On a recent trip to Chicago, I noticed a trend everywhere. Girls toting backpacks instead of handbags. Would you consider replacing your handbag with a backpack?
Backpacks aren’t just for hiking and school kids. According to an article in The Atlantic magazine, there’s been a decline in sales of handbags in favor of lady backpacks. Working women are tired of lugging multiple bags to carry their laptops, billfolds, water bottles, workout clothes, makeup bag, and phones.
The research firm, NPD, announced that sales of women’s backpacks were up by 28 percent during the past year, (even though sales of men’s backpacks are down), and women’s handbag sales have suffered a drop over the past few years.
What could be the advantages of carrying a backpack?
Can a Backpack be Stylish?
You bet it can…
I scouted a few stores to see what was available in backpack choices…You won’t believe what I found:
Backpacks come in all price points, too.
I found some as inexpensive as $14.99…and some as expensive as this Armani for–well–thousands.
Baby-sized backpacks and those with movie themes are also available.
Let us know if you would ever consider turning in your handbag for a backpack.
10 Comments
nope. I only use a small cross-body purse. That’s enough for me.
Judy,
I WISH I could go as minimal as you do. I’d probably put my small cross-body inside my backpack. Hey, I might try that! Thanks for your comment.
When traveling? Absolutely! I want my hands free in the airport and I want all my things to stay securely zipped inside. My backpack goes under the seat in front of me on planes, unlike an unwieldy tote that spills everything everywhere and is a “black hole” when I try to find something. When I arrive, I swap out a few things and use my pack for sightseeing: rain jacket, guidebook, water bottle, snacks, sunglasses, etc. I love my backpack. (It’s not fancy – just an Eddie Bauer everyday.)
Wow, Renee,
With so many great reasons to convert, I’m just about to go out and try one! Especially for travel. Thanks for your input.
Nooooo! haha Unless I’m on a big many days tour or cruise!! But of course I’m older and retired, but I understand totally why the young people are switching to backpacks! I bought my one and only backpack when I went on a 25 day trip to 3 countries. I knew I would want a very light weight one, so I found a nice red fabric Vera Bradley bag. I had it stuffed full so I was glad I didn’t buy a big leather one. It was the best decision because my shoulders never hurt! I’ve already pulled it out for our river cruise in Alaska.
So…if you saw my closet you would know that I really do love purses. I change purses all the time, but I don’t match my shoes with my purse like I used too!! 🙂
Hilde,
I guess we are just conditioned to carry a purse. Most of us more mature ladies didn’t grow up with a cell phone and a laptop to tote around, so I can see where hands-free would be a plus. But, as you say…you shouldn’t start out with a heavy backpack to begin with. We ladies seem to fill the space we have (look at our closets). Our backpacks will be overflowing before we know it!
I grew up carrying my books. I don’t like having everything on my back. I’d rather have things easy to get to in a purse. If I carry a backpack, I find I use only one strap and I carry it like a purse.
Heidi,
I can totally see us all doing that! We are so conditioned to carry a shoulder bag. Guess that wouldn’t solve our back problems. Thanks for writing.
I use a backpack when I travel. It has my rain jacket and a lightweight jacket at the bottom. My crossbody purse goes on top. It leaves my hands free to pull my suitcase. I’ve used large Vera Bradley totes, but the straps fall off of my shoulders while I’m walking and it’s easy for stuff to spill out. But I could never totally rely on a backpack for everyday. I don’t like having to take it off of my shoulders and unzip several pockets to get a single item (sunglasses or a pen) out to use. Also, because they are large, they hold a lot and can get very heavy.
Janet,
I agree. I don’t think I could use a backpack every day. On a recent trip, I tried it, and as just as you said, I was constantly taking it off my shoulders to get out a single item.