Consider the humble backpack.

I haven't recently.  In  grade school we suffered from an ergonomically ill advised vogue for those canvas bags from L.L. Bean - the white totes with the short, heavy, colored handles.  We loaded them with books, and held them slung back over the left shoulder from one hand stretched back flat against the clavicle.  It's a wonder there weren't injuries.

I had a backpack in high school I think - again with the one shoulder, none would dare use both straps, how lame - but it was a simple thing - a single compartment, and single zippered pocket, a single reflective stripe.    I had no opinion of it and switched as soon as possible to a woven Guatemalan bag, the first of many, many, many purses, totes, satchels, messenger bags, briefcases, mailbags to enter my life.  Not to mention the knitting bags.

I have a bit of a purse problem.

I am also very tall and I have noticed  that these bags, whether carried straight under the arm, slung backward, or across the body have one thing in common.  Well, two, really.  First, my shoulder is often sore, particularly if I have a lot of stuff with me.  And I often have a lot of stuff with me.  And second, in stores, on the street, in crowds, I often hit people about the head and shoulders when I turn.   

And I really would like to only hit people on purpose.

So I am reconsidering the humble backpack.  When I ventured out this weekend to pick up a few things I found one.  It is purple.  It is marvelous.  It holds everything with room to spare - it has a space for the laptop, should I care to bring it, and the camera, and a little port for the MP3 player earphones, and a compartment for knitting, and the wallet and makeup bag and all the other bits and pieces I carry about with me.  There is elbow room, acres of room.  It will fit under a plane seat.   If it falls on the floor of the car, it does not automatically dump my worldly goods under the seat.  The back panel is some how cut and padded to fit my body - whether worn on one shoulder or two, it stays put. 

And I roamed the grocery store yesterday, unconcerned about my purse left  in the cart, unbowed by a lumpy weight on one side, sliding  through the crowd fluidly, without whacking people in the head.

Why did no one tell me about this?

I am not entirely happy about the kind of outdoor gear aesthetic it conveys - you cannot make it elegant, you just cannot.  It will not go with many things.  But I cannot deny the good qualities.

Does anyone make one of these in a nice vintage upholstery velvet?

Comments

[Lynne S of Oz]

G'day Juno!
One thing to remember with backpacks is if they get full, they tend to stick out from your back.... I'd love a dollar for each time a schoolkid on the train has nearly clouted me in the head as he walked along the aisle through the seats.
Enjoy your new bag!

[freecia]

The backpack has hit mainstream. Once Kate Spade and Louis Vuitton started making them, along with all the ultra-bag designers, it was pretty much the only thing I saw for a few years. LV makes the prettiest leather ones but uh, it is kinda slim... To keep with the pretty aesthetic and not have the skinny straps cut into your shoulders because you shoved too much into you bag.

[Jenn]

Check out Vera Bradley's backpacks (www.verabradley.com). They are a little pricey, but I love the one I have and use it when I travel, but it would be great for everyday use as well. And it's "dressy" without being obnoxious.

[valentina]

All that and it's purple.

[Stephannie]

I have a great leather backpack I got in Italy 12 years ago...

I tend to not carry a lot with me -- comb, wallet, lip screen, pda, ipod, keys, pen. So it's not hard to use a purse.

[Jenn]

I also have a love affair with the humble backpack, and have the same aesthetic problems with them. I've seriously been considering a diaper bag/backpack from Petunia Pickle Bottom (the name alone makes me want it.) They're big, they've got tons of pockets (my bag fetish revolves around pockets), and they're made out of really pretty fabrics... The problem? Attached diaper changing pad. I don't quite know what to do with that. (You can find them at ebags.com.

[Winter]

I was always a fan of backpacks. They carry all my books, they have pouches in various sizes, and are easy to wear. I was never cool to start with in school, nor did I care, so wearing both straps at once never bothered me. Helped me a lot, probably, since I have back and other muscular problems.

I still use backpacks even now. I go out, and my backpack is with me, holding a sweater, a drink, a CD player, a book, whatever else I need to carry. Pretty handy, if you ask me.

But again, I never gave a crap about looking cool or stylish.

[kern]

I have bought several bags from GypsyWings.com. She does make two sizes of backpacks but they arent on her website. She does excellent work. Beautifully sewn, lined, and v. sturdy. In fact, I just bought another bag this past Saturday. Im not affiliated with them, just a happy consumer!

BTW, I read your blog frequently but this is the first time I've commented. I really enjoy your blog!

[Cassie]

I may have to break down one of these days and get one. Your praise of backpacks is eloquent.

[Laurie]

I'm in the "no good solution" category. I hate these garbage bags the industry calls handbags, where everything floats to the bottom. Looking for anything is a massive rummage-fest. Did I lose it? Or is in the corner of the damn handbag? Congrats on finding one that works. And I vote for a picture, too.

[margene]

Vintage velvet would be lovely! I have a back pack in a beautiful black leather and wear it often. It has saved more people around me than I like to think. It's a 'must have' accessory.

[Gwen]

In my job, I do home visits with lots of charts and bits of paper. When I switched to a backpack I was so happy! Much nicer to have it nicely settled on my back, and balanced. I used to lug around a tote bag, handles too short to sling over my shoulders. Misery! And I don't want it to look too nice, better for me if it's just utilitarian.

I've noticed kids these days (hee! I'm old!) wear their backpacks on both shoulders. If they're using them at all of course!

Who knew a backpack would bring me out of lurkdom?

[Heidi]

I'm a backpack girl, too. Though I think it has a lot to do with not having a car and liking to be prepared for anything. I could never carry a tiny little purse.

I've been wanting to make my own backpack for many moons. I even bought a pattern. Vintage Upholstery Velvet sounds lovely...

[Christy]

I would also like to know what brand/model/whatever this backpack is. I have a backpack, and it's big and roomy, but it sadly does not have compartments, which I adore, so I'm always on the lookout for more bags.

[Lee Ann]

You're coming to Canada?

Is this how rumours get started? ;-)

I find that elegance and enough-storage-space just don't seem to go together with anything remotely healthy for my shoulders. However, speaking as someone who is at face level with your backpack, I'm kinda happy you don't mind the outdoorsy effect...

[caroline]

so show us a picture miz cassandra... and what brand?

[Christina]

Have you ever tried a "Better Back Bag?" They actually stay on your shoulder. See here: http://www.sitincomfort.com/healthyback1.html

Also, if you're into backpacks now, there are a lot of patterns for felted ones. :)

[claudia]

What? No picture of this paragon?

[Rachel H]

My laptop case is able to convert into a backpack, and I always use it that way if I'm unfortunate enough to have to bring the blankety-blank thing home from work with me. Which I try not to. Weekdays I generally use a medium sized L.L. Bean-esque tote to haul my crap du jour back and forth to the office, but weekends and shopping trips or ANY trip with my son I use a relatively small ergonomically shaped one strap across the front back pack things. I love it. No shifting if I have to run after the Boy, and two hands always free to grab him when necessary, or hold a hand and rummage for tissues at the same time.

[JoVE]

Sounds great. and it is purple which makes it even better.

Not did I see something over on the Harlot's blog suggesting you might be sticking a toothbrush in it and heading up to TO? What's with the secrecy? Or are you escaping the thanksgiving madness by seeking refugee status in Canada?

[stephanie]

Love the backpack. I'm not sure why, since I'm clearly not living your life.

[beth]

Amen! I have never carried a purse - i'm well into my 40's and people keep trying to give them to me - but my backpack- AAHHH. I got a Coach one(as a gesture to others- 'i may not carry a purse- but it's COACH!') about 15 years ago- black. leather, feminine - HUGE! I guess they only made it one year- now they are small or boxy. i took it back to have it fixed once and they wouldnt give it back. THE HORROR! Told me it wasnt 'up to Coach standards' and gave me lots of $. I had to write the PRESIDENT of Coach to get it returned. I cried for a week till it came back. So I, too, am ALWAYS on the lookout for the perfect backpack.... let me know when you find it! Till then I alternate it with my Courierware messenger bag- they have lovely tapestry tops. http://www.courierwareusa.com/level.itml/icOid/3
Good luck!

[Steph]

I started wearing a backpack in college and have never stopped. (I am now many(many)years passed college.) For dress-up occassions--which to my mind do not always include church and concerts, so are very rare -- I pull out a purse. I always regret it, due to the shoulder and back aches purses cause. I have a rather ample bosom and I need the backpack to counterbalance the boobage.

And, yes, there are lovely designer backpacks. My every day pack is a smallish hiking pack that can hold a book or two, cosmetics kit and other personal necessities, wallet, my knitting, full set of bus schedules for Columbus, my journal and colored pencils. That still leaves room to cram in a few purchases when I am out shopping. For slightly dressier days, I have a black, silk pack and one I knitted myself. Check accessory shops for pretty packs.