karynelder
newbie
Posts: 3

#1 Posted: 6/8/2007 - 18:00


Hello -
My husband and I are traveling through SE Asia for six months soon. We are each taking a 40-45L rucksack, but are struggling with what to use for a day bag. Is it a better idea to use a small backpack, or a messenger-style shoulder bag? We would like to try to optimize safety/security, but minimize the whole western tourist thing at the same time! Any tips/suggestions would be really appreciated.
Thank you!

princessdisaster
flashpacker
Posts: 35

#2 Posted: 7/8/2007 - 10:41


I favour the messenger-style shoulder bag, its easer to carry with your rucksack, mine is quite small and fits more in it than people think.

jobieblank
newbie
Posts: 1

#3 Posted: 8/8/2007 - 18:31


I have an Eagle Creek pack that has a smaller backpack that zips onto my big pack so I can leave my big pack behind and have a day bag. It has been the most comfortable and convenient system I've used. As far as not looking like a western tourist you will have to both look local and dress locally to get away from that.

Messenger bags can cause sore shoulders due to the unbalanced weight. I found I was always shifting mine and stopped using it once I got the Eagle Creek.

marianwarren
adventurer
Posts: 270

#4 Posted: 10/8/2007 - 15:46


Hi Karyn

I traveled with a pack with the zip off day-packs but quickly ditched the day pack in favour of a smallish handbag which held purse, camera, passport, pen and notepad, my reading glasses - I travel pretty lightly even when at home - and just bought water when I needed it. You can buy water bottle holders really cheaply and they are a lot more comfortable to wear, than having a day pack which makes your back sweaty all day and encourages you to cart around more stuff than you need.

Regards

Marian