Review: Convertible Backpack/Messenger from Lewis N Clark

I'm always on the lookout for multipurpose travel items, and I was pleasantly surprised by the number of awesome items I saw at the Travel Goods Show earlier this month. Lewis N. Clark has been designing fantastic new bags each year now that they have branched out in their products and I've got one to show you that may just change the way you travel. 

Are you one of those people who wish all bags could expand and be more useful whether you're traveling or just living your regular life? The new Secura Destinations messenger converts into a backpack and I'm loving it! Use it as a messenger on the plane and around town and then convert it to backpack when you're out and have purchased a little more than you want to carry or on your way back home.

The look of the bag is very attractive. It has classic colors that work for everyone and the design is sleek, so it doesn't matter if you're using it for work, travel or a trip to the zoo. It looks great everywhere and it won't target you as a tourist.

Let's look at how the conversion works. While most bags that have this feature have different straps, the messenger uses just one strap, so there's nothing to lose. The strap has anti-theft slash-resistance, is adjustable, and wide enough to be comfortable, but not too wide as to be annoying (you know what I'm talking about). Use the top rings for wearing as a messenger, but move the strap to the bottom rings when wearing as a backpack.

The awesome ring on the front of the bag unclips to allow you to unfold your bag. The shoulder strap then slips through the ring and it fits comfortably against your back. As you can see, it's not too big and it's not too small.

The bag has anti-theft locking zippers, so no matter how you carry it, you don't have to worry about getting robbed. The bottom of the bag has a slash-resistant fabric, too. It's easy to wipe down as well, which is nice if you've set it down on the ground. The adjustable strap has locking clips, giving you the 

I've been using the convertible bag as a messenger for the last week or so and I have found it fits everything I normally carry with me, but also any extras that I may need, like a notebook, magazine

 or a snack for work.

There's a large RFID-blocking pocket for passports (and both of ours fit in there with room to spare). I have been using it for my credit cards, because this is a big problem in public spaces. . There are two larger pockets. One meant for your tablet, though you can use it for anything you want, and one that works for a larger tablet or laptop when used as a backpack. I fit an entire magazine in there, but for travel it will probably get used for paperwork, because it fits really flush against the back of the bag when being carried as a messenger, so everything will stay neatly together and you won't find receipts and confirmation pages spilling out into the main bag.

I also love the lip on the zipper, making it more water-resistant and also making it difficult for anyone but you to know where the opening of your bag is. The locking zipper makes it even more secure.

As a backpack, this bag has a ton of potential space, but only a few different sections, so you can keep things separated, but not have too many pockets to take up unnecessary room, like some bags. I packed it like I would if I were taking it on the plane and it fit quite a bit of stuff in it.

Though my laptop didn't fit in it (it's very large at 17"), it will fit most other laptops up to 15". Instead I used it for our big tablet and my pouch for paperwork and receipts and a spare magazine. The middle size pouch is the perfect size for my smaller tablet. Everything else I like to keep with me on flights also fits: my toiletry bag, my 3-1-1 bag, things I normally have in my purse, a wrap and snacks. 

The front of the bag has a great pocket for things you want to keep close at hand. I tossed my battery back-up in there and my camera. It also has a locking zipper. This is an excellent pocket for all the things you have in your pants pockets when going through security. Shove it all in there and zip it up and then you don't have to put it all in a bowl.

Need a bottle of water to take along with you? We always have one with us when we travel or are out for the day, so the mesh pocket on the side of this bag is a lifesaver. Although I don't mind putting it inside my bag if I have to, I'd rather it not take up space if it's not necessary, plus Eric can get it when he's thirsty without asking me for it.

I can't wait for my next trip to show you how fantastic this bag works as a personal item size. It's going to be a home for all my electronics and snacks and it's going to be very comfortable to carry in addition to my other bag and keep my hands free for shopping at the airport and using my phone.

Who doesn't need a multipurpose bag like the Secura Destinations Convertible Backpack/Messenger?  

Additional Details

Where to buy: On Lewis N Clark's website

Cost: $69.99

Colors: For now, it only comes in the gray and black shown

other specs: Water-resistant dual woven twill exterior, heavy-duty nylon bottom construction, lightweight, flexible, and slash-resistant Magnaloft™ fabric panels in crucial compartments, 16.5in x 11.5in x 4in

Love what Lewis N Clark is doing? Keep up with their new products and innovation on social media:

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Disclaimer: I was provided with the convertible backpack/messenger for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own. 

Perfect Snacks for Traveling

Having snacks on hand when you travel is very important. You never know what can happen or when a meal might get waylaid. I, especially, always have snacks for my plane trips, because a Biscoff or pretzels will only hold me for so long. It also helps if you have snacks that are higher in protein to keep your energy up and help avoid the dreaded jet lag.

Here are some snacks to keep in your bag, whether you're on the plane or on-the-go:

photo credit

Jerky

Dried meat is all protein, packed with flavor, and transports really easily. Toss some in a bag and it doesn't take up too much room either. Look for one that's low in added sugar, or make your own in the oven or a dehydrator. That way you can add the seasonings you like.

Dried fruit

Find your favorite fruits in dried form and eat them for a burst of energy and sweetness. I like prunes, raisins, banana chips, and blueberries. You can find these in our local grocery store, but also Trader Joe's has the widest assortment of dried fruits I've seen.

photo credit

Nuts

Very high in protein and tasty to boot, choose your favorite nuts, or opt for almonds and pistachios, which have higher levels than other nuts. A little goes a long way, so a handful is healthy amount. You can mix with dried fruit to make your own trail mix.

Hard-boiled eggs

Peel your eggs before leaving the house and pack them in your carry-on. They are an easy-to-eat snack, because they're really portable and contain almost all the nutrients your body needs. Sprinkle with a bit of salt to give it a little more flavor.

Roasted chickpeas

Chickpeas a high in fiber and are nutritious. They don't travel well on their own, but if you roast them, they become crunchy like chips. Sprinkle with spices to give them a bit of a kick and flavor. Your choice. You can make them salty, spicy, or any other flavor profile you enjoy.

photo credit

Cheese

If you have an ice pack or a lunch bag, bring along some of your favorite cheese cubes or slices. Not only is cheese high in calcium, but it also has a lot of protein. Don't go overboard, because too much cheese can make you sad, but it's also an appetite suppressant, which means you don't even need to eat much of it to feel full. Also, cheese and fruit go awesomely together, so a small container is the perfect travel companion on an airplane trip.

Pumpkin seeds

Not only do pumpkin seeds have high levels of protein, but they have antioxidants, vitamin E and fiber, so a handful will do you, and even help your immune system fight back against that germy airplane air.

Cheesy popcorn

Popcorn has been proven to help you feel full, so you eat less than you would if you chose another snack, like pretzels or potato chips. It's healthier, too! It doesn't really contain much protein, but if you sprinkle it with a delicious cheese, like parmesan, that covers that base and makes your popcorn even yummier. Don't be surprised if you find that you're getting jealous looks on the plane when  you crack open your bag.

Now you can pack your bag with a few really good snacks that will keep you full, give you energy and not make you sleepy, even after a long flight. Not only that, but you'll save money at the airport by not spending $18 on a sandwich to take onto your flight.

What's your favorite travel snack?

How Not to Get Sick On The Airplane

I've had my share of being sick on vacation, and it sucks hard. You wait for months to go on a fun trip and it's mostly ruined because you feel disgusting and want to sleep all the time, even though you want to do all the cool things. You want to start pumping up your immune system before you leave home, but you also need to be vigilant on the plane, where the stale recycled air can get you.

Here's how to amp yourself up and keep it going so you have an awesome trip while you're healthy.

Before you leave home

About a week before your trip, you're going to want to add a few things to your routine and pack some items in preparation.

Add some Vitamin C to your day

Whether you normally take vitamins or not, purchase some Vitamin C tabs, Emergen-C or immune-boosting chewables and take them each day the week before your trip. Pack some in your toiletry bag as well, because you might want to also take them while you're on vacation.

Drink extra water

You're body's mostly water, so water not only rebalances and refreshes, but it also helps flush out toxins, meaning your immune system can do its job instead of adding stresses to what it normally has to fight off.

Pack anti-bacterial wipes

Germs lurk in places where many people are and on surfaces that are touched a ton. I've seen the plane being cleaned in between flights and I'm almost positive they don't have enough time to wipe down all the tray tables, so not only can you use these wipes on your hands, but on all the hard surfaces around your seat, like the window ledge and arm rest.

Eat your fruits and vegetables

Start your routine of eating better, so you aren't fighting the grossness of fried foods when your immune system is trying to be 100%. The better you can eat, the better you'll feel and less tired you'll be during and after your flight.

On the plane

Stay hydrated

Pack a reusable water bottle or pick up a bottle of water at the airport, so you don't have to wait for drink services. Avoid soda and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you. Extra water will keep your skin from drying out as well, and saves you from drinking tea, coffee or water on the plane. Most planes don't clean their water tanks regularly and a good portion of them have been found to have bacteria in them, so if they don't give out closed bottles of water on your flight, just pass and drink your own.

Keep your hands clean

This is where your antibacterial wipes will come in handy. Bring them with you to the bathroom as well, because the water that comes from the tiny sink is also from those possibly-bacteria-laden water tanks. Better to be safe than sorry.

Bring along some mouthwash

You can pick up a tiny bottle at the airport. The mouthwash will keep your mouth from getting all dry and also coat your mouth against airborne germs.

Take some extra vitamins

On flight day, you may want to take a double dose of vitamins that you've been taking all week. At the very least, nothing will happen. At the most, it'll keep your immune system kicking a bit harder.

Eat healthfully

On travel day, you'll want to eat lighter than usual and avoid a bunch of carbs if possible. Eat a pre-flight meal that's rich in protein, which will keep you alert and not feeling all groggy and jetlaggy. Something like salmon and veggies or a salad with chicken on it is a perfect travel meal, because you also won't feel heavy once you get to 35,000 feet.

Tilt the overhead vent away from your face

Nothing is worse than having recycled air hitting your straight in the eyes. Not only is is cold (which I know a lot of people want, because the plane can be hot), but you're basically just spraying germs at your face, so if you must have it on, tilt it away from your face if you can. The first thing I do when I get on plane is to close that vent. I'm prone to eye problems, but even if I wasn't, I'd close it off to eliminate the chance of gross germs.

Now that you know how to get to your destination hale and hearty, you can get excited to enjoy everything it has to offer without slowing down before you even arrive.

How many trips have been ruined for you by sickness?