Hey all,
So I’m using public transit more these days since the new MAX station opened right next to my house. The problem is that I always end up walking while hauling purse, laptop, etc., and I had enough shoulder and carpal tunnel problems before!! There has to be a better way. Everyone here walks around with a backpack constantly. But I almost never see one that looks attractive, businesslike, etc etc etc. Do they even exist?? I’m kind of nervous about rolling messenger bags because we’re in the middle of the six months of rain, but I’ll consider anything by this point. It seems like there just has to be an option for hauling stuff around that actually looks nice and does not put constant strain on the shoulder and arm. All suggestions welcome. 
If you have shoulder/carpal issues, you should really investigate the rolling bags, because any weight you carry will cause problems and backpacks are 1) by definition not businesslike or classy, not least because the straps will wrinkle and crush your business attire 2) are inconvenient and obstructive in cars, transit, and lineups 3) don’t completely relieve the strain on arms and shoulders and it doesn’t take much to aggravate joint problems. Or so I’ve found.
I second Kropotkin – you really should look into rolling bags instead of carrying something. I have spinal stenosis, and switch back and forth between a laptop bag and a rolling bag, depending on if anything is acting up.
Also, carry as little as possible with you. Seriously, pare down the stuff in your purse. Keep things at work if you can. It’s easy to overload when you have room.
I’m not sure WHY everyone wears backpacks around here… but they do. Professional-looking folks, too. O.o. Not a good look.
I’m the co-owner of a small landscaping business, which means that I do a little of everything, and I have to wear a backpack blower as it is. It actually works okay-- it’s hauling things around by hand that causes issues. But it would be good to not add on even more backpack time.
I will look into rolling options. They’d have to be a few inches off the ground though for sure… it’ll probably be raining every day for the next five months. Suggestions? Ideas? A particular bag people like?
I like this brand a lot: Zuca. They’ve got a wide variety of options for which body goes with what roller case. They also have a professional line, and they do some specialty cases.
I assume that these people are going to businesses with their backpacks. While they may not be attractive to you, I see no reason to assume that they are not businesslike, etc. Else they wouldn’t be wearing them.
How many of them are wearing backpack blowers?
I use the Pelican S105-B Black backpack.
It’s not slim, but it is incredibly well made. Professional looking. All black. Superb back padding. Can protect a 15" laptop with no problem, room for accessories, papers, electronics, etc. I left shoulder bags behind years ago. Asymmetrical stress, neck pain, numbness, compressed neck vertibrae etc.
Screw rolling. I had a rolling backpack for a while. I RARELY rolled it. Maybe if I did nothing but work trade shows in Vegas with thousands of yards of walking on carpeted floors it would work for me, but the streets and staircases of New York City? Waste of weight/ space/ comfort to include a rolling mechanism.
This is hands down the best choice I’ve found.
That’s a cute backpack! I’m checking out Zuca, and I could really see that unicorn one… 
I have yet to see another woman using a backpack blower, ever, anywhere. But we should! Unless your yard is about 10 square feet in size, you’ll go insane with a handheld.
I think it is 100% impossible to wear a backpack and look professional. I think messenger backs skirt the line and often cross over it, too.
I also think you should ignore all that and do whatever is most important for your health.
I use the Solo Vintage Colombian Leather Laptop Backpack for work-related travel. It still looks like a backpack, but at least it’s not canvas or synthetic fabric. (And I’m in academia, so standards for “professional look” is very low.)
Everlane has some nice ones, but they may not be businessy enough (not leather for example). Depending on your budget this Botkier one is nice (could look like a handbag just as easily), or brands like Sportsac do rolling backpacks for the best of both worlds.
I disagree. I interact with senior executives at small, medium and multi-billion dollar companies and see backpacks in use.
I use this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0095ZCT46?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
The brand is Everki, which I hadn’t heard of prior to looking around. It is simple, black and efficiently designed. Easy to stash my laptop and keep in strapped in while opening up the compartment to go flat through security. Good compartments and a comfortable carry.
When I travel I use a back pack that features a zippered opening across the back that allows me to U clip the back straps and hide them down inside this pocket, which then zips up, effectively converting it to a soft sided, handled bag. It’s awesome for when it goes on in checked baggage, no need to worry it will get snagged on the automated line equipment. When I get to the other end it only takes a moment to convert it back to a fully functioning backpack with a hipstrap if desired.
This bag also has a fully removable smaller outer day pack, which is awesome!
Agreed: The VP I report to carries an LL Bean backpack. Other executives at my company also carry backpacks.
Get whatever suits you. But if you buy a backpack, be careful.
Look behind you in a crowd so you don’t hit someone. If you get a seat on mass transit & remove the pack for comfort–stow it in your lap, not on a seat.
Wish you’d asked this question last week, because there was a sale on my backpack:
Maybe not worth it at the current price, though it is a great backpack.
Also I agree with everyone else–backpacks are fine in a business environment (though this statement may not apply to all companies or all cities). We’re 20 years past the point where people would expect you to carry a briefcase at most jobs.
You might like the Tough Traveler brand GOMBAC computer bag, which has hide-away backpack straps but looks like a casual satchel (and can also be carried as one, with a shoulder strap).
Lotsa pockets, and the Tough Traveler gear is VERY durable and solid. I haven’t owned the GOMBAC but I have several of their other items, including a bicycle-seat toolbag that’s still as good as new after 30 (not a typo) years of weather exposure and hard use.
eBags might be a good place to check out for variety.
I’ve used crossbody bags for 20 years. Would that be a compromise you could do? I’ve never had back/neck strain with them and they’re definitely more transit-friendly than backpacks. I do not recommend anyone use a backpack on transit, especially not on both shoulders. I’ve stopped 2 pickpockets from stealing from people on escalators, and know three people who have been picked from their backpacks on transit. Plus, backpacks on both shoulders, especially when full, take up the space of a whole other person and are obnoxious.
I’ve had this one for about 4 years. It’s holding up nicely. Holds groceries, too. Also, it’s an organizer that holds everything in your purse, so you can ditch the purse. This carries everything plus lunch, and on the way home I can pull a re-usable bag out and hit the grocery store. I put bags of potatoes and canned/jarred goods in the cross-body with lighter stuff in the re-usable shoulder bag and I’m set. http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/kalya-town-square/57682?productid=10019411
Here’s one that’s based on a design found in nature to store precious, delicate cargo. It is very masculine in appearance, though, so it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. It is, perhaps, TOO masculine to click on at work.
What? O.P. said, “business-like”. How am I to know what business?