Classy bookbag?

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Elizabeth_C34
Elizabeth_C34 Posts: 6,376 Member
in Chit-Chat
Hi all!

So this has nothing to do with fitnss or nutrition, but I thought some of you folks might be able to offer some suggestions.

My Jansport backpack that has seen me through college is getting pretty banged up and grungy, and now I'm looking for something that can carry lots of books and such but look more professional than a beatup old college backpack and yet still comfortable to carry when loaded.

I was curious if anyone had any suggestions or ideas...

I was thinking about a messenger style bag, but I'm not terribly happy with the one shoulder when fully loaded. I often have to carry my books with me for over a mile of walking on days I am on campus.

Replies

  • Nerple
    Nerple Posts: 1,291 Member
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    Get the bag you want and leave the books behind! Reading is overrated anyway.

    No idea with messenger bags, but with laptop bags, I've found a bag with 2 laptops, 2 paperbacks, about a half inch stack of loose paper, and computer accessories gets really annoying to carry while walking across Philly International or Rhein-Main International. Around that weight the strap on my bag really starts cutting into the shoulder so I'd make sure to look for a bag with a wider strap and some sort of pad for the shoulder if you are carrying around books.
  • ket_the_jet
    ket_the_jet Posts: 1,257 Member
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    I carry a Jack Spade waxwear messenger bag to work with the normal work stuff. An extra cell phone charger, Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, a bottle opener, Moleskine journal, a fountain pen, business cards, flask, and various work documents. You know, that kind of stuff.

    If I was going to buy a backpack, I might pick up this Fjall Raven pack:
    http://needsupply.com/mens/accessories/classic-backpack.html

    I don't skateboard, but I think this is a neat idea for a bag:
    http://www.polerstuff.com/the-duffaluffagus/

    Ignoble makes a pretty neat duffel bag/backpack combo. I'd consider that one too:
    http://www.ignoblebags.com/lenore.html

    Good luck with your search. Cheers.
    -wtk
  • i_love_vinegar
    i_love_vinegar Posts: 2,092 Member
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    Get the bag you want and leave the books behind! Reading is overrated anyway.

    ...
  • STARSHINE1975
    STARSHINE1975 Posts: 182
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    My daughter uses one of those rolling brief case type of things. More professional, but not all that weight baring on 1 shoulder.
  • kbmnurse
    kbmnurse Posts: 2,484 Member
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    I bought myself a coach briefcase/messenger bag. Yes, expensive but, it will last forever.
  • kimlevin
    kimlevin Posts: 14 Member
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    I second the rolling bag idea. There are some really nice ones out there. Your back might thank you!
  • JustACaJen
    JustACaJen Posts: 83 Member
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    I carry a Jack Spade waxwear messenger bag to work with the normal work stuff. An extra cell phone charger, Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, a bottle opener, Moleskine journal, a fountain pen, business cards, flask, and various work documents. You know, that kind of stuff.

    If I was going to buy a backpack, I might pick up this Fjall Raven pack:
    http://needsupply.com/mens/accessories/classic-backpack.html

    I don't skateboard, but I think this is a neat idea for a bag:
    http://www.polerstuff.com/the-duffaluffagus/

    Ignoble makes a pretty neat duffel bag/backpack combo. I'd consider that one too:
    http://www.ignoblebags.com/lenore.html

    Good luck with your search. Cheers.
    -wtk

    Don't think I didn't catch the "flask" in that post. HAHAHA!!! I just keep that in my desk drawer - no reason to transport it back and forth!
  • JustACaJen
    JustACaJen Posts: 83 Member
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    Well, this isn't exactly "classy" - but I am in law school and carry a lot of REALLY heavy books around everyday (as well as a laptop). I would have serious back problems if not for my wonderful Brain Bag! It's roomy and comfortable. It is pricey, but it will last you forever.

    http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/100/TB0104
  • fitzie63
    fitzie63 Posts: 508 Member
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    WWW.UPHILL.COM

    Their bags are American made in Utah and guaranteed for life.
  • i_love_vinegar
    i_love_vinegar Posts: 2,092 Member
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    I second the rolling bag idea. There are some really nice ones out there. Your back might thank you!

    I had a rolling bag in the 7th or 8th grade, and it was the worst thing ever. Not only did it always get in the way, sometimes people would purposely kick it or trip on it. :cry: My friend back then had one too, and put a brick in hers so they would stop kicking it.

    Here are bags I suggest:

    http://www.yesstyle.com/en/pg-beauty-contrast-trim-buckled-backpack-white-one-size/info.html/pid.1023089353

    http://www.yesstyle.com/en/fashion-lady-belted-backpack-black-one-size/info.html/pid.1030418338

    http://www.yesstyle.com/en/fashion-lady-3-way-zip-backpack-red-one-size/info.html/pid.1030418278

    http://www.yesstyle.com/en/morn-creations-devil-backpack-black-one-size/info.html/pid.1024202623

    or go for your favorite brand~I like Marc by Marc Jacobs and Gucci :) Good luck!
  • Elizabeth_C34
    Elizabeth_C34 Posts: 6,376 Member
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    I bought myself a coach briefcase/messenger bag. Yes, expensive but, it will last forever.

    Coach is like cocaine to me. I have 2 beautiful leather wallets, the new Poppy rose bag and the new Kristin italian leather hobo. I have been looking at some of their men's briefcase style bags, and I love them, but they don't look all that comfortable. I also bought a beautiful large gold and teal coach bag for my grandmother and a wallet for my grandfather.

    Coach started sending me personal emails and handwritten thank you, birthday, and holiday cards... I'm on a first name basis with the staff at the Coach store in the mall near me... yeah... I have a problem...
  • Elizabeth_C34
    Elizabeth_C34 Posts: 6,376 Member
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    Thank you so much for all the suggestions! I'll look through them all this evening. You all have such style :)

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