Backpacks at coin shows

Since I've read some conflicting information online, is it generally considered acceptable or poor etiquette to carry a backpack around at a coin show? I just got back into collecting recently, and at the first show I went to, I figured it would be best to go without a bag, but then found myself having to hold on to my purchases while looking through coins at other dealers' tables, which was a bit awkward. I'd much rather just have a backpack or some other type of carrier to hold my purchases. I didn't really notice what others at the show were doing. Anyway, after finding that there's quite a bit of etiquette involved in attending coin shows (based on what I've read online), I was just curious what others here use to carry around their stuff (purcahsed, stuff to sell, etc) at shows.

Thanks,
Kris

 

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It's ok as long as your alone but keep it on your back.

 

I carry a backpack at shows, I need it because I bring references. I've never been looked at funny for doing so, by security or by dealers. I thought about a briefcase, but something about walking out of a coin show and into the street with a briefcase puts me off of it.

 

Same here. I carry a backpack and never had a problem. I have had it checked coming in or going out on occasion but that is to be expected.

I use the backpack to carry reference books - ANA Grading Standards, Cherrypicker's Guide, Grey Sheets, etc. - and to store my purchases. I keep it on my shoulder or at my feet the whole time and I try not to do anything that would make someone think I was sneeking stolen merchandise into it.

I find it much easier to carry a backpack on my shoulder than to carry a briefcase all day. Plus a walking out of a coin show with a briefcase attracts attention that I do not want.

 

I've carried a backpack at many a show and never been looked at weird for it.

 

I usually carry a backpack to coin shows. I like to be able to carry some books with me in case I need to quickly look something up.

 

I carry one as well and also for reference materials. If I'm after nice peper money I also keep a tupperware container in it so notes are safe from being bent.

I've never had a problem and if asked would gladly reveal the contents. That's understandable.

 

I carry a Backpack and diaper bag..No problems ever

 

I carry a soft leather briefcase to shows sometimes, but I'm very careful about how I handle it. I try to get out what I need before I approach a table, and then I set the briefcase on the ground, between my feet. If I must reach into the briefcase while at a table, I bring it up on the table and keep my hands in view of the dealer so he/she can see what I'm doing at all times. I take out my loupe, greysheet, whatever I need, zip it back up, and place it back on the ground.

 

I have also carry a backpack. Just make sure you don't let someone get into your backpack with out you knowing.

 

Why not go for a in between bag, one that goes over your chest, (single strap) large enough for some refference books and coins but not bulky (so you dont hit other people when turning) and not as obviouse a target as a briefcase

 

If the coin shows are crowded, a back pack constantly hits people. At one coin show I go to there is a sign saying No Backpacks. At another show a person was asked to either carry it or take it out to his car due to all the complaints about being hit by that thing. If a person with a back pack is sitting at a table, the back pack usually sticks out into the aisle and everyone bumps them. Elderly people have problems in tight aisles getting by someone with a back pack.
I'm rather on the older side and really don't appreciate those things hitting me in crowded coin shows. I too have gone to show personal and complained and the back packer was asked to get rid of it or leave. I was bumped by that person about 4 times during one short period of time.
Most coin shows are crowded with little aisle room for a back packer. Younger people never usually think about what it feels like to be constantly bumped by those. Most coin shows are filled with elderly people. I would think we all should be more considerate of others.
Going to 2 to 4 coin shows a month I seldom see anyone with them around here anymore.
If you do carry one try to notice how many people you bump with them.

 

I can definitely see your point, especially if you're talking about a person with a bulky, heavy backpack. Personally, mine would probably be near empty, maybe with a few small items in it, such as anything I purchased at the show, so it wouldn't really stick out like what you describe. Really, the amount of stuff I'll be carrying around would probably fit in a much smaller sack, but I'm not about to walk around with a fanny pack on or anything like that.

And if I were to wear a bulky, full backpack, I'd pay close attention to my surroundings so as not to block anyone's way or bump into anyone with it, but I know that there are plenty of others who don't care as much, as I've been plowed into by other people's big backpacks many times at various places other than coin shows.

 

I always have cargo pants on, with Velcro. Never had to worry about picpockets. Great place to stash purchases
I don't carry books and guides around, to bulky. That and I try not to buy things I do not know about. The greysheet is on my iPhone... So no problems there
I like traveling light.

 

I was considering doing the same thing for tomorrow's show in Kent, WA. But there's so much on there, I was thinking it might be earlier to just use the paper than to do all the scrolling/zooming that would be necessary on my iPhone. As it stands, I'm really only concerned with one page of the Greysheet for what I'm shopping for at the moment anyway. But it's definitely not a bad idea. The less paper, the easier, in general.

 

De Orc - I take this to be a "man purse"?

 

You may want to look into a small camera type carrying case. That is what I use for coin, gun, knife, etc. type shows. You can carry them over your shoulder, put many things in them such as a magnifing glass, the grey sheet folded, estra glasses that also magnify, in my case asperins and other medications. Hankerchief or napkins, cough drops, eye drops, etc. for us old people. I usually also have a small zip lock bag for coins in there. Those are usually about less than a foot long, several inches high. Hanging by your side with nomal straps, they are out of the way of people, don't bang into others, easy to watch, can carry as much as you want. You can buy them almost anywhere, in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes.
Like I said there is nothing like being smacked by a back pack when your old.

 

Me I call them courier pouches LOL but yep I have heard them called that

 

I usually bring along a backpack, a folding chair, 3 days of food rations, and my family lawyer.

 

I am a newbie to coin shows, but did have the same question. Wanted to bring a reference book with me, but didnt want to see like a whackjob. Now that I think of it... I just found use for a smaller messanger style (strap over shoulder) bag I picked up in Brazil. Too small to use for work, but would be perfect for a few smaller books and some holders. etc.

newbie question, where do you get copies of greysheets?