "pocket" in my bra! Just try and pick that one! Sometimes if he is wearing a jacket he might carry tickets or something in an inside pocket. I carry a "big a@@" purse made of heavy leather with substantial straps and lined all around - I also have a smaller purse inside the big one which holds money, cc, etc.
I use a Patagonia mini-mass messenger bag. Fits my IPAD mini, a packable raincoat, or fleece, snacks, and a water bottle. I also pack an REI flash pack for when i hike, but I rarely use it around town.
Christi,
I DARE any pickpocket to mess w/you! (Or is DH looking out for you while you carry everything?) You could wipe out a few ppl in one swing w/that big purse you carry!
HaHa Colette! Very true - it does pack a wallop! It gives a bonus hit if I have a full water bottle hooked to it!
For many years I carried a backpack whenever I went to Europe, About 5 years ago I switched to using a messenger bag. my current one is from Fossil. It is lightweight, comfortable, safe because I can wear it cross body when necessary, and it holds a lot of "stuff". It really comes in handy if I make any purchases when I am out because I can use it and still keep my hands free.
