Are you a pack rat and proud?

[packratandproud]

I've just opened my backpack at work to get my notebook out and my colleague has just said " oh have you been staying away from home?"
It was just the usual stuff I carry around every day! I have really tried to be a small crossbody bag person but I just feel miserable never having what I want. I spend long days in cities- often leaving home at 6am and not getting home until 10pm and nothing gives me more joy than being in a coffee shop between events, and having my book, my notebook, my wrap if im a bit cold, my toothbrush, my makeup etc etc
Are you an 'everything but the kitchen sink' carrier? If yes do you love it?
I like it, but my bag is very heavy 😀

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!

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.

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.

ooh this is my favourite subject

Curently I actually have a Primark one which is really light but zips all the way round like a little suitcase

I had a Tiba and Marl changing backpack previously - I find the baby bag backpacks really great as they have loads of pockets

I think I could do a podcast about backpacks!

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

I'm the Tortoise!

I am also healthy and fit with walking with my heavy backpack 😂

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 😆

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 😄

Thanks. I love a pocket!

No way! My days are ace- I'm out this long even at weekends- cities give me energy- I would find being at home or working from home bleak and exhausting

It's not to create the illusiion of normailty - it is my normality!

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.

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

I dont like a pouch in a bag- I feel like the pockets should do that job- one of my backpacks even had a pocket with a phone charger socket in!

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!

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.

Yes, I have a large backpack that fits everything and I love it! I carry all sorts, even a first aid kit! It’s goes loads of pockets too; and they’re all stuffed

@PrincessASDaisy what backpack have you got?

This one!

No, I would hate to cart a load of stuff around with me everyday. I carry my phone, keys and bank card. I don’t need anything else.

I try and avoid lugging lots of stuff in general but if I ever want or need to, I definitely prefer an appropriately sized bag. I hate having too much gubbins stuffed into a too-small bag so that things fall out every time I go to get something.

I use a backpack for work. Ive got a laptop & wireless mouse in there, notebook. Then normal things like a packet of tissues, a water bottle, usually a cereal bar or something. I often have a spare pair of tights & plasters too.

We’re a rucksack family. We live near a massive moorland national park so we do a lot of hiking and camping - and we don’t drive (medically disqualified) so rucksacks were essential for taking kids on holiday and any other major excursions.

We did have a bit of hassle when the school tried to insist we buy the kids those rolly suitcases instead of rucksacks for the Y6 London trip. Neither of the kids were prepared to countenance it, rucksacks are better and safer.

DH’s family nickname is “Twatsack” owing to his habit of turning around with his massive Bergen on his back and sending people flying.

Haha, "pack rat" - not heard that phrase before! I used to be, before I had DCs, and also when they were young. Always had a massive bag of stuff, to cover all eventualities. But in recent years I've rediscovered the joys of travelling light, and using a tiny crossbody bag. Admittedly, I'm not talking about lengthy days out.

Funnily enough, DD2 has a reputation for her well-equipped handbag. If you need a safety pin - she's got one in her bag. Paracetamol? Of course! Phone dying? Borrow my portable charger! Her friends think it's hilarious.

I'm another all or nothing. I'm either no bag at all, phone and keys in my pocket, or a backpack that Mary Poppins would be proud of, and not much in between.

no bag for me. I don't know how people can be bothered carrying all that stuff around. I think i'm like that because when the kids were young i felt like a pack donkey but now they are older i don't carry anything really.