Battle Of The Bags

By Kaitlin McDowell

Simply Mersah / UNSPLASH 

From the dawn of time — or kindergarten — students have brought backpacks to school. These tiny bags carried our whole lives: lunches, art supplies and homework. As we grew up, the bags got bigger and heavier. Often holding textbooks, multiple notebooks, a computer and — most importantly — lunch, a backpack has been an essential part of many students’ educational journeys.

However, with the increasing number of textbooks available online and the ability to take notes on a laptop instead of in heavy notebooks, backpacks are becoming lighter and lighter. Which raises the question: Are backpacks still the most practical bag to bring to class?

There have been variations to the standard two-strap backpack over time. Some students had backpacks on wheels in elementary school. I, personally, had a satchel bag slung over one shoulder, despite my mom’s warnings that it might hurt my back (she was right). Despite the competition, no bag has come close to the status of the backpack, often referred to as a “school bag” or “book bag.”

But as I walk from class to class, carrying only my laptop and occasionally a notebook, I wonder if this bag is still the best choice for me.

One bag in particular is giving the book bag a run for its money: the tote bag.

Available in many colors and designs, a tote bag is the perfect size for a laptop, a notebook, some snacks perhaps, and whatever other small supplies one might need throughout the school day. Not only that, but these bags are practical for other uses besides school. They can be taken to the beach or used as a carry-on while traveling.

Some personal favorite tote bags I believe are fit for everyday use and class are the Longchamp style bag or a Coach bag. Both are available in many colors, giving the same creative freedom as a bookbag to match your style. Consider adding a monogram or a bag charm to personalize these bags further.

Honorable mention to the Free People Movement Quilted Carryall Bag— while this bag may be too large to bring to class, I couldn’t resist mentioning its versatility. This bag may be better suited for the gym, the beach or any other purpose where ample space is needed.

There are many ways to style a tote bag, but the same goes for traditional backpacks. Backpacks are sold in plenty of colors and from a variety of brands. They can also be personalized with pins or keychains.

It’s clear that a tote bag is the more stylish and mature choice of the two, as unfortunately it’s not common to bring a backpack to a job in the future. However, I can’t help but stay loyal to my book bag out of nostalgia. I can’t imagine a time where I won’t carry a backpack from class to class, honoring my earlier education days. So, in no rush to grow up and grow out of a backpack, I’m going to stick with the tradition for as long as I can.