Backpack Purses - easing the load

Typically a woman never leaves home without the practicality of carrying a purse.  Anything from a simple wallet or pouch, to carry money, ID and basic essentials, up to a full fledged sling style shoulder bag.

There are times, however, when a traditional purse or handbag just doesn’t suit the situation.  Shopping trips, sightseeing, travelling tours, day trips and hiking are all outings where a backpack purse adds convenience and versatility that a typical mundane purse can’t muster. 

Backpack purses (as well as sling purses) can also be acceptably worn by men.  There is a fine line, however, between what is a “backpack,” and what is a “backpack purse;” and many will just opt for a full backpack.  A “backpack,” per se, is usually made form nylon or canvas, and has a more rugged, outdoorsy style and can come in much larger sizes.   A backpack purse offers a unique style that complements an urban outing.  Typically more stylish than a stereotypical backpack, they’re often made of leather, with zippered or buckle strapped pockets and pouches.  While larger sizes can be purchased, backpack purses are usually smallish, reflecting their casual intentions.

.. for carrying a few extra items that won’t fit in a basic purse:

water bottles

sunscreen

GPS

Maps

Brochures

camera

binoculars

Ipod

food

..for when you would want to have your hands free:

            A normal handbag or purse will either always be in your hand, or over one shoulder via. a strap.  While a strapped purse technically is hands free, you will find the bag still needs constant attention with a free hand to keep it in place at your side.  For normal use, this may not be an issue, but for a day long outing, that may involve a lot of stair climbing and holding on to a camera and water bottle and brochures, you will thank yourself for bringing a backpack purse.

..for evening out the carrying load;

A normal smaller purse is typically relatively lightweight and easy to carry around.  A sling style purse will be a bit nicer for larger or heavier loads as the wearer is able to balance the load across their back and shoulder.  Backpack purses, however are the ultimate in carrying ease and hands free versatility.  This style of purse is easily the most secure and the wearer will be able to carry more weight, with better posture and comfort than any other style.

Backpack purses are not ideally suited for formal occasions and will typically clash with fancy attire.  Dining out at a fancy restaurant, attending a wedding or going to an important business meeting just doesn’t call for a backpack purse.  Also, if your outing will involve a lot of sitting, rather than walking, a backpack style would be impractical as you won’t be able to wear it.

Crowded places can be a backpack purse owner’s worst enemy.  Since the pack is worn out of your sight, thieves can more readily pickpocket your bag.  While locking mechanisms for the pockets can help, thieves can still slit the bottom of a pocket open with a sharp knife and swipe your valuables.  In these situations, you can consider wearing the pack in front.  While it won’t be as comfortable, keeping your belongings safe and accessible, for the short duration, may be more important.

Strap design is very important.  If you are considering a larger bag, or even planning to heavily weigh down a smaller one, you should consider purchasing one with padded shoulder straps.  Some designs have more structural rigidity to the bag than others; some being a rigid leather square bag, and others being little more than a teardrop duffle bag sack.  Consider what you will be placing in the bag and the actual weight it will have to hold before making a purchase. 

The only other obvious downside to a backpack purse compared to a standard purse is its access.  While most designs do have a carry handle at the top as an alternate means for carrying, most of the time the user will have the pack on their back, and out of arms reach.  Accessing items will either involve removing the pack, or having a helper add or remove belonging in the owner’s stead.  A small price to pay in my opinion, as the convenience of a backpack purse over a traditional one, during an extended outing, is unmatched.