what is the perfect law school bag? Forum

[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.

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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.

I was checking this one http://www.tactics.com/dakine/heli-pro- ... pack/black
But they seem roughly similar.

Only downside is there isn't a laptop pocket. There are also larger backpacks out there, but this one is plenty big for me.
I carry my laptop and books in it just fine.

[mikeytwoshoes]

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!

Good one!

[RUQRU]

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[zeth006]

Yes, I think all you folks obsessing about which backpack to wear so you won't feel out of place carrying your lunch is rather pathetic. Gee, I hope Sally doesn't think I am a total dork because I have an XYZ back pack. Oh, I better visit the school before classes start so I can see what back packs the big kids are using. Yes, I'll break my back carrying all this stuff around, rather than use a rolling bag because the in crowd will think I am a clod. Geesh.

So elementary school.

I'm personally just trying to find a laptop bag that doesn't compromise on quality and can protect and hold all my stuff. Recent reviews on Swiss backpacks are a bit disappointing as the zippers have been known to pop out. The other one someone linked above seems promising though not enough reviews exist for it.

[blue5385]

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?

The Julia is cute, but no zipper = rain/snow getting all over my books and laptop or all my stuff falling out = bad times . I think the Glam tote could work though -- it's canvas, so I'm guessing it would hold up similar to the Neverfull, & it's also big enough. The designs are bright, but personally I think it'd be fine for LS (I'm not too worried about looking professional during class). I generally don't buy Coach bags, and have only ever received them as gifts, but I think the Glam is cute in a design without Coach C's all over it.

edit: There's also the LV Totally GM, which is way more pricey but is the right size with a zippered top. My mom has it in a smaller size and has used it every single day for almost a year now (she puts a lot of heavy stuff, including work files, in it and it has held up really well).

[hannah87]

too small? http://www.katespade.com/product/index. ... 44.3744580

i like this, too. http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/p ... ryID=16960

still can't find the perfect tote, though .

[blue5385]

Both of those are really cute, Hannah! I think the Kate Spade might be just big enough for a laptop with a cover, actually (I'm thinking in terms of my MacBook, which isn't too big). Also, I like that the L.A.M.B. one has a long shoulder strap, because it can be worn like a messenger bag.

[hannah87]

Both of those are really cute, Hannah! I think the Kate Spade might be just big enough for a laptop with a cover, actually (I'm thinking in terms of my MacBook, which isn't too big). Also, I like that the L.A.M.B. one has a long shoulder strap, because it can be worn like a messenger bag.

thanks, blue! i think i'll check out the L.A.M.B. in a bloomingdales store in the next week or 2 and report back

[blue5385]

Both of those are really cute, Hannah! I think the Kate Spade might be just big enough for a laptop with a cover, actually (I'm thinking in terms of my MacBook, which isn't too big). Also, I like that the L.A.M.B. one has a long shoulder strap, because it can be worn like a messenger bag.

thanks, blue! i think i'll check out the L.A.M.B. in a bloomingdales store in the next week or 2 and report back

I'm also planning on checking out a couple bags soon, maybe this weekend if I have time. Not sure which ones yet, but I will also report back!

[hannah87]

backpacks are supposedly a trend now, and J Crew has this cute one. do you think it will be durable enough for a laptop and textbooks?

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/Wom ... /26381.jsp

[LoyolaLaw2012]

It aint this one:

These are so annoying.

[Duralex]

They're more ugly than annoying. How are they annoying ? (Or, more annoying than back pain...?)

I've been thinking about a rolling backpack w/a flattish top (for stacking), hopefully a little less of an eyesore and a little more versatile than the usual roller, for days when I have too much crap for the briefcase/satchel/m-bag.

If you do go with a rolling bag of some kind, I would get the kind with the two-pole handle (for stacking, as mentioned.)

And if you go with a convertible roller, make sure to check the weight of the bag. Some of them are intended for intrepid tourism and can be way too heavy unloaded for practical school use (i.e. around 8 pounds!)

[jpfrawg]

Get a backpack, cut your casebooks, and don't bring your hornbooks to class. Leave your rolly bag at home, or give it to goodwill. Not to mention, rolly bags aren't even that convenient, unless you go to a law school with a completely level campus and open air classrooms. It'll suck going up and down stairs, and it'll suck getting in anywhere besides the end of the rows.

[lbeezy]

I don't know how people survive without a backpack. Books are heavy and bulky. They aren't really cute tote bag material.

Unfortunately.

[nol607]

how is this:

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Sorry, tried to copy and paste the pic but I've never done it before.
16"w x 12"h x 5"d

Is that a sufficient depth? There are lots of really nice tumi bags but their depth is generally <5". Anyone with swiss army/tumi bag like this?

[chicagolaw2013]

Too lazy to read the whole thread, but in short:

Guys: backpack or messenger bag (I'm assuming here, since I am not a dude)

Girls: large enough tote to fit laptop and books, or backpack (I'm more of a tote girl, though)

God help you if you use one of those goddamn wheelie suitcase deals. I will search out anyone who uses one and point and laugh. Back pain is no excuse for looking like you're about to miss your flight. We're not at the airport, sorry.

[RUQRU]

For all conformists who must have a backpack to carry their lunch, but secretly do not want to break their backs, try:

JanSport Daypacks Driver 8 Wheeled Backpack(#TN89)

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For the super fashion conscious conformist, you can get it in many plaid colors!
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Kensington also makes a combo shoulder bag/roller:

Contour™ Roller - K62348 - Kensington

[phooey182]

I use a Timbuk2 Messenger bag. The biggest size they have.

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/lap ... ger-style/

It looks real geeky, but it can carry soooo much. Because It is only carried over a single shoulder, you might feel some back strain after a while. But I just switch shoulders.

[jbarl1]

The Targus stuff is nice because they use yoke-type shoulder straps, and make their bags really sturdy.
This one is 15.5" x 20.5" x 8", which should be big enough to carry a laptop, three or four books, lunch, and gym clothes.

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I've used one for work for years and much prefer it to my North Face backpack.

I just got this one on ebay for like $30! Such a good deal and the bag is great!

[hannah87]

i just ordered this one from REI.com. $40 clearance! i hope i don't get sick of it too quickly.

[jbarl1]

i just ordered this one from REI.com. $40 clearance! i hope i don't get sick of it too quickly.

whoa bright...if you're going to school in the cold maybe it will help brighten your winter months!

[hannah87]

whoa bright...if you're going to school in the cold maybe it will help brighten your winter months!

haha i hope so. i wanted something cute and cheerful. will be in nyc

[MapleM]

I am getting this in a few days!!!
http://www.luggage.com/asp/show_detail. ... 420&init=1
This is from Samsonite, and this comes with a laptop sleeve!

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I am a tote girl but I won't care about fashion as much while I'm at law school.
I will use my favorite tote for carring my lunch, water, and other personal belongings, and I will use this wheeled backpack to carry heavy books and my laptop.

[utswdukie80]

i just ordered this one from REI.com. $40 clearance! i hope i don't get sick of it too quickly.

I hope we don't go to the same school, because I'm afraid I'd get sick on it!

[hannah87]

mean! but funny.