Back Packs...

Small "Book Bag" type packs will certainly not be a problem (though you also won't fit much more than 3-5 pieces of rolling stock in one, depending on vintage and whether they are boxed or not).

If you can fit 3 tents and all other camping gear for a weeks outing in the mountains in it, it's probably too big.

-Dave

Not sure if backpacks are "legal" or not, but ailes are tight and crowded.  As you turn to face a table or turn a corner you will block or hit someone if the aisle is crowded with a backpack on your back.  If you are going hold it, then maybe that's a different story.

Have Fun!

Ron

Why would you wear a back pack walking around the halls. Leave it in your car.

At the Spring York I was hit twice by people turning around. Die-cast locomotives can weigh a bit.

I always carry a drawstring type pack. Doesn’t take up much space, but I can carry some essentials like my Greenberg guide, pen and paper, small magnifying glass and a bottle or two of water. 

 As noted, it is way too tight to carry anything much bigger than that.

I use the large plastic shopping bags you can buy at places like Vanity Fair or the shopping outlets like Tanger. Stick the extras in one bag and pull them out as you need extra ones. Avoid the ones with the rope like handles. 

Ron045 posted:

Not sure if backpacks are "legal" or not, but ailes are tight and crowded.  As you turn to face a table or turn a corner you will block or hit someone if the aisle is crowded with a backpack on your back.  If you are going hold it, then maybe that's a different story.

Have Fun!

Ron

This is a worldwide problem and easily fixed. All good quality back Packs have a handle on them so you can carry them like a bag. If your going to a show to buy anything.

I myself prefer a shoulder bag looped over you and held in front of you so you can guide it through the crowds instead of knocking people over with a pack on your back. It's just good manners to think of other people first, unfortunately lots of people don't. The shows get just as crowded in the UK as America and being an Aussie I need to be on my best behaviour if your a foreigner in another country. Roo.

eddie g posted:

Why would you wear a back pack walking around the halls. Leave it in your car.

Just a few things Eddie.... I am not a guy who likes to have everything in his pockets. I get the idea now and will bring something small that wont hit anyone walking around.

I’m surprised that an Australian considers themself a foreigner in the U.K...

eddie g posted:

Why would you wear a back pack walking around the halls. Leave it in your car.

To carry your purchases!

Rockershovel posted:

I’m surprised that an Australian considers themself a foreigner in the U.K...

The countries are completely different, a lot has changed, maybe I should call myself a visitor. Roo.

No, Australians are still regarded here very much as “next of kin”

I carry a small canvas tote - easy to carry my water bottle, and I can put catalogs and literature in.  No zipping and unzipping.  Holds a couple of cars.  More durable than plastic or paper bags.  I'm always aware of it, so won't hit anyone with it.  When it gets full, or I buy something large, I carry it back to the car.

The aisles are too crowded for wearing a backpack on one's back - it's rude.  The only considerate way to carry a pack is on one's front; IMO, this makes it hard to see what's on the table, and increases the risk of knocking something off.  People tend to get lost in the excitement of all the interesting stuff and lose their self awareness.

Please leave the backpack in the car. 

"Large" backpacks are prohibited.  If you then check backpack sizes you'll see standard sizes for schools and colleges/work force are 17" and 18.5".   Mine is 18.5" and no one has said anything to me about it.  

As far as hitting people with it - I limit myself to folks using scooters oblivious of others and folks walking the wrong way down the aisles. 

-Greg 

eddie g posted:

Why would you wear a back pack walking around the halls. Leave it in your car.

now thats the response we would all expect from him

Laidoffsick posted:

eddie g posted:

Why would you wear a back pack walking around the halls. Leave it in your car.

now thats the response we would all expect from him

Haven't met Eddie yet and already like him! 

Laidoffsick posted:

eddie g posted:

Why would you wear a back pack walking around the halls. Leave it in your car.

now thats the response we would all expect from him

Don't make fun of Eddie. He meant "leave it on your mule".

I have always used a sports bag like you'd take to the gym. Never had any problem with it ( except the time the shoulder strap broke).

I'm leaving my 50 gallon cooler at home, same for my Yeti cooler collection, although taking my leaf blower, to breeze through the aisles and fend off the errant powerchairs...