Are you a pack rat and proud?

No. I’m the opposite. When I go out, I take only my phone.

I take my laptop bag to work, but no other bag.

I did have a stage where I was taking a pointless bottle of water with me everywhere before I remembered I was born in the 80s and none of us drank water until about 2002 when it became trendy so I stopped that nonsense.

love this.
I too refuse to carry a water bottle (unless I am actually hiking)
Apart from anything else, I woudl always rather have a cup of tea!

And I'm still finding covid masks in my old bags and coat pockets... 😄😷

Lifelong pack rat and with the back pain to prove it... It's an anxiety thing, needing to know I have all make up, toothpaste, medication and first aid kit, something to write on and with, a scarf in case it's cold, hair clips, hat, mints, snack...

Since phones began doing everything, I'm learning to manage with just that and a key if I'm going no more than an hour away; otherwise, I have a little 'bag of needments' (big zip-up pencil case) with the basics in that I can switch from bag to bag when I change them.

Thanks. I love a pocket!

I wouldn’t say that I’m proud of being a pack rat, but I do own it. This is me.

I vastly prefer pockets to a bag, but women’s clothes just aren’t cut that way. Occasionally I go out with phone and credit card in one pocket, keys and inhaler in the other, and that’s it. Weirdly liberating, but also weirdly uneasy.

I’m definitely the snail with her house on her back 😄

I love my back pack and take it everywhere. I hate silly little bags (or worse, multiple bags) and spine bending shoulder bags. If I’m out and about I want:

• umbrella
• sunglasses
• suncream
• paracetamol, brufen, calpol (melts) for kids
• tissues
• hat and gloves (in colder months)
• lip balm
• nail file
• hairbands
• water
• also for work need headphones, laptop, lunch
• phone, purse, keys of course

It seems I like to prepared. I’m also extra cool so my backpack has a chest and waist strap. So comfy and practical 😆

No. I aim to leave the house with only what I can fit in my pocket.

I generally dont have a bag out and about but I drive so I guess my car has a lot of stuff I need (water, layers) but on a night out I only really need my phone and keys.

I imagine if I was communting via public transport and was out all day, I'd have a backpack.

If we're going on a day out (theme park or something) I'd bring a backpack.

If I'm going for a walk I might bring a small backpack but it literally just has my water bottle in it and is somewhere to stash my jacket if I get too warm.

All I will say is I hope you absolutely love your job OP. The description of your work days sound bleak and exhausting. Carting around all of that stuff to create the illusion of normal is insanity unless you love your job or get paid well within that ‘high earner’ bracket.

When I worked in an office I'd take a rucksack because it fitted my laptop and packed lunch and book, AND it didn't hurt my back like a one shoulder bag would have.

When I'd go stay with friends in London fairly regularly in my 20s, I'd use a normal size rucksack (change of top, undies, toiletries, book etc) and another friend would take a rolling suitcase. She mocked me for looking like I was going to school but I know who had an easier time navigating busy streets and public transport. Me!

Mostly I use a large cross body bag as I WFH but for day trips and long walks, a proper classic rucksack is sensible, comfortable and nothing to be sniffed at!

Absolutely not, quite the opposite!
i am in the office today, my bag contained my laptop, water bottle, glasses and my headphones for my lunchtime walk. Keys and phone in my coat pocket.
its now empty apart from my headphones and glasses case.
other than coming to work I never carry a bag anywhere if I can help it, I hate being loaded down with anything and am very low maintenance.
My lunch will also fit in my bag if I’m bringing it but today I’m going out for a lunch meeting.

😂 I do use a metal bottle but I leave it at work.

No, these days I have a small wide but shallow cross body, where I can see everything instantly.

Not anymore but I was up until ten years ago when I moved to a rural area and began travelling in my car mainly.

I was a lot healthier and fitter in my before life and my backpack contents were a carefully curated affair. My colleagues nicknamed me The Snail.

I like a small smart backpack 🎒

I used to be but I think years spent lugging the kids stuff round has reformed me. Usually go out with a cross body bag with essentials and that's it.

I did have a stage where I was taking a pointless bottle of water with me everywhere before I remembered I was born in the 80s and none of us drank water until about 2002 when it became trendy so I stopped that nonsense.

I usually use a small crossbody bag for non-work days but I cram a lot in it. I’m currently at hospital appointment and my small crossbody contains my phone (which is an iPhone Max so not small!), a bunch of house keys on two key fobs, a Totes compact umbrellla, a purse, a credit card holder, a Kindle, some ibuprofen, a foundation stick, an eyeshadow crayon, a mascara, a brow pen, a compact mirror, two makeup brushes, a notebook and a pen. It usually has my glasses in it as well but I’m wearing them.

The bag only measures 25cm x 17cm.

When I’m going to work in my office I generally need a backpack as I have to carry a laptop, plus an A4 notebook and a pencil case and my glasses as well as the other stuff above.

I'm all or nothing.

I've either got a tiny cross-body bag with keys, phone, lip balm, lip oil, hand sanitiser and hand cream in. Or a bloody great big tote bag with the kitchen sink stashed away!

Edit: sorry, I've just noticed I've committed the cardinal sin of quoting the OP. Oops.

Keys and phone look lumpy in my jeans plus a bit uncomfortable to sit in.

I think I’m going to look into nice backpacks. Do you have any recommendations op?