MaximKat Posted July 14, 2009 Posted July 14, 2009 Subject says it all. What kind of bag do you use to carry all your stuff? Backpack, messenger bag, sling bag, whatnot?
kahlan_amnell Posted July 14, 2009 Posted July 14, 2009 I use a messenger bag, or occasionally a backpack if I need to get lots of books from the library. I find that a small messenger bag is the right size to carry the stuff I need for classes.
MaximKat Posted July 14, 2009 Author Posted July 14, 2009 Forgot to say: pictures, links or model names would be welcome
hrcharron Posted July 14, 2009 Posted July 14, 2009 I like messenger bags, but have yet to buy one for fall semester. I've done some searching to find out the best bag to buy though. I've heard good things about Timbuk2 bags, even though they can be pricey, especially when you customize the colors from their website. I've also heard Crumpler bags, supposedly similar to Timbuk2. I read that Timbuk2 bags are made better though.
michigan girl Posted July 14, 2009 Posted July 14, 2009 I use messenger bags. I have already bought two bags that will handle my laptop. Altogether I will have 3 messengers bags I can interchange during the school year. Make sure the messenger bags are durable and padded well.
kahlan_amnell Posted July 15, 2009 Posted July 15, 2009 Forgot to say: pictures, links or model names would be welcome I don't know the model name, but it is one of the smaller ones by Manhattan Portage.
timuralp Posted July 15, 2009 Posted July 15, 2009 I find a backpack to be most comfortable for everything I haul and it is irreplaceable when riding a motorcycle. I found messenger bags to be too limited in capacity after carrying one for a few weeks. Ultimately, I think only you can figure out which bag is best for you and the stuff you have to carry. I'd just go to a store and start trying a bunch on. If you have some idea of how much stuff you're gonna carry, you can try stuffing some in and seeing how it feels.
sunshine6 Posted July 15, 2009 Posted July 15, 2009 I have a mini-messenger Chrome bag, and I love it. Its waterproof (as in you can, and I have, put ice and beer cans in it as a cooler). Also completely washable and is comfortable for heavy loads. Somehow the weight is more balanced than your usual strap type messenger bag. Also you can order it to loop around your left or right side. It can fit my wide screen laptop too, with plenty of room to spare. http://www.chromebagsstore.com/messenger-bags.html The only drawback is that they aren't terribly professional looking. So I am looking for an additional bag that would look nice with a suit type thing, probably one of the 70's style leather messengers that professors seem to covet.
michigan girl Posted July 15, 2009 Posted July 15, 2009 I have these messenger bags (fits up to a 13.3" laptop): http://www.ebags.com/ebags/unxpected_la ... elid=88864 http://www.ebags.com/ebags/savvy_laptop ... elid=88831 I love them because they're sturdy and versatile. You can easily use them for casual and professional styles.
dherres Posted July 15, 2009 Posted July 15, 2009 I'm sure this is a stupid question, but is there a different name for those bags that strap on over the shoulders to hang against the back via a single diagonal strap? Not a traditional backpack with the 2 vertical straps..... I had thought it was a variation of the standard messenger bag (which hangs by the waist, yes? I've used one for the past few years, but won't be practical for grad school), but looking at the websites people have posted, I'm second-guessing that.
katanianQ Posted July 16, 2009 Posted July 16, 2009 I'm sure this is a stupid question, but is there a different name for those bags that strap on over the shoulders to hang against the back via a single diagonal strap? Not a traditional backpack with the 2 vertical straps..... I had thought it was a variation of the standard messenger bag (which hangs by the waist, yes? I've used one for the past few years, but won't be practical for grad school), but looking at the websites people have posted, I'm second-guessing that. that isnt stupid at all! ive been wondering the same thing myself.. mainly because i feel you can't beat backpacks for comfort but they make me feel like i'm in 4th grade again. messenger bags look cooler yet they hurt my shoulder. those backpacks look cool and comfortable. if anyone knows, please pass info along.
timuralp Posted July 16, 2009 Posted July 16, 2009 that isnt stupid at all! ive been wondering the same thing myself.. mainly because i feel you can't beat backpacks for comfort but they make me feel like i'm in 4th grade again. I'm not leaving 4th grade for the rest of my life then By the way, how awesome is this? http://www.voltaicsystems.com/
fuzzylogician Posted July 17, 2009 Posted July 17, 2009 By the way, how awesome is this? http://www.voltaicsystems.com/ that's cool!
was1984 Posted July 18, 2009 Posted July 18, 2009 Backpack now and forever. I've been using the same JanSport backpack since I was a sophomore in high school. YA_RLY 1
Leahlearns Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 Can somebody explain to me why it's worth buying one of these timbuk2 messenger bags instead of a high quality backpack (jansport or eddie bauer, for example), that can hold the same amount or more, when these messenger bags literally cost twice as much? I realize that backpacks are not as stylish. I don't know if I think the style is worth the extra money or not. I'm leaning towards not. But is there some other consideration I'm overlooking here? Not to make this question deeper than it is...
LingGrad2009 Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 Some people simply prefer messenger bags over backpacks, and the Timbuk2 ones are quality products (they used to be even better, but they moved production to China). I have a Jansport backpack that I use when I have to carry heavy stuff like books, an ALICE pack for when I have to carry a LOT of heavy stuff, and a couple different messenger bags, including a Timbuk2 vertical format, for when I just need a laptop and camera with a couple notebooks. I find the messenger bags offer readier access to their contents, while obviously the backpacks have better support for weight. And while style may be superficial, it is true that there are days I need to look more professional than I can while wearing a backpack.
discoapple Posted July 24, 2009 Posted July 24, 2009 Business tote bags are great if you find the right size/style. As a chick, I can get away with using them as big purses so I have one bag for all purposes.
Stories Posted July 27, 2009 Posted July 27, 2009 I have 3. 1.) Backpack: when I have my normal array of stuff for class. Notebooks, laptop, textbooks, etc. 2.) Messenger bag: when I'm going to quick lecture and only need a small notebook or a few papers. 3.) Gym backpack: draw strings and easily fits a change of clothes. Light weight and no nonsense.
geodrake Posted March 12, 2010 Posted March 12, 2010 I was using my ultralight backpacking backpack, until I realized the backpacking bp I got for my 4 year old for xmas (Deuter Junior, gotta love REI sales!) is the PERFECT size for a laptop, textbook (or 3), notepad, my bento box for lunch, and camelback water bottle. Sure, it may look tiny, but it holds a LOT!!! Now I'm worried that when we FINALLY get a chance to go camping I'll overload her by accident!
fauxtog Posted March 12, 2010 Posted March 12, 2010 i second that emotion on the Chrome bag. i have a mid sized one and i love it. it's the most comfortable messenger bag i've tried and i prefer it to a backpack. then again, i do commute by bike, so a messenger bag just makes more sense (backpacks make it hard to look over your shoulder while biking, at least for me). they tend to be bit pricey, but they are definitely unique and can hold an absurd amount of stuff. not to mention you could be stuck in a downpour for over an hour and everything would still be dry inside. they offer backpack style bags as well. and the uber padded strap is well worth the investment. on a side note: when i have a bit of extra cash i would like to invest in one of those nice leather bags that makes professors look so snazzy carrying around campus
kdilks Posted March 12, 2010 Posted March 12, 2010 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Swiss+Gear+-+IBEX+Laptop+Backpack+-+Blue/8483036.p?id=1186003258092&skuId=8483036&st=backpack At some point they had this on sale for considerably cheaper.
washndry Posted March 12, 2010 Posted March 12, 2010 http://www.bestbuy.c...036&st=backpack At some point they had this on sale for considerably cheaper. I was able to expense that backpack (or one very similar) when I was working as a consultant. Way more comfortable than a shoulder bag, and good weight distribution. I often had 2 or 3 laptops + books when travelling, this handled it well and even fit under the airplane seat in front of me. I do however see the utility of a nicer looking bag for certain occasions. Does anyone actually use a briefcase anymore other than my dad? washndry 1
captiv8ed Posted March 12, 2010 Posted March 12, 2010 I found a Timbuk2 black messenger bag at Goodwill for $6 a few years back! It was in brand new condition. This bag has served me very well.
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