I think I may have bought my Hedgren Urban backpack around 8-10 years ago. I have these photos of me in New Zealand/Australia in spring of 2005 carrying the bag everywhere. I'd bought it in Wisconsin's Outlet Mall in Kenosha at a Samsonite store. They were selling it for $20.00 + $1.00 for a second bag. I just couldn't pass it up. Two bags for $21.00? Wow! Since then I took it with me everywhere. It's very light, durable and sits comfortably on my back.
I brought it with me to see the Punakaiki pancake rocks in New Zealand in spring of 2005.
And here I am near Christchurch where we'd gone to see the Moeraki Boulders (giant geodes). However, I took photos of the flowers too. You can see my bag more clearly.
In 2007 I took my bag to Alexandria, Egypt.
In spring of 2009, mom carried my back up backpack to the Pacific Northwest and Vancouver. Here we are at Skagit Valley's awesome tulip fields. We're both carrying the Hedgren backpacks.
And here is my bag now in 2012 looking very sad and worse for wear. The bags are not indestructible. It lasted only 8+ years of constant use. I just hate parting with it. I tried to repair it by sewing it together, but it just ripped on the repair seam. Actually there are rips all over. It's like a tired old friend and very frail.
My daughter, Tif bought me a beautiful Baggalini back-pack a year ago which I also use, but the Hedgren has been my friend of long standing.
I'm using the back up backpack now and someday I'll work up the courage to throw the old one away. I've also bought another Hedgren online because it was on sale for $49.98. Sigh... Quite a bit more than the other two I bought 8+ years ago, but I like having a back up. What kind of bag do you like to carry?
I brought it with me to see the Punakaiki pancake rocks in New Zealand in spring of 2005.
And here I am near Christchurch where we'd gone to see the Moeraki Boulders (giant geodes). However, I took photos of the flowers too. You can see my bag more clearly.
In 2007 I took my bag to Alexandria, Egypt.
In spring of 2009, mom carried my back up backpack to the Pacific Northwest and Vancouver. Here we are at Skagit Valley's awesome tulip fields. We're both carrying the Hedgren backpacks.
And here is my bag now in 2012 looking very sad and worse for wear. The bags are not indestructible. It lasted only 8+ years of constant use. I just hate parting with it. I tried to repair it by sewing it together, but it just ripped on the repair seam. Actually there are rips all over. It's like a tired old friend and very frail.
My daughter, Tif bought me a beautiful Baggalini back-pack a year ago which I also use, but the Hedgren has been my friend of long standing.
I'm using the back up backpack now and someday I'll work up the courage to throw the old one away. I've also bought another Hedgren online because it was on sale for $49.98. Sigh... Quite a bit more than the other two I bought 8+ years ago, but I like having a back up. What kind of bag do you like to carry?
I can sympathize with you, Kay. I am currently in the same situation. In Australia in 2003 Naomi gave me a bag they got free at a scientific conference. It has been in daily use since then, and it looks like it, all frayed and getting holes. But it is the perfect size for airline cabin bag, for shopping at the market, for laptop, for everything. You can carry it with comfy handles or wear it on your back. And best of all, it stands up by itself.
ReplyDeleteI can't find anything like it to buy.
What to do, what to do??
I have never had a back pack, i have never traveled more than 100 miles from home, (honest), I carry a tote bag my daughter had made for me, its now 12 years old , the same age as my grandson, I understand the meaning of something like this.If your bag could speak, the stories it could tell.I really enjoy reading your past posts, you have had such an exciting life,
ReplyDeleteLike an old friend-sad to see it wear out...I just carry a small shoulder bag and carry my larger things in a bag I carry. Also have gone to bags with wheels when they get too heavy.
ReplyDeleteI don't use a purse at all but a backpack instead. I buy a new one every few years, usually from REI. Their day pack is just right for all my stuff plus my iPad: camera, wallet, extra hat, even a light jacket sometimes.
ReplyDeleteWhen we're out and about for any length of time I rely on Christopher to carry things for me as I find backpacks uncomfortable for my neck and shoulders. At other times I carry a small shoulder bag and regularly check the contents to make sure I'm not carrying too much. I like a waist bag really, but they're just not attractive looking under jumpers and jackets, though I do use one when I'm dog walking to carry keys, phone, pooh bags and dog treats and it's lovely to be able to walk freely.
ReplyDeleteActually, I am in the market for a backpack to replace the sholder bag I usually carry. You're giving me ideas. Dianne
ReplyDeleteI'm a purse girl. However, only certain purses. I don't like cheap purses.
ReplyDeleteI recently bought a purse with a long strap that crosses my chest and hangs near my hip. I have never owned a backpack, because I fear someone will unzip it and steal my wallet. But, I intend to buy one for the airlines before I leave for India.
ReplyDeleteMy backpack actually opens from the back so you can't steal my wallet from the front. I just keep my calendar and notebook there. My keys are in the side pocket. You have to unzip the back to get into your important stuff.
DeleteL.L.Bean has a HUGE assortment and ALL KINDS of packs for all kinds of reasons, and all kinds of bags with or without zipper tops. Check out their catalog! My 24 year old son still has his kindergarten backpack, and every bag I've purchased from them are basically indestructable and look good over the years.
ReplyDeleteGigi--when traveling, I put my purse or belly pack inside my backpack. I put a small lock combination lock on the zipper pulls that held my money/billfold. I could move around or shop with both hands. When I was ready to purchase an item, I took off the backpack, did the quick unlock, got out my money, completed the transaction, and usually put my purchase in the backpack, put the lock back into the 2nd part of the zipper pull, and was on my way to the next adventure! A thief would have to cut apart my backpack to steal something from me while it was on my back.
When I travel, I also carry a non-TSA combination lock inside my luggage. When settled at my hotel room, and am leaving for a daytime of touring, I locked my collected souvenirs, Rx meds, and unneeded cash in my suitcase every day when I left with a combination lock that I brought inside my suitcase specifically for this purpose. I draped clothing over the lock to diminish temptation. Housekeeping or a thief would have to cut my luggage to steal something.
I used the hotel's combination provided safe for cash if it was free. As I collected items, they of course, wouldn't fit in the safe. I shipped items back home from each island instead of trying to carry or travel with them. Seemed like Christmas as the boxes arrived back home!
I've had an L.L.Bean coat that wouldn't wear out either. People in Hawaii don't need down full-length coats....
DrumMajor
Wow! These are really great ideas, Drum Major. I've just used my TSA combination lock for my luggage when I've kept important things in our hotel room. I haven't worried about my backpack since as I've mentioned to Gigi, my backpack opens from the back/inside and you can't get to it from the front. In fact somebody did try in France and in Spain...unsuccessfully. It always worries me to have hotel people come into our room so we always put up the Do Not Disturb sign. Then, if we need anything, we catch the room service person or the desk and get what we need. One of my relatives used to clean rooms and she said, yes, there are dishonest hotel staff around. Sheesh!
DeleteCool!!! I have an L.L. Bean back pack that I bought over 20 years ago that will prolly go in my casket with me with "gotta haves" for my trip to heaven or hell -- I swear it's made of cast iron!
ReplyDeleteHmmmm... Looks like I really need to check out that LL Bean catalog. Thanks a bunch!
DeleteCool!!!! The best thing about L.L. Bean is that everything is guaranteed period -- no muss; no fuss. Just send it back and they replace it. Land's End is good that way, too!
DeleteCustomer Service at it's finest! And oh yeah, you'll be amazed at how fast they ship!
My kids got their L.L. Bean backpacks in jr. high and used them through college and they lasted well. I'm not not sure if they still have them but you know how kids are and all the junk they carry.
hang them on the wall. Or gold plate them, lol.
ReplyDeleteI know Kay it is hard letting go of backpacks, handbags, totes, etc. but sometimes they just give up. I hope you love your new one when it arrives as much as the old one! I don't use a backpack, but I will be getting one when we have a trip scheduled somewhere. I really think they are the way to go!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I both use LL Bean Healthy Travel Bags when we travel. My husband's has made about 12 trips to China, plus Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hawaii, Italy, Ireland,...and it's still going strong. I think its few signs of wear are sentimental reminders to Ken. He also uses it for local adventures. It's made of canvas with leather trim.
ReplyDeleteMine, a nylon version of the same style, has made fewer trips to China, but it has gone everywhere else Ken's has gone. It has few, if any signs of wear. It holds a ton of stuff, including my iPad.
My friend Lynn wore a hole in hers, which is like mine, when we were in Scotland,...but that's because she dragged it on the ground one day. (Long story there!) she took it back to LL Bean, and they gave her a new one. If you want top quality and a solid guarantee to replace a defective item, you can't beat LL Bean. And I'm not saying that just because we Mainers love our LL Bean !
I recently started making my own bags. Have not used it yet, but it is a project that I'm loving. You can see it is "homemade", figured when I'm older...no one will fault me for not using a storebought leather purse. Just one of my quirky thoughts.
ReplyDeleteL. from W.
I tend to use my bags for a long time too! Wish I were your well travelled backpack, it's sure seen a lot!
ReplyDeleteI've never liked backpacks because I can't get comfortable with them, although yours looks good. I'm also thinking of checking out the indestructible LL Bean ones. One should last me for the rest of my life.
ReplyDeleteK
Last year I bought smaller size carry on luggage for both of us. They must be making the compartments even smaller because sometimes it still does not fit the overhead in some planes. We just got back from visiting Hawaii and had one heck of a time finding a spot for one of our carry on suitcases on the way back. I think we will switch to either backpacks or totes. Then there will be hardly any room to pack anything more than clothing and toiletries. ~L.
ReplyDeleteI'm on my second PacSafe sling anti-theft travel daypack. I use it as my purse as well as for travel, because it is nice looking enough for any but the most formal occasions. My cousin bought one too after seeing mine, as did a friend. In it I carry my Kindle reader, Kindle Fire, I-Pod Nano and all the other stuff I need. With a small carry-on I'm set to go anywhere. Since I got the Fire I don't really need my netbook any more when I travel.
ReplyDeleteSo you were in Scagit for the tulip festival. I was there, too. How come I didn't see you? Oh, wait. I was there in '07 and '08!
I just looked it up. Wow! That looks really great and travel safe. However, it's just a tad bit small for the junk that I carry that I always feel like I absolutely need, but probably don't. But... gosh... it's so tempting. Really, really tempting. I love the look of it.
DeleteYou are clever and creative. I am waiting to hear what amazing use you have found for your old friend. It is too full of memories to be cast aside.
ReplyDeleteBackpacks for every occasion here. I have blue, brown and black leather. Then there's a black canvass pack for traveling....much bigger than yours but a sketchbook and lunch will fit in. I'm not fond of the nylon ones as the seams shred.Take your favorite to a local seamstress and have her redo all your seams and zipper. :) That might help.
ReplyDeleteI don't need a backpack but I always carry a nylon bag that can be worn as a messenger style...
ReplyDeleteKay, I use a regular combination lock to lock my suitcase in the hotel room. I didn't use my TSA lock, because I figure some housekeeper/maintenance guy has the TSA key for those locks. The expandable backpacks, via an all-perimeter zipper, are great for compact adventures, then can have their depth increased with the zipper to lug bigger souvenirs back to the hotel. DrumMajor
ReplyDeleteI wish I could find one I did like. I am always looking for the perfect bag. I find that a back pack is too hard on my shoulder and back, plus I am afraid of having someone get into the. I do prefer one that goes across the body. I am still searching for the perfect one though.
ReplyDeleteLook at Hattie's comment. That really looks quite wonderful. I looked at it and I think it's quite stylish and theft resistant.
DeleteI prefer to carry a sling bag..
ReplyDeleteMaybe dental floss is strong enough to sew that backpack up. That was my only Hints from Heloise that I posted on your blog. I learned it from my grandson who sewed up his pit bulldog's wound with it. On the other hand, if the backpack has hit the end of the road then toss it.
ReplyDeleteRegarding L. L. Bean, I can testify that they are good to deal with. I recently ordered some khakis, shorts, and blue jeans--basic post-retirement wear in Hawaii. I also ordered a nifty pocket knife and watch because of L. L. Bean's 100th Anniversary. But guess what? When my box arrived, it had been broken into and the knife and watch were stolen. The box was very amateurishly taped back up. Where did this foul deed happen? Whatever, a quick telephone call, and they took care of anything with no problem. A week later, I had the whole order. completed with no hassle.
Wow, Hank. I never heard of theft like that. Lucky that L.L. Bean was willing to cover the loss.
DeleteMy attempt to find new Hedgren backbag brought me to your site. Old one I bought from fleamarket sometimes in 90s for 130 Finnish mark. We been using euros since 2001, so its very old. Nothing fancy or complicated, very bacic and functional. Almost makes me emotional to think about it.
ReplyDeleteIn constant use, been around the world and still no sewings apart. This is the way things should be made. My respect for persons who made this back has no limits.