Favorite travel bag for day use

[mrsjrd23]

I'm in search of a bag for day use while in Ireland in september.

Does anyone have a favorite they love? or a website/store to look?

Something that is versatile for casual but could double for a night out as well.  

[Vespasia]

I generally carry a Baggallini crossbody. They hold a lot, keep things fairly organized, and allow my hands to be free. I almost bought this for our last trip but couldn't justify it when I already had several perfectly good bags.

www.baggallini.com/anywhere-large-hobo-tote-with-rfid-phone-wristlet/AWH335-BG-B0516-NS.html

[goldengirlz]

I used my Lo & Sons Pearl in Ireland (actually, I use it everywhere I travel.) I especially like that it can fit in a larger carry-on tote so I don’t have to count it as a personal item on the plane, but it still holds quite a bit. And it coverts to a clutch/wristlet for evenings.

[ny96]

We have this one in black and have brought it everywhere.

www.patagonia.com/product/lightweight-travel-tote-pack-22-liters/48808.html?dwvar_48808_color=MJVK&cgid=luggage-backpacks#tile-18=&start=1&sz=36

[ESF]

A couple years ago, I had a cross body made from this Etsy shop, and it worked perfectly for a Europe trip. I was able to get the pocket and zipper situation configured exactly in a way that was useful to me. Plus she let me pick out the lining fabric so I was able to choose a pattern that made me happy.

www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBrickHouseLLC

Unfortunately later my neighbor's dog peed on it, so I had to part ways with it and can't speak to how well it holds up, but I was happy with it for the ten months or so that I had it.

I also have and love the Pearl.

[gardengal]

I have this: www.amazon.com/UTO-Backpack-Convertible-Rucksack-Shoulder/dp/B07D71H5CS

Things I like:
-Backpack but not a *big* backpack. It's slightly bigger than my everyday purse. I wanted a carry-on that fit my plane essentials plus snacks, scarf, etc. When I'm sightseeing, I want it to hold my camera, water, purse stuff, layer (rain coat or cardigan), and probably snacks (I have kids). So, while the Lo & Sons Pearl "gets" me on the organization, it's not going to ever be big enough.

-Also has shoulder strap that is detachable b/c my *other* carry-on is a backpack suitcase (ebags Motherlode). I'll wear the big backpack on my back & have this in shoulder-bag mode

-Internal & external organization

-Water bottle holds my bigger-than-12oz reuseable water bottle

-faux leather is waterproof. Obviously seams & zippers are weak points, but everything won't be drenched if I'm caught in a drizzle.

Things I don't like:
-I feel like the zippers could be smoother
-I could see myself using this more than for mostly travel/day trips (so, daily) if construction was more solid

Now, I'm not sure this is a "night out" bag but I'd probably get a wristlet that would hold evening essentials and can also be used for travel organziation for that purpose (tho, another bag of this brand has a small cross body that detaches. It's a really cool feature but the bag itself was much heavier. Also I don't think my water bottle fit)

In short, I really love everything about the bag just wish it was more durable for daily use (and would pay more for it!). If anyone knows of anything similar, please let me know!

[GilliC]

I have a knock-off version of a Michael Kors zip-top tote that I use for day-to-night city sightseeing.

If it's a trip where I'll also be doing some outdoor activities (but not enough to bring a technical backpack), I'll also bring along a packable daypack.

[mbcdefg]

I bought a Fossil crossbody for our Ireland/London trip in 2010. It’s long since discontinued but this one is somewhat close: www.fossil.com/us/en/products/fiona-crossbody-sku-zb7669200c.html

I brought a smaller Relic crossbody for our 2015 Europe trip. Again, discontinued, but this is similar: m.kohls.com/product/prd-2644630/relic-evie-flap-crossbody-bag.jsp?prdPV=8&userPFM=non-search&diestoreid=382&selectShip=true

[YahYahs]

I got this one for our trip to London this week. Love that it has padded straps but isn't as big as a regular backpack. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P8LFYBN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[aliciaflorrick]

I used this one last month for two weeks in Europe and it worked great. Not too big but enough room for essentials and has a luggage sleeve.

www.dsw.com/en/us/product/madden-girl-booker-backpack/380526

Eta: It may not fit the night out criteria but I put a small crossbody inside the bag that I used for dinners/evening activities.