Notebook bag vs backpack

Which one is better? I currently have a notebook backpack and it wieghs a ton when the notebook is in. I was wondering does it feel lighter carrying a notebook in a bag.

 

I dont know if one is lighter than the other really, it depends what you put inside of it. But, a backpack may add 1 or 2 lbs. to the overall weight.

But for some (inc. me) and backpack is much more convinient. Personally, i need a backpack for it. SOme like cases/messenger bags better. Its more of a personal disicion.

 

Think about it. Carrying the same weight on one arm/shoulder or the same weight on both shoulders and supposedly your lower back. The reason i say supposedly is because well designed packpacks are suppose to put most of the wieght on your hips/lower back and make it seem light on your shoulders.

Thus I would say a backpack might look a little geeky at times and a messenger bag might be more trendy but for something heavy a packpack is the way to go.

 

Are you implying that people with laptop backpacks look geeky?

jk. _________

You could (i do) put it on one strap on myone shoulder (let the other one hang) and then you look cool.

if you dont know what i mean, see This pic. (thats not me )

 

That is true, messenger bags are often more stylish (people in japan including my self just chuck notebooks in either a plan bag/purse or carry a sleeve). A backpack will be lighter on your back according to scientists BUT, for some a messenger bag may feel lighter (generally for taller people)

 

Hey, you can make a *messenger bag* work if it has support distributed throughout, and if you have good support in the *shoulder straps*!

Also, some good dependable padding on the strap!

I use a backpack, tote and a messenger bag

But I like the messenger bag the best


Cin

 

ones made for a notebook. ones not... hmm..

 

I used to have a messenger style bag, but I couldn't get used to it, and now I use a backpack, and I look like the biggest geek now even with only my notebook in it.

For me the backpack is much lighter. =/

I wish I could just carry it around in a sleeve, but no one wants to get mugged in broad daylight. xD

 

Backpacks may not be as cool as messengers bags are, but you can carry a LOT more in them MUCH more comfortably.

I use a backpack and "travel heavy" as they say. I'm often caring as much as 20 pounds worth of computer equipment and text books. I would shudder to think of carrying all that around on just one shoulder.

 

It depends on how big your notebook is, IMO. Like a smaller notebook (13.3 or smaller) actually works out well in a briefcase or a messenger bag (Jcrew makes a really good one that looks like Jim's in NBC's the Office.).

Bigger ones, well you just get yourself a good backpack. I suggest one from REI.

 

I have had both a backpack and briefcase for carrying my laptop. I found the backpack is better, because the briefcase made my arm tired. Just make sure you get a good backpack that takes the weight in your hips not your shoulders.

 

Yess! This is what got me off messenger bags. My shoulder was hurting so much after carrying my notebook and textbooks.

 

im still in college so hah I can use my notebook and backpack without looking nerdy lol

 

lol. My laptop backpack is 18 lbs. when i weighed it.
With no books in it. Just my 8lbs latop, charger, cooler, and a bunch of CD's and accesories.

I still usually put it on one shoulder.

 

kenneith cole by far makes the best looking messenger for notebooks hands down. Im not the biggest fan of messengers but the kenneiths look so good i think i might have to get one. They are well made, they should last two generations easy. I am using the swiss gear back pack I found at sams club for super cheap and I love it. Plenty of room for headphones, cd case, external hdd case etc.
-jb

 

Having been of the same train of though of others, where I thought that the messenger bag was a far 'cooler' option, and subsequently numerous trips to the chiropractor later....

I use a backpack now, not because of its appearance, but because of my spine, neck, and shoulders. Carrying a lot of weight on one shoulder is not healthy - I was getting terrible headaches on weekends, and neck and lower back pains carrying a 15.4" notebook and a handful of documentation and a mouse (nothing else as I have a docking station at work) to and from the carpark to my office with a messenger bag...

Oh and I never used 'cheap and nasty' messengers, I always rotated through, Timbuk2, Crumpler, Oxio, Booq and Mandarina Duck. As for my height, I am 5'11..still doesnt make a difference!

I have been using a backpack for nearly a month now based on my chiro's advice, and well I don't have headaches, neck and back pain anymore...sure it looks less 'trendy' and 'stylish', but if thats all people are worried about, then, well lets just say I plan to still be active in my 60's rather than looking 'stylish' right now (but you can get some really nice looking backpacks these days )

For short trips and meetings, I carry my notebook without a bag in a sleeve now, still looks professional (why are looks so important?! lol) and for everything else there is the backpack

 

i have always thought crawling with a 6+lbs notebook with a messenger bag on your shoulder look worse than a decent backpack...

it's true a messenger bag looks more decent, but that's given if it looks weightless, correct?



if i were to carry a notebook + a camera(canon 5D, size wise), what does everyone reckon?

targus, and etc look a little geeky, and since i will be carrying a camera as well, i might need a little bit more padding too -_-'

 

I use my messenger bag with a 6.1lbs notebook and 1 or 2 books monday to friday every week. I have been traveling with my messenger bag for the last 4 years +. I am not saying it will work out the same for everyone. I am just saying its not necessarily as bad as people generally think it is.

The heaviest I have carried was 20.7lbs, now that was not fun at all, but I had no choice, my suit case was over weight and I have to stuff things into my messenger bag. Mind you I am 5'6'' and 130lbs.

At the moment I am looking at the Timbuk2 Outtawhack bag. Its messenger style whilst having the option of using 2 straps or 1...

 

this is exactly what i want!

now the question is: where can i get one in a rural area like edmonton?

 

ebay? Thats the way I am planning on getting one if I was to get one...hehe

 

155 (30shipping) isn't exactly a good deal, in USD too!

 

PM sent.

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