Magicians pull rabbits from a hat to impress. Savvy travelers pull out Eagle Creek’s packable daypack.
At least I feel like a magician each time I arrive at a destination and take out this lightweight pack that transforms from a compact pocket-pouch into a full-size daypack. No matter where I’m going, this handy extra is in my luggage.
Favorite feature: Perfect for sightseeing or day hikes, it takes up little room in my luggage. Better yet, it weighs only 6.5 ounces and is made from a durable, water-resistant ripstop nylon fabric that stretches easily and resists puncturing.
Not-so-favorite feature:
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
With the right gear, leading an active, mobile lifestyle is more than possible - it’s fun.
As a freelance writer/photographer specializing in travel, every trip is a blend of work and play. So, when an assignment took me to South West England for a walking tour, I needed more than a backpack. I wanted a multipurpose bag that could double as a carryon laptop and camera bag en route to England, and lightweight trail pack once I’d landed.
Enter the Osprey Momentum 26. Originally designed with the bicycle commuter in mind, it also offers a savvy alternative for active adventure travel. Specifically it is:
Waterproof. This was England afterall and in a sudden downpour I needed to know that my camera equipment would be protected. On the trail, the neon yellow built-in raincover performed beautifully, keeping contents dry while assuring I was highly visible in even the most inclement weather.
TSA-sized. For air travel, I wanted a pack that fit easily into the overhead compartment and had ample space for travel necessities, laptop computer, and camera equipment. Once there, it needed to transition easily to the needs of the walk’s daily activities. The momentum’s dedicated laptop sleeve, padded top and side travel handles, stowable harness and hipbelt, and top-load access made it a perfect choice.
Quality designed. I see no reason to compromise quality or comfort for travel convenience.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
I’m just back from shooting a seven-day walking tour in France where I travel-tested the Sahara 217 F by Naneu Pro, a manufacturer of innovative camera, video, laptop and portable audio cases. Finding a camera bag that can meet the demands of an adventure travel assignment is a challenge. I’m happy to report that the Sahara 217 F was up to the task!
Initially what caught my eye was the Sahara’s water-resistant rugged construction, as did it’s carry-on sizing and its heavily-padded laptop compartment.
I wanted a pack that could double as both a notebook backpack and a multi-functional camera bag. The Sahara 217’s expandable main compartment accommodated everything I needed for the shoot: 2 digital DSLR camera bodies, a full range of lenses including a long zoom, as well as 2 portable hard drives, memory cards, sensor brush, power cords and flash.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".