Why does every tourist have a backpack

[Anonymous]

Or large sling?

I understand for hiking. But in 2023, in an urban settings what in the world are people carrying around that requires the need for a full backpack.

We travel all of the world and have never had the need for any type of bag to go sightseeing, walking, exploring in a city.

I carry medication in my pocket, my Apple Watch, small wallet and nothing else. DH brings his phone, slim battery back up, small wallet, glasses wipe, tiny flashlight, pepto, small tiny foldable bag which are all in front pants pockets. Slim battery goes in back pocket.

[Anonymous]

Your husband carries Pepto Bismol in his pants pockets all the time?

[Anonymous]

Are you joking? I never understand these posts where people have zero imagination that others have different needs/desires. You don't need an umbrella? Maybe a long sleeve shirt for later when it gets cold? A water bottle (or 2 if you have multiple people)? Couple of snacks if you have kids with you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Or large sling?

I understand for hiking. But in 2023, in an urban settings what in the world are people carrying around that requires the need for a full backpack.

We travel all of the world and have never had the need for any type of bag to go sightseeing, walking, exploring in a city.

I carry medication in my pocket, my Apple Watch, small wallet and nothing else. DH brings his phone, slim battery back up, small wallet, glasses wipe, tiny flashlight, pepto, small tiny foldable bag which are all in front pants pockets. Slim battery goes in back pocket.

First of all, that's a lot of stuff to keep in pockets. And not all clothing has big pockets; in fact, lots of my sundresses don't have any pockets.

Second, how do you carry sunscreen - if you are out all day you will need to reapply? Hats and sunglasses when you are inside? Water bottle? Any maps or souvenirs you pick up along the way? And so on?

It's much easier to start with one bag that fits everything with room to spare.

[Anonymous]

When traveling with my family, I often carry some water bottles, guidebooks, hats in the summer, a little food, and extra layers of clothes. We also sometimes get souvenirs. It's easier to have a backpack than to try to carry stuff, even if we could. If you find it easier to travel without one, great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you joking? I never understand these posts where people have zero imagination that others have different needs/desires. You don't need an umbrella? Maybe a long sleeve shirt for later when it gets cold? A water bottle (or 2 if you have multiple people)? Couple of snacks if you have kids with you?

I also usually take a backpack with me when leaving my home on foot/transit for most of a day, for the above reasons. It has little to do with traveling/being a tourist and more to do with the ease of carrying a few basic items that are likely to be needed/come in handy.

[Anonymous]

Why do you caaaaare. I do not understand why people make entire posts because they can’t get over somebody doing something they don’t do.

[Anonymous]

Water bottles and hoodies

[Anonymous]

When I travel, I typically carry a backpack. I'm usually traveling with my family of four and I have the pack with the travel supplies. It usually has a mini first aid kit, ponchos for rain, a small waterproof container with snacks for my family of four (like granola bars, and such), water bottle, hats for sun, sunscreen, bug spray, a travel towel, backup battery for phones, flashlights. We've used all of those things regularly. So, this is supplies for two adults and two children who don't carry much on them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your husband carries Pepto Bismol in his pants pockets all the time?

And a flashlight? Why?

And glasses wipe! These are not things I have ever put in a day bag. Everyone is different. So again, OP, why act like it's some awful thing to have a...backpack?

[Anonymous]

Sunglasses, books, snacks, water, clothing layers/hats, sunscreen, battery

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Or large sling?

I understand for hiking. But in 2023, in an urban settings what in the world are people carrying around that requires the need for a full backpack.

We travel all of the world and have never had the need for any type of bag to go sightseeing, walking, exploring in a city.

I carry medication in my pocket, my Apple Watch, small wallet and nothing else. DH brings his phone, slim battery back up, small wallet, glasses wipe, tiny flashlight, pepto, small tiny foldable bag which are all in front pants pockets. Slim battery goes in back pocket.

.

Computer or tablet, water, umbrella, phone chargers, small snacks. Too much to carry in hands.

[Anonymous]

My epi pen is uncomfortable in my pocket.

[Anonymous]

You clearly don’t have kids who are unrelentingly hungry and thirsty all day!

[Anonymous]

So when you travel, all of your clothes has at least three pockets (and they better be deep pockets, and since traveling have zippers or other closures for safety)? And every time you change you transfer all of these items into the other clothes? WTF, who lives like this?

I regularly carry a backpack even when I'm not traveling, and if not a backpack, a cross body bag. I regularly have my phone, wallet, a tablet or book, a snack, and maybe medication, an umbrella, a notebook, or a sweatshirt. And that's just to go to work! When traveling and sightseeing in a foreign place, I might also have items I purchased, a water bottle, some items for my kid, a rain jacket, etc.