Anonymous
Post 07/27/2023 18:50     Subject: Why does every tourist have a backpack

Anonymous wrote:Have you tried being a marsupial? Your own pouches. Think about it.


Anonymous
Post 07/27/2023 18:46     Subject: Re:Why does every tourist have a backpack

Anonymous wrote: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.


+1
Sweatshirts for everyone. Water. Snacks. Guide book. Is it all necessary? No. Does it make travel easier? Definitely.
Anonymous
Post 07/27/2023 18:44     Subject: Why does every tourist have a backpack

I like to be prepared.
Anonymous
Post 07/27/2023 18:42     Subject: Re:Why does every tourist have a backpack

Anonymous wrote:Agree backpacks are best - but do they invite pickpockets? Do you keep your important items separately?


Yes. A very small cross body purse with money passports and phone to keep those safe from pickpockets in Europe. They can have my water bottle and snack from my backpack.
Anonymous
Post 07/27/2023 18:41     Subject: Why does every tourist have a backpack

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


There are cvs’s everywhere. Why would I carry things?


So, you only travel to places within reach of a CVS?
If so, has that felt limiting?


This!

And also, I don't want to overpay CVS prices for lame snacks all the time. I'd rather carry my own..plus if you don't finish the snack, where do you put it? Carry around a plastic CVS bag bc it's cooler than a backpack?
Anonymous
Post 07/27/2023 18:40     Subject: Why does every tourist have a backpack

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?!
Anonymous
Post 07/27/2023 18:35     Subject: Why does every tourist have a backpack

[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.
Anonymous
Post 07/27/2023 18:32     Subject: Why does every tourist have a backpack

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 like my water bottle. I despise plastic single use water bottles.
Anonymous
Post 07/27/2023 18:32     Subject: Why does every tourist have a backpack

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.


We get it. You don’t travel outside your little comfort zone where you can access a toilet and get more pepto if needed.


OP probably sits at cafes all day.


OP here. You make bad assumptions and I don’t have a small comfort zone.
Anonymous
Post 07/27/2023 18:32     Subject: Why does every tourist have a backpack

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.


I guess my family was ahead of the trend. We brought water in the 1970’s.
Anonymous
Post 07/27/2023 18:27     Subject: Why does every tourist have a backpack

Anonymous wrote:I’ll carry a le pliage sometimes when I need to take things with me (umbrella, sweater, water). I’m not a fan of backpacks.

My big pet peeve is the people wearing running shoes to stroll around town. I assure you that you’re not walking more than I am and I will be doing it in my sandals like I do everyday. You’re not going for a hike.
Sandals are not supportive enough for me. I wear sneakers or other shoes specifically made for walking.
Anonymous
Post 07/27/2023 18:09     Subject: Why does every tourist have a backpack

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


There are cvs’s everywhere. Why would I carry things?


So, you only travel to places within reach of a CVS?
If so, has that felt limiting?
Anonymous
Post 07/27/2023 18:05     Subject: Why does every tourist have a backpack

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!
Anonymous
Post 07/27/2023 17:59     Subject: Why does every tourist have a backpack

Have you tried being a marsupial? Your own pouches. Think about it.
Anonymous
Post 07/27/2023 17:58     Subject: Re:Why does every tourist have a backpack

How nice, OP, that you travel with a husband who has lots of pockets.
My usual bag — for travel or not — is often a backpack. I have several, in different sizes, from an old nylon Donna Karan, to a few sleeker leather ones, to a nice collection of MZ Wallace bags. My yoga teacher once asked if I regularly carried a heavy bag on my right shoulder, and suggested backpacks. I decided that she was right. I also usually walk or use public transportation— again, traveling or not — so it works for me.

Phone, wallet, keys, small makeup bag; often a small umbrella and a water bottle.

tldr: because we like them and they work well for us.