My sister asked for a small go bag that would fit a single book with room for the typical things (cards, phone, mints). I’ve browsed some options(including bags that incorporate a book strap) but wanted to check what other people who carry books around typically prefer before committing to something.
I’m in a similar boat, and this is what I’m looking at: https://sipseywilder.com/collections/stride-crossbody-bags/products/midnight-black-stride-crossbody
Lots of print options too!
For sure! If you haven’t seen it yet, I’m really digging the Mystic Murder print.
Check this one https://www.sfbags.com/products/muzetto-leather-bag
That’s a nice-looking bag. They’re all currently sold out though.
I use the Fjällräven/Specialized (now seems to be rebranded as ‘Hoja’) hip pack for this.
It’s just about big enough to fit an average book, my headphones, and some miscellaneous stuff. But if needed it’s also expandable so you can fit a jacket, or groceries on the way back etc.
It has completely replaced the backpack I used to carry everywhere (which I carried because of wanting to bring a book).
what’s a go bag? and does a stay bag exist?
I’ve only ever seen the term used to refer to the bags people prepare in advance for emergencies.
A go bag is a bag you keep packed for when shit hits the fan. What’s in it depends on what shit you expect to hit which fan. Maybe it has survival tools and rations. Maybe it’s prescription medicine and warm clothing. Maybe it’s a map and some weapons. In theory, it should be only essentials, but being prepared for long stints of boredom is often a part of preparing for the worst (aka prepping). People frequently include a deck of cards or a harmonica to help pass the time, maybe a tennis ball to play fetch with their dog.
And yes, preppers will often stock a “stay bag” although the priorities are different. Mobility and weight isn’t a priority, but it is still a factor. Preppers will stock water, weapons, ammo, and food, often in larger quantities, but keeping a small subset available for quick travel. For instance, they might keep 2 weeks worth of water in their home or bug out site, but the water will be in jerry cans they can throw in the trunk of a car, or carry to a stream for refills. If you plan to hunker down, then having a library of books or other low-tech forms of entertainment are recommended to help stave off the crazies.
It sounds like OP is asking for a generic sling bag, aka a purse for daily use. Like “I’m going out the door for the day, and I might find myself with some spare time to read.” I haven’t heard anyone call that a go bag, but maybe it’s just the phrase expanding in use. I recently heard a 9 year old walking around a parking lot in bare feet say she was “out here raw dogging the pavement” and I seemed to be the only person fazed by it, so I just keep walking.
Maybe something like a Tenba DNA Messenger 13 or 16 would work. Its padded and will easily fit lotr with room for snacks. I bought mine for a camera but use it for everything.
