Why does every tourist have a backpack

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP maybe you would not need so much Pepto if you hydrated more and ate healthier snacks you brought from home

I never said how much DH uses I said how much we carry on us. He has reaction to some dairy and cream products. He rarely uses it. You can hydrate without a water bottle. We are both very fit and healthy. DH is 43 with a six pack.

Are you stopping and sitting for regular meals and drinking a lot at the meals?

With your pepto, DH’s fancy travel pants, and no need for for carrying any water or snacks on your person, it sounds like your vacations are less active than people who carry backpacks. Maybe you’re not venturing too far from your hotel, no day trips etc.

I wouldn’t want to have to stop to eat and drink for every meal, or have to look for a restaurant, water fountain or convenience store every time I get thirsty because I’ve been walking for hours. That’s just not how I want to spend my vacation- sitting, waiting in line, trying to locate toilets or water fountains, going back to the hotel every few hours.

[Anonymous]

I started using a small backpack on a trip this Summer and there is no turning back- if is SO convenient!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, don’t you hydrate? Or you one of those constantly buying plastic bottles?

I always carry my backpack— even when out in the US. I have water bottles, snacks, books, wallet, chargers, sanitizer, first aid, and whatever else we need. I have 3 kids but used to carry the backpack while traveling in my 20s!

I mean, I do think this concept of constant "hydration" is pretty new. When I was growing up, kids did not carry around reusable water bottles all the time, and I don't recall an epidemic of dehydration. We just went to the water fountain if we were thirsty.

As an adult, I do not carry a water bottle around NYC, where I live, or around the urban metropolises that I visit, unless it is extremely warm. I will bring water to national parks and rural areas, where there's no guarantee of a cafe for me to get a drink. So while I do not support OP's anti-backpack stance, I also don't buy into the hydration hysteria that has gripped so many.

This is not 1982. There are no more water fountains. They went the way of phone booths. Plus, unlike the 80s, we now know how important hydration is to our health and well-being, and that soda does not serve as a form of hydration. We also know how terrible it is for the environment to be purchasing endless amounts of plastic water bottles. We're a family of 5. I'm not going to buy 5 water bottles every time we need to drink something.

I bet OP is also one of those people who complains about parents and families. Guess what? The parents traveling with those backpacks are getting ahead of their kids and anticipating the meltdown downs by packing food, water, clothes, sunscreen, and everything else that we can think of. I like preparation and having things on hand so that I don't have to go to a CVS when I travel - which is just so wasteful.
Plus, what a waste of travel time to go shopping when I could just take goods with me? I'd rather be out walking and touring than spend my days in line buying supplies that I already have.

Plan better, OP.

Um, nothing bad happened to most of us who grew up in that era and didn’t constantly guzzle water. Literally nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, don’t you hydrate? Or you one of those constantly buying plastic bottles?

I always carry my backpack— even when out in the US. I have water bottles, snacks, books, wallet, chargers, sanitizer, first aid, and whatever else we need. I have 3 kids but used to carry the backpack while traveling in my 20s!

I mean, I do think this concept of constant "hydration" is pretty new. When I was growing up, kids did not carry around reusable water bottles all the time, and I don't recall an epidemic of dehydration. We just went to the water fountain if we were thirsty.

As an adult, I do not carry a water bottle around NYC, where I live, or around the urban metropolises that I visit, unless it is extremely warm. I will bring water to national parks and rural areas, where there's no guarantee of a cafe for me to get a drink. So while I do not support OP's anti-backpack stance, I also don't buy into the hydration hysteria that has gripped so many.

OP here and this how I view it also. I think the water bottle obsession is a bit much. As I said in my original post I am talking about urban settings.

There are plenty of opportunities to have water/fluids throughout the day.

I disagree. Water fountains just aren't that prevalent anymore, and often don't work if you do see them. The other alternative is buying throw-away plastic bottles. Why would I want to buy water with single use plastic when I can just carry a water bottle that I filled for free? You're wasteful, all so you can brag that you don't carry a backpack or bag of some sort? That just doesn't make sense.

But I mean, that's fine. You do your thing. I can't fathom getting worked up to the point of posting that someone else chooses to carry water and a bag. What people complain about here is sort of mind boggling at times. WhoTF actually cares.

I mean, why can't you just stop in a restaurant/cafe and get a glass of water?

Because most places won’t give you one? Unless you’re buying it, in which case, why wouldn’t you just carry a water bottle instead of constantly paying for cups of water?

And adventurous travelers are not constantly within arms reach of a restaurant. Hence carrying water and perhaps snacks!

DCUM travelers are not adventurous. They think they will be killed at a Mexican all-inclusive; they’re not exactly hiking through the Sarawak jungle, let’s be real. These are people who need hand-holding about their bog-standard London/Paris/Rome vacation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:[twitter]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, don’t you hydrate? Or you one of those constantly buying plastic bottles?

I always carry my backpack— even when out in the US. I have water bottles, snacks, books, wallet, chargers, sanitizer, first aid, and whatever else we need. I have 3 kids but used to carry the backpack while traveling in my 20s!

I mean, I do think this concept of constant "hydration" is pretty new. When I was growing up, kids did not carry around reusable water bottles all the time, and I don't recall an epidemic of dehydration. We just went to the water fountain if we were thirsty.

As an adult, I do not carry a water bottle around NYC, where I live, or around the urban metropolises that I visit, unless it is extremely warm. I will bring water to national parks and rural areas, where there's no guarantee of a cafe for me to get a drink. So while I do not support OP's anti-backpack stance, I also don't buy into the hydration hysteria that has gripped so many.

OP here and this how I view it also. I think the water bottle obsession is a bit much. As I said in my original post I am talking about urban settings.

There are plenty of opportunities to have water/fluids throughout the day.

I disagree. Water fountains just aren't that prevalent anymore, and often don't work if you do see them. The other alternative is buying throw-away plastic bottles. Why would I want to buy water with single use plastic when I can just carry a water bottle that I filled for free? You're wasteful, all so you can brag that you don't carry a backpack or bag of some sort? That just doesn't make sense.

But I mean, that's fine. You do your thing. I can't fathom getting worked up to the point of posting that someone else chooses to carry water and a bag. What people complain about here is sort of mind boggling at times. WhoTF actually cares.

I mean, why can't you just stop in a restaurant/cafe and get a glass of water?

I’d rather not pay for a glass of water at a restaurant.

Or four for my whole family! It's awkward to ask for it for free and then just stand there and drink it?!

Sit down and order a proper drink. Be civilized.

[Anonymous]

I just got back from the south of France; Côte d’Azur. I attempted to travel with just my medium purse during the day but i also had my bathing suit, sunscreen, water bottle, mini hair brush, small wallet, phone, cord+backup battery, sarang/towel, and a cover up+sunglasses or sometimes my sun hat shoved in there. It was rough. I ended up using my compressible backpack i brought for the return trip in smaller towns and it was MUCH easier. I would pack up for a day trip out and needed my stuff so I was ready and safe. If it isn’t super hot and you aren’t near beaches, prolly don’t need as much for one person.

[Anonymous]

So I only read to the 2nd page but no one mentioned feminine hygiene products, hand sanitizer/wipes, tissues, toilet paper. In some countries you had better have Kleenex/ toilet paper with you. Who in the world is carrying that plus lotion, lip gloss, keys, money, ID in their pockets…

And that’s before the umbrella and small snacks. OP, you don’t even carry a hand bag while out sightseeing? Good for you just don’t ask me for toilet paper!

[Anonymous]

Sweetie

Get over yourself bout the backpacks.
Do you carry a Birkin?
Just chill.

[Anonymous]

Don’t be a hero, OP. Just carry the backpack.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, don’t you hydrate? Or you one of those constantly buying plastic bottles?

I always carry my backpack— even when out in the US. I have water bottles, snacks, books, wallet, chargers, sanitizer, first aid, and whatever else we need. I have 3 kids but used to carry the backpack while traveling in my 20s!

I mean, I do think this concept of constant "hydration" is pretty new. When I was growing up, kids did not carry around reusable water bottles all the time, and I don't recall an epidemic of dehydration. We just went to the water fountain if we were thirsty.

As an adult, I do not carry a water bottle around NYC, where I live, or around the urban metropolises that I visit, unless it is extremely warm. I will bring water to national parks and rural areas, where there's no guarantee of a cafe for me to get a drink. So while I do not support OP's anti-backpack stance, I also don't buy into the hydration hysteria that has gripped so many.

OP here and this how I view it also. I think the water bottle obsession is a bit much. As I said in my original post I am talking about urban settings.

There are plenty of opportunities to have water/fluids throughout the day.

I disagree. Water fountains just aren't that prevalent anymore, and often don't work if you do see them. The other alternative is buying throw-away plastic bottles. Why would I want to buy water with single use plastic when I can just carry a water bottle that I filled for free? You're wasteful, all so you can brag that you don't carry a backpack or bag of some sort? That just doesn't make sense.

But I mean, that's fine. You do your thing. I can't fathom getting worked up to the point of posting that someone else chooses to carry water and a bag. What people complain about here is sort of mind boggling at times. WhoTF actually cares.

I mean, why can't you just stop in a restaurant/cafe and get a glass of water?

Because most places won’t give you one? Unless you’re buying it, in which case, why wouldn’t you just carry a water bottle instead of constantly paying for cups of water?

And adventurous travelers are not constantly within arms reach of a restaurant. Hence carrying water and perhaps snacks!

DCUM travelers are not adventurous. They think they will be killed at a Mexican all-inclusive; they’re not exactly hiking through the Sarawak jungle, let’s be real. These are people who need hand-holding about their bog-standard London/Paris/Rome vacation.

I specifically started the thread saying when traveling in urban areas. I said I get it when hiking off going on adventure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, don’t you hydrate? Or you one of those constantly buying plastic bottles?

I always carry my backpack— even when out in the US. I have water bottles, snacks, books, wallet, chargers, sanitizer, first aid, and whatever else we need. I have 3 kids but used to carry the backpack while traveling in my 20s!

I mean, I do think this concept of constant "hydration" is pretty new. When I was growing up, kids did not carry around reusable water bottles all the time, and I don't recall an epidemic of dehydration. We just went to the water fountain if we were thirsty.

As an adult, I do not carry a water bottle around NYC, where I live, or around the urban metropolises that I visit, unless it is extremely warm. I will bring water to national parks and rural areas, where there's no guarantee of a cafe for me to get a drink. So while I do not support OP's anti-backpack stance, I also don't buy into the hydration hysteria that has gripped so many.

OP here and this how I view it also. I think the water bottle obsession is a bit much. As I said in my original post I am talking about urban settings.

There are plenty of opportunities to have water/fluids throughout the day.

I disagree. Water fountains just aren't that prevalent anymore, and often don't work if you do see them. The other alternative is buying throw-away plastic bottles. Why would I want to buy water with single use plastic when I can just carry a water bottle that I filled for free? You're wasteful, all so you can brag that you don't carry a backpack or bag of some sort? That just doesn't make sense.

But I mean, that's fine. You do your thing. I can't fathom getting worked up to the point of posting that someone else chooses to carry water and a bag. What people complain about here is sort of mind boggling at times. WhoTF actually cares.

I mean, why can't you just stop in a restaurant/cafe and get a glass of water?

Because most places won’t give you one? Unless you’re buying it, in which case, why wouldn’t you just carry a water bottle instead of constantly paying for cups of water?

And adventurous travelers are not constantly within arms reach of a restaurant. Hence carrying water and perhaps snacks!

DCUM travelers are not adventurous. They think they will be killed at a Mexican all-inclusive; they’re not exactly hiking through the Sarawak jungle, let’s be real. These are people who need hand-holding about their bog-standard London/Paris/Rome vacation.

I specifically started the thread saying when traveling in urban areas. I said I get it when hiking off going on adventure.

OP, god bless you for sticking around to keep this thread going.

[Anonymous]

I am literally lol at the Pepto, the fancy pants, the mOronS with bAckpacKs, the cargo pants illustration, the six pack.

And I would for sure appreciate a link to the backup battery that’s the size of a credit card

[Anonymous]

As a woman, I don't have that many pockets in most of the clothes that I am wearing to carry everything I need - wallet, cellphone, hand sanitizer, tissues, tampon, sunglasses/glasses, the purchases I've made. What is wrong if someone wants to wear a backpack or carry a sling? I usually dress nicely if I'm traveling in a city - slacks or a nice dress. Where do you put even your phone and wallet without a purse or bag? You are so silly and judgmental.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, don’t you hydrate? Or you one of those constantly buying plastic bottles?

I always carry my backpack— even when out in the US. I have water bottles, snacks, books, wallet, chargers, sanitizer, first aid, and whatever else we need. I have 3 kids but used to carry the backpack while traveling in my 20s!

I mean, I do think this concept of constant "hydration" is pretty new. When I was growing up, kids did not carry around reusable water bottles all the time, and I don't recall an epidemic of dehydration. We just went to the water fountain if we were thirsty.

As an adult, I do not carry a water bottle around NYC, where I live, or around the urban metropolises that I visit, unless it is extremely warm. I will bring water to national parks and rural areas, where there's no guarantee of a cafe for me to get a drink. So while I do not support OP's anti-backpack stance, I also don't buy into the hydration hysteria that has gripped so many.

OP here and this how I view it also. I think the water bottle obsession is a bit much. As I said in my original post I am talking about urban settings.

There are plenty of opportunities to have water/fluids throughout the day.

I disagree. Water fountains just aren't that prevalent anymore, and often don't work if you do see them. The other alternative is buying throw-away plastic bottles. Why would I want to buy water with single use plastic when I can just carry a water bottle that I filled for free? You're wasteful, all so you can brag that you don't carry a backpack or bag of some sort? That just doesn't make sense.

But I mean, that's fine. You do your thing. I can't fathom getting worked up to the point of posting that someone else chooses to carry water and a bag. What people complain about here is sort of mind boggling at times. WhoTF actually cares.

I mean, why can't you just stop in a restaurant/cafe and get a glass of water?

Because most places won’t give you one? Unless you’re buying it, in which case, why wouldn’t you just carry a water bottle instead of constantly paying for cups of water?

And adventurous travelers are not constantly within arms reach of a restaurant. Hence carrying water and perhaps snacks!

DCUM travelers are not adventurous. They think they will be killed at a Mexican all-inclusive; they’re not exactly hiking through the Sarawak jungle, let’s be real. These are people who need hand-holding about their bog-standard London/Paris/Rome vacation.

I specifically started the thread saying when traveling in urban areas. I said I get it when hiking off going on adventure.

What would be the maximum distance you travel from your hotel? Would it be a 3 to 5 mile radius?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, don’t you hydrate? Or you one of those constantly buying plastic bottles?

I always carry my backpack— even when out in the US. I have water bottles, snacks, books, wallet, chargers, sanitizer, first aid, and whatever else we need. I have 3 kids but used to carry the backpack while traveling in my 20s!

I mean, I do think this concept of constant "hydration" is pretty new. When I was growing up, kids did not carry around reusable water bottles all the time, and I don't recall an epidemic of dehydration. We just went to the water fountain if we were thirsty.

As an adult, I do not carry a water bottle around NYC, where I live, or around the urban metropolises that I visit, unless it is extremely warm. I will bring water to national parks and rural areas, where there's no guarantee of a cafe for me to get a drink. So while I do not support OP's anti-backpack stance, I also don't buy into the hydration hysteria that has gripped so many.

OP here and this how I view it also. I think the water bottle obsession is a bit much. As I said in my original post I am talking about urban settings.

There are plenty of opportunities to have water/fluids throughout the day.

I disagree. Water fountains just aren't that prevalent anymore, and often don't work if you do see them. The other alternative is buying throw-away plastic bottles. Why would I want to buy water with single use plastic when I can just carry a water bottle that I filled for free? You're wasteful, all so you can brag that you don't carry a backpack or bag of some sort? That just doesn't make sense.

But I mean, that's fine. You do your thing. I can't fathom getting worked up to the point of posting that someone else chooses to carry water and a bag. What people complain about here is sort of mind boggling at times. WhoTF actually cares.

I mean, why can't you just stop in a restaurant/cafe and get a glass of water?

Because most places won’t give you one? Unless you’re buying it, in which case, why wouldn’t you just carry a water bottle instead of constantly paying for cups of water?

And adventurous travelers are not constantly within arms reach of a restaurant. Hence carrying water and perhaps snacks!

DCUM travelers are not adventurous. They think they will be killed at a Mexican all-inclusive; they’re not exactly hiking through the Sarawak jungle, let’s be real. These are people who need hand-holding about their bog-standard London/Paris/Rome vacation.

I specifically started the thread saying when traveling in urban areas. I said I get it when hiking off going on adventure.

But even in a city. You can be in the middle of Central Park or the National Mall and the only option for water that doesn't upend whatever you and your family is doing would be buying a single use plastic bottle from a vendor. I'd simply rather not.

Other things: a packable rain coat in case I get chilly or it rains. Sunglasses, my keys, wallet, phone. Maybe a snack item. I'm hardly packing for a hike here, but carrying basic items vs spending time and money when I'll inevitably want something over the course of a full day out seems totally sensible.