I love my KanKen!

Kanken

These are simple and comfortable to wear. And are very trendy right now. I have an ochre one, my DD has slate blue and we had a brick coloured one. I'm a sucker for anything Swedish. If you sign up, I think you get a % off your first purchase.

So cute!

Anything by Kiplng. What about a cross-body style of bag? I hate backpacks in crowds... someone behind you can get into it.
Kipling

When we travel, DH and I share one backpack. Anything of value goes in first. Jackets/sweaters next. Toss in 2 collapsible umbrellas for good measure. Our key criteria was how light it is when empty because the weight of contents can add up a bit. I also carry my cross body purse. We trade off on carrying the backpack and because we trade, it isn't girly. Toss in water and you'll be good to go.

You won't find crowds anywhere in Scotland except maybe at Edinburgh Castle or Holyrood. I wouldn't avoid backpacks for the pickpocket reason.

At this time of year, you'll be wearing your layers more than carrying them!

I love my LLBean Stowaway Day pack. It's small and weighs nothing. Pockets for water bottles on each side. Just put valuables/passport, etc., in the body of the pack. Slip maps, energy bars, etc., in that easy-access pocket you see in the pic.

I just bought a Travelon Signature Anti-Theft tote -- I couldn't bring myself to get a backpack (reminds me too much of college) and I'm way more comfortable with a purse/tote style. This one has a locking zipper to prevent pickpockets and can be carried either crossbody or as a shoulder bag. It has RFID-blocking pockets for credit cards and a strap that lets it loop over a pull-up wheeled luggage handle which should be convenient for shlepping through the airport.

I originally ordered a smaller version but decided that it wasn't big enough. This one looks to be big enough to fit guidebooks, water/snacks, jackets and umbrellas but it's not overly heavy.

My everyday purse is about the same size (though I don't usually cram it with that much stuff) so I'm hoping it won't be too much of a change (i.e. my shoulder/arm won't be killing me by the end of the day). I'm traveling with my husband and kids and I know I will end up schlepping everybody's stuff. I have loaded it up and tested it out and it seems ok but I fear I may be regretting not getting a backpack by the end of the trip, LOL!

http://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Anti-Theft-Tote-Stitching-Black/dp/B00CBSVYXG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1429961850&sr=8-2&keywords=travelon+signature+tote

Get the travel storage bags (can't remember what they are called) that are like a ziplok but you put your jacket in, close the bag, and roll it up tight. All the air squeezes out so the jacket takes up almost no space in the backpack, or even purse. It is so easy you can do it while you're out (but you have to pause in your walking) DH and I were in the alpine countries and cities in a rainy summer and that bag was invaluable. I got ours at The Container Store.

Find a daypack with an inner zipper pocket for valuables. (though the really valuable things like passport and extra money can go in a wallet that threads through your belt and slips inside your pants). Check out Eagle Creek products. They have a lot of good, lightweight travel goods.

It seems as though you are describing a need for something big enough to hold layers of clothing. I think that is either a tote bag or a back pack. A backpack distributes the weight evenly and leaves your hands free; much more pleasant. And, yes, a unisex one will make it easier to fob off on DH. My DH carries a medium grey colored nylon one when we travel.

Whatever you get, it should weigh as little as possible empty (hence nylon).

I have defended backpacks on this forum before. The fact is they do not present a greater risk than traditional purses for pick pockets. I use Prada backpacks routinely (including one fake one that I bought because i liked the color and Prada didn't make the color), for days I am going into NYC and for international travel. I have never been pickpocketed, and if I were worried about that momentarily, i would simply keep things I was worried about from the outside pockets. For example, a Prada backpack has a zippered interior compartment in the main body. Then you pull it close with a drawstring, then you buckle it. That is going to take a pick pocket a lot of time and work; there is no way you are not noticing him working away essentially on the back of your neck! It's downright silly.

OTOH, if you stash stuff away there you will have the annoyance of getting to it, too. But for those who are paranoid...

One reason to get a Prada backpack is they weigh next to nothing, and they are not unattractive (IMHO). In fact I carry one with a dress suit to the office, which is common. With other backpacks, I'd feel a little self conscious going into a nice restaurant, for example. Longchamps also makes some nice bags.

I don't know if you care more about the form or function-- but I'd look at backpacking day packs (Marmot, North Face, etc.) They are extremely light and have lots of features for storage, expansion, etc.

Whatever you get, roll the clothing, which saves space.

Well, I am husband-free, so I am my own pack mule! I do have this Pacsafe cross body bag that was pretty handy in Italy, especially Rome. What I don't like about it is the anti-slash strap which is stiff and waps me in the face sometimes and the velcro closures that make that awful ripping noise. Pacsafe bag I can kind of sling it behind me.

Jmc, I may be psoting for more tips n Scotland. Sounds like you know. In general, I am not a backpack person, but I tried them on and found them surprisingly comfortable, better than having a strap pulling on the side of your neck.

Tib, that LL Bean bag looks just right, although I would not use those waist straps. I have so much LL Bean gear. Labels like North Face and Patagonia simply don't fit me. LL Bean allows for hips!

Lkplatow, I well remember the days of having to carry everybody's stuff. I think I used a stroller long past when the kids needed it just to have a place for our junk. I like your bag. It's more trendy than my dorky Pacsafe bag.

bpathome, I have those big bags for my blankets and conforters. I suck the air out with a vacuum cleaner. I need a stuff bag for my jacket, so maybe I will look into that instead. We have a Container Store nearby.

Mtn, I wish Longchamps and Prada were in my budget, but methinks not. I agree that the pickpockets are looking for the easy opportunity like a wallet in a back pocket. I walk around Philadelphia and New York with my bag half unzipped, slung over my shoulder and never think a thing of it yet I am all armored up in Paris and Rome. I like the look of fashionable backpacks.

I did see some simple nylon packable day packs on Zappos and they may work for me. Trying SO hard t pack light, but so far it ain't happenin'.

Don't know if anyone has mentioned these, but they are really lightweight and easy to stuff for day trips. Rick Steves pack

I have a Lipault 15" Weekend Tote bag, and I love it. It's lightweight, has several compartments, can be used as a cross body bag, and slides over the handle of a rolling suitcase. You can really stuff a lot in it, and it's on sale on the Lipault website for $79.99. It's very durable, I lugged it all over Ireland, and it still looks new.

Wow, Oly, that could be the one. Good old Rick Steves.

Jmc -- seriously?? What should we see / skip in ten days? Oh I wish you lived next door so I could pick your brain.

The plastic bag is like the vacuum one for blankets, but you just press out the air. It works great!

When I travel I usually carry one of these polyester bags in my purse. This one is similar to the one I bought at the Container Store. They're exceptionally light, strong, roll up small and are handy in case you happen to buy things along the way. You can also use it if you decide to take along snacks or a light lunch.

http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=11001051&N=&Ntt=polyester+bags

I have the Rick Steve's backpack and recommend it. Good size, holds a ton, very lightweight. I contacted them after the rope with the toggle on the side pocket/water bottle pocket frayed. I wasn't looking for any thing since the bag had been used all over Europe, I just thought they would want to know for quality control. They sent me a new backpack! I like his products and guide books.

I was in Scotland in June 2013. I loved it and hope to return. We had one morning of misty rain but otherwise it was perfect weather for traveling. Sunny, blue sky and temps in the low 70's. I get misty just thinking about what a fun trip that was. (Ear worm:memories, light the corners of my mind...)

The people were so lovely, the food was wonderful, and the scenery was spectacular.

We did the scenic train/boat to Isle of Skye, stayed there 2 nights, drove around the countryside, scenic train back, had one day in Glasgow, then by train to Edinburgh for 3 days.

In Glasgow, I enjoyed the School or Art tour. I didn't have time but I would have liked to see Tenement House, so please go there and report back.

I also just love walking around a city, seeing the neighborhoods, strolling through the parks, finding a place for a cuppa tea, and watching the world go by. It's hard to do too many museums and inside things when the weather is perfect.

In Edinburgh, I enjoyed the National Gallery and the Castle tour was nice enough. I arrived in town late and bought a ticket for a hop on/hop off bus to get the overview. The ticket was good the next day also so I used it to get around when I needed a break from walking.

This reminiscing is making me want to go back right now!

Check out TravelSmith and Magellan's. Both of them specialize in travel gear and clothing.

So many good suggestions here, I don't know how I will choose one.

HH,thanks for the tips. I can hardly wait and will certainly report back.

I just ordered a smaller Eagle Creek suitcase to go with my 28" and I noticed they have 2 in 1 - a backpack that converts to a sling pack, and totes that convert into backpacks. They are very lightweight and packable and Eagle Creek stands behind their products. DS contacted them when he had a zipper issues - probably caused by baggage handlers - and they sent him a new suitcase.

I have a small Kipling back pack that I have used for almost every trip we've been on in the last several years. My DD has borrowed it for a couple of school trips, too. It's small and I use it as a substitute for a pocketbook. I'm going to get another one in a larger size for our upcoming trip to Iceland. I like Kipling because they weight almost nothing, and the one I've been using for years is still in like-new condition.

Oooo - Iceland. It is definitely on my bucket list. Kipling does have a good reputation, as does Eagle Creek.

One of these days I will invest in some really good luggage, although my TJ Maxx Samsonites have held up. I bought a very lightweight carry-on spinner for this trip so I can lift it myself. I am a little worried that it will disintegrate while rolling over cobblestones, etc. It's made by Lucas bag.

10 days? not much time. Will you be driving in or flying in? If by air, what city are you flying into?

Edinburgh - do a walking tour, also visit Lauriston Castle, tour the retired royal yacht Brittania, if you're into golf - play Musselburgh east of Edinburgh, visit the ladies room at the Caledonian Hotel - best ladies room ever!

Any of the walking tour companies are good and should include:

• Edinburgh Castlle
• St Giles’ Cathedral
• The Royal Mile
• Old & New Towns
• Mercat Cross
• Greyfriars Kirkyard (cemetery) and Greyfriars Bobby
• Scott Monument
• Princes Street Gardens
• Grassmarket
• Site of Witch Burnings
• The original ‘Hogwarts’
• William Wallace and the Stone of Destiny
• National Museum
• Covenanters’ Prison
• Martyrs’ Memorial
• The Mound
• Tron Kirk
• The real Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
• The Scottish Enlightenment

Head west and ride the Falkirk Wheel! That is a superb feat of engineering - eliminates 7 locks on the canals and the varying height differences. Linlithgow Palace. Continue to Glasgow but it's a very modern city...urban renewal did a number on it. The Tenement House is worth a visit. Tour all Rennie Macintosh - House for an Art Lover, his house at the Hunterian Museum, the Art School but I believe it had a fire a couple of yrs ago, Willow Tea Rooms. If you can get to Helensburgh visit the Hill House.

About 30-45 mim drive South from Edinburgh, Peebles is a great town for artsy shopping. The Andrew Eliot Mill in Selkirk weaves and sells their own woolen fabrics, blankets and other small items (they did all the tartans in Braveheart), the Peter Scott mill shop in Hawick sells sweaters. Hawick, in general, used to have tons of woolen mills but many have converted to cashmere and aren't all Scottish owned any longer. Traquair House is the oldest home in Scotland.

I could keep rambling. What are you hoping to do?

Dedtired, I can't wait to hear all about your trip. We were in Scotland years ago, and after reading about your preparations, I'd like to pack myself and come along!

The Ameribag healthy back bag is a great daypack. Not attractive, but highly functional--- the interior is a marvel of zippered and flapped pouches cunningly spaced throughout the bag to distribute weight so it doesn't drag down. I have one in microfiber and another in leather and I use them on trips where I know there will be more walking, less cabbing.

Ameribag Healthy Back Bag

To me, the greatest advantage to bus tours is that the person who would be driving the car also gets to see the sights because they aren't driving. The disadvantage is being tied to someone else's schedule. I've done both in Scotland - that's how we got to Skye the first time but I was gifted my tour ticket.

There are very few divided highways in Scotland. Because much of the country is "rural", most roads are 2-ish lanes. If member(s) of your group won't share the driving, that might favor tours??

If you are really high on getting to Skye, do the tour. It's a hike to get there, though. But you will be missing lots and lots along the way. And you won't have much time to explore while you are in that area. The town of Ullapool, before the Hebrides, is a beautiful fishing village and Inverewe Gardens are spectacular (tropical gardens in northern Scotland). Ullapool is on the western side of the Highlands which are equally rugged and beautiful.

St.. Andrews is a nice city. There is pretty much one road in and the same road out. It's about a 2 hr drive from Edinburgh so a round trip would definitely be a full day, but you'll only be able to scratch the surface of that area. Just walking around while there is enough.

You'll barely scratch the surface in Edinburgh with 2.5 days.

As long as we're healthy, we will always have a car in Scotland because we prefer the flexibility of being able to go where we want, when we want.

To me, For such a short visit, I would limit the geographic distance I covered so that I could explore more thoroughly. I think you are biting off alot.

I am cutting and pasting your suggestions to email to myself. We went ahead and rented a car. Yikes. I guess we will see what we can see and hope to go back again one day. I have felt that way about nearly every place I have visited -- I need to coe back to see the rest of it.

Again, many, many thanks.

Scotland is one of my favorite places to visit. Love the people. Have a great time.

I've only been to Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews. Edinburgh is lovely and smart, a very pleasant city. Be sure to go down to Leith and dine overlooking the Firth of Forth, if only because it is fun to say. St. Andrews is of course a golfing mecca but lovely in its own right, what i most remember is we saw a triple rainbow there; have no idea if rainbows are more common there for any reason.

Glasgow was, to my eye, industrial and not terribly interesting.

I am jealous you will go to Skye, please post photos! I assume you will also go to Loch Lomond or Loch Ness? Such beautiful country.

As far as driving, I would not pick up a car in the city of Edinburgh. I find the combination of a strange car, strange city, and wrong side to be nerve-wracking. Better to get it outside of the city where you have a little more forgiving traffic patterns as you accustom yourself. Make sure you get an automatic (they are less common there ) if that is what you are used to. Watch the other cars to help you figure out what to do, and take your time. I found I was going around roundabouts 2 or three times before I really felt comfortable which spoke I should take! After a day or so it becomes natural.

One of my favorite things about Scotland is the light, they call it the gloaming? It does not get truly dark until 11pm or so in the summer, because it is so far North. Very pretty.

Thanks, Mtn. We plan to pick up the car (automatic) after a few days in Edinburgh. It should be an interesting experience! My one golfer friend wants to see St Andrews and I have heard the town is charming. This has to be one of the most disorganized trips ever. Basically, we're making it up as we go. Guess I will see what I get to see. I do hope it satys light until late so we can make the most of the day, although I have a feeling that after dinner we will be ready to collapse.

Of course I am leaving behind picture perfect spring weather here on the east coast to go where it is cool and rainy every day. Ah, well. Que sera.

If you're in the area of Kingussie where Monarch of the Glen, the TV show was filmed, there's a great little place to stay and eat called The Cross at Kingussie. It's changed hands since we were there, but the reviews online are still very good. The town is along the train line between Edinburgh and Inverness.

We wanted an automatic also when we were there. They gave us a Volvo station wagon. It was great for the luggage and the highways but felt huge on the narrow country roads in the Cotswolds. Honestly, some of those roads are really only large enough for one car or a car and 1/2. A Mini Cooper would feel large too. Just be careful to stay close to the left on those roads where you're unable to see oncoming traffic around curves or elevations in the road. Other than that the driving was fine.

I hope you have a great time and the weather is good for you.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/179-6630890-8938207?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=1001+thingS+to+do+in+scotland

I'm going to STRONGLY recommend that you get the Scottish Touring Map and the book 1001 Things To Do In Scotland. The map has every road in Scotland on it (the A, B, and C roads anyway). I have more maps of Scotland than I can count, but this is the best one I've ever seen. You have to get it ahead of time, though, because it's not easy to find when you are there.

If you have loose plans, which I think is great, the book will give you ideas of where to go/what to see wherever you are.

You guys will be fine driving. Yes, some B roads are definitely narrow - a total of 1 1/2 lanes for cars going in 2 directions but you will be fine.

I'm envious!

We rented something the size of a Toyota Corolla. Hope its skinny.

Yes, jmc, I am going to snap up that map at $139 and the 1001 things to Do at $2,526. Have you lost your mind, girl? I'd rather buy a Prada backpack! I have a Collins Map of Scotland. Hope we can rent a GPS along with the car.

Chickadee, I did watch Monarch of the Glen. Maybe I'll spend the night at Glenbogle.

I am at that excited/nervous/still packing stage. I'll let you know how its going.

Amazon used for the book is .98 cents. Plus you can get them directly from the Scottish Tourist Board new for "real" prices as well. I saw the top Amazon prices and immediately looked at used.

In Skye, our rental car agent told us there are many pull-over spots on the shoulder of the roads. He encouraged us to take advantage of them by pulling over if we wanted to allow other drivers to pass us (residents that weren't meandering along like a tourist). My brother, our driver, did occasionally use them to let aggressive drivers pass. We were on vacation and had all the time in the world, those poor saps had to get to jobs or home to cook dinner or whatever.

So if you feel someone crawling up your tail end while you're driving, look for a pull-over spot to tuck into for a moment instead of getting rattled. Safety first.

Keep in mind the trunk will be small so encourage everyone to pack light.

I'm envious too!

ETA: I only drove around Skye so I don't know if there are lay-bys in another parts of the country, but I'm going to assume yes.

Quick update.. We are in St Andrews and it is so beautiful.