Amtrak Backpack

[denmarks]

I won this Amtrak backpack at a travel expo years ago. Is it just a promotional item or was it sold in the past?
It is in perfect condition and I am planning to use it on my train trip next April. Would it be pretentious?

 

[Alice]

Congratulations on winning a contest, don't know if provisional or sold in past, not pretentious. Could well lead to interesting conversations with people who see it.

 

[pennyk]

It looks like a nice backpack. I have no idea whether it was sold or promotional. I do not think using it on your trip would be pretentious. Seeing it other passengers may think you are a former employee and ask you questions. Crew may consider you as a "foamer."

I think many AU members wear Amtrak shirts, hats, pins, etc. and I do think they think it is pretentious.

 

[zephyr17]

While I don't wear Amtrak or other railroad gear or pins onboard, I am pretty sure my scanner marks me as a foamer to the crew.

BTW, I haven't ever noticed being treated poorly by the crew members for being an overt and obvious foamer. Although there have been several occasions I have been asked by the SCA what was going on when we were stopped unexpectedly, since they knew I could overhear the operating crew.