Why I Ditched My Purse for a Backpack

why i wear a backpack to work

2/24/2019

Today I'm going to tell you why I ditched my work purse [permanently] for a work backpack.

Yes, a work backpack.

While this is a bit different than my typical professional productivity post, this choice has made a big impact on my life both in the day-to-day and for big events like conferences.

So let's get started.

Ditch the Purse - Why I Wear a Backpack to Work

Back in the day we didn't lug our laptops everywhere. You may even have a tablet and a laptop (and maybe a work laptop?) all in your purse. On your shoulder. So we didn't have as much stuff (theoretically) and we didn't have a heavy laptop taking up precious purse real estate.

Even with purse organizers for all of our stuff, it's hard to find what you're looking for in a big tote bag full of stuff. That's why there are so many social media posts for "What's in your bag?" where people empty out and take a picture of what's in their purse.

Until recently, there weren't many backpack options that looked professional while still being functional. You had the heavy duty high school kid backpacks or the lightweight hipster packs but nothing in between.

Then the "mini backpack purse" trend came (and went) and came back again.

But unless you want to leave your 15" Mac Book at home all day, you're out of luck.

What made me start looking for professional alternatives to my handy Longchamp?

In addition to the endless annoyance of having to empty everything out to find a single thing there was pain.

Shoulder pain.

Back pain.

Neck pain.

I spent a lot of time online reading reviews on professional looking backpacks - did they wear out easy? Did they fit everything? And compared these factors to the cost.

I decided to try out a budget alternative - rather than dropping $100 of my graduate school stipend on a backpack with mostly positive but some negative reviews. I figured if it fell apart at the seams, I could just buy another one and still spend less.

THE WINNER

This backpack - available on Amazon - has lasted me several months already and only cost me $33. (Comes in black, grey, deep purple, pink).

Some of the other packs I was looking at were over $100!

I haven't had any tears or rips - the zippers are high quality - and there are several aspects of this specific product that made me choose it over some of the similar ones.

Separate zip laptop pocket: there's an easy access laptop sleeve on the back of the backpack - separate from the main compartment. Most of the time, my laptop is all I'm getting out of my backpack, so instead of having to unzip the main compartment and manage all of that mess, I can just unzip this one part. This separate pocket lies along your back and a thief literally cannot access it while you're wearing it.

Expandable side pockets: Some of the other backpacks don't have any side pockets, and some don't expand much. My Contigo water bottle ($12) and my Yeti travel mug ($30) are like permanent appendages and leaving them behind was not an option.

Slim profile: One of the most important aspects I was looking for was a backpack that would stay slim. No matter how much I shoved in there, I didn't want it to start bulging out like that college kid headed to the library during finals week. I can fit a good amount in this backpack but it definitely forces me to reconsider what I pack.

Extra storage pockets: in the middle compartment there are zip pockets, card pockets, and pen pockets to organize your ID cards, pens, and other misc items.

If you're curious about the portable charger aspect that these backpacks advertise heavily on, it means there is a small pocket at the top of the main compartment where you can slip in a portable charger. The backpack comes with a connector cord that runs through a little spot on the side. While you're walking around or sitting in class, you can easily charge your phone without having to juggle both the phone and the charger.

UPDATE: JANUARY 2020 - Frustrated with the cut-out handle style of this backpack (above), a few months ago I cut it so that the straps fully separated. While it was more comfortable to wear, the straps were subject to more wear and tear since I didn't have a handle to carry my backpack when I was running for the bus. I've upgraded to a new backpack (right) and love the chic gold hardware and the open frame style. It doesn't have a separate laptop pocket, but it's so much easier to find what I'm looking for. I highly recommend the Kroser backpack (also $33).

Kroser Backpack

THE RUNNER-UPS

For the TRAVELER

This pack has the same storage capacity including the back-zip laptop sleeve, plus elastic luggage strap that makes it easy to slip over your luggage handles and a smaller zip pouch you can put your phone and wallet in (super anti-theft). The only thing it's missing is side pockets for a bottle. Bonus convenience - has a top handle instead of the S handle like my choice.
Very sleek.

For the HEAVY PACKER

This pack has more storage than others mentioned. The laptop sleeve is the one furthest back, with extra storage in a lockable main and front pocket. There are also elastic side bands (though not as expandable as the ones in my winner). Given the luggage straps and extra storage, this pack would be great as a carry on and/or as a combo gym bag.

For the TECH GUY/GAL

Looking for more security? This backpack has a built in security lock that you just clip the zippers onto and put in your own spin lock combo. It also has separate plug ins for your portable charger and your headphones.

If you check out my winner backpack, you'll see some very similar ones, too. Believe me - I looked at them! In addition to not having the features above, it's notable that some of them are easily expandable to function as a day bag or gym bag. You can fit 1-2 days of clothing in the easiest carry-on bag in the world, or fit your workout clothes in with your laptop on your dash to work. These alternatives would be a great choice if you workout before or after work!

Products mentioned in this post

Have you dealt with pain from a heavy shoulder bag or backpack?

How have you migrated from school to work to gym to play?

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you purchase them through my link I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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