Why does every tourist have a backpack

[Anonymous]

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

Yep it's the minivans of handbags.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Europeans sit down and have a drink at a cafe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Europeans sit down and have a drink at a cafe.

Right - the point is some of us are saying we don't want to do that every time a 4yo wants a sip of water.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

How am I am being judgmental. I can think something is odd without being judgmental.
My point is I have zero interest in carrying around a bag while walking around a city. I dress similarly to you, I carry my phone and that is it. Phone case holds three cards, never needed more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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?

waiting for this answer from OP!

[Anonymous]

I can't believe this needs explanation....

[Anonymous]

OP, I’d offer you a medal or a cookie for seemingly wanting to carry less than most people during your travels, but you’d have nowhere to put either.

What’s strange is your opinion that’s it’s somehow just tourists with backpacks. That may be true in the US, where people like you seem to need to show everyone else you can do it all with nothing or something like that.

People all over the world use public transport, walk and bike with no shame that it might imply they don’t have a car. To do so, you need to carry stuff for the day. I got the recommendation for the current bag I carry from a local on the U-Bahn in Munich.

[Anonymous]

I mainly carry stuff for my kids along with my essentials. I don't enjoy carrying the backpack, but it is necessary if you are out all day. Also, it's very convenient if you buy souvenirs or small items, and you can place them in the backpack as well.

[Anonymous]

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

And a tiny flashlight! He’s like inspector gadget.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Europeans sit down and have a drink at a cafe.

Right - the point is some of us are saying we don't want to do that every time a 4yo wants a sip of water.

Your kid doesn’t need that much water. Side benefit—if they drink less, you have fewer pee breaks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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

And a tiny flashlight! He’s like inspector gadget.

Dollars to donuts he has a swiss army knife on his keychain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

And a tiny flashlight! He’s like inspector gadget.

Dollars to donuts he has a swiss army knife on his keychain.

This is actually a really good idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

waiting for this answer from OP!

Varies by region and city. We frequently do day trips by train to other towns/cities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

And a tiny flashlight! He’s like inspector gadget.

Dollars to donuts he has a swiss army knife on his keychain.

This is actually a really good idea.

No Swiss Army knife.

It has come in handy when we were in a museum that lost power and back up lights did very little. The main reason is the red light for reading on train, or dimly lit area without bothering others with a bright direct light.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

And a tiny flashlight! He’s like inspector gadget.

Dollars to donuts he has a swiss army knife on his keychain.

This is actually a really good idea.

No Swiss Army knife.

It has come in handy when we were in a museum that lost power and back up lights did very little. The main reason is the red light for reading on train, or dimly lit area without bothering others with a bright direct light.

what book was he reading that fit into his pocket?