Backpacks in need of fashionable adult styles

For my first three years at the University of Cincinnati, I avoided backpacks like I avoid statistics and university sporting events.

Even in high school I remember ditching my backpack post sophomore year. Why? Aside from the ban on backpacks in the hallways, at some point, someone or something got into my subconscious and pulled a trigger that said, “Hey, kid. Backpacks aren’t cool anymore.”

Gone are the days of waging war over needing the newest designs – Baby Bop was traded in for the Spice Girls who eventually became collateral for a plain, neon-colored backpack that my friends and I could transcribe our favorite song lyrics on and adorn with pins and patches.

In the last 15 months, I successfully destroyed two laptop, briefcase-like, oversized bags I cart my life around in. On each, the straps start to separate from the bag itself. And before those, I had a different style bag that had a similar problem.

Maybe I carry too much stuff … But, I digress: If celebrities can fit all of their can’t-function-without stuff plus small animals, I should be free from worry.

From what I remember, backpacks seemed to last forever – as a kid, having the most awesome character from a TV show or movie made last week’s bag outdated before you could convince your parents that you needed it to maintain your playground status.
Now, I’m stuck. I have the mentality that backpacks are still for kids. On the other hand, I feel that same mentality tipping toward the whipping out my debit card to buy one each time the straps on my tote rip a little more. (I’m waiting for the day it busts on campus spilling all its contents as I watch a tampon roll down the sidewalk through
McMicken Commons.)

It has to happen. For the sake of not chasing toiletries across campus, it has to happen.
In a Google search for adult-appropriate backpacks, here’s what the Internet tells me to buy:

LEGO Jr. school bag: It’s red with multiple compartments and space for a water bottle. On the front, the image of a LEGO soldier with ‘HEROES’ underneath. $32.50

Insane Clown Posse: It has more space than the LEGO bag, but the ICP bag has a pattern with a tiny yellow man carrying a hatchet. $44.99

Dora The Explorer: The actual description from the Web site called Unisex (Adult) Backpacks: “Very cute and useful backpack to carry your crayons, activity stationery supplies and small toys.” $16.99

As you can see, the results are less than ideal. So, I Googled again. This time I searched for ‘backpacks for adults.’ Sick of choosing links, I opted for the images. The first image is of a young boy wearing a backpack. Not quite adult.

Two rows down is a fuzzy backpack with a kangaroo and koala bear attached to it. The background, inside of a large white heart, reads, “I heart Australia.”

Backpack users of the University of Cincinnati, I need your help. Help guide me on this blind endeavor to purchase a long-lasting backpack.

Is canvas better than leather? Where have you shopped in the past? Is your backpack durable and how long has it lasted? Is an over-the-shoulder bag more comfortable and practical than the traditional two straps?

What are the downsides to backpacks? Have you ever turned too suddenly and fallen over from the forgotten and heavy weight on your back, or, worse, blasted someone else?

Help?

Is you back packed? Or do you prefer to tote your bag on your shoulder? Tell Taylor at thefashiondungjen@gmail.com.