The Perfect Bag

My whole mission--everywhere I went--I carried around the backpack they gave us in the MTC. It was a full-sized backpack, so I carried my quad of scriptures, Preach My Gospel, a whiteboard to draw on for lessons, and everything else I could possibly need in a day of missionary work. It got heavy after lugging it around all day, and the Elders in my district would make fun of it: "There goes Sister Pace and her 'tracting' bag." Since then I have learned that there are much better options for carrying around your stuff. Additionally, you probably don't need a whole quad with you all of the time (a copy of the Book of Mormon works fine), nor do you need to carry Preach My Gospel with you on most days. I probably used the white board twice my whole mission. I did some online scouting for ya:

L.L. Bean has some good options:
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/68599?feat=847-GN1&page=recycled-continental-field-bag

This one has some nice security features and lots of pockets inside: http://www.ebags.com/product/travelon/rfid-blocking-anti-theft-tour-bag-small/217142?productid=10141514

Clearance is always good:
http://www.ebags.com/product/travelon/rfid-blocking-anti-theft-tour-bag-small/217142?productid=10141514

Also clearance, with lots of fun compartments: 

http://www.ebags.com/product/pacsafe/metrosafe-200-shoulder-bag/99876?productid=10125660&rlid=DETAIL

Gotta love leather, and the European look: 

http://www.ebags.com/product/ameri-leather/gorgeous-leather-antony-messenger-bag/234226?productid=10191144&rlid=DETAIL

Eddie Bauer has had some great options in the past, but nothing quite small enough at the moment.

http://www.eddiebauer.com

Some things to keep in mind when looking for a good bag:

1. Is it waterproof or at least water resistant?

2. Would it be easy for someone to take valuables out of it when you're on a crowded subway?

3. Does it have a place to hold a water bottle?

4. Does the manufacturer offer a warranty?

5. Are the straps padded and adjustable?

6.Will the color clash with a lot of your clothing? (Silly, but probably still important for the image you're conveying.)

Happy tracting!

Sister Pace