Most women love purses. They spend thousands of dollars on various colors, sizes, and designers. Recently, I went into a Coach store with a friend of mine and she drooled over a purse that was $3,495! I didn’t think it looked any different from my Walmart purse and it cost more than my first car, but to her it was perfection. She explained how it was THE color of the season, the design would go universally with everything she owned, and the price was reasonable since she would no longer need any other purse.  To each his, or in this case her, own but I don’t understand the infatuation. I’ve never really been one for fashion though. I shop at second-hand stores and once in a while I will go all out and buy something from Old Navy or a vintage store. What the “normal” woman spends on purses and shoes, I make up for in outdoor gear and travel. Give me a versatile backpack over a purse any day.  I’ve found my Coach purse of backpacks without the hefty price tag. The Mountainsmith Phantom 40 L panel loader is built with durable, lightweight high tenacity nylon and loads of ergonomic features ensuring years of fast, light, and comfortable use. It fits all of my travel needs and can easily act as a “purse” if need be.  Continue reading →