<p>I figure I won't be needing to carry around 5 textbooks all day like in high school, so what's the best bag to carry around on campus? How much do you need to lug all day? </p>
<p>I'll be in Boston if that matters.</p>
<p>I prefer backpacks because messenger bags hurt my shoulders alot.</p>
<p>It took me a while to get used to messenger bags, but I find that they look better. Go with a backpack if you’re going to be riding a bike.</p>
<p>Agreed. Backpack if you have to ride your bike.</p>
<p>I like the big purses or messenger bags/totes. I usually carry around a water bottle, makeup, brush, phone, pencil bag, skinny folder and depending on the class my laptop or one binder (old notes are transferred out.) If I’m bringing my computer I’ll use my nice tote with the laptop compartment otherwise I usually stick to larger purses.</p>
<p>Are you a femm? My school is of that variety, so, most women wear totes. Occasionally I see Jansports and Northface backpacks. Messengers hurt my shoulder, as well, so I avoid them. However, I really only carry a sketchpad, purse-ish contents, and pencil tins. Backpacks are more bike friendly IMO.</p>
<p>Whatever suits your need OP.</p>
<p>I switch between bags sometimes. I have a Jansport messenger bag and a Northface bookbag. For me personally, I do prefer book bags since they stay put on my back. With the messenger bag, it hurts my shoulders a bit and tends to flop around when I walk unless I place my hands on the side to let it stay put.</p>
<p>I personally prefer messenger bags, easier to get to and often larger than backpacks. But yeah, I agree that if you need to ride a bike, get a backpack</p>
<p>It depends on your gender. I have never seen a man pull of a messenger bag, but that’s just me.</p>
<p>Actual bike rider, and I’d have to say messenger bag for bike.</p>
<p>Thing is, once you’ve gotten biking down, that big patch of sweat on your back is much more of a concern than the imbalance of the messenger bag. The messenger bag is much less prone to the sweat patch, and you can grab things out of it without stopping.</p>
<p>To be honest, though, I got tired of having the issue at all, so I ended up getting a giant milk crate for the back of my bike. Now, I just carry around a backpack, as it’s much easier on the shoulders, and it just gets tossed into the milk crate when I ride.</p>
<p>You’ll get mistaken for a tool/hipster with a messenger bag, and the utility it offers over a backpack is not worth it. Go with the backpack.</p>
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Hah gross.
But I agree with Baelor, if you’re a typical male then just use a backpack.</p>
<p>Backpack :). Better for your back.</p>
<p>Messenger bags are really terrible for you because they throw off weight distribution and they can REALLY mess up your shoulders and alignment of your spine down the road. Backpacks are more comfortable for a reason…your body likes them better.</p>
<p>Go with a backpack. :)</p>
<p>I use a messenger bag if I am carrying my laptop and a novel around and go for the backpack if I am carrying that + any amount of textbooks. As mentioned, a messenger bag can become uncomfortable if you are carrying more than 5lbs.</p>
<p>A messenger bag. I stopped carrying backpacks since the 7th grade. Too big and too bulky.</p>
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<p>Who cares what people think? Do whatever you like.</p>
<p>Nobody’s gonna think you’re a tool or hipster from just using a messenger bag.</p>
<p>Maybe where you’re from.</p>
<p>thanks for reminding me of one of the negatives of California</p>
<p>if someone thinks I’m a tool or hipster based on a god damn bag I’m using, they aren’t worth my time</p>
<p>Agreed. Messenger bags are far more stylish than backpacks. </p>
<p>What is this, Kindergarten here? Maybe you can get a snazzy Batman one, hm?</p>
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<p>You’re right. There will be a big contingent that simply believes he likes other men.</p>
<p>In any situation, STAY AWAY. They are not stylish.</p>