Camera/film
Guidebook/map
water
raincoat/sweater
anything you may pick up in the day (souvenirs/lunch/snacks)

all I can think of right now, but I am sure there was other stuff I threw in there as well. I couldn’t imagine my trips without a daypack, I wear it basically everyday when I am traveling.

Did you have a mini lock on it to discourage theives?

Sometimes I use combination zipper locks as I’ve heard tales of folks having their day packs dumped and I usually have a fairly valuable camera and sometimes my purse in my backpack. I buy a bunch of cheap locks where you set your own combination and set them all with the same combination — anybody who figures out the number can open my garage door and turn off the burgler alarm at home. Then, any of us who are traveling together can use them if a bit of extra security seems like a good idea and everybody knows the combination so it’s not really a hassle to get into a day pack quickly.

quote:
Did you have a mini lock on it to discourage theives?

I did on my first trip but I stopped afterwards, it’s a little extreme I think.

If I got in a crowded area I would just swing it around and put it on my front or carry it in my hand but that was not very often.

quote:

quote:
Did you have a mini lock on it to discourage theives?

I did on my first trip but I stopped afterwards, it’s a little extreme I think.

If I got in a crowded area I would just swing it around and put it on my front or carry it in my hand but that was not very often.

That got me thinking, some company specializing in backpacks should design day packs that are unzipped from the area that is pressed against your back as you walk. That way, you are confident no one is trying any funny business while you stroll through busy areas.

Hey, I’d buy it.

There are companies that make backpacks like that…unfortunately they still have the zippers on the other side as well. But you could get one, lock the other zippers and just gain access thru the back.

Some companies I think make it are:

Lowe Alpine
Da Kine (know they make some)
The North Face

Just do some research they are out there!

One good option for a daypack I’ve used is a bag that has a flap on top that you fold over. Anyone trying to get in the bag would have to lift the flap up, then unzip the zipper without me noticing. I’ve never used locks, but I do second the idea of carrying your daypack in front of you in crowded places.

Also, don’t underestimate the need to carry water when you’re walking everywhere.

My daypack is just a nylon satchel that draws closed with the cords that can be used to carry it on my back. I usually carry my camara, TP,wet ones, munchies, map/notes, sunblock if needed and sometimes other stuff if I think I’ll need it, like a nicer shirt or hat or rain poncho or make-up/brush.

when walking around the city/town etc and doing actual tourist stuff, I definitely need my daypack:

wallet with days money
sunglasses
tissues
lipbalm
hairbrush
hat/beanie
rain jacket/umbrella
camera and film
phone
wipes
notebook and pen
possibly guidebook/map
water bottle
sandwich

and if its cold:
spare gloves, spare scarf, spare socks, another top/lightweight jumper for if I find myself too cold and in need of an extra layer.

However, I find it a pain in the arse to be carrying a whole daypack for events like going to a cafe for a bite to eat,or something like that, and then immediately returning to your hostel, when all I need really is wallet, phone, maybe camera, tissues, brolly and hat/beanie. … so I’ll be purchasing this time round a small bag to sling across my chest that can hold these items (and one that will pack easy into my pack) Coming back from Europe I’ll then fill it with the basics to create a little more room for those inevitable souvenirs.

I agree with above.

I carry a medium sized purse/bag slung across me for items I want for the day and I keep my hand on it.

I carry a purse at home I keep track of it here I do the same on a trip.

I tried the backpack/daypack it hurts my back and seems awkward to me to get on and off. I have been witness to people getting their pack gone through while in a crowded place and not even know it.

It is a preference thing what works for some doesn’t for me etc.
I tried carrying the pack at home as my bag after a week I knew it wasn’t for me.

I prefer an over-the-shoulder messenger-style bag to a daypack. It just looks a little classier, and even though I still scream "tourist", I scream it a little less loudly.

Plus, stuff’s more accessible to me at my hip than on my back. I can easily get my guidebook section, my camera, my sunscreen, my water, and my other random odds and ends into that bag.

Sometimes I can get away with just my Eagle Creek purse/pouch. It’s tiny but it holds my map and spending book, my sunglasses, sunscreen, wallet, and pack of kleenex. I can even stuff my camera in there in a pinch.