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Tote bag trouble

rachylou

Veteran

Ok. I come to y'all with a problem. Carrying a work tote is giving me chest and shoulder pains. Very bad when I put the laptop in, but still bad with just an iPad plus notebook and bottle of iced tea.

I've already jettisoned all genuine leather totes as way, way too heavy. I'm trying the cross strap thing starting today (do not have high hopes). I guess I could do a wheelie, but then I worry how good that is for the electronic equipment (vibration and bumps in the road) and I'd still be carrying it half the time. I suppose a backpack might be better, but that sounds super ugly and inconvenient. As does a full on bike-messenger bag (worn cross-wise and very close to the body).

I don't know. Carry less pens? Exercises to strengthen the upper body? Anybody else ever have and solve this problem?

General

33 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Greyscale

Veteran

I sympathize. I had shoulder problems from my laptop bag, even just from the 10 minute walk from the parking lot to lab.

I did switch to a backpack, one of the styles that all the local hipsters wear while riding their hipster bicycles. But I work in a very casual environment where backpacks are common.

Backpacks are definitely a trend among 20-somethings now so there are a few nice styles out there, if you're considering that at all. Some are like vintage rucksacks (Herschel Supply Co is the main brand I see) and others are sporty nylon (Chrome, my local expensive favorite Mission Workshop, various other bike-focused brands).

Diana

Veteran

I solved it by getting an ipad. But it sounds like you've already tried that, LOL.

This is not an option for me because I take public transit and I worry too much about losing one of the bags, but you could split the load. Get a separate bag for the laptop and carry it in your hand, and put everything else in your shoulder/crossbody bag?

I would caution against the bike messenger bag actually, especially since you are smaller than me. I find that almost all of them are too wide across the back and don't snug up to my back the way they are supposed to (since most are designed for men, I think, and a laptop is pretty wide and hard in any case). My husband finds Timbuk2 bags SUPER comfy but he has a much wider and longer back than me. On me, they reach past the sides of my back and bump around funny so I get really weird aches and pains.

El Cee

Veteran

Have you tried TUMI brand? They have some nice, lightweight, sleek looking backpacks and messenger bags. Nordstrom carries this line.

rachylou

Veteran

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.

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.

keruchina

I love my Everlane backpack. It looks reasonably stylish.

Louise

Veteran

Have you seen Healthy Back Bags? http://www.ameribag.com/classic-healthy-back-bag/ I have a beautiful red cherry leather one and even when fully loaded I barely know I'm wearing it x

ATLynn

Veteran

I had to go backpack for my walking commute. I have this one, and feel decidedly dorky with it, but get a ton of compliments (minus the dangly ribbon).

http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-E.....038;qid=13

I'm eying the everlane as a replacement.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

this might have better dimensions for us ladies with not a lot of width to us than a traditional messenger bag? It's more up and down. http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....MIHL5PHBHZ

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, lots of suggestions!

Hmm, Mo. You might have something with verticality. I didn't have this problem last year, with a more vertical tote. Same laptop. Hmm.

E

Veteran

I just saw the Everlane backpack last night & was going to ask the forum 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 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.

Clearly, I don't have any solutions. But lots of commiserations!

Diana

Veteran

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. It's not big enough for a laptop though but a tablet would definitely fit.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lo.....ll/3023122

Astrid

Veteran

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.

Catnip

Veteran

My doctor told me the solution to this problem was to use a backpack. Didn't Angie have a post on backpacks recently? I think she said they were back in fashion, or am I imagining this?

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

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. The even distribution may be the way to go. 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). 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.

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. Hope you feel better.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

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.

Dee

Veteran

I have this problem too, especially when carrying a laptop. I've found that having 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.

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.

Lantana

Veteran

You have lots of suggestions for carrying the load so I'm going to say the sensible things about posture, stretching and exercise.

Actually, I'm not, on second thoughts, because you need to come to those solutions via your own volition.

(But I might just give you a gentle nudge in that direction.)

Jeanie

Veteran

Be careful with your shoulders. Too much weight on one side can really do some damage. I can hear my chiropractor's voice now I love the Everlane..cool and on trend.

Adelfa

Veteran

No solutions. I have bad neck trouble from sleeping wrong all the time and yoga can help some.

Ariadne

Veteran

I use this backpack in black: http://www.luglife.com/Sprout-carry-all-bag

It's inconspicuous and more sleek and urban than the MEC ones I used as a student, so I appreciate it for that.

Anything other than a backpack is flat-out painful after 5 minutes, for me. 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.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

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.

rachylou

Veteran

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.

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...

Lantana

Veteran

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.
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.

rachylou

Veteran

Thanks, Lantana. I'll have to look about thoracic issues.

krishnidoux

Veteran

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 http://www.samsonite.co.uk/x-p.....uct-en.htm). 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 switch hand bags to match my outfit, while the heavy duty stuff stays in the rolling tote.

Oh - and I do drag it through snow, ice and slush etc. and it's no problem and water doesn't filter in.

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.

And you can also get a rolling back pack, if that is what you are after... I have seen students use this.

rachylou

Veteran

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...

ManidipaM

Veteran

I recently changed my diaper bag for a vertical laptop bag with shorter handles in water-resistant nylon. HUGE difference in weight distribution.

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).

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.

elpgal

Veteran

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.

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.

Lucy

Veteran

This is totally me, too! And I loved by giant totes.

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.

And then there is the expensive option. Hubbie bought me a MacBook Air. Best surprise ever! 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!

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