<p>I actually really dislike and advise against messenger bags for heavy loads (especially laptops). When they're packed to the brim, they're really no more or less stylish than a backpack, and I find them much less comfortable. With a big load, my back hurts no matter what, but a backpack evenly distributes the weight between both shoulders, while a messenger bag leaves one side or the other feeling terribly pinched. Could just be a matter of pain preference :p</p>
<p>ManometGirl: I've always had good luck with the Jansport Big Student (some years, my load has regularly been 30-35lbs, but no more), though I know other posters have had problems with the same bag. There was a thread not too long ago about backpacks. I believe it was in this forum, so a search should get you the info you want.</p>
<p>I absolutely love JanSport's bags (I'm still in HS, but almost everyone at my school uses them). They're stylish, not too costly and they last FOREVER if you treat them well. I've had the same one for four years now.</p>
<p>You do not pack messenger bags to its maximum limit. Only pack what is necessary for a particular class or outing. For example, I only bought the books I needed for class. When I returned back to my dorm, I switched books. Also, always wear the padded strap on the opposite side the bag touches your hip. That evenly distributes the weight on your body. It's almost similar to wearing a purse with a long strap. Make sure the strap has a thick shoulder pad too.</p>
<p>Try carrying one of your textbooks. I have had back problems in the past, and I've found that putting textbooks in my backpack makes my back sore. Carrying them reduces the stress on your back, and if you're not walking far, it's not too difficult to just hold it.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, sometimes only packing what is necessary for a particular outing is the same as packing a messenger bag to the brim. Load-bearing is not really what they're made for, I realize, but that's what this topic is about. Bear in mind that the OP is asking about heavy loads, laptops included, for days that stretch from 8am to 10pm. If "you do not pack messenger bags to its maximum limit," then they're probably not an ideal option for this poster.</p>
<p>FYI, I use a messenger bag every single day right now, out of necessity. Wearing the strap on the opposite shoulder improves the weight distribution, but doesn't even it out. As a student, or in an environment where I can use a backpack, I far prefer to do so. I'm able to carry more, and to be in less pain by the end of the day. I'm sure that comfort preferences vary from person to person, but for someone who regularly carries a large load, a normal messenger bag is likely to be insufficient space-wise, comfort aside.</p>
<p>ETA: Sorry, just noticed how late my reply is.</p>
<p>I had an Eddie Bauer bag for about four years when the zipper on it broke. Took it back to the local store in the mall just to ask if they still had a similar style to it, and the lady at the counter actually gave me a refund for the last price the backpack was sold at! I wound up getting a new, even better one for about $5 with tax. That one lasted me for another 3-4 years, though I didn't return it when it died (no EB stores near me at the time). Got an L.L. Bean bag to replace that one, and it's been working beautifully for the past 3 years. No signs of wear on it, shoulder pads are still soft, and zippers haven't caught once.</p>
<p>im surprised no one has really mentioned LLBean backpacks. i had one from 7th grade until 12th grade when one of the zippers finally broke. it was actually still a good bag. i just bought a new one. they come in a whole bunch of different colors with a slew of compartments. in hs i used to have loads of about 25-30lbs (no more thank god) and the bag served me well. they're expensive but definitely worth the money. not the most "stylish" thing out there, but im of the opinion that no backpack really is. they do come in a variety of colors and don't look terrible. i would definitely recommend this bag to anyone else looking to buy something new.</p>
<p>My boyfriend used the same L.L. Bean backpack from middle school into his sophomore year. They're definitely very durable.</p>
<p>As for better dealing with a heavy load, it really depends on how dorky you are willing to look. Technically, hiking backpacks with adjustable straps that come across your chest would actually better distribute the weight when properly adjusted, but I know I wouldn't want to wear that around a college campus (or at least, I guess, because I'm still in high school). I learned in my outdoor education class, though, that for optimum weight distribution from a backpack, you want to tighten the straps. I went and readjusted my backpack so it sits higher on my back, and lo and behold, it was more comfortable, for me at least.</p>
<p>OK, probably not the most stylish, but it will be a back-saver . . .</p>
<p>Have you thought about purchasing a rolling briefcase on wheels? They're usually quite sturdy and design to hold 8-12 inches thick of materials and supplies. You drag it around campus, and us the elevators when changing levels. Why wear down the cartilege in your back and risk major back injury when you can avoid it altogether?</p>
<p>Check out the Targus bags. I bought one when I bought my laptop and I love it. On a normal day I carry 2 BIG textbooks, Laptop, Ipod, wireless mouse, and some days my terabyte external Harddrive.</p>
<p>I have a Wenger laptop backpack. I like it. It has a buttload of compartments. I usually just carry my laptop, charger, two folders and a book or two, and it works out fine. One of the best things about the backpack is that the backpack has a stabilizer that keeps the backpack upright. With my last backpack, we moved desks in my class, and a kid was walking and stepped on and broke my laptop. I was a tad bit peeved.</p>
<p>One bag with everything in it--but I usually carried a small billfold that fit into my pocket with my valuables, so I didn't have to worry about my cash, IDs, or cards being stolen.</p>
<p>I swear by Shaun Jackson Design's "BackOffice" series of laptop backpacks.</p>
<p>They can be a little bit big and unwieldy to unload, but they will carry EVERYTHING you need - textbooks, laptop, binder, power cords, iPod, whatever. Plus, they're very, very durable. I put 130,000 miles on mine last year, traveling around the Lower 48, Canada, Mexico, Alaska and Europe.</p>
<p>They can be a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for, including a lifetime warranty.</p>
<p>They make smaller versions under their "Higher Ground" label.</p>
