My Go-Anywhere Bag
by - Written: Nov 11 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Many compartments, makes organizing your things easy, goes almost anywhere
Cons: None
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| ginadc's Full Review: Eagle Creek Sidekick |
I can't travel without my Sidekick. I bought this multi-faceted little bag two years ago before a long trip to Europe; since then it's gone with me to Paris, through the Alps, to Venice, Oktoberfest, up the Rhine, Amsterdam, London (twice) and through the Greek islands. Its next destinations are Rome and Tunisia.
The Sidekick functions in two ways--either as a shoulder bag (I often wear it Sam Browne-belt style if I think there's any chance of bag-grabbing) or as a waistpack (belt straps zip into the back pouch). While I'm not a big waistpack fan and never wear it that way, the function adds to the versatility; and I use the pouch that holds the waistpack straps as a storage space for items I won't need much but still want with me.
Here's a quick tour through the Sidekick, from "front" to "back." First, there's an open pouch on the front, where I usually stash pens, mints, and other little items that I might want to have handy but don't care that much if they fall out. Next layer in, you have a front zipper pouch backed with a mesh panel--here's where I usually keep the day's map, itinerary, and a small notepad. Two large interior pouches unzip all the way around if necessary; this, however, requires you to be *very* vigilant about zipping them up all the way again.
Pouch #1 is further divided with a small zipper section (nice for coins, eye drops, etc.) and flat panels where I often stash Shout stain remover packets and handi-wipes. Pouch #1 also has a handy loop with a keyring attachment--lock your hotel keys to this and you won't find yourself wondering what you did with them. Pouch #2 is equally roomy but without all the dividers and smaller sections; that's usually where I stash my camera, sunglasses, brush and makeup. (A mini-travel-wallet with slots for cash and credit cards goes in pouch #1.) Between the two main pouches, I can usually also fit one small book--a "Pocket Venice," for example, or a phrasebook.
Finally, at the back, is the zipper pocket for the waistpack straps--again, handy for items you might want to keep with you but not pull out *all* the time.
The shoulder strap clips on and off easily if you want to remove it from the pack for some reason; it also has a nice pad to ease chafing on your shoulder and adjusts easily to any length. The Sidekick comes in a simple black canvas that shows practically no dirt and wipes clean instantly from just about any spill. I feel comfortable carrying it as my only day bag just about anywhere I'm traveling, and as a purse in most types of restaurants, clubs and theaters except truly elegant ones. It's about the handiest travel bag I've ever owned.
Recommended:
Yes
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