Backpacks and handbags

[pussinboots61]

I usually carry my handbag, either on my shoulder or across my body, plus a tote style bag for carrying other things and to put bits of shopping in. However I always end up with carrier bags as well and I feel bogged down.

I'm thinking of getting a backpack, two of my friends have them, one uses it on its own and the other has a cross body bag as well. They both say how useful backpacks are for day use. I think I would still want to use my handbag too for my purse and phone and things I need to access easily.

Does anyone here use backpacks alone or with a handbag?

I use a backpack when I'm running to and from work, but keep a handbag at work for use during the day. IMO a backpack ruins an otherwise smart outfit.

It's ok for use while doing exercise, or walking in the country, but otherwise a no for me. it would also look truly bizarre with a handbag as well.

Why not just get a bigger handbag?

Well, I have a backpack which I use every day for my gym kit plus my handbag. Having a cross body bag is easier with a backpack as it keeps your hands free and if you have both straps of the backpack on properly it's better for your back and shoulders.

My handbags are usually shoulder, but I'm probably not spending a huge amount of time carrying both (station to office, station to home).

Thanks for your replies. I don't really want to get a bigger handbag as it would be too heavy on my shoulder or in my hand. I do prefer to just have one medium size handbag but it won't hold all I need for day time and a backpack would hold my shopping too instead of me having carrier bags.

Could you get a lightweight/foldaway one that you could pack in your handbag and whip out when necessary?

I have this cross-body bag from M&S that I use with a back pack for work.

My PC, lunch, smart shoes etc etc go in the back pack and I put my purse, phone and travel card in my bag.

I use a backpack for work stuff, laptop, folder, lunch, etc and a small cross body handbag for phone, purse, keys, pass, etc. Works for me as I work in London and can't be faffing with getting into my backpack for every call, shop, travelcard touch in. (I wear my backpack double strap style, it's heavy!)

Also the chances of purse or phone being stolen are less.

I am still looking for a smarter backpack though....

Backpacks are having a real moment in fashion. Loads of bloggers have the Marc Jacobs and Michael kors ones

Yes they are quite cool at the moment.

I use one for work when not using the car. Look around they are everywhere!

I've been using a backpack the last few months (mainly because I'm on crutches which makes a handbag near impossible!). Took a bit of getting used to but I like it now and will probably continue to use it once I'm off the crutches.

A fold away bag would be great for shopping but I need something to carry my lunch, tablet, umbrella e.t.c on a day to day basis. My handbag is a good Tula one with tough leather and will last forever, it has a long strap so I can wear it across my body and have the backpack too. I got the handbag cheap off Ebay. I also use it on its own for occasions when a tote or other kind of bag isn't appropriate.

I can't get a backpack to look smart enough for work, I use a mulberry Bayswater but it really is heavy and my shoulders knackered.

I see lots of women using backpacks on their way to work. The best I've seen was the lady whose backpack completely matched the colour of her coat. It was plain, compact, and because it was so coordinated, it looked fashionable and classic.