The Hidden Backpack from Timbuk2 is meant to be a grocery bag. Skip the plastic or paper and, instead, reuse this for all your shopping needs.
Big deal, right? We all have a dozen canvas bags that we already use to replace the store bags.
The Hidden Backpack is a little different, however, and far more versatile than your passe logo-laden canvas bag sitting in the back of your car. Here are a couple of the highlights:
- Made from recycled PET fabric
- Rip stop fabric is durable yet still lightweight
- Zips into itself so you’ve got only a compact item that can slip into your purse
- Machine washable and non-shrinking
But this isn’t a shopping blog… so let’s talk travel!
I really like the fact that this folds down (and zips up) super small so it gets big points for packability. I might carry this bag on a trip to a domestic destination or to a developed country. Someplace where I might not be so concerned about blending in. It come in four colors; starlet (pictured), khaki, kelly (green) and black. I’d really only consider using the black or khaki on a foreign trip as the other two are (slightly) garish. I prefer to blend in rather than stand out with the brighter colors.
There are two outside pockets in which you could easily tuck a water bottle and have quick access to it. While the bottom of the bag is plyable, it does lay flat, unlike most daybags, and can hold your guidebook, journal and camera with no problem. It won’t offer a lot of protection, however, if you do carry your camera or other electronics so don’t go banging the bag around.
All in all, I like the bag. I would use it for domestic travel and for beachy vacations where tossing in sunscreen, a crossword puzzle book and a sarong make perfect sense. It doesn’t provide the safety features (like being slashproof that the PacSafe gear includes) but it’s a worthy item for safe destinations.
Travel Well!
Beth
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Tammie Dooley says
LOVE this idea for fishing outings that will be beginning soon. Have enjoyed all your gear postings. Great stuff!
Beth says
Fishing? Really? Won’t you scare the fish away with that color?