Comments on: Chosing the right travel daybag

By: Dina VagabondQuest

Dina VagabondQuest — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 07:11:02 +0000

Just checked the Eagle Creek website, I like the messenger one you gave the link. Mine apparently is not even in the bag section. It's a (mine look just slightly different than it).

By: Dina VagabondQuest

Dina VagabondQuest — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 06:57:56 +0000

Nice post! I had to change my day bag few times to get what I like, and might still be different in the future. I first used a messenger/lady bag from REI. It can fit small water bottle, netbook, and a guide book, tightly, plus a few small things. Soon enough though I said goodbye to it. It’s nice, but I don’t want to carry even those things, because I like to be light. I sent it to a relative back home (don’t want to carry extra stuff in my backpack). Now when I need to carry quite a bunch of stuffs, I’m using my Eagle Creek’s Woman Explorer Day Pack (a combo from the backpack). However, most of the time I’m only carrying a tiny Eagle Creek black pouch instead (shoulder strap style), slightly larger than 10 x 20 cm, very thin. Only to carry my emergency meds, sunglasses, and few other tiny stuff. Tiny sweater/windbreakers or umbrella can be hang outside it. Everything else goes to my pockets. Very light, like it that way! ….at least for now

By: Francoise

Francoise — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:45:34 +0000

My messenger style bag has been a godsend…like you I wanted a shoulder bag that zipped shut & not too big (it’s about 20 litres) which is rare in messenger bags. Best part is that it still carries well when it’s almost empty.

Eagle Creek doesn’t make that particular model anymore, but they just came out with this http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/day_travelers_series/cicada_series/Cicada-Messenger-60192/ . Looks like the new & improved (and more $$$) version of mine.

By: Shawn

Shawn — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:10:44 +0000

I had wanted to try a messenger bag for this trip, but failed to find one that I liked. I wanted it to zip shut (relatively rare in messengers) and I didn’t want it to be too huge or too small. They all seemed to gravitate to tiny or gargantuan. I eventually gave up and just used the day pack off my old Eagle Creek travel pack. I had to travel one day so far with it out of my main pack, and it was super annoying. I also don’t like carrying a second backpack at the same time.

I like the looks of that Eagle Creek jobby you have pictured. I’ve never seen one like that in stores.

By: Celeste Brash

Celeste Brash — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:26:38 +0000

You are so right about how important a day bag is and it’s true that most people don’t think much about it. As a guidebook writer I always have to have my guidebook and notepad on my person but hate lugging around a big bag. I have a bag I love – Eagle Creek (about 1/3 the size as yours) with tons of zip pockets (even a semi-secret one to stash valuables), a cell-phone slot, coin pocket etc and it’s just big enough to fit a big guidebook, notepad and a collapsable umbrella. My only peeve is that if I take a camera I have to hang that around my neck which makes me feel like a dweeb.

By: Francoise

Francoise — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:34:27 +0000

Exactly, your daybag will be “worn” way more than your main backpack. So important that it’s comfortable and suits your travel style.

Must have been interesting working for a travel gear company. Lucky you! I only own a couple of Eagle Creek products, but that messenger bag was worth every penny. Practically indestructible and it zips completely closed which is important for me.

By: Garrett

Garrett — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:55:35 +0000

Great point! In my eyes, this is the most important item that you could carry with you as it is most likely to carry your most valuable belongings and is constantly exposed to folks trying to steal it.

A fan of Eagle Creek, huh? I spent an summer interning there. Love the gear!