Backpacks, are they frumpy

[citygirl1961]

I have recently discovered the convenience of having a backpack. I used to avoid them and for years I carried a tote/shopper type bag crammed full with my laptop, lunch for work etc and was weighed down with that, plus a shoulder bag that kept slipping off my shoulder and I was wrestling with that plus other shopping.

Now I have two backpacks, a mini one for when I don't have as much to carry and a slightly larger one for when I have more to carry. I also have a small cross body bag for my essentials like my phone, cards and keys which I need easy access to. This works for me.

However a friend recently commented that a backpack doesn't look dressy and that she would never use one. She is feminine like me, wears make up etc. She uses a cross body bag but her carry all bag is a plastic carrier bag which to me isn't dressy at all.

I now feel frumpy using a backpack even though it's practical and more comfortable than carrying all my stuff in a hand held tote bag.

When I go.out dressed up I just take a handbag.

I actually agree, backpacks are frumpy.
I use handbags and a relatively modern looking backpack. I still dislike it but really need it for my laptop.

There are plenty of reusable canvas bags or hold-all bags (Ralph Lauren do nice ones), or lunch bags (such as Ted Baker). Plastic bags look bad, there are no two ways about it.

So they are super practical, comfortable, distribute weight well ... yes, they must be frumpy. I wonder, could fashion be the problem here

In order of smartness I use a rucksack to carry laptop and lunch etc to work, another for swimming and another reflective and hi viz one to carry stuff when on my bike.

I wouldn't take the work rucksack if I were going to see a client because it is bulky. I would use a handbag for that or for going out.

At weekends if I were just going for a walk or meeting for a coffee I just carry my phone and no bag.

Yes my DS had his laptop taken from his backpack on a crowded train

Btw mine is a Herschel City, I can just about accept this design.

I love backpacks on days out or going through the airport with DC. My sister got me into them a few years ago when she was a mature student at university. She doesn't drive so needed to be practical

I have this one for work stuff: https://lamansio.com/pages/la-mansio-bag

And this one for holidays: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0BP25M624?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I love a backpack and have a few. Never seen anyone carry one and think it looked frumpy. Your friend is being weird. I think they can look cool depending on the type but I'd prefer to look cool than 'girlie' though whatever that is...

I don't drive, I walk a lot and I'm generally carting either kids or a laptop about so I use a backpack most days and I've never really considered the stylishness of it (I'm not especially "feminine" though I do try to dress well, I like jewellery, take pride in my long hair, etc). But I'd rather a backpack than a bad back.

Fashion currently seems to be all about comfort anyway - even the more trendy younger women are typically in wide leg jeans, trainers, baggy tops, backpacks.

I was in this mindset years ago but then I moved to London, started commuting and had a busy life. I love crossbody bags and have one or two pretty handbags but for daily use, especially work, nothing beats a backpack.
My current favourite is the Fjallraven Raven and I also like the Roko bags mentioned upthread. Love being able to carry a book and my reusable coffee cup and anything at all I might need :) :)

I converted to backpacks about 5 years ago and it has saved my back! I wouldn’t go back to a bag now unless for a special occasion. I sometimes wear a small crossbody, too, for easy access to phone & credit card.

I have a big, black, sporty rucksack for commuting to and from work, and then various smaller leather ones for weekends.

I travel on the tube in London everyday, and almost every woman of every age and level of stylishness has a backpack. If I see the odd woman lugging a heavy tote on one shoulder, I always feel sorry for her! Arms must be aching.

I think the teeny rucksacks nestling between your shoulder blades are a bit silly- too much strap and not enough bag.
But there are plenty of stylish backpacks around. Mine is a Reisenthel (lots of prints and styles) with a padded laptop pocket. I can walk confidently with both hands free and it’s within Ryanair underseat measurements.

I converted to rucksacks and find them so much more comfortable and good for your back and shoulders. You can put your water bottle and shopping in too. I have a crossbody but still prefer my rucksack. I can’t go back to prim and proper handbags now. They just feel silly now!

I think it can look nice (even if I do say so myself)with trainers/boots and long trench coat or mac,even a nice stripey shirt or dress. I saw a lady with a beautiful military style wool coat and backpack and thought she looked amazing.

I commute into London and would say 7 out of 10 commuters are using backpacks.

They aren’t dressy. Depends on what style you have, it’s perfectly possible to have a “cool” one, but the majority of middle aged women with Eastpak and Jansport style backpacks are going to look like they are going hiking, whereas a 15-25 year old will look like it’s their school/college bag.

The tan leather ones attempting to look “smart” with all the zips and tassels do generally look pretty frumpy, yes.

"Frumpy" should be banned. It's a stupid, meaningless word.
This x1000!

backpacks are so much better for overall back and shoulder health! I’m surprised at the number of young girls at school using shoulder bags. Carrying their heavy books round. Can’t be good for their growing bodies!

Well firstly I disagree on principle with the use of the word 'frumpy' - a horrible, outdated, misogynistic term which belongs in the 1950's (or better, nowhere!)

But on your actual question - backpacks are fine. I own three; two big ones and a smaller one.

I have to use a backpack out of necessity if I am carrying more than a couple of items because a one shoulder/ cross-body/ tote bag will give me back pain.

I see what you mean that they might not look as smart if you're wearing a nice outfit. In that case I'd probably invest in a nice leather/ smart looking backpack. You can get some nice ones e.g. the John Lewis link above.

I have to have one for commuting, a boring old Dell one I got free with last job but I’ve got a black Clarks one too. I did also have a burgundy faux leather and real suede one from Urban Outfitters and got a faux leopard Peacocks one which I got when out one day.

I don’t think they’re stylish but they’re not unstylish either.

Most people who do hybrid working have to have a rucksack to commute into work.

So long as you’re not using them on your back on a busy tube where they whack everyone in the face then they’re great

Young people wear backpacks all the time, especially brands like fjallraven, so how can they be frumpy? Your male friend is right, it's the height of middle aged "frumpiness" to be more concerned with what's "feminine" than comfort. See also trainers Vs heels. I wouldn't listen to your female friend again when it comes to fashion advice, as they're clearly a massive frump.

I have one but I prefer using my leather laptop bag.

If I'm getting the train I don't bother with another bag, driving is another matter entirely and I have a separate handbag with lunch, water bottle etc in.

I love a backpack for work. I'm currently looking for one that's anti theft also for my upcoming holidays

Depends what the opposite of frumpy is, imho. Backpacks are cooler than handbags. Backpacks Dalston, handbags Clapham.

(and lots of other places besides obv, don't come at me, just being flippant)