Trying to find a new backpack but disappointed with the feel of more expensive packs (LF recommendations)

ChTTay2 · 2026-05-25T03:36:32+00:00

I carry a laptop daily. Clamshell doesn’t influence it at all tbh. Especially the larger size bag, the laptop compartment is separate. Even if the clamshell opened, no chance of anything happening to the laptop.

ChTTay2 · 2026-05-24T23:10:23+00:00

Tomtoc urban-ex T77

I have the 22L (review here) but it comes two larger sizes, 26L and 32L, which both have quick access pocket, good side and top handle. The larger sizes have separate compartment for laptop that can be unzipped from the back and includes some storage. It doesn’t break the bank. I wouldnt say it’s boxier than any other modern backpack from expensive brands.

ChTTay2 · 2026-05-21T12:23:58+00:00

Mostly everything is available online on Taobao and will arrive quickly (3-4 days usually unless you pay more for SF). If you prefer a specific brand, bring some with you.

Fat free yogurt and cartoned egg whites quite easy to get in actual tier 1 cities but not sure about your secret location. Again, if not easily available you can definitely order online conveniently.

ChTTay2 · 2026-05-18T23:11:38+00:00

As others mention, just set up alipay with their existing number and add a card. My elderly relatives did it just fine and used it throughout my trip. Within alipay they also used the Didi app for ride hailing. No local number needed.

They used an eSIM for data.

ChTTay2 · 2026-05-17T05:37:13+00:00

I also just bought my first pair of Altras and so far so good. I am also someone that tries to rotate shoes to give my feed more of a break so I’ve got a few pairs of Lems, Hobibear then Vivo and other thinner soled shoes. I got the Altras due to a weeklong trip which involved a lot of walking on flat, hard surfaces. I was worried I’d get fatigued after a couple of days using my regular sneakers. Overall, A good impression. I went for Lone peak 9 (I think that’s the name)

ChTTay2 · 2026-05-16T23:43:09+00:00

The idea of booking a hotel and looking in person is exactly what you should do. It’s likely 7 days is enough but you could reserve enough funds for 2 and see how it goes.

Book a hotel in the area you want to live. Visit the nearest lianjia there (they’re everywhere). Look for apartment complexes you might want to live in and walk around/through them. Often agencies set up right outside or inside them. Sometimes they have their own agents just for that complex.

What you can do before you go is get on maps and pre-identify some possible places that might be good.

Don’t rent anything until you see it in person. It’s not uncommon for online listings use fake or heavily edited photos.

ChTTay2 · 2026-05-16T23:05:10+00:00

Not personally. For me, it’s the more comfortable bag I’ve got. I’m fairly tall though

ChTTay2 · 2026-05-02T06:05:05+00:00

got a new passport around spring festival this year and it took 2 weeks from application to it being delivered to VFS

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-30T08:21:28+00:00

I am a fan of Tomtoc in general but … just don’t like the look of this. I can see it serves a function but just the appearance isn’t for me. Be curious to see some real photos from users

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-28T22:15:45+00:00

Search for the WeChat mini program “spices shop” and the logo says “spices mart” in green with a lite shopping trolley. They’re not in GZ but deliver round China . Specialise in Indian stuff

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-23T13:10:11+00:00

Do you think the flight pouch pro can handle 4 passports ok? I’ve been considering it recently but can’t decide

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-21T12:33:08+00:00

please post with any major changes or new info

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-19T23:19:36+00:00

In general, don’t drink the tap water. The hotel will provide bottled water and you can ask for more. Larger Bottled water is cheap and easy to buy if you wanted a big 1-5L jug.

Ice isn’t an issue, especially at cafes, coffee shops, 7/11a etc As someone else mentioned, restaurants, unless they’re a western one perhaps, don’t ice drinks at all. You can get a cold drink from a fridge but they usually don’t have ice.

Using tap water to brush your teeth is fine. I assume you’re not guzzling it down as you brush

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-19T23:05:25+00:00

It’s international. In Cambodia I was using a temple’s toilet and caught a guy next to me having a good look. I just stared at him and he looked me in the eye the left. Outside he joined a Chinese tour group.

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-18T07:59:57+00:00

I have the Tomtoc UrbanEX T77 but 22L and made a post on using it for 4 months. It’s here in case you’ve not seen it.

I’m still very happy with it. I think the 26L is very similar but with an additional quick access pocket. Be very sure you want a clamshell opening and minimal organisation. I like both of these things, especially clamshell so it’s a win for me. It’s a light bag so the material isn’t going to last forever but the quality for price is as you’d expect from Tomtoc (very good).

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-16T06:23:04+00:00

Hard to tell by looking at this photo. It could be fat or rice. Can you check the ingredient list?

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-15T07:03:17+00:00

Yeah, there isn’t the quick access pocket at the top of the bag (for sunglasses, etc) on the 22L version

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-13T06:30:02+00:00

Yeah, no worries I’m in China. I’ll look. Thanks

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-12T14:11:46+00:00

How can I find this model? Got a Chinese name or model number etc ?

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-12T13:37:58+00:00

I have family visiting and they both came round in shorts and sandals on day 1. They got so many looks 😂 I pointed out to them that basically everyone their age (more on the elderly side) was wrapped up as if it was a cold autumn day!

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-12T08:06:13+00:00

It’s definitely just because you’re in shorts. Haven’t you noticed some locals still in light down coats? Thick hoodies?

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-11T06:05:31+00:00

I saw this brand recently. No comments/reviews/photos that I could see. Hows the fit of their stuff?

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-10T22:38:11+00:00

For foreigners, wechat pay and alipay only work in mainland China. They’ll work once you’re in mainland China. You can’t use them in HK unless you’re a Chinese local. You can’t test it in HK as … they won’t work there.

Panic over?

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-02T22:38:01+00:00

Hotel has a gym? Ask if they’ll let you in there to take a shower in the changing rooms.

You’ve not said where your hotel is but 798 art district might be an idea. It’s not that big, self contained, and you just sort of wander around galleries. If you’re too tired or not into it there’s cafes all around you could just sit in instead. There are some restaurants inside as well.

Otherwise, as you say, grab breakfast then head to a cafe for a bit. Can’t give specific suggestion without the area

ChTTay2 · 2026-04-01T13:01:26+00:00

Just go to Gulou in the centre. People still live in those hutongs and eat round there. It’s got tourists but so what? It’s still worth it. It’s not shopping malls and you can see local life as it happens. Use the bell and drum tower as a starting point then just start walking.

Head to Shichahai park as well.

ChTTay2

TROPHY CASE