Shopping / Carry-on Bag

[biloute]

I've seen posts in which people recommend taking a reusable shopping bag. Is there one that could double as a carry-on? Perhaps that smushes down really well?

 

[lynnejohn]

I have one of these and use it all year long. Sturdy, light (90g), compresses into a tiny pouch. Made from recycled materials. I use it as a carry-on on the plane as well as for shopping on the camino. I like it better than just a shopping bag because it leaves your hands free.

http://www.onyabags.co.uk/index.php/products/bags-backpacks/onya-back

 

[NicoZ]

I have a cloth messenger bag. You could use it for a carry on. It's relatively light (if heavier then a plastic bag).

 

[dougfitz]

I use something similar - an ultra-sil bag made by Sea-to-Summit.

 

[Tad]

I've had a nylon bag for a while that weighs 50 grams and folds down to a tiny ball that I was planning to take. However, the idea of the UltraSil bag is nice because it's only about an ounce more and keeps your hands free.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028K2SSW/?tag=casaivar02-20

 

[biloute]

I like the look of the ultra-sil, too. Does it really squish down to fit on a keychain? Or is it one of those things you can never seem to get back into the packaging very well?

 

[Tia Valeria]

We bought a sil-sac each because we had read about them on the forum. They are great and, with a little practise, fold away OK. I think it is easier if they are turned inside out to pack away and put the bottom end in the pouch first, but it is a while since I actually folded mine up. An added advantage is that the material is waterproofed.

 

[dougfitz]

I like the look of the ultra-sil, too. Does it really squish down to fit on a keychain? Or is it one of those things you can never seem to get back into the packaging very well?

Mine has always packed back into its little pouch.

 

[lettinggo]

Hola

Same. Brought a nylon reusable bag for grocery shopping, bath room items, sitting on when wet, etc.
Also, a new idea I thought of might be useful, is a stick of chalk.
Many times you would like to communicate with those behind you, and making arrows with sticks are not always good enough.

Buen Camino
Lettinggo

 

[Stellere]

I had a craftsperson on etsy make me a messenger bag out of black parachute material. It looks a bit it's make out of a garbage bag (haha!), but it weighs about 35 grams and is very strong. I wanted something hands-free that wasn't a backpack. To start over, I'd probably change the colour - but I'm very happy with my bag overall!

 

[t2andreo]

I use the Sea-to-Summit Ultra-Sil daypack mentioned by DougFitz, above. You can find it at: http://www.seatosummit.com/products/display/86

When in the stuff sack it is about the size of an oval tennis ball, and near as lightweight. I wear it on my left shoulder strap, attached with a plastic carabiner and held down with a rubber band.

The reason is that, on entering a town or city, I can reach up with my dominant hand (right) and remove the bag for use without removing my rucksack. This allows me to go grocery shopping on the way into town.

The - now filled daypack - can be clipped to my shoulder harness at my front, using similar, lightweight carabiners. Also, when you are settled for the evening, or staying more than overnight, the daypack makes a good city bag for playing tourist. Finally, it is an ideal size to use as an airline carry-on.

As always, I hope this helps someone.

 

[Anniesantiago]

For 2 euros, you can buy sturdy but light zippered shopping bags in any of the "China stores" along the Camino. The China stores are like dollar stores and carry just about anything a person might need.

I bought a Sea to Summit and it only lasted one trip. My China bag is much sturdier and about the same weight.

 

[Tia Valeria]

Our Sea to Summit bags are doing well. Mine went on a trip to Malta with a friend as well as on the Camino. One thing I did notice is that I have to take care not to have sharp corners on packets, one dug a small hole in the proofing but not the actual pack which is rip-proof. Sorry to see yours didn't hold up well Annie, especially as they are expensive.