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Backpacks or Shoulder bags?

Topic started by seanbooker on Aug. 21, 2010. Last post by Icon 1 year, 5 months ago.
Post by seanbooker (37 posts) See mini bio
This some what stems from the What's in your bag feature but what do you guys prefer using daily or to carry around your stuff? Backpacks or shoulder bags (or messenger bag/dj bag/whatever)?
 
I personally prefer a backpack so that I can bike with it and not worry about it throwing me off balance or swinging around. It also carries more than a shoulder bag would. 
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by AJ (63 posts) See mini bio
I use a backpack, but I'm thinking about switching to a messenger bag.
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by Fish_Face_McGee (1,195 posts) See mini bio
I started using a messenger bag over the summer, and I find it to be a lot easier to carry everything.  It seems to have better weight distribution so, as opposed to killing my back between my laptop and a couple textbooks, nothing hurts.
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by intoblivion (790 posts) See mini bio
Messenger Bag 
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by seanbooker (37 posts) See mini bio
@fish_face_mcgee said:
" I started using a messenger bag over the summer, and I find it to be a lot easier to carry everything.  It seems to have better weight distribution so, as opposed to killing my back between my laptop and a couple textbooks, nothing hurts. "
How does it have better weight distribution? Isn't it just pulling on one shoulder at a time?
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by thabigred (436 posts) See mini bio
I find messenger bags to be inconvenient for bike riding, which is where I usually need stuff to carry. Backpack wins by default.
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by seanbooker (37 posts) See mini bio
@thabigred said:
" I find messenger bags to be inconvenient for bike riding, which is where I usually need stuff to carry. Backpack wins by default. "
I'm in the exact same boat. I used to have a messenger bag but in order to ride my bike I needed to tighten the strap so much that it just became a backpack.
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by Fish_Face_McGee (1,195 posts) See mini bio
@Angel_Gamer: I honestly have no idea.  It probably doesn't, but I ended up having less back/shoulder pain from my messenger bag than I ever did with my backpack.
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by SpikeSpiegel (220 posts) See mini bio
Online Now
Messenger bag for style and a backpack for actually carrying stuff.
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by Fish_Face_McGee (1,195 posts) See mini bio
What's probably the best part of my messenger bag, is that it's made me conscious of what I was carrying around.  Simply put, my messenger bag does not have as much space as my old backpack.  However, it's made me pare down why I carry with me which made me realize how little I actually need to carry with me at all times.
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by Trougedoor122 (9 posts) See mini bio
I use both, really depends on what mood I'm in at the time. 
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by TheBitterBuffalo (89 posts) See mini bio
Always carry my trusty shoulder bag. Never really needed as much room as you have with a backpack. What're you carrying your desktop in there? XD
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by ebritt (542 posts) See mini bio
Well I use messenger bags but I primarily walk so the balance thing isn't an issue. I just prefer the easy access while walking and the ability and speed at which you can sit down in a proper chair. 
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by simian (901 posts) See mini bio
Depending on the situation I suppose.
90% of the time it's my messenger bag (to / from work, out and about) when I'm not carrying much. Backpack for when I need to carry a lot of heavier stuff. I've got a nice messenger-style laptop bag which has a nice lateral strap to keep it from swinging around.
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by GTFShadow (2,026 posts) See mini bio
It's not a purse its a satchel. 
 
I use a back pack most of the time just cause I don't have a messenger bag at all so that kinda puts back pack at default. 
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by seanbooker (37 posts) See mini bio
@TheBitterBuffalo said:
" Always carry my trusty shoulder bag. Never really needed as much room as you have with a backpack. What're you carrying your desktop in there? XD "
It's not so much my whole desk but when you start using it for your laptop, DS, some cables and books for school it can really throw off your balance when biking. Since I bike a lot, this aspect becomes essential for me to think about.
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by Shayo (333 posts) See mini bio
It depends on the time of the year for me. During winter and at the start of spring I actually tend to carry around my laptop case, because it simply fits more with my winter coat and blazer. And when it's warm during the long summer, it's more comfortable for me to carry my laptop messenger bag with me.
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by Twitch (50 posts) See mini bio
Backpack, all the time. I have a nice collection of North Face, Osprey, and some military surplus bags and a few leather satchels. I like the even weight distribution and the amount of space. My biggest gripe however is that a backpack never looks good with a suit. No matter how nice the suit is or how professional you are a backpack makes you look collegiate or younger. A bag company called Hardgraft makes this convertible bag that can be carried in different configurations (backpack, messenger, briefcase). I may have to add it to my collection this fall.
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by simian (901 posts) See mini bio
Interesting side note... I'm not sure WHAT exactly is in my should bag but it's just maimed a 2nd moleskine. I'm not just talking scratching or marring the service either. These are big goddam chunks that have been taken out of the covers. I guess I might be in the market for a new bag soon.
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
Post by Addfwyn (1,357 posts) See mini bio
Messenger Bag, but I never carry my laptop with my usually.  I wouldn't want to try to carry that in any of my bags, even if it is pretty small.
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago
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