Backpack or Man Purse/Satchel Forum

[mcm1211]

0L here, excited to start LS in Chicago this fall. I'm just wondering what is more appropriate and fashionable for male law students... do I continue to use a backpack to carry my computer, books and notebooks as I did in undergrad, or is it time to invest in a nice leather man purse/satchel type thing.

I'm looking for the best combination of effectiveness for needs and stylishness.

Thoughts?

[Aqualibrium]

messenger bag

[toaster2]

.

[PoliticalJunkie]

if you can comfortably carry a laptop, a power brick, and two legal textbooks in your messenger bag more power to you!

I can carry more than that - just need to do your research and find one that's big enough and that you could plausibly walk into work with...

[motiontodismiss]

I stopped carrying backpacks since 7th grade. They're too bulky and restricting. messenger bags and/or satchels worked well for me.

[Cactus]

Satchel.

[AllBusiness]

messenger bag

Correct.

[OnWisconsin]

Obscenely large roller bag should have been an option.

[badfish]

backpack

[shutterbug]

if you can comfortably carry a laptop, a power brick, and two legal textbooks in your messenger bag more power to you!

What's a "power brick"?

[Flanker1067]

I have been using the same L.L. Bean backpack since 8th grade and I am not going to stop now. This thing is indestuctible, albeit out of style since 1999.

[twert]

i like my messenger bag because i can easily reach into it without taking it off. it has a special padded section for my laptop, it is light, sturdy and has a nice padded strap.it also looks much classier than a backpack

[scionb4]

"It's not a purse. It's a satchel. Indiana Jones has one."

[Scurredsitless1]

Does anyone have a specific recommendation for a bag?

Twert, that sounds like what I'm looking for, what is your bag exactly?

Thanks!

[bk1]

if you can comfortably carry a laptop, a power brick, and two legal textbooks in your messenger bag more power to you!

What's a "power brick"?

The external power supply located in the middle of a laptop AC adapter.

[Non-Lawyer Lawyer]

As long as you're not one of those law school tools who uses a roller bag I think you are okay with either one.

[tintin]

MAN PURSE!!

[Pisto3]

The best of both worlds - a Timbuk2 messenger (doubles as an awesome travel beer cooler - since the liner is waterproof, fill with ice, beer and go). I've had mine for 5 years and it's been through a lot and it looks brand new.

Chrome brand messenger are pretty sweet, too.

Nothing says "Hi, I'm a student with no professional experience" like a backpack.

I had a sales guy come into a clients' office with a backpack and an ill-fitting suit trying to sell website design and development...almost laughed him out the door when he took off his jansport or whatever he had, encouraged client to go with a firm where the guy came in with a briefcase for his pitch and a leather satchel later.

Leave the backpacks at undergrad / on your backpacking trip of Europe.

~m

[kalvano]

I will be using the same backpack I've had for 10 years or so.

Why bother switching now?

[vexion]

The best of both worlds - a Timbuk2 messenger (doubles as an awesome travel beer cooler - since the liner is waterproof, fill with ice, beer and go). I've had mine for 5 years and it's been through a lot and it looks brand new.

Chrome brand messenger are pretty sweet, too.

Nothing says "Hi, I'm a student with no professional experience" like a backpack.

I had a sales guy come into a clients' office with a backpack and an ill-fitting suit trying to sell website design and development...almost laughed him out the door when he took off his jansport or whatever he had, encouraged client to go with a firm where the guy came in with a briefcase for his pitch and a leather satchel later.

Leave the backpacks at undergrad / on your backpacking trip of Europe.

~m

It's law school, not OCI. A backpack is more spacious and more evenly distributes weight. And you're in the majority on campus, so you're not going to look bad.

Worry about impressing clients when you actually, you know, have clients to impress.

[solotee]

Man Purse all the way! I've had it for the past 4 years, and plan on sporting one for the next 3 years! Way more convenient than a backpack.

[Blindmelon]

I will be using the same backpack I've had for 10 years or so.

Why bother switching now?

This. Everyone uses backpacks. Satchel/Man-purses make you look like some college student.

[jmhendri]

It depends on how you carry yourself but I find there to be something effeminate about most men who carry messenger bags.

[Lawyerwannabe18]

Every guy ive ever seen with a messenger bag has been under a 150lbs, wearing skinny jeans and an extra small polo.

I just dont think I have the right build to pull if off.

[HeelsforHoos]

I have been using the same L.L. Bean backpack since 8th grade and I am not going to stop now. This thing is indestuctible, albeit out of style since 1999.

Me too. I have the green one. So far it has gotten me through four years of high school, four years of college, and two years of a master's degree.

Edit: spelling