what is the perfect law school bag? Forum

[billyez]

I'm going to rock my wheelie all day long with no shame. There's no way in the world I'm going to spend fifty dollars or more on a backpack. That's ridiculous.

[JOThompson]

I'll be using one similar to this:
--ImageRemoved--

[SaintClarence27]

.

[Fancy Pants]

Be a man, carry a briefcase! Project confidence. Backpacks make you look like some elementary school kid with a packed lunch.

It is amazing how law students are so conformist.

Lololololol

[webbylu87]

ebags.com has a 20% + free shipping if order is over $75 sale today until 10pm MDT if anyone is interested. I'm debating between a couple options:

http://www.ebags.com/product/high-sierr ... ell/148958
http://www.ebags.com/product/high-sierr ... art/148959
--LinkRemoved--

Aesthetically I like the High Sierra bag better but the Targus seems to be able to carry more. Maybe some current students could chime in as to whether or not you'd actually need a bag that big though. I've pretty much decided to go the backpack route considering I hate the one-sidedness of a messenger/tote and I'd like to save my back the pain. Has anyone had a High Sierra bag before? I've never had one and I'm wondering how they wear. I was considering North Face but they're so expensive. I'm trying to keep my bag budget under $60 including shipping. Thoughts?

[atlantalaw]

Be a man, carry a briefcase! Project confidence. Backpacks make you look like some elementary school kid with a packed lunch.

It is amazing how law students are so conformist.

Lololololol

i didn't say i wouldn't talk to someone with a briefcase, so it is not like i am judging harshly. all i said was it looks like you are overdoing it with a briefcase, at least at my school. i say this mostly because it seems highly impractical. there is no way i could fit my textbooks in a briefcase.

[zeth006]

ebags.com has a 20% + free shipping if order is over $75 sale today until 10pm MDT if anyone is interested. I'm debating between a couple options:

http://www.ebags.com/product/high-sierr ... ell/148958
http://www.ebags.com/product/high-sierr ... art/148959
--LinkRemoved--

Aesthetically I like the High Sierra bag better but the Targus seems to be able to carry more. Maybe some current students could chime in as to whether or not you'd actually need a bag that big though. I've pretty much decided to go the backpack route considering I hate the one-sidedness of a messenger/tote and I'd like to save my back the pain. Has anyone had a High Sierra bag before? I've never had one and I'm wondering how they wear. I was considering North Face but they're so expensive. I'm trying to keep my bag budget under $60 including shipping. Thoughts?

Looks good, and I've pegged my budget around $50-70 since that's where most good backpacks fall. I have a Targus Backpack which I got for $7 after taxes and a $10 rebate. After using it for a few days with my 13.3" Mac, I'm not confident it'll hold too many other extra books and papers. I might just give it to my brother who's looking to replace his basic backpack and get a bigger one.

All that's driving me away from buying the ones you've listed is the lack of reviews. I'll have to search on Amazon to see what people have to say about them.

[basicgrey7]

I'll be using this one:

--ImageRemoved--

LMAO!!! That made my day!

[mshflyer]

buying this one soon for the fall...

[zeth006]

Soo...


I'm down to a Targus XL vs. a bunch of Swiss backpacks out there (Synergy, Pegasus, Maxxum, etc). Can't seem to decide!


EDIT: Swiss Gear is losing its edge. They changed part of the Synergy line. But now some people are reporting that the zipper and padding are of lower quality.

[OperaSoprano]

As an alternative to the Valentino bag:

--ImageRemoved--

[SôngHươngNúiNgự]

Also makes a great suit for that hard-to-get interview.

[Fancy Pants]

Be a man, carry a briefcase! Project confidence. Backpacks make you look like some elementary school kid with a packed lunch.

It is amazing how law students are so conformist.

Lololololol

i didn't say i wouldn't talk to someone with a briefcase, so it is not like i am judging harshly. all i said was it looks like you are overdoing it with a briefcase, at least at my school. i say this mostly because it seems highly impractical. there is no way i could fit my textbooks in a briefcase.

I was actually laughing at RUQRU complaining about people conforming while judging people who choose to use a regular backpack.

[hannah87]

I'm planning on using a Longchamp tote in the biggest size since I don't like backpacks (and hopefully the fact that I get a locker for 1L means I don't have to carry tons of huge books around all the time). If my back/shoulders start to hurt, I'll probably revert to my old North Face backpack. No briefcase for me though, now or ever (imo, it looks weird when women carry them).

edit: the Valentino bag above is gorgeous, wish I could afford it!

THIS.

Longchamp tote FTW for women!

Or

LV Neverfull GM (the large one).

i want the neverfull!!! but i will settle for the longchamp . i'm going to customize one online. i used a Herve Chapelier tote for all of high school and all of college. it would probably last through law school, too, but i'm ready for a change.

[blue5385]

I'm planning on using a Longchamp tote in the biggest size since I don't like backpacks (and hopefully the fact that I get a locker for 1L means I don't have to carry tons of huge books around all the time). If my back/shoulders start to hurt, I'll probably revert to my old North Face backpack. No briefcase for me though, now or ever (imo, it looks weird when women carry them).

edit: the Valentino bag above is gorgeous, wish I could afford it!

THIS.

Longchamp tote FTW for women!

Or

LV Neverfull GM (the large one).

i want the neverfull!!! but i will settle for the longchamp . i'm going to customize one online. i used a Herve Chapelier tote for all of high school and all of college. it would probably last through law school, too, but i'm ready for a change.

I've been reading about Longchamps on law school bag threads from previous years, & people said they're actually not that good for LS because of their lack of structure, which makes a laptop & heavy casebooks sit awkwardly inside the bag. I used soft Longchamp & MBMJ totes in undergrad, but it was never a problem since I didn't bring my laptop or tons of textbooks to class. I'm thinking of getting a tote with more structured sides & am looking for recommendations for one big enough to fit a 13-in MacBook (with cover, so more like 14 in.) and casebooks...anyone?

[hannah87]

I'm planning on using a Longchamp tote in the biggest size since I don't like backpacks (and hopefully the fact that I get a locker for 1L means I don't have to carry tons of huge books around all the time). If my back/shoulders start to hurt, I'll probably revert to my old North Face backpack. No briefcase for me though, now or ever (imo, it looks weird when women carry them).

edit: the Valentino bag above is gorgeous, wish I could afford it!

THIS.

Longchamp tote FTW for women!

Or

LV Neverfull GM (the large one).

i want the neverfull!!! but i will settle for the longchamp . i'm going to customize one online. i used a Herve Chapelier tote for all of high school and all of college. it would probably last through law school, too, but i'm ready for a change.

I've been reading about Longchamps on law school bag threads from previous years, & people said they're actually not that good for LS because of their lack of structure, which makes a laptop & heavy casebooks sit awkwardly inside the bag. I used soft Longchamp & MBMJ totes in undergrad, but it was never a problem since I didn't bring my laptop or tons of textbooks to class. I'm thinking of getting a tote with more structured sides & am looking for recommendations for one big enough to fit a 13-in MacBook (with cover, so more like 14 in.) and casebooks...anyone?

good to know! i carried a macbook with cover in my Chapelier bag, and did have some issues with it falling to the bottom of the bag instead of staying upright. i will post links if i find a good structured tote

[JValdez]

I'm going to rock my wheelie all day long with no shame. There's no way in the world I'm going to spend fifty dollars or more on a backpack. That's ridiculous.

Ditto. Back pain...one less thing to worry about. http://www.kennethcole.com/product/inde ... Id=4024507

[SaintClarence27]

.

[blue5385]

good to know! i carried a macbook with cover in my Chapelier bag, and did have some issues with it falling to the bottom of the bag instead of staying upright. i will post links if i find a good structured tote

thanks hannah! I'm looking for something with a zipper top that more or less keeps its shape when freestanding/empty. I will post links if I find something too. SaintClarence, I'm not looking for a full on backpack (which IIRC is what you posted a couple pages back) since I already have one -- I prefer totes since I don't like using backpacks if possible. thx though

[op-ti]

thanks hannah! I'm looking for something with a zipper top that more or less keeps its shape when freestanding/empty. I will post links if I find something too. SaintClarence, I'm not looking for a full on backpack (which IIRC is what you posted a couple pages back) since I already have one -- I prefer totes since I don't like using backpacks if possible. thx though

Blue5385 I've been trying to find something sturdy as well.

What about the JULIA OP ART TOTE from Coach? But then again it's the same deal as the LV NW, narrow straps and no zipper. But at least it will fit all the crap we have to carry or come close to it. And it will keep its shape, I think.

Also check otu Coach's glam tote-they have a zipper. But seem a bit too LOUD for law school...dont you think?

[daesonesb]

Be a man, carry a briefcase! Project confidence. Backpacks make you look like some elementary school kid with a packed lunch.

It is amazing how law students are so conformist.

Lololololol

i didn't say i wouldn't talk to someone with a briefcase, so it is not like i am judging harshly. all i said was it looks like you are overdoing it with a briefcase, at least at my school. i say this mostly because it seems highly impractical. there is no way i could fit my textbooks in a briefcase.

I was actually laughing at RUQRU complaining about people conforming while judging people who choose to use a regular backpack.

Yeah. Backpacks are far from "conformist." They are a practical way of carrying lots of shit around. Especially if you are walking to school.

Rolling bags are shitty in outside situations. They suck to lug up hills and stairs and they get grit in the bearings. Messenger bags will wear out your shoulder and back, but look "hip." I'd say they are only a go if you have a car to drive and therefore a short walk. Breifcases look good with suits, but seem a bit formal for class. I guess if you are the type to wear loafers and oxfords to class, you could pull one off. But.. you then have the problem of how do you fit three 1,000 page casebooks into a briefcase and not smoosh the sandwich you brought for lunch.

Unless you carry a briefcase with a lunchbox... but then you are just gonna look like a pedophile.

So, I think the best course of action is to stick with a decent sized, padded backpack. If you walk or bike, get one with a waist strap on it. Trust me there, your back will thank you, and you can just unstrap it when you get to school if you dont like the "urban hiker" look.

[zeth006]

Be a man, carry a briefcase! Project confidence. Backpacks make you look like some elementary school kid with a packed lunch.

It is amazing how law students are so conformist.

Lololololol

i didn't say i wouldn't talk to someone with a briefcase, so it is not like i am judging harshly. all i said was it looks like you are overdoing it with a briefcase, at least at my school. i say this mostly because it seems highly impractical. there is no way i could fit my textbooks in a briefcase.

I was actually laughing at RUQRU complaining about people conforming while judging people who choose to use a regular backpack.

I laughed out loud for the same reason.

[zeth006]

Yeah. Backpacks are far from "conformist." They are a practical way of carrying lots of shit around. Especially if you are walking to school.

Rolling bags are shitty in outside situations. They suck to lug up hills and stairs and they get grit in the bearings. Messenger bags will wear out your shoulder and back, but look "hip." I'd say they are only a go if you have a car to drive and therefore a short walk. Breifcases look good with suits, but seem a bit formal for class. I guess if you are the type to wear loafers and oxfords to class, you could pull one off. But.. you then have the problem of how do you fit three 1,000 page casebooks into a briefcase and not smoosh the sandwich you brought for lunch.

Unless you carry a briefcase with a lunchbox... but then you are just gonna look like a pedophile.

So, I think the best course of action is to stick with a decent sized, padded backpack. If you walk or bike, get one with a waist strap on it. Trust me there, your back will thank you, and you can just unstrap it when you get to school if you dont like the "urban hiker" look.

Can you recommend a great padded backpack with a waist strap? Swiss's recent backpacks no longer seem to have waist straps and the quality of their zippers has gone down the drain.

[daesonesb]

Yeah. Backpacks are far from "conformist." They are a practical way of carrying lots of shit around. Especially if you are walking to school.

Rolling bags are shitty in outside situations. They suck to lug up hills and stairs and they get grit in the bearings. Messenger bags will wear out your shoulder and back, but look "hip." I'd say they are only a go if you have a car to drive and therefore a short walk. Breifcases look good with suits, but seem a bit formal for class. I guess if you are the type to wear loafers and oxfords to class, you could pull one off. But.. you then have the problem of how do you fit three 1,000 page casebooks into a briefcase and not smoosh the sandwich you brought for lunch.

Unless you carry a briefcase with a lunchbox... but then you are just gonna look like a pedophile.

So, I think the best course of action is to stick with a decent sized, padded backpack. If you walk or bike, get one with a waist strap on it. Trust me there, your back will thank you, and you can just unstrap it when you get to school if you dont like the "urban hiker" look.

Can you recommend a great padded backpack with a waist strap? Swiss's recent backpacks no longer seem to have waist straps and the quality of their zippers has gone down the drain.

--LinkRemoved--

I like it in black. It's spendy, but comfortable as hell.

I'd wear mine next year, but as I showed, the pattern is alittle too crazy for school (I don't want to be known for my crazy patterned backpack).

[zeth006]

Yeah. Backpacks are far from "conformist." They are a practical way of carrying lots of shit around. Especially if you are walking to school.

Rolling bags are shitty in outside situations. They suck to lug up hills and stairs and they get grit in the bearings. Messenger bags will wear out your shoulder and back, but look "hip." I'd say they are only a go if you have a car to drive and therefore a short walk. Breifcases look good with suits, but seem a bit formal for class. I guess if you are the type to wear loafers and oxfords to class, you could pull one off. But.. you then have the problem of how do you fit three 1,000 page casebooks into a briefcase and not smoosh the sandwich you brought for lunch.

Unless you carry a briefcase with a lunchbox... but then you are just gonna look like a pedophile.

So, I think the best course of action is to stick with a decent sized, padded backpack. If you walk or bike, get one with a waist strap on it. Trust me there, your back will thank you, and you can just unstrap it when you get to school if you dont like the "urban hiker" look.

Can you recommend a great padded backpack with a waist strap? Swiss's recent backpacks no longer seem to have waist straps and the quality of their zippers has gone down the drain.

--LinkRemoved--

I like it in black. It's spendy, but comfortable as hell.

I'd wear mine next year, but as I showed, the pattern is alittle too crazy for school (I don't want to be known for my crazy patterned backpack).

http://www.tactics.com/dakine/heli-pro-backpack

That one it? $70 seems to be roughly the going price for decent backpacks.