https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:59:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble/page/2#post-1161930 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 21:31:08 +0000 rachylou 1161930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manidipa - thanks for the input on torque and compression. The flour doesn't have to travel quite as far as the tote - but with the tote, we're only talking from parking lot to office. It takes longer than the flour because of an elevator wait, and there's sometimes stairs if I have to park higher in the lot.</p> <p>Interesting about the Pliage, Grey Rainbow.</p> <p>IK - I wonder about the bag in relation to what muscles are required. I feel it across the chest. But perhaps that *is* a matter of a weak core.</p> <p>Elp - I'll look into Pelican. It does make me worry, the ride. All that vibration...</p> <p>Lucy, Shiny - Sadly, no Mac's for me. No Mac's in hard tech </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble/page/2#post-1161742 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 16:01:32 +0000 shiny 1161742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for the rolling bag. I had similar issues (back problems) and switching to a rolling bag to schlep my clunky PC&nbsp;helped immensely. Mine was a rolling backpack, so if I had to, I could strap it on my back for awhile. (But I rarely had to).&nbsp;</p> <p>Or, get yourself a MAC Air. That's what I have now, and I'm never going back. So lightweight! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble/page/2#post-1161709 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 14:45:22 +0000 Grey Rainbow 1161709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My solution for uncomfortable, painful tote bags is Longchamp Le Pilage. The hobo is my cross body. For me this is not as comfortable and light in weight as the large tote. And it doesn't fit my laptop. The best by far is the expandable large shoulder tote. Only carried by Nordstrom, and not currently on line. Usually appears in July-August and sells out in a flash. Same dimensions as the large shoulder tote, but has a horizontal zip around the middle to expand the depth. Oddly this bag is somehow more balanced for laptop toting than the regular large shoulder tote. It stays on my shoulders and has eliminated the muscle strain and pain for me. Even when carrying tech and personal gear and some travel aids on trains, planes, metro and on foot for weeks on end overseas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble/page/2#post-1161703 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 14:40:56 +0000 ironkurtin 1161703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I suggest a core strength routine for your back. The big issue to me is not the bag, but your body! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1161614 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 09:07:41 +0000 Lucy 1161614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is totally me, too! And I loved by giant totes. </p> <p>I ended up with a wheelie bag, and then I bought a number of small and hopefully stylish clutches. So I still had a "bag" - which I could use during the day during the coffee run - but the wheelie solved the weight issue. </p> <p>And then there is the expensive option. Hubbie bought me a MacBook Air. Best surprise ever!&nbsp; It weighs not much more than an ipad, and it is lovely. Also holds charge for 10 hours so I don't normally carry a charger unless I am travelling overnight. So now I have that and my clutch, and my back is way happier!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1161582 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 06:48:01 +0000 elpgal 1161582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, if you are worried about the bumpy ride for your electronics, take a look at Pelican cases. A lot of folk at my work use it. They are expensive but it maybe worth the peace of mind.</p> <p>As another one dealing with neck/shoulder pain that manifests in all sorts of strange ways, I will join the others' entreaties re. seeing a PT. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1161572 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 05:48:45 +0000 ManidipaM 1161572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recently changed my diaper bag for a vertical laptop bag with shorter handles in water-resistant nylon. HUGE difference in weight distribution.</p> <p>Also I think the issue may be constant compression on the shoulder or neck or skewing. I hope you don't have to carry the flour as far as the bag? It's like my 10kg baby being easier to carry than my 2kg diaper bag because he is not hung off my neck (yet).</p> <p>So you really need redistribution via bags or bag style PLUS something to counter the torque of the bag and decompress. Exercises for spondylosis should help. Also if you can handle yoga, trikonasana is good for torquing and bhujangasana for sorting out compression near the neck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1161562 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 05:18:19 +0000 rachylou 1161562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe I should do a rolling tote. In the '90s, when I traveled for all week, I did end up with a rolling tote. I'm always a little paranoid about the ol' laptop though. It's a bumpy ride with a wheelie... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1161439 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 02:06:47 +0000 krishnidoux 1161439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, what you need is a rolling tote. My life changed when I got mine (I have a hard shell 4 wheels like this one&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.samsonite.co.uk/x-pertiz-rolling-tote-39-6cm-15-6inch/product-en.htm">http://www.samsonite.co.uk/x-p.....uct-en.htm</a>). Seriously, I could not imagine now carrying my electronics and books and folders etc. on my shoulder like I used to. Never again! I chose mine royal blue, so it's cute, and then I wear a tiny cross over bag with my passes, id cards and $. That way I can&nbsp;switch hand bags to match my outfit, while the heavy duty stuff stays in the rolling tote.</p> <p>Oh - and I do drag it through snow, ice and slush&nbsp;etc. and it's no problem and water doesn't filter in.</p> <p>BTW what prompted me to switch from tote to rolling tote were horrible upper back pains I got from lugging my bag around, going up and down stairs at work with it under my arm, pulling across my shoulder blades. Horrible. With the rolling tone I push it with a finger. I located the elevators in the school so to avoid carrying the weight up and down, because I believe that's what caused a lot of aches in my case.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <p>And you can also get a rolling back pack, if that is what you are after... I have seen students use this.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1161281 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 21:47:38 +0000 rachylou 1161281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Lantana. I'll have to look about thoracic issues. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1161279 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 21:44:43 +0000 Lantana 1161279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I'm no health guru but it sounds like your lumbar and core strength is good and there is something going on inthe thoracic area.<br /> I would be scurrying quick smart to a physiotherist or occupational therapist. Trouble is, if you don't address these things they go underground and resurface as a mystery pain/disability. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1161207 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 20:12:32 +0000 rachylou 1161207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! I guess there's a lot more out there than I registered with a google search. I think that Pliage is very cute. Sadly, my laptop is giant. I even entertained for a moment yesterday a new computer, but I'm in high tech. I don't know if I can get away with one of those little ones.</p> <p>Btw, Lantana. Haha! I'm interested if there are any exercises that target workbag carrying muscles... and what they'd be. I carry 25-50 lbs sacks of flours and mixing bowls and all manner of stuff with no trouble. But there's something about the work tote that just gives me horrible pain. I mean, it's nowhere that much in weight; there's just something about it... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160974 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 06:55:55 +0000 Ingunn 1160974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think variety is important. I've had severe neck/back pain due to too much computer time for a long while. After starting yoga and weight training, it has become better. You could try this, too. In the meantime, until you've recovered, I suggest a backpack of sorts to even out the weight as much as possible. Your health must get first priority, and there are some types of backpacks out there that look rather stylish these days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160972 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 06:55:32 +0000 Ariadne 1160972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use this backpack in black:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.luglife.com/Sprout-carry-all-bag">http://www.luglife.com/Sprout-carry-all-bag</a></p> <p>It's inconspicuous and more sleek and&nbsp;urban than the MEC ones I used as a student, so I appreciate it for that.</p> <p>Anything other than a backpack is flat-out painful after 5 minutes, for me. &nbsp;I have to carry a very heavy laptop and a ton of other stuff around with me. Even this gets uncomfortable after a while, but it's a big improvement.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160958 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 06:17:31 +0000 Adelfa 1160958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No solutions. I have bad neck trouble from sleeping wrong all the time and yoga can help some. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160952 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 06:02:43 +0000 Jeanie 1160952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Be careful with your shoulders. &nbsp;Too much weight on one side can really do some damage. &nbsp;I can hear my chiropractor's voice now &nbsp;I love the Everlane..cool and on trend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160932 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 05:15:18 +0000 Lantana 1160932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have lots of suggestions for carrying the load so I'm going to say the sensible things about posture, stretching and exercise.</p> <p>Actually, I'm not, on second thoughts, because you need to come to those solutions via your own volition.</p> <p>(But I might just give you a gentle nudge in that direction.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160919 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 04:41:13 +0000 Dee 1160919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have this problem too, especially when carrying a laptop. I've found that having&nbsp;separate case for a laptop (I have a Timbuk2 one that's basically a laptop sleeve with a crossbody strap and I love it) also works well for occassional trips.</p> <p>In terms of messenger bags, I like the Patagonia Minimass. It fits up to a 13" laptop and is super lightweight nylon. And it's waterproof. It's become my go-to bag in bad weather. Also, I'm petite and this one doesn't feel overwhelming to me, unlike some of the Timbuk2 bags. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160702 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 23:48:49 +0000 Suz 1160702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vertical bags can help. I had one for a while and liked it quite a lot. Currently I just shove my laptop in a tote, but I don't actually have to carry it all that often. If I did, I might look for a backpack solution.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160697 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 23:41:19 +0000 Vicki 1160697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, you've receive a lot of great suggestions here and I don't have any suggestions other than to say that you're being proactive which is essential and I like the two-bag idea and/or the use of a super-light bag that meets your storage needs. &nbsp;The even distribution may be the way to go. &nbsp;A well-made backpack, with soft straps, would be good as long as it didn't aggravate your shoulder (you may have to road test it a bit). &nbsp;A lightweight wheelie-thing or luggage carrier would really take the burden off, but you said there are times you need to pick up and I don't know if that would be too hard on you.</p> <p>Taking the pressure off of your shoulder(s) and chest will help in the healing process due to the repetitive nature of all this carrying. &nbsp;Hope you feel better.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160691 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 23:36:23 +0000 Catnip 1160691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My doctor told me the solution to this problem was to use a backpack.&nbsp; Didn't Angie have a post on backpacks recently?&nbsp; I think she said they were back in fashion, or am I imagining this? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160687 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 23:30:52 +0000 Astrid 1160687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, you have my commiseration as well. For myself I'm using a backpack whenever I have to carry a lot, and not a stylish one either but a Jack Wolfskin backpack. I'm thinking of getting a fancy one someday. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160682 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 23:25:19 +0000 Diana 1160682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, I seem to be turning into a Longchamp booster lately, but they do make a Le Pliage backpack that might be helpful for some of you.&nbsp; It's not big enough for a laptop though but a tablet would definitely fit.</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/longchamp-le-pliage-backpack-small/3023122" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lo.....ll/3023122</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160677 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 23:20:32 +0000 E 1160677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just saw the Everlane backpack last night &amp; was going to ask the forum&nbsp;if wearing backpacks instead of purses was acceptable post-school! I have illnesses that require me to carry the lightest load possible (no full leather for me), and it's getting worse, to the point that I hesitate to bring my phone along because it feels too heavy. A lot of times I can get by with my tiny cross body bag for errands and a nylon reusable tote bag for dog walking&nbsp;or by using pockets, but for the days I need to actually carry stuff, I'm beginning to think a backpack might be the only answer.</p> <p>Clearly, I don't have any solutions. But lots of commiserations! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160666 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 23:06:44 +0000 rachylou 1160666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, lots of suggestions! </p> <p>Hmm, Mo. You might have something with verticality. I didn't have this problem last year, with a more vertical tote. Same laptop. Hmm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160648 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 22:43:21 +0000 Mo 1160648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>this might have better dimensions for us ladies with not a lot of width to us&nbsp;than a traditional messenger bag? &nbsp; It's more up and down. &nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008WD8EU0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;smid=A2PJMIHL5PHBHZ">http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....MIHL5PHBHZ</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160584 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 21:37:24 +0000 ATLynn 1160584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had to go backpack for my walking commute.&nbsp; I have this one, and feel decidedly dorky with it, but get a ton of compliments (minus the dangly ribbon). </p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Edge-Backpack--16-Inch-17-Inch/dp/B000B8AL5A/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1391809164&amp;sr=8-12&amp;keywords=breast+cancer+backpack" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-E.....038;qid=13</a></p> <p>I'm eying the everlane as a replacement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160569 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 21:19:23 +0000 Louise 1160569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you seen Healthy Back Bags? <a href="http://www.ameribag.com/classic-healthy-back-bag/" rel="nofollow">http://www.ameribag.com/classic-healthy-back-bag/</a> I have a beautiful red cherry leather one and even when fully loaded I barely know I'm wearing it x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160563 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 21:07:33 +0000 keruchina 1160563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love my Everlane backpack. It looks reasonably stylish.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tote-bag-trouble#post-1160562 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 21:06:16 +0000 rachylou 1160562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never looked at TUMI. I have looked at Herschel, but not with this issue in mind, and Chrome. I'll have to look into them. It will change my style! Waah. Lol.</p> <p>But good caution re. bike messenger bags, Diana. That would be awkward. Maybe I should really think about a two bag solution. Distribute the weight. </p>