To feel awkward wearing a backpack as a grown woman?

[Nikebackpack]

Starting a new business in September, cleaning. I don't drive, so I'm considering buying this backpack to carry all my cleaning products. I just have one problem though, I always feel like a school kid when wearing a backpack I don't know why, feels so awkward🙈. Anyone here who's not a student wear a backpack instead of a normal bag?

52 and use a backpack for my commute. Tis a nice Kipling one though :)

I'm 45.

This is my Backpack

I am a style icon

I only use my handbag if I have to pretend to be an adult (normally at parents evenings)

I wear a back pack all the time. Either with my work things in as I need to change when I get to work, or if our for the day I’ll carry food, beach stuff etc. I like having my hands free.

Love my backpack. I can fit loads in, it is comfy and I can gesticulate wildly when making a point.

I do know what you mean, but for me it's just necessary –bags on one shoulder/in one hand hurt my back.

You can get leather or leather-look ones with a businessy 'smart' feel to them, which might help you feel less like a student. Or there's things like this www.uk.rains.com/collections/bags/products/msn-bag?variant=13320685977657 for Scandi style.

I have a backpack that I use more than a handbag. I love nearly everything about it except the constant having to take it off and on when I need something (purse/phone etc).

If you're working as a cleaner, couldn't you leave products at your clients' home? That would be easier than carrying them around everywhere

You're not too old for a back pack

My dh is 55 and uses a backpack when he commutes to London. If it suits your needs sod what anyone else thinks.

Nobody would bat an eyelid
My whole family have backpacks

37 and have used a backpack for years. I’m a teacher and lugging stuff around was hurting my back as putting my shoulders out of cock.

All good now!

I'm 32, I use a backpack everyday for my baby's crap stuff 😏
A handbag would never work and he has too much stuff for the typical bag you get with the pram.
Backpacks are quite fashionable now I think..

Rucksack, rucksack, rucksack!

When did it change to backpack?

Mid 50s & use one most days.

Never given it a second thought tbh- it's a practical way of carrying Stuff. Always take one abroad, always take one on days out- it's just more convenient than a handbag.

I've also given in and bought bumbags for myself and my two sons for our upcoming holiday to Disneyworld. Usually take a backpack but I find my back gets sweaty in the extreme heat.

I have no shame anymore

I use a backpack. Never felt weird.

Rucksack, rucksack, rucksack!

When did it change to backpack?

I always thought a rucksack was a much bigger item, used for camping etc, usually with pots, pans and sleeping bags attached to it.

And whatever happened to knapsacks?

Yes. I do not care what anyone thinks. That is their business. I let the cat one.

Im in my 40s and use a laptop rucksack everyday at work..

Late 30s and I use a rucksack. My son has special needs and I have a 3 year old too so with a back pack I can take everything I need and still have a hand free for each of them (mines a cath kidston one)

How far do you have to walk, OP? It seems tough you have to lug around cleaning products.

I have a backpack type handbag as I always seem to carry a lot of stuff round with me. I use an actual rucksack when I go walking. I'm 64 and I can't see a problem with it.

*Rucksack, rucksack, rucksack!

When did it change to backpack?

Mid 50s & use one most days*

It didn’t change to backpack. A backpack is a smaller rucksack. A rucksack is what you would use for hiking with waist belts and chest clips. A backpack is smaller without those extras.

So

Backpack, backpack, backpack!

That’s my work rucksack
I don’t feel childish at all

Try again
My rucksack
ps I’m 50

Not only do I use a backpack but it has Buzz Lightyear all over it....no one bats an eyelid!

Maybe they do but they only see it once you've walked away

Magenta those are beautiful! Are the straps comfy if the bag's heavy? What colour have you got?

I'm with you OP, I still feel wrong wearing a backpack. It is just too uncomfortable carrying heavy stuff over one shoulder, so I took to pinching my husband's horrid old rucksack. It's not quite big enough and it's the ugliest thing ever but it's so comfy I've resolved to ask for something naicer for Christmas!

I thought that a backpack was bigger-hence backpacking.