ABD Backpacks

[blueshell]

Hi! I just received the welcome box with all of the ABD goodies in it Does everyone usually bring the backpack they give you to use on the ABD for the day trips?

 

[OKW Lover]

It somewhat depends on the trip. Some folks bring them, others have their own favorite bag that they travel with. It's seldom necessary for a couple to both carry a backpack.

 

[vakamalua]

We found it an odd, not too useful design & donated it to the church thrift shop.Take what suits your needs.

 

[peppers]

I did an ABD in the U.S. (Los Angeles/Disneyland) last fall; no one in my group had the backpack; like others have said, take what you are most comfortable with using.

 

[Chirple]

One person on our AZ-UT trip brought it when the small group of us hike a little bit into the Grand Canyon and during our Arches hike. We put our empty disposable water bottles in it. I just used a crossbody for each of my trips and tied a sweater or jacket around my waist.

 

[sayhello]

I've never found the ABD backpacks to be one I'd want to shlep with me. I have favorites of my own I bring. Some people *will* bring them, but I've found it's very few overall.

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[thanxfornoticin]

Agree. The packs are nice and all, but not something we want to travel with. They're shaped oddly with too few places to hold our stuff - we bring our own bags instead. We'd prefer they knock a couple bucks off the cost and not hand them out!! But we also know they like the advertising it brings for those who do use them.

 

[sayhello]

Agree. The packs are nice and all, but not something we want to travel with. They're shaped oddly with too few places to hold our stuff - we bring our own bags instead. We'd refer they knock a couple bucks off the cost and not hand them out!! But we also know they like the advertising it brings for those who do use them.

Unfortunately, given the current trend at ABD, they are far more likely to not hand them out but also NOT knock a couple of bucks off the cost!

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[jimmymc]

Most people do not, since they tend to already have their own luggage and bags they like to travel with. I never brought the backpack, but I do sometimes use the duffel bag on other trips.

 

[polynor]

We brought one of ours and have used it outside of ABD depending on the situation.it doesn’t hold a lot, but the material seems more water resistant, the flap goes over the zipper and has an additional snap which make it less pickpocket prone than a normal backpack. When you’re with ABD, there’s not much you have to carry with you so you don’t need a high capacity bag.

 

[pjacobi]

The "free" string bags that I have used never last long before breaking.

For a daypack, I highly recommend the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack. It holds 20 liters and is strong enough to carry heavy water bottles. It packs down into an attached stuff-sac which is the size of your fist. If costs about $45.00 but absolutely worth every penny.


-Paul

 

[AquaDame]

My problem with those kinds of backpacks is there is no padding - you feel every corner and poke from whatever you put in them. I use one when I have to, but generally I just use my work backpack as my carry on. The regular size Fjallraven Kanken holds an impressive amount, and since I have the laptop one I carry our passports and such right up against my back for safekeeping.

We've never used the ABD bags... and in fact I should donate them.

 

[sayhello]

We've never used the ABD bags... and in fact I should donate them.

I've donated some of them already. Probably time to go through the closet and donate the rest!

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