Is this the Curse?

kipling bag

In an earlier post I mentioned that I am looking for the perfect bag to take to Germany and Switzerland with me this fall. One that will function as a purse while at the same time enabling me to safely carry my DSLR camera with its large lens. Thus the Curse. I think I may have found it today. I was at Macy's and had asked the clerk about whether a purse I was looking at had a way to make the strap longer as I want to wear it across my body. When I explained to her what I was hoping to accomplish with the bag, she steered me towards the "kipling" display. I had briefly looked in the area but thought the purses were all either too small or too much like back packs. I overlooked this one altogether.

What I like about it is that the bag is made of nylon, so it will be easy to clean and somewhat water resistant. It is also very light weight, which is important as I will be loading it up. It has several pockets on the outside, including ones which may work for a small umbrella and a water bottle. There is a secure zippered area inside the purse as well to keep my money and passport safe. The adjustable strap means I can wear it across my body or shorten it for a different look.

So what don't I like about it? It is a little more casual than I was hoping for, and it looks a bit like a camera bag. But the biggest issue is that it does not have any dividers inside, allowing me to keep my iPad separate from my camera. Are these things deal breakers? I am not sure yet. For now I will haul my stuff around the house in it to see how it feels on my shoulder.

Added bonus of this bag? A cute little ape hanging off the side. I think he needs to go abroad, don't you?

let's go ape!

The Curse

In preparation for my genealogy trip this fall, I have been analyzing the type of bag I want to carry on a daily basis. Normally I use a backpack that was specifically design to hold a DSLR camera. It has adequate space in the top to carry my billfold, reading glasses, small notebook, umbrella, rain jacket, etc. Bottom line is that there is no need to carry a purse, so this backpack is what I normally use when I am out shooting photos. And it has the added bonus of a pouch on the side to take along a water bottle. What it doesn't have is a spot for my iPad. First of all, I don't know if my hotel room will have a safe so that I can leave it in there during the day. Second, since this is a genealogy trip, I will definitely be hauling my iPad around to check my facts and take notes. Also I am not sure I am comfortable with having the bag on my back subject to pickpocketing.

Now, I could also carry a smaller purse along with the backpack. Then I could keep my iPad, billfold, passport, etc. in the purse and just have the other items on my back. But that means hauling two bags around each day. Do I really want to do that?

So I did what any red-blooded American woman does in this situation - I asked advice from Google. Wow! So many options! They do indeed now make purses that are designed to carry your camera as well. And some of them are super cute. But I think the co-pay at the hospital for the delivery of my first baby was less than some of these purses are going for. I also don't know how much most of the bags weigh empty. I don't want the bag alone to add 5 pounds on my shoulder. A cross body style with a padded strap would be ideal. Then I could carry all the items I need in one bag that would be in front of me so I can keep my eye on it.

I am glad I started looking into this early as I don't think a decision is going to be too easy for me. If you need me, I will be sitting at the computer searching for the perfect Curse.