<p>I am thinking about getting a Coach leather messenger bag to use as a backpack. Opinions?</p>
<p>I don’t have any opinions on messenger bags in general, but why do you want Coach specifically? I suggest you look at used or vintage ones that are in good condition… IMO spending tons of money on a designer bag to carry around your books and notes is ridiculous.</p>
<p>The bag will get wet, stepped on, dripped on, pulled, yanked and so on. What insecure need do you have to show a coach leather bag? Use a Jansport or Swiss or anything that will last throughout the year.</p>
<p>I’d imagine a backpack would hold up quite a bit better than a leather messenger bag (and probably be more comfortable too).</p>
<p>With that said, if you must go with a leather messenger bag, why not go for something of better quality than coach like Saddleback leather?</p>
<p>Please do not insult me. I do not have a need to have a “Coach” bag. I already have several and I enjoy their longevity not the brand name IMO I’d rather spend money on 1 handbag a year rather than on several cheap ones from target. I said Coach because there was a very affordable one on eBay for your information. </p>
<p>The reason my children use Jansport or Swiss or the Costco brand is that they are lighter in weight than leather, and they are strong, being used to cart around books and laptops as well as being used as secondary luggage on return flights home. But these also get abused daily by just opening and closing for books, pens, coffee spills, rain, wear and tear, etc.
Some of the very expensive brands seem to be more for show and not durability. People (we know) who are into the brands, seem to get really upset when reality happens to their backpacks. Weather changes will affect the feel and weight of leather and the distance between classes can weigh on the shoulders and back. Depending on what you carry and how much you use it is a factor.</p>
<p>A leather messenger bag sounds like it might be heavier than you want, especially for a messenger bag that’s going to be on one shoulder.</p>
<p>I think you could find a better, more durable material or better quality leather messenger bag. </p>
<p>Backpacks prop upright on the floor better than messenger bags, which then to flop over and spill contents. FWIW. </p>
<p>You should check out Herschel bags. My daughter has one and loves it. </p>
<p>I had a messenger bag my first semester and I strongly advise against one. It will kill your shoulder/back and is a hassle tbh</p>
<p>Do you plan to stay out of the rain and/or snow completely? It isn’t very practical, although of course it would be quite stylish. I personally would choose something sturdier and that would work better in inclement weather.</p>
<p>I would have a backpack of course… I bought a Columbia one that was on sale. </p>
<p>It wasn’t obvious. In the OP you said you wanted to use your messenger bag as a backpack. No way we could’ve known that your messenger bag wouldn’t have been your main one. </p>
<p>OP, no on knew that you had planned on having a regular backpack, in your original post you said “as a backpack” </p>
<p>So I’m assuming this messenger bag would serve more as a purse? If so, go for it, although I do think its a lot of money to spend. </p>
<p>You should post a link to the one you have in mind so we can all admire it. 
It’s nice to have a dressy bag/purse for interviews etc - you might not want to use it everyday though. And store it in a lockable trunk / locker - it would be awful if someone took it.</p>
<p>Some of you must not be familiar with Coach given your knee-jerk and off-target reaction that it was “showy designer.” Some of their leather bags are indestructible. They were known for years for hardy leathers. And while they have trendy stuff, some of their stuff is classic and timeless. </p>
<p>I would but I don’t know how on here!</p>
<p>To post links is quite simple, you just copy the link and paste it into the reply box. No coding required! :)</p>
<p>[Just kidding, I’ve always coded them so I didn’t know you could just post them ^.^]</p>