Do You REALLY Need a Backpack?

It’s becoming more “in style” to carry your items in some type of bag, rather than keep your most important items in your pocket. We all know that wallets, keys, tissues, and other items can both look and feel uncomfortable in your pants – not only for you, but for your partner as well if you sit next to each other, and in some cases they can be a safety issue if you wear clothes with small pockets (increasing the risk of those items falling out).

Carrying these items in some type of bag offers an effective and popular alternative, and many businesses – including our team here at Allett! – are creating bags that are designed for style AND function. For both younger and older generations, the bag that most people go for first is a backpack. 

But is this the right choice?

Do you really need a backpack?

Frequently, you’ll find that the answer is no – that a backpack is not only unnecessary, but also overkill, and in some cases can create bad habits that make life harder for you then it needs to be.

Why You Don’t Need a Backpack

Of course, if you’re in school or you’re someone that has to carry a lot of large items with you, you might want a backpack. There aren’t a lot of bags that are made for that much stuff that also balance the weight evenly on your back. 

But for everyone else, you might find that a backpack is unnecessary. Consider the following:

• How Much Do You Need? 

We talk about bad habits because many people carry far more than they need *just because they can*. Backpacks tend to cause people to carry changes of clothes, snacks, receipts and trash, books, and a host of items that they probably are not required. These items weigh you down, both literally and figuratively, and so if you’re using a backpack when a backpack is not required, chances are you’d be better off downsizing.

• They’re Not Convenient

Backpacks are not convenient. They’re great for carrying a large quantity of items, of course, but they are not typically that useful for grabbing a wallet quickly or finding something small that you need. You may be able to carry more, but you also can’t fit in tight spaces or easily move your bag out of someone’s way. They’re not as convenient as they seem. 

• They Easier to Target

People generally have a much easier time stealing things from backpacks (or stealing the backpacks themselves). People can undo zippers and take something out if it fairly easily without someone knowing, as it’s hard to feel your backpack being touched while it’s behind you.

Simply put, there isn’t as much value to carrying a backpack as it may seem, and often times you can carry everything you need in a bag that is much smaller.

What Alternatives Are There?

Glad you asked! Let’s talk about the alternatives to backpacks, since we offer a lot of them here at Allett. Hip packs (also known as fanny packs) are a great option. They are much smaller, carry what you need, and keep everything close to you on your person.

You can also look into sling bags, which are far more stylish and popular – a great choice for those that are looking for something better than a backpack. Both of these are much better overall options, offering a smaller but still spacious space for your items that are easily accessible, stylish, harder to steal from, and overall a better option for most people.

Take a look at our designs, and see why so many people are shedding the backpacks and moving towards sling packs and hip bags. Order yours from Allet, today.