WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DAY PACK/DAY BAG FOR TRAVELING

When I travel I carry two pieces of luggage.One is my main pack which is what I live out of on the on the road.The other is my day pack.My day pack is what I carry virtually everywhere I go.I use this to carry whatever I don’t want to or can’t carry in my pockets. This includes, but is not limited , things like a travel guide,snacks,tablet, rain gear, etc. If you are looking for information on main packs please check out my guide: How to Choose the Right Pack for Backpacking Europe.

THE TWO TYPES
You really have two basic options.The first and the type I choose to use is a day pack designed for hiking.The alternative is one designed for everyday use like a messenger bag or shoulder bag.The Osprey Daylite (Lifetime Warranty) is the pack I use.

I choose a hiking type day pack for a couple of reasons.The primary reasons are it’s designed with weight,comfort,and functionality in mind,not styling.Hiking day packs are usually water repellent or resistant and made of durable but lightweight materials. These type of pack aslo tend to be brighter colors.If you are traveling with a friend or as a group the benefit is you can be picked out of a crowd easily.The downside is well….you can be picked out of a crowd easily.That can make you a target for pick pockets but by staying aware of your surroundings and knowing what to look for this risk is negligible.I intend to cover “How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Pickpockets” in a later posting.

Packs designed for everyday urban use are usually more subdued and have less pockets.They may or may not have a secure opening like lockable zippers.They tend to be lower quality than packs designed for hiking though this is not universally true by any means.Eagle Creek Travel Gear’s Tablet Sling is a good option.

CHOOSE COMFORT

You will be carrying your day pack pack with you virtually everywhere. Be sure to choose a pack with padded strap(s).Some hiking type packs even have padded backs that help distribute your load evenly and increase ventilation reducing perspiration.The pack I use has both these options and can be carried comfortably with both straps like a pack or by the top handle or under one arm comfortably.

Hiking packs will often be tear drop in shape and smooth contours.This allows for the greatest amount of shoulder movement and prevents snagging.This is great for example when you are moving about a small shop and you don’t have ot be too concerned with knocking over merchandise with a bulky pack.

PACKABILITY

On international flights you are normally allowed two carry on items.One large and one small.This may not always be an option on smaller commuter flights though. It’s good idea to choose pack that you can easily fit in your main pack for this reason. At the very least you want one that will fit under your seat .Rick Steve’s

EASY TO ORGANIZE

Choose  pack that you can keep organized.At a minimum I would choose a pack with two pockets.One being large main pocket and the other a smaller external pocket.Many have pockets designed for carrying water bottles on the sides as well.I keep items I will not need as often in the main compartment for example my rain jacket or umbrella, itinerary folder,GoPro,phone charger,Ipad,snacks etc.In the smaller outside pocket I keep things like hand sanitizer,city guide book,map,and chapstick.

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