question about backpack

[Packerhavoc]

Originally Posted by MunchkinMan

The rules say that you can have any number of small Items, and one big Item, in play. As said before, Items always have a gold piece value, which includes the phrase "No Value." The rules also say that you can play one-shot Items (like potions) from your hand or from your Items in front of you. Finally, the rules tell you that you can play Items that you can't use, so extras (like a second Headgear Item), or Items you couldn't use because you don't have the right Race or Class can be kept in play in front of you, but must be turned sideways to show you're not using them for a bonus. All of those things add up to meaning you can have even one-shot Items (since they are Items), like potions or Wishing Ring, out in play in front of you.

Would this cause a conflict with the rules still?
The rules say that you cannot change an item from a carried state to a used state during combat. Which leads me to think that if you are carrying a one shot item, then you can not use that item to increase your strength to beat a monster(s)
am I wrong in this thinking?
Or would you place one shot items in a used state and choose weather or not to add the bonus to combat on a as needed basis? Or be forced to use it weather it was needed or not?