Carbon Trace

Daypacks have been the popular choice for carrying one’s stuff on college campuses for decades. There’s good reason for this. Packs are, for the most part, convenient and hold a lot of stuff.

Mine is a simple, inexpensive model made of rip-stop nylon. It’s light, roomy, and very easy to carry. It’s my trunk and my briefcase. This pack has served me across two continents and a handful of countries. It fits well under an airline seat. It rests easily on your back while prowling the streets of a new city. And it packs enough stuff for several days on the go — including a laptop and camera.

But, as I said before, I’m getting a little tired of it. Or, rather, I’m wanting more options. And that’s why I posted about my search for a messenger pannier. And you, dear readers, have responded with many excellent suggestions.

I won’t be giving up my backpack. Instead, I’ll be using it differently. And I’ll have more to say about my choice when I make it

UPDATE: Here’s a look at some of the stuff you see hanging from my daypack:

1. A reflector/blinker I found at Eddie Bauer. Even though I have a rear light on my bicycle I like like to have light on my body, too. I’ve used a number of different blinkers for this purpose.
2. A watch thingy that doubles as a church key. It even has a compass that doesn’t work!
3. My bicycle keys — one for my U-lock and another for the cable I use to lock my saddle to the frame.

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