What's In My Bag?

 

When I retired I stopped carrying a purse or a bag and opted for a backpack instead.  A backpack fits my new on-the-go lifestyle perfectly.  So what do I carry in my backpack?  Well, let me tell you.

 

First aid kit including some blister pads since I do a lot of walking

Inhaler & lip balm

Snacks!  Some for me and some to share if I come across someone in need

My backpack is five years old.  I bought it on clearance at Wal-Mart for $3 and as it turns out it was money well spent.  It still looks like new and I’ve used it a lot since retiring.  Not only is it my daily use bag it also is also my travel bag.  I’ve hauled my lunch, groceries and even my undies, toothbrush and extra clothes in it.  Remarkably, it holds a lot of stuff.

 

Bus schedule

Sunglasses, tissues, hand sanitizer, pill box with aspirin & nail clippers

When I need to pack a lunch this one fits inside perfectly

In order to keep it in good shape and looking new I launder it regularly and hang it up to dry.  Once it is dry I look it over really well and repair anything that needs it.  I’ve re-stitched the straps at the top when the threads began to wear and pull loose.  This time I sewed up a tiny hole in one of the mesh side pockets before it had a chance to get any bigger.

 

Shopping bag & my wallet

Laundered, repaired and ready to reload

All of this fits inside compact, neat and lightweight

Even though I only paid $3 for this backpack I still want to take care of it so I can use it for a good long time.  Taking good care of my stuff, regardless of what it is, makes it last so much longer.  Having this backpack allows me to live the life I enjoy and have all of the things I need to get me from Point A to Point B.