[mz.carolyn]

Hey guys! My back has been sore for a while, and my shoulders too, ever since I've been using my AE messenger bag. What I want to know is, do you guys prefer messenger bags or backpacks? Backpacks seem sort of dorky..but they seem to be so much better for your back.
I've heard that in the long run, it's bad for your back + shoulder + spine if you use messenger bags, or those huge totes. Is this true?
Can you guys recommend me some cute backpacks?

**I figured it'd be in Health & Fitness and not Beauty & Fashion...although it kind of covers both

Thank you!!

[CaramelSweetie]

I like using my back pack. I find it cute. 0.0
I do have a messanger bag I use once in a while.

[Maybelline Li]

i like using backpacks, i don't know, i like to look smart lol, plus messenger bags really hurt my back and i personally find it more dorky than backpacks, especially when they're bulging and seen to weigh you down to the side @_@

i thought backpacks were in? LOL.

[love]

i don't find backpacks dorky at all. they get the job done.

i don't use messenger bags but i use totes. they really hurt your shoulder after awhile.

jansport has some backpacks with cute designs like stars and plaids.

[<3goesDOKIDOKI]

backpacks aren't dorky. i see a ton of people that use them on campus.
its better for your back since you get better support. using a messenger bag for a long period of time hurts my shoulder too
but actually i use a tote for school since i dont generally carry books

[rufflezz]

I love backpacks! Hahah, they're easy to get around with. Messenger bags does hurt my shoulders and back because it's only leaning one side. Backpacks like North Face ones are really comfortable.

[sunmoon]

i dont get the fashion trend for messenger bag or huge handbags that weigh down ur shoulders...

anything that big should be carried by ur bf.

so stick it in a backpack and get him to carry it all.

[QUlRKofFATE]

backpacks aren't dorky. dorky = those suitcase-type bags with wheels

[angelcadex]

Backpacks are much better for your back because its balanced on your back.
I've tried a messenger bag before and I must say -- sucked.
Plus I hate it when girls wear them and it like, amplifies their boobs cause the strap goes inbetween o.o but eh moving on.
Just get a simple backpack.

[The Fey]

you need to get a GOOD backpack with decent weight support and not just some $20 generic target brand

messenger bags, though snazzy, are terrible for your back.

[asdf.BLAHH]

My back always gets really sore, & i think messenger bags make it worse.

messenger bags put all the weight on one shoulder while a backpack evens it out.
i don't think backpacks are dorky at all.
plus, would you rather have a sore back for the rest of your life & look good just for the rest of your school years
or not have back pain for the rest of your life? (:

you can find some really cute backpacks at pacsun!

[random koohkie]

Japsport Superbreak backpacks are always great.
i've used them for years and i've never had any back problems.
and now they have LOTS of really nice colors and designs
so most likely you'll have one that fits your style.
you could also try carrying your books and/or putting them in your locker?
that's what i usually do.

[the.user]

Depending on how much I have to carry.
If it's alot, then I use a backpack, if not, then a messenger bag.

Also, I heard having the backpack lower is also bad for your back?
Like, lengthening the straps so it hangs lower?

[little mixed girl]

how are backpacks "dorky"?

i'd been using a messenger bag for a while & my shoulder was always in pain, my back was hurting pretty bad and my knees were even hurting.
i switched back to my backpack a week or so ago, and my shoulders don't hurt, my back pain has eased and my knees don't hurt.

use the messenger bag sometimes.

[snail_y]

backpacks are cute

i personally like the ones from american apparel. they're functional, sturdy, and cute. comes in different colors and it doesnt have that awkward looking "jansport" or "whatever" logo on it. comes with a cute pin that says "unknown pleasures" lol but it's removable if you don't like it.
besides... all those recent cases of scoliosis
even i have a slight case of scoliosis. i'd been using a messenger for about 1-2 years... so i switched to a backpack this year

[cpopbaby19]

backpacks aren't dorky. dorky = those suitcase-type bags with wheels

that is so true~

I use messenger bags in school and GOSH! I think it killed my back. U_U Stick to backpacks if you want to keep your back healthy.

[Karina]

Timbuk2 messenger bags won't hurt your back like other brands. You can customize Timbuk2 bags as well!

[Maddie0407]

i used to use a back pack but i don't like it
i've been using a messenger bag for 2 years now.
i think it's great
never hurts my back or anything. =]

[auroralbutterfly]

A regular Jansport backpack will look nice on anyone.
If not the solid color ones, get on with some kind of pattern or texture.
NorthFace and Puma is nice too, just a little more expensive.

I'm too used to using a tote bag now. Plus I love mine. It's black with Pucca on it xDDD! It's not the oversized tote bags, just average.

[Yui.]

messenger bags/toes pull weight on ONE shoulder, if u sling it across (messenger bag) you'll find ur shoulder hurts more, but if it's on one side and not slung over, it's less pain.

backpacks are better b/c it has 2 straps for balence. back packs could also hurt.
here are some tips to relieve pain.
put the heaviest to the back and lightest items in front.
and make sure the straps are tight enough so the end of the bag is just near your waist, don't let is loose?
the closer the bag is to your body as u walk, the easier it feels, and less weight.