Purse, backback, travel wallet, or ???

Hi everyone,

I guess this question is more for the ladies! I'm looking forward to our first Alaskan cruise in August and I'm wondering what would be the best option to carry my personal items, particularly during fairly active excursions but also while on ship. What have you all opted to use?

We are doing a whale watch, a hike, and a zipline if that factors into your recommendations.

Thanks!

Lisa

In Alaska we use a fanny pack. :)

Regardless of where I go, I travel with a small daypack. It holds my wallet, camera, travel book/map, snacks, keys, poncho, sunglasses and water bottle.

Usually have a purse, but for Alaska I will take a backpack.

I have three different sizes of Pacsafe purses which I love for travel, particularly in Europe and South America. But for Alaska I use a "tear drop" style of pack/purse as pickpockets are not an issue.

On the ship itself I have a small leather cross body purse just large enough for lip balm, my sea pass card and a very small hand lotion container.

We use two items. When out on port we have a backpack that we put items in like spare clothes, water, camera, etc. also always carry a mid size crossbody for both the port and the ship. I like the crossbody because I will keep all the wallets and cruise cards and passports in there and since it is a crossbody, it is very secure. I also use the crossbody on the boat to carry phones, wallets, pad and pens and games. I think both items are necessary.

I am looking at getting a new backpack for Alaska....but haven't found one that looks like the right size or my likes. ;) I don't want it to be too big, but not too small either.

I am looking at getting a new backpack for Alaska....but haven't found one that looks like the right size or my likes. ;) I don't want it to be too big, but not too small either.

Haha no help in that. I am going with someone that is in college so we use hers. What kind of backpack will depend on what you plan to do. If just waking around and stuff you can just get a cheap in that isn't too big. If doing hiking or major climbing then you would want something more heavy duty.

When making a decision about what to use ashore don't forget that you often need to carry an extra layer or two with you so consider that when deciding what to use.

We each use an LLBean crossbody excursion bag for items like sunglasses, phones, etc.

It's sturdy enough to go under the seat on the plane and I don't mind if it gets kicked around a bit. It's water resistant for rainy days and holds just enough to get me through the day.

I've never had a reason to carry extra layers. If I remove a jacket, I just carry it or tie it around my shoulders.

On ship I usually just carry my cruise card in my pocket. On shore I've used a very small purse with a crossbody strap. My husband carries a daypack on shore with our binoculars, sunscreen, etc.

I got a new bag this Christmas, a Baggallini Bryant Pouch. It has slots for my credit cards and ID, and just enough space for a couple of tissues, a nail file, etc. and the pouch on the side fits my phone in case I don't have a pocket for it. I used this bag throughout Robotics season at many crowded events, including nearly a week in downtown St. Louis. It was great because it is so small and comfortable to carry that it never seemed in the way, and I could keep the few little things I needed close and safe. I think I will use that bag in Alaska this year, both on and off the ship.

I'm trying to decide the same thing, I'm planning on taking a small backpack on our whale watching tour. Hoping for good weather but need it take rain gear just in case.

We are also ziplining and I'm trying to decide what to do there. We will be gone all day so I will need a bag for camera, sunscreen, bug spray etc... I think I'm going to email the company to see if we can bring a camera while we zipline or if they have a place for us to store our stuff.

In Ketchikan we are doing a helicopter tour. I know there we can't take a big bag so I'm planning in just having my camera.

I have a small thirty-one brand cross body bag that is just big enough for essentials. I'm using that for shopping in ports and in Vancouver pre cruise.

Have a great trip!

I am not a backpack person, but did use a lightweight daypack as my carryon for the flight and on shore during my recent Alaska cruise. It worked perfectly, was comfortable and fit everything I needed, especially with changing weather. I had my Marmot rain jacket and a lightweight fleece tucked in it. The backpack, by Bago, also completely folds up into itself, if not needed. I also travel with a great, small, cross body purse by Travelon. It has slots for credit cards, several zippered compartments and anti theft features. I can easily fit my phone, lip balm, comb etc. in it, so don't carry a wallet when I travel. Have a great cruise!

I see you are taking the Ruby to Alaska like we'll do in Aug. How do you pack for cold weather, yet also for ship life? Are there still warm days at all? Is it just for cold weather hiking, besides dressing for ship?

Thanks for any tips.

I got a new bag this Christmas, a Baggallini Bryant Pouch. It has slots for my credit cards and ID, and just enough space for a couple of tissues, a nail file, etc. and the pouch on the side fits my phone in case I don't have a pocket for it. I used this bag throughout Robotics season at many crowded events, including nearly a week in downtown St. Louis. It was great because it is so small and comfortable to carry that it never seemed in the way, and I could keep the few little things I needed close and safe. I think I will use that bag in Alaska this year, both on and off the ship.

I just looked up your Baggallini, and I like that idea. Then I saw ALL of your Alaska cruises you've already taken. YOU are the one to tell me how to plan for clothes in Alaska. We're going in Aug, but is it cold in every port? Do we need big winter ski parka coats, or just jackets? Are we ever doing much up top on the ship, or is it too cold to be up there much? Any insights would help us pack.

THanks

Thanks everyone for their info! It sounds like some sort of crossbody bag works well for a lot of you...I'll look into some of the brands mentioned. And then go for a small day pack for stashing the bigger stuff we need off the ship.

Getting more and more excited...our passports came this week too!

-Lisa

I see you are taking the Ruby to Alaska like we'll do in Aug. How do you pack for cold weather, yet also for ship life? Are there still warm days at all? Is it just for cold weather hiking, besides dressing for ship?

Thanks for any tips.

We are on the Pearl in August. I've never been to Alaska before, but I have a gortex rainjacket I plan on using as my main jacket and then will bring a light-medium weight fleece to layer under it if needed for cold. From what I've read, the temp could be in the 50's at times and if near glaciers a bit lower. I'm bringing a light hat and gloves too (the kind you might wear while driving in winter, not skiing type!).

I'll probably bring a mix of light pants for hiking, a pair of jeans and then skirt, capri, short to maximize my options. And a mix of tops.

Haven't thought about dress up yet though!

Aboard the ship I don't think it matters what you use but a day back may be a bit awkward. Ashore we always use a small backpack and everything Dudette and I want to take ashore goes into it. For an active time ashore I am sure that you would like to have your hands free.

I always travel with a Baggalini that I can wear cross body to keep my hands free. It can tuck into a tote bag on the airplane, along with the other things I like to have with me on the plane. Additionally, in port we always have a back pack with whatever we think we will need for the day depending on weather forecast and planned activities.

I just looked up your Baggallini, and I like that idea. Then I saw ALL of your Alaska cruises you've already taken. YOU are the one to tell me how to plan for clothes in Alaska. We're going in Aug, but is it cold in every port? Do we need big winter ski parka coats, or just jackets? Are we ever doing much up top on the ship, or is it too cold to be up there much? Any insights would help us pack.

THanks

No big coats, just layers. I'm one who will wear shorts if it's 60+ so I may not be the best one to ask. I typically take 2 pairs jeans, 2 pairs capris, and 2-3 pairs of shorts. I only wear the jeans on glacier sailing day, some cool mornings, or if I'll be hiking where I want my legs covered. I also take hat, gloves and scarf for glacier day. I take a lightweight fleece and a heavy hoodie sweatshirt and I can wear one or both together, and of course have a waterproof rain jacket with a hood! These layers have always been enough for me, and I've been known to start the morning in Glacier Bay with all of it and be down to jeans and t-shirt by afternoon.

I took a back pack last time and it was too large and cumbersome. I'm trying to figure out what I want to take along for this trip. I have a large zippered tote bag for the flight. Plus I have a crossbody purse. I got my kid a cinch sack by Adidas so he can carry his own game, snacks, etc. My husband got me a new camera but it's bigger than my old one so now I guess I'll have a crossbody purse and a camera....or maybe I'll just wear my camera around my neck. But then again, I need a waterproof place to stash my camera if it's raining.....now I'm back to a bag. Ugh. Or maybe I just need a tiny raincoat for my camera! Ha!

I am not a fan of backpacks. I use messenger bags, and they come in different styles and sizes. I can carry my DSLR, extra lenses, wallet, Surface2, a jacket and any shopping I've done. Around the ship, I use a lanyard for my key card and casino card. Lipstick/chapstick goes in my pocket, and my little camera has a hook on it and I just hook it to a belt loop or use the wriststrap. I'm a big fan of hands free, but like to have my stuff accessible easily - even while walking.

I am not a fan of backpacks. I use messenger bags, and they come in different styles and sizes. I can carry my DSLR, extra lenses, wallet, Surface2, a jacket and any shopping I've done. Around the ship, I use a lanyard for my key card and casino card. Lipstick/chapstick goes in my pocket, and my little camera has a hook on it and I just hook it to a belt loop or use the wriststrap. I'm a big fan of hands free, but like to have my stuff accessible easily - even while walking.

What kind of messenger bag do you have that fits a DSLR and lenses? I have that issue all the time which is why I go to backpack typically

I use a tote bag with a zippered section in the center where I keep my money and credit cards. I carry small umbrellas and rain ponchos and camera equipment. My husband usees a a transport chair and I simply hang the bag on the arm of the chair. I hate back packs - so many people are inconsiderate with them.

I like to use the bra stash both on and off the ship, except instead of attaching it to my bra I safety pin the ribbon like strap to the waistband of my pants. That way it is very convenient to access. It will hold my room key, a credit card and the ship's program for the day and paper money. If I think that I might need some cash that I need to access more easily then I put some cash in my pocket. I also have a very lightweight back pack that folds in upon itself to store very easily. If I am leaving the ship I put in it a windbreaker, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellant, a bottle of water and any purchases that I make. The only thing that I do differently if I will be swimming is to include a waterproof case then just before swimming I place my bra stash in the waterproof case and pin the waterproof case to my suit. I like to be hands free and I don't like wearing the lanyard around my neck And I'm a little concerned about having my room key and credit card in my backpack since I can envision someone taking off with my backpacK or someone just taking a wallet out of the pack. Here is the bra stash that I use.