Why do people carry anything besides a backpack?

A briefcase or laptop case slips into smaller places. I use mine on the train like a little desk. And I simply don’t like stuff on my back when bicycling, I prefer a laptop/messenger bag.

Also, the extra space of a backpack encourages carrying around unnecessary crap.

I’m looking for a backpack as we speak. I know they’re not always as creative looking as other bags but I need my back to be healthy so I’m buying one.

The way things are now, a top-of-the-line leather briefcase commands respect and backpacks have a certain air of irresponsibilty about them. I like the defensive practicality of a briefcase; I can throw it in an attackers face while drawing my weapon.

Humans are impractical, materialistic beings. I’d rather struggle trying to keep a purse on my shoulder than look like a weirdo carrying a backpack around with me to the grocery store or work.

Among undergrad university students, the backpack is pretty popular. Students in professional programs seem to migrate to briefcases. Law students and Lawyers often pull large briefcases on wheels behind them.

I agree appearances plays a role, but sometimes maintaining the documents you carry in pristine condition require a briefcase rather than a backpack in which things more easily get dogeared or crushed.

@ItalianPrincess1217 weirdo? I don’t feel weird.

i think it might be the fact that when we think of back back we think of school therefor some one caring a backpack look young. also as far as purses the backpack does not have the easy accessibility, the purse you can just slide down your arm but the backpack takes longer. also it is easier for a person to unzip a backpack on some ones back then pick pocket a briefcase or a purse.

just some reason that might contribute to the dislike of backpacks

I hate backpacks unless I’m camping. The only thing worse might be a man purse or fanny pack. A one armed satchel or rolling bag with a handle for me please.

You are correct. i have always believed in suticases, when traveling. my son showed me different. he lives near Mount St. Helenes in Washington State and goes hiking often, usually over a weekend. he explained the engineering wonder of packing a backpack. the key, he said, is rolling your clothes before packing them in a backpack. it takes less room. i did not believe him, until our latest trip to Washington State. we bought two backpacks and they worked just great. no more suitcases for us.

I use backpack purses; but I once was in a museum and they made me carry it low in my hand because people tend to bump into things with the backpacks. They are a bit mor cumbersome to put on and take off, too; so when shopping or going out to dinner a small long-strapped purse is easier to work with. But when walking around a city or longer treks, a backpack makes more sense. Chiropractors and massage therapist will tell you how many people have issues from carrying bags on one shoulder – but then again, how often do people sling a backpack over just one shoulder?

because backpacks sometimes make your shirt ride up in the back. actually they do that everytime i wear one unless i have a heavy coat on. and it is fucking annoying. i dont need my shirt half way up my back while i’m walking home, and i also find it irritating to have to pull my shirt down every 5 seconds. that is why i avoid backpacks when i’m walking. biking, backpacks are the only practical thing.

Shoulder straps will wear down the fabric on the shoulders, something you definitely don’t want if you wear suits to work.

From an old man’s perspective, and although I do prefer my backpack currently to any bag I’ve had or used before… my shoulders don’t work as well as they used to, and putting that bag on and off works them in ways that are often painful.

I may have to go back to a regular computer bag to carry my laptop back and forth one of these days, but that works okay with a shoulder strap… worn over the opposite shoulder. That still leaves both hands free and helps to balance better.

I use a briefcase; I would not like a backpack. Every time you sit or stand you have to get it on and adjusted. No thanks. I just pick up my leather briefcase and proceed.

Briefcases or purses can easily slip under your seat or can be neatly placed in your lap. Good for commuting. And this is coming from a big fan of the backpack. Sometimes I will sit on the edge of the seat on the BART because I don’t want to take off my backpack and accidentally thwack the old lady sitting next to me.

And it can get a bit hot when the weather gets warmer.

And it’s kind of like owning a truck. But instead of everyone asking you to move stuff, people ask you to carry their crap. (While they are conveniently wearing clothes with no pockets. Ahem.)

@FutureMemory You’re not! But I would look strange with one. I think.

Three reasons for me: 1. Security—I like to see my stuff at all times. 2. Looks—A lot of backpacks just don’t look nice enough to fit with the way I like to dress. 3. Accessibility—You don’t have to take a handbag off to get into it. This is especially important with phones, because hurriedly swinging a backpack over one shoulder to get to a ringing mobile is both ungainly and unsafe.

As for why backpacks are unsuitable business attire, I tend to agree that a nice backpack should be acceptable for the office (and in many professions I believe it is), as long as it is carried in a graceful manner. Not bouncing with every step. goodness me, I sound like I’m teaching in a finishing school…

I have a small black messenger bag because it looks a bit smarter and more professional than a backpack.

@deni
But I find that easier to give you a wedgy.

Sweat.

For me, it depends on the situation at hand. If I am just out and about on the street, going shopping, I carry a purse. If I’m going to school or to a computer workshop, the backpack for the safety of my computer. If I’m traveling, then I have a messenger bag.

However, in my head, nothing beats a backpack when you need to transport heavy things. While purses and the like fit neatly under seats and whatnot, I’ve found that if I’m carrying too much, my shoulders hurt a bit. With a backpack, the weight seems more evenly distributed, which lessens the pain.

But for the record, I find that backpacks are not appropriate for every situation.