topic Re: Backpack purses in Handbags

Backpack purses

Meowingkitty — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 15:07:06 GMT

I am considering getting either a small backpack or convertable backpack purse. The convertable lets you use it as a shoulder bag or backpack. Does anyone out there use one? I’m talking about a smaller leather fashion backpack (think Brahmin or Coach) not the kind you travel with that is made of cloth. TIA

Re: Backpack purses

kaydee50 — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 15:25:21 GMT

I actually do not see the purpose of a backpack "purse." A crossbody IMO is much more practical but I do see a fair amount of those backpacks.

Re: Backpack purses

sunshine 919 — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 15:36:54 GMT

@kaydee50 wrote:
I actually do not see the purpose of a backpack "purse." A crossbody IMO is much more practical but I do see a fair amount of those backpacks.

I do not like the idea of having a backpack purse. It seems it would be easier for someone to get into from behind. The crossbody is a better idea for hands free for me anyway.

Re: Backpack purses

2blonde — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 16:15:43 GMT

I don't like the idea of my purse being behind me. When you want to get into it you have to take it off, and what about when you sit down? Seems like it would take pick pocketing to a new level as well.

Re: Backpack purses

janeec — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 16:26:00 GMT

I got a convertable travalon purse about 5 years ago. I use it when I go to Williamsburg. I have the important things zipped in a pocket inside which makes it difficult for someone to get into without me noticing it. I can carry everything I need for a day plus moderate purchases.

There is a museum that does not allow backpacks so I convert to a shoulder bag and carry it in. You should have seen the look on the woman's face at the entrance desk when I did that. She couldn't deny me keeping my "purse" with me.

Re: Backpack purses

Mz iMac — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 16:26:54 GMT

Backpack purses = Professional & amature pick pocketers dream purse.

To each its own.....

Re: Backpack purses

freakygirl — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 17:04:35 GMT

i travel with a slim leather backpack. i much prefer it to a crossbody. i don’t like the feeling of a strap across my torso.

Re: Backpack purses

Meowingkitty — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 18:09:05 GMT

Thanks everyone, I pretty much decided against getting one. Someday I will find that Goldilocks of purses.

Re: Backpack purses

LindaSal — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 18:27:51 GMT

@Meowingkitty Try LL Bean. I have a couple that I love and have had for years. I like crossbody bags and backpack bags. Mine is pretty streamlined and does have a zipper on the top but I would surely feel if someone tried to get into it. The pocket zipper is what is against my back so no entry there. I really like the more even weight distribution on my back and shoulders as I get older.

Re: Backpack purses

sue311 — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 14:07:25 GMT

Actually I bought a black backpack recently by Rebecca Rominkoff (they have other colors) and I love it. It is light but can hold a ton of stuff. I had the same concerns about someone walking behind and opening it. If you look at the picture, the clasp at the bottom can be used at the top thus preventing that. It has a zipped pocket inside as well as another pocket.

Re: Backpack purses

chrystaltree — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 18:01:34 GMT

No way. Well, maybe if I had some type of physical challenge, like I used a cane or crutches. Otherwise, backpacks come across like a kid going to school to me. The really small ones look a bit silly. When I want to free up my hands a cross body works perfectly fine for me.

Re: Backpack purses

JavaQueen — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 17:40:49 GMT

I wear them and don't find them a "pickpocket's dream" with the right features. For some people, they are better because they balance the weight better. I think they are better in urban areas. Obviously, they work because people buy them.

Again, what is key is if they have a hidden pocket somewhere. I recommend the Rebecca Minkoff, the AK Tamitha and the Radley Fountain Road backpack. I think some of the Vince Camuto bags have them and CK and Fossil.

Dooney and Bourke do not have them. LV does not have that. YSL does not have that. I live in an urban environment and many women have them. Most of the really cheap women's handbag purses lack these features.

I wouldn't dismiss them out of hand. I think there is a place of each type of bag.

Even a crossbody can be a pickpocket's dream. Nothing is totally theft proof.

Re: Backpack purses

sunsetbeach — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 23:21:46 GMT

I love mini backpacks, but wear them crossbody. I'm only 5'1" tall and don't like shoulder bags or big heavy bags. I mainly carry the Louis Vuitton Palm Springs Mini, but also have a few of the MCM leather x-mini backpacks. Both have the thin detachable straps that I can adjust to just the right length.

Re: Backpack purses

JavaQueen — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 04:21:28 GMT

Those are really nice and at 5'1, they are nicely proporitoned.

There's certainly nothing "schoolbag-ish" about them. Many of these bags are not really school bags. There's nothing immature about them.

There are many older women on this forum and all I can say that is a style that must be chosen with care. We're not all the same height, weight, age. If you're in your fifiies, you wouldn't wear a teensy pink backpack with studs. I mean, most couldn't pull it off. I happened to see the Dooney and Bourke Selleria backpack and I must admit that it's quite elegant. Love it, but where's my hidden pocket? Radley London has their take on that bag and I believe there is a concealed pocket somewhere. The D&G pod backpacks have a very nice strap arrangement and zippers can move to side so you have less of Picpocket's Pardise going on (It's gusseted so it would take some work for them to put their hand in. I would not wear it with the zippers on the top like a Trixie bag.)

The point is that many styles will not make you look like a school girl. And there are enough style choices out there that you could pass the backpack style without regret. Right now I have three smaller ones and one larger that is a great travel bag. That's enough!

Re: Backpack purses

GRACIE — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 00:57:28 GMT

@JavaQueen Thank you, your comments are right on. I have two backpacks one from Ak and mini from Marc Jacobs.Both have secure areas Great, when shopping,running running errands, etc..Before I retired this year, I carried my backpack to work.,my No matter what handbag that you choose to carry, you should always be aware of their surroundings.

Not everyone likes the same thing, for instance I do not like structure handbags. Handbags no matter the style should be well made,my only pet peeve is I like only leather handbags

When I take my 2 to 3 mile walks,I wear a Coach fanny back(with a cute bunny rabbit on front) which holds my mini wallet, cellphone,keys. Some may say that's old fashion or childish to wear,to each his own.

I used to carry large hobo bags, not anymore I don't need to carry everything. For dinners,movies,or concert's. I also carry a medium shoulder bag.

My latest find is a MJ Boho grind soft leather shoulder bag 13 inches in length and 8.5 high with a adjustable shoulder strap.

In other words I love handbags and dolls, since I was a child, nothing has changed except my age☺☺☺☺☺

Re: Backpack purses

Texasmouse — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 16:39:50 GMT

When the current trend of backpacks as purses came about, I considered taking mine out of storage but I haven't done so yet. It's a lovely pebble leather triangular-shaped smallish bag that I bought in a leather shop in Canada many years ago. It's extremely secure because it only has one opening that closes with a zipper, which runs vertically, from the top to the bottom of the bag and which is located on the inside, that is, the part that rests against my back. So there are no pockets on the outward-facing side at all. The bag would have to be removed from my back in order to get into it. I guess one of the reasons I haven't used it lately is because although my phone would fit in the bag, it wouldn't be easily accessible. This wasn't a consideration when I bought the bag! 😄

Re: Backpack purses

Oostende — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 13:09:37 GMT

I have this one. I use it daily.

It converts to a shoulder bag like this.

These are very popular with the locals, here by the Tetons.

Pickpockets aren't a problem in my area.

Technically this is a diaper bag.

I have two grandsons, aged one and three, and I seem them and their mother (my daughter) almost daily. The lining is removable, which is good for me, because I never know what one of my grandsons may ask me to carry. I've also had snacks that I'm carrying for my boys explode inside my bag.

The backpacks are the only purses that allow me to bend over easily and pick up my boys.

I carried a crossbody but the bag would hang forward when I bent over. It either hit the kid I was picking up, or I would have to sling it behind me, and hurry to pick up the child before the bag slid back around. It was a nuisance.

I have many other purses to carry when I travel or for more formal occasions.

This one suits my casual, outdoor lifestyle.

Re: Backpack purses

dsw503 — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 18:59:20 GMT

I have 2 small leather backpack purses. Neither converts to crossbody but I wish they did! One is a Coach bag with a turnkey type of lock on the outside and no zipper. The other has a zip all around the top. Often I sling the bag over one shoulder and that makes it easy to get on and off for getting in the car or taking out my wallet when shopping. Would I wear one of these on my back for travel, walking in unfamiliar places or on public transportation? No. But they are convenient for car trips that might involve a quick walk (not a hike) in a park or when shopping somewhere when I want to be "hands-free". I seem to have plenty of use for both of them. Cross body would be super convenient but that combo style just wasn't popular when I bought these. My suggestion for you is to try the bag out over your heavy winter coat if you are going to wear it during the winter months. I've found that getting the bag onto my back over my heavy parka just doesn't work! Have fun shopping!

Re: Backpack purses

stevieb — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 19:03:21 GMT

No backpacks for me and no crossbodies... Each to their own, but I like an actual bag, preferably a satchel...

Re: Backpack purses

April of NY — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 00:18:36 GMT

I have the old agility pebble leather, still looks brand new. I wear it in warm weather and love it’s ease.