<p>Just wondering, what bag is best for all you college kids? I wanna have a really good one for when I go in September (:D can't wait!) but I need to know - do you generally have to lug a lot of stuff around? Books and things, a laptop?</p>
<p>Would this sort of tote (size) be completely impractical, for example?</p>
<p>Any opinions from college-goers would be appreciated... how much stuff do you carry around, et cetera. I know it's not the most important thing (getting a bag) but all my apps are submitted, and I'm tired of waiting for them to tell me they've received all my materials. :) Thanks for reading, lol.</p>
<p>It is really a personal preference. Some people don't like messenger bags because the strap is more loose on the shoulders. Some people also like to carry more books and "other things" like laptops, iPods, waterbottles, etc. </p>
<p>The only way to know for sure is to try on a backpack and a messenger bag and see which one you feel is more comfortable. Size is not really an issue, because you can get messenger bags of all different sizes. The biggest ones can hold even more than the typical sized backpack. </p>
<p>I find that you don't have to carry as much at one time in college, but you should leave some room just in case. For example, you might need to check out a lot of books at the library and take them back to your room. Most of time, you are just carrying books for one or two classes, and notebooks (or if you type your notes, a laptop only), and then you just return to your dorm to switch books for your remaining classes later in the day. </p>
<p>Make sure, however, that if you are going to be carrying heavy books or electronics, get a padded bag made of ballistic nylon. Ballistic nylon is less prone to tearing and wear, and padding helps protect your bag as well. </p>
<p>I actually just bought a new messenger bag that matches my laptop from The North Face, and its really quite nice.</p>
<p>Another thing to take into account is the weather where you may potentially go.. If you go to a "heavy rain" climate.. make sure waterproof or some other way to protect a backpack/bag</p>
<p>My backpack weighs significantly less now that it did when I was in high school but as to what type of bag, it's up to you. My roommate uses a canvas "library bag most of the time but also has a big back pack for when he has to haul his laptop and stuff around. Personally, I use a backpack most of the time.</p>
<p>I used a Jansport up until December '07, when my boss gave me a new Nike backpack. My Jansport had been with me since 7th grade!!!! It's still in amazing condition and could last at least another 8 years if I wanted to keep using it. Jansport and LL Bean bags last forever it seems, you can't go wrong there. </p>
<p>As far as style, I've seen alot of girls use a tote bag that size. It's all about preference--tote, one strap, standard backpack, laptop backpack, messenger, etc.</p>
<p>I use a few types of bags, I have a couple tote style, duffel, and a regular backpack. It all depends on the day. I'm a dance major at a city school so it's a bit different. I can't really go back to my dorm between classes so when I leave I need everything for the day, plus I have to carry around shoes, tights, leotards, hair stuff, etc... so my bags need to accommodate those things as well as school supplies.</p>
<p>For the most part, the people I remember starting out with tote bags (and I'd never seen that in HS, so it struck me as notable) switched to backpacks after freshman year. </p>
<p>That said, it's juuust a personal preference. If you're waiting to buy <em>the</em> bag, then wait until you know where you'll be going to school. If you'll be commuting or at a big school where you may not get to go home a lot during the day, you might want something bigger than if you're at a tiny college where you can always run by your dorm. If you'll be in a spread out city campus, you might want something more subtle (and less easily pick-pocketed) than a backpack. If you're somewhere very image-conscious, find out whether people really use bookbags or whether you'd be more comfortable with something else. If you're at a school where it's normal to carry a laptop around everyday, you'll need to take that into account.</p>
<p>Bottom line: if you want the tote bag, get the tote bag, but if you've always been content with a backpack, that's fine, too...it's up to you :p</p>
<p>Unless I have days when I need to carry around alot of my textbooks, I use a tote. it has served me just fine thus far. I get annoyed really quickly with my backpack which is rather bulky. I usually only take it if I have big or many textbooks to carry around or I need my laptop for something.</p>
<p>messenger bags suck. they look really nice and everything, but they're by far the least practical bags out there. If you do end up carrying a lot of books etc, messenger bags are hell on your back etc. I had one for the 1st half of my 1st semester and it was terrible. I bought a solid north face backpack to replace it. I'm pretty happy with this one. It'll definitely by my bag for the rest of college.</p>
<p>As long as you have a usable bag you can bring for the first few weeks, I'd wait to see what will be the most practical for you to use. It would be a shame to purchase a nice bag or backpack and then decide it is too small/large or not what is in style for the campus.</p>
<p>I personally like a medium-sized backpack to put a lot of things for my whole day in, but not so large I can stuff so much in it that I'll hurt my back. I don't carry a laptop, and only bring a textbook if I plan to do the homework from it (most classes will never use them during the class unless it's a lab book, or maybe a literature book you'd reference in class).</p>
<p>i have to agree with th general consensus on messengers. if you have to haul a lot of stuff around, they are not easy on the shoulder at all; even if it is padded. </p>
<p>i actually just started a bag company; heavy-duty satchels and messengers, designed with fake street signs (it's called Durtbagz, <a href="http://www.durtbagz.com)%5B/url%5D">www.durtbagz.com)</a>. some people think they're funny, others think they are lame. regardless, if you're hauling around more than your laptop and a book or two, i'd actually agree with the others and go with a backpack because of the comfort. it's just not fun to walk around with 10 lbs of books on one side of your body. </p>
<p>if you find you're not having to carrying heavy items, i actually think the messenger/satchel is more convenient b/c you can reach right in and grab what you need w/out having to stop and swing your pack around in front of you to get into it.</p>
<p>you might want to use the one you've got until you know what you'll need.</p>
<p>Timbuk2 Bags are the BEST. They come in several sizes, have a nice non-stain, non-rip finish, come in multiple colors, and have tons of pockets and compartments. Check it out. The only downside is that you'd have to online order it and some become expensive (70ish? But I got mine brand new for 30 off of eBay).</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions and replies, everyone =) I haven't made up my mind yet but will keep looking out and probably wait till April 1st when I truly know where I'm going before I settle on anything.</p>
<p>citygirlsmom, thanks for pointing that out! I'll be sure to reconsider the color of my bag before buying it. =)</p>
<p>I like totes. The one you showed looked like an odd fabric. I recommend something strong like canvas.</p>
<p>I actually got a tote style bag that carries my laptop and has plenty of room for about 3 books. Its large, but I really like it (I used to HATE big bags, but now I'm a fan). Its made by Mobile Edge and I got it at Circuit City.</p>