What do you think about a mini backpack?

Someone gifted me a mini backpack in black and I'm not sure how I feel about it.

Its a tiny black sling-bag with no branding etc...so has a clean look. The strap can be adjusted to either use it like a sling bag or shoulder bag, or can be made into a mini backpack. The strange part is that its designed like a satchel....a small hard satchel and is not slouchy at all.

I have added two pics so you get an idea of what I mean.

But I want to know - what do you ladies think of mini-backpacks? Honestly, I find them silly...they aren't practical coz they are too small to be backpacks and look ridiculous hanging off a broad back. I would rather just use a small sling bag if I wanted to use that size, rather than put it on my back. Maybe this style of bag is only for teenagers or college going girls or really really thin young women in early 20s? Or am I wrong?

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10 years ago

Anonymous

Hmmm, I'm not sure. The example in #1 doesn't look too tiny, but the red and grey ones seem a bit small and the proportions don't look great. I would be inclined to say use it as a shoulder bag myself. I do think I prefer a slightly bigger size if it's to be worn on the back. Janet has a fab cobalt on in a decent size that looks great. We could do with pictures of you with the bag really.

I'm adding a caveat here as I don't own one and never have, so perhaps not the font of all knowledge!!

Astrid

Veteran

Well I have a tiny Haglöfs backpack, but I count that more as gear. In everyday life I would probably prefer a handbag if I carry little. I do like bigger backpacks though, if I want to carry more. I definitely prefer them to lugging around a huge messenger or tote bag.

They don't work for me. I need a bag that can carry a lot. The backpacks I have looked at in real life seem "small." And what really irks me is that they seem to have access problems. My bag has to be fashionable, but really utilitarian.

Maneera

(website)

I agree with you all. I love normal sized backpacks too and do use one when I travel. It's the small weird size that I find confusing...it's neither utilitarian nor stylish since it looks too too small in scale with my body.

Thanks for your comments! I'll probably use it just as a small sling bag

Daria

Active Member

Not for me. Depending on the size,small backpack can be convenient for travelling, but even then I prefer a crossbody.

Janet

I'm with Diane. I absolutely adore my cobalt backpack, but it is roomy and practical, and soft yet structured. I think the size also suits my frame, but I often carry it just over one shoulder too. I would not want to wear a tiny pack on my back because the small size would probably make my hips look even larger than they are by comparison.

Would you be willing to carry it just over one shoulder like a regular purse? Or is it something you just don't envision yourself using and enjoying? Does it work for your style and your life? If not, maybe you can return/exchange?

I know what you mean,Janet. Thanks for your input. No, this backpack is way smaller....it doesn't fit anything. I will try using it as a regular cross body bag

In complete honesty, I find the real mini ones look juvenile and just like you are wearing your toddler's backpack. They should be proportionate to one's body. Just sayin'.....

Beth Ann

Sounds like you're "sorted," as Angie says! I'm a lover of larger crossbody bags myself --- Easier to get in and out of, and I would not feel secure, even here in the salt-of-the-earth midwest, with my wallet on my back.

That said - I love Janet's blue bag, and strong, modern bags that can sling over the shoulder in addition to being worn on the back.

Lisa P, you make me smile! Yes, they do look juvenile and I hate anything out of proportion!

Beth,I so know what u mean! I can't risk putting my wallet in a backpack either. It feels wrong, and rightly so. I had my wallet stolen out of my tote at a crowded train station just last year! It was horrid! Not because I lost money....but because I lost ALL IDs. I mean - ALL. Very traumatizing. Ugh....I still can't believe THAT happened to me....coz I'm very very careful. I check for my wallet and phone everytime I reach into my bag, but that's probably just my OCD. In any case, a bag that doesn't feel 'safe' is a bad option to begin with!

Transcona Shannon

I have a regular size backpack in cognac faux leather and love it but wouldn't want anything smaller. I'm not sure something the size of those you have posted would be useful in any way. And I agree with LisaP that they look a bit juvenile.

Dee

I get flashbacks to high school when those nylon Jansport mini backpacks were all the rage. The ones you posted do look a lot sleeker though.

unfrumped

What Lisap said, and Sterling. A tiny backpack style bag may be my idea of the least attractive or useful bag. It doesn't do much for proportions or convenience or gracefulness. I could fire up the same way about dressy clutches that don't actually hold anything, but I have to admit my eye allows for them as decorative and chic--so maybe it's my style filter.
I do actually like small functional bags on long shoulder straps, for the lightweight aspect, for travel or hiking, say enough to fit key, travel wallet, glasses--worn either actually on shoulder or crossbody for more security.

Elle

It sounds like you would never use yours, so I'd regift. For myself, I like them as a hands free purse (love #1)

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