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Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,651
Registered: ‎06-10-2015

Re: Backpacks instead of handbags?

@mormel20 ...............I am 79 and I am going to purchase a backpack to use as a purse.  I want something that has a large capacity with a lot of pockets.  I also carry concealed and need a "special" place for that.  I had a Lug that I really liked all the little storage areas.  All the concealed carry bags I have found are not large enough.  Totes do not have multiple compartments if any.  I dont want all my stuff in the bottom of my bag.

 

Anyway before I buy another bag I decided I would try my hubbies backpack.  I like all the compartments and all the carry options, but it just too big.  So now I know I need a slightly smaller one.

BE THE PERSON YOUR DOG THINKS YOU ARE! (unknown)
Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,098
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Backpacks instead of handbags?

I do not think a backpack is safe I always worry about things falling out or getting pick pocketed

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive what could go right.
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,356
Registered: ‎01-04-2015

Re: Backpacks instead of handbags?

I carry a backpack sometimes when I travel for my job.  It is easier for me to carry my work stuff. Computer and such.  I also have a few little friends that i do things with (Zoo, park etc) and a backpack works better than my usual tote.  I believe it depends on your life style and needs at the moment. I also think they are becoming more fashionable and less utilitarian. I baby sit a little boy and we keep most of his activity stuff in one and he calls it our activity bag! 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,828
Registered: ‎01-14-2017

Re: Backpacks instead of handbags?

 

I don't see an age limit for backpacks.  I have never cared to wear the style in that everything is in the back, which means I need to take my backpack off, which will mess up my clothes and takes time.

 

I have seen people I know to be in the 50s wear them, usually smaller styles, people avoiding shoulder pain.

 

I do not recall seeing older ladies wear them, but if I wanted to wear them I don't see them as odd, or out of place.

 

With age, my shoulders hurt and I did give them a try.  I am only 5' something (it varies, sometimes 5'2", my adult height, need to take up pilates or yoga, I guess), and I am blessed with curves on my back, and I find that the adjustable straps just don't adjust short enough for me.  So the bag bangs on my back as I walk.  Very unpleasant, so they are a no go.

 

It is crossbodies or smaller shoulder bags for me.

 

I don't like to carry bags on my elbow either, feels uncomfortable, though I do love a second set of smaller straps on my long strapped cross-body bags.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,867
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Backpacks instead of handbags?

I live in a retirement community and a lady here carries a Brighton backpack.  It's really nice.  She uses a walker so it may be easier for her to use a backpack.  Although, I get the impression she has used them for a long time.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,230
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: Backpacks instead of handbags?

It's totally up to you what you want to use. 

 

I have no desire to carry a backpack as a purse, but....

 

I carried one every day in college, used one on field trips as a teacher, put necessities in one when I was going to the hospital as a patient, and used one on vacation as a storage bag for medications and other items I wanted easy access to instead of those things being buried in a suitcase somewhere. I think they do have purposes. I prefer a backpack over a large open tote bag. 

My preferred purse is a small crossbody. They're lightweight and secure. I don't carry as much as I used to so I don't need a big bag. I have 2 nicer bags if I want something a bit dressier for church or an event. 


Hope Everyone is having a Good Week! 

Frequent Contributor
Posts: 93
Registered: ‎07-24-2010

Re: Backpacks instead of handbags?

My thoughts..... A backpack is a pickpocket's dream come true.  I understand the convenience of being hands free, but for me, I'll stick to a nice crossbody bag.  To each his own!

Super Contributor
Posts: 288
Registered: ‎05-28-2010

Re: Backpacks instead of handbags?

Do not like the feeling of a backpack on my back. I had a Patricia Nash leather backpack purse once that I bought for a trip to Europe. It looked cute but was heavy, awkward and not secure. for travel  use my TUMI crossbody/sling. with the ballistic nylon fabric, It's a bit utilitarian and nerdy looking but very lightweight and easy to organize contents.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,864
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Backpacks instead of handbags?

I'm sure I'll be attacked for saying this but I feel there is an age limit for wearing backpacks. First of all, I don't feel they're safe, I can see someone coming up and just stealing the bag off the back. Yes, I realize this can be done with any bag, nothing is safe in some instances. I think they're for a younger group. I'm in my 70s and feel they'd look funny on me. I was at the salon this week when a lady had one, which was very cute, but she needed her stylist help her put it securely onto her back. I also have a friend in her 60s who wears them all the time and looks very stylish in them. Guess it all boils down to how you feel you look in them. My back, which is always out of alignment in some way, wouldn't allow me to wear them.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,277
Registered: ‎09-07-2014

Re: Backpacks instead of handbags?

I'm a shoulder bag girl but will use a crossbody bag if I'm out for the day with my friends. Usually by the end of the day, my shoulder is sore from the crossbody.
I have tried backpacks but can never get the straps short enough so the bag sits on my back. I'm 5'3", so typically backpacks hang on my lower back/top of my rearend. I find this uncomfortable.
I recently received an American leather with a woven front backpack from QVC. I'll try it out today because I can make it short enough to fit me properly. If none of my body parts get sore or uncomfortable, I'll keep it. Keeping my fingers crossed 🤞🏻