Why Backpacks Are My Go-To Day Bags

Why You’ll See Me Wearing a Backpack Instead of a Tote

I started working in downtown Richmond several years ago. It was the first time I really had to be mobile and carry my work with me. At my first downtown office, I had to park here, walk up this hill, go up these stairs, go down this elevator, balance on cobblestones, rush to the General Assembly building. Now that I’ve left my 9-to-5, I run around even more from place to place. I often bring snacks, a change of workout clothes, my laptop, my planner, make-up to touch up throughout the day, folders and other random essentials. The very high quality Dooney and Bourke tote I had been using for years was my original big-girl bag of choice. The leather straps dug into my shoulders and I had to lean over just to carry it with ease. Cross body bags didn’t cover it. I tried. Enter, the backpack.

I stumbled upon a n ASOS backpack online by accident. I added it to my cart and that was several years ago. Now I have a small collection of backpacks. Some of them are real leather, some are not. The non-leather backpacks are great for tossing around and wearing on rainy days. I stress less with them. I have cotton ones for more casual adventures. Today, the backpack is my day bag of choice.

Here are a few reasons why:

They’re Hands-Free

Being able to use one hand is great, but being able to use two hands is even better. Backpacks keep your arms and hands free to do more without having to worry about your bag. This is especially helpful when I often have a phone in one hand and a drink/shoe/fork/lotion/person in the other hand.

It’s Better for Your Back

If you workout in any capacity, you know that you have to workout both sides of your body. Carrying a tote bag predominantly on one shoulder (which is normal) can cause all kinds of imbalances, from sore muscles to spine spasms to lower-back pain. Backpacks balance out the weight on your shoulders for a more balanced weight distribution and happier body.

A Backpack Can Hold More

I’m not a fan of letting stuff collect in your bags. I always clean out my backpacks every couple of days. I don’t advocate having anything more than you actually need. That being said, a backpack does allow you a little more wiggle room for items like shoes, water bottles, and planners. If you’re a girl-on-the-go, then you need a few more things in there than usual because you likely won’t be home anytime soon.

It’s Made for Traveling

I am NEVER in an airport or train station without a backpack. They are the only bag I’ll use when I travel, often. I’ll pack away my small cross body in my suitcase. Backpacks leave your hands free, which is important when you have to keep pulling out your ID, phone, or boarding passes. Your back is also already at risk of pain when you travel, so having backpack really helps with comfort, as well.