I'm too old to wear fashion backpacks
May 30, 2023 7:04 PM Subscribe
I commute on foot and my purse-ish backpack is not cutting it. I need a proper ergonomic bag. Of course I have some snowflake details...
We live in a very dense urban inner-city environment. I don't have a car and for various reasons cannot drive. My six-year-old goes to a school which is about a 16-minute walk in from the main road. That means that when I go to pick him up, I am walking for at least half an hour--in from the main street to get him, wearing my own backpack, and then back to the main street, still wearing my own backpack but also hauling his stuff. I feel like a pack mule. My body is protesting.
I pack the usual wallet/phone/keys. Sometimes a sweater. The big load seems to be from the lunch gear. Both of us have food allergies, so I don't buy food on the go and can't just toss a sandwich into a ziploc bag. He takes a lunch bag with a thermos and snack containers. I take dinner leftovers in glass containers I can reheat at work. I also take a thermal coffee mug.
I don't think I am packing an unusual amount. But it's more time on foot than maybe some people carry all this. I thought about a wheeled bag, but live in a snowy climate so that won't work half the year. Also thought about switching my lunch to stainless steel and putting on dishes at work to reheat, but I don't really want to be washing dishes in a communal work kitchen. And I think the really killer part is the second half of the walk anyway. It's a bit too far for kiddo to really carry his own bag the whole way.
What is my best ergonomic solution here? I welcome any links to Amazon products.
We live in a very dense urban inner-city environment. I don't have a car and for various reasons cannot drive. My six-year-old goes to a school which is about a 16-minute walk in from the main road. That means that when I go to pick him up, I am walking for at least half an hour--in from the main street to get him, wearing my own backpack, and then back to the main street, still wearing my own backpack but also hauling his stuff. I feel like a pack mule. My body is protesting.
I pack the usual wallet/phone/keys. Sometimes a sweater. The big load seems to be from the lunch gear. Both of us have food allergies, so I don't buy food on the go and can't just toss a sandwich into a ziploc bag. He takes a lunch bag with a thermos and snack containers. I take dinner leftovers in glass containers I can reheat at work. I also take a thermal coffee mug.
I don't think I am packing an unusual amount. But it's more time on foot than maybe some people carry all this. I thought about a wheeled bag, but live in a snowy climate so that won't work half the year. Also thought about switching my lunch to stainless steel and putting on dishes at work to reheat, but I don't really want to be washing dishes in a communal work kitchen. And I think the really killer part is the second half of the walk anyway. It's a bit too far for kiddo to really carry his own bag the whole way.
What is my best ergonomic solution here? I welcome any links to Amazon products.
Sorry, I reread and you addressed this, but you might have to let go of something and it seems like your desire not to wash dishes at work might be the thing. You could also potentially use something disposable at work like thick paper plates?
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 7:26 PM on May 30, 2023
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 7:26 PM on May 30, 2023
Honestly, that doesn't sound like a particularly large or heavy load to me - I carry a backpack all the time and haul groceries, books, bike gear, etc. Also I'm old.
Assuming that your health permits, you might be better off doing some PT and light weights at home to build up your core and back muscles - I don't think you'd need to do a lot. Some half push-ups, dead bugs and a little bit of work with ten pound dumbbells every couple of days would probably boost your strength to the point where you don't feel like you're hauling so much stuff.
Also, are you wearing good shoes? How is your lower back? I have a back condition which makes standing and walking difficult unless I am diligent about PT and I have noticed that it is much, much more fatiguing just to move my legs when I'm not doing the PT that prevents tight hips, in particular.
I hope this doesn't sound obnoxious - it's just that I can tell so clearly the difference in my strength and energy levels when I do my PT and when I let it lapse, and frankly a lot of people without back disorders have, like I do, a weak core and tight hips because of working a desk job.
Also, with your existing backpack, do you have the shoulder straps tight enough? Loose shoulder straps are another fatigue-creator for me.
posted by Frowner at 7:39 PM on May 30, 2023 [12 favorites]
Assuming that your health permits, you might be better off doing some PT and light weights at home to build up your core and back muscles - I don't think you'd need to do a lot. Some half push-ups, dead bugs and a little bit of work with ten pound dumbbells every couple of days would probably boost your strength to the point where you don't feel like you're hauling so much stuff.
Also, are you wearing good shoes? How is your lower back? I have a back condition which makes standing and walking difficult unless I am diligent about PT and I have noticed that it is much, much more fatiguing just to move my legs when I'm not doing the PT that prevents tight hips, in particular.
I hope this doesn't sound obnoxious - it's just that I can tell so clearly the difference in my strength and energy levels when I do my PT and when I let it lapse, and frankly a lot of people without back disorders have, like I do, a weak core and tight hips because of working a desk job.
Also, with your existing backpack, do you have the shoulder straps tight enough? Loose shoulder straps are another fatigue-creator for me.
posted by Frowner at 7:39 PM on May 30, 2023 [12 favorites]
Have a look at the Tom Bihn range of backpacks. They're made with comfort and functionality in mind.
Some of them have an (optional) rigid frame to help distribute the weight more evenly over your body.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 7:59 PM on May 30, 2023 [2 favorites]
Some of them have an (optional) rigid frame to help distribute the weight more evenly over your body.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 7:59 PM on May 30, 2023 [2 favorites]
Do you have an REI or other outdoorsy-type store in the area? You don't need a ginormous multi-day backpacking pack, but they also carry smaller daypacks with nice features like waist and chest straps that help distribute the load. I would advise taking your current pack (fully loaded) with you, so you can really try them out - try transferring all your stuff into them and walk around the store with the backpack on to see how they feel. I would definitely recommend trying packs in person instead of ordering off the internet, since fit can be important (even moreso if you are not a median adult white male)
posted by btfreek at 8:01 PM on May 30, 2023 [7 favorites]
posted by btfreek at 8:01 PM on May 30, 2023 [7 favorites]
Agree with finding an REI daypack, they have versions that hit the professional city-pro look that I think you can get away with these days. Also this wire cutter article has a lot of microwaveable containers that are lighter than glass. I'm in a very similar situation, and honestly I just bring my lunches for the week on Monday in a big bag and leave them in the fridge. Then I take it home on Friday. Not sure if that is possible for you if you are taking dinner leftovers, but then it's just one big haul.
posted by Toddles at 8:07 PM on May 30, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by Toddles at 8:07 PM on May 30, 2023 [4 favorites]
A backpack with a hip belt that allows most of the weight to be carried on your hips, not your shoulders, will be much, much more comfortable. Something like this would probably be good. (Note that this particular pack comes in different sizes; you'd want to figure out which size is best for you.) But the best way to get something you know will be comfortable is to go to an outdoor store and try on some different daypacks.
I have an old Osprey daypack very similar to this used one that is super comfortable. The used one is only $30 with shipping. You might consider just buying that and giving it a try.
posted by Redstart at 8:11 PM on May 30, 2023 [4 favorites]
I have an old Osprey daypack very similar to this used one that is super comfortable. The used one is only $30 with shipping. You might consider just buying that and giving it a try.
posted by Redstart at 8:11 PM on May 30, 2023 [4 favorites]
Seconding PT and a chunky hip belt.
posted by sebastienbailard at 8:23 PM on May 30, 2023
posted by sebastienbailard at 8:23 PM on May 30, 2023
Agreed about the hip belt, I have a backpack I use for days when I’m hauling stuff around for a picnic or similar and it’s got a hip belt for just this reason. I also sometimes use it as my personal carry on item and it helps tremendously that I can shorten the shoulder straps, clip the hip belt, and use the different interior sections to balance the weight inside and hike at a fast clip around the airport. Huge improvement on my old backpack I would use for these purposes which had a hip belt that broke ages ago (because young Mizu was careless and accidentally stompy on things like trailing plastic buckles); when I got my new backpack I was like, omg I have been missing out this whole time, no I do NOT care how dorky I look.
My backpack is the Tom Bihn Synik, but it probably has too many little pockets and fiddly bits for your purposes. One thing it does have though is a flexible, removable internal frame. I took mine out for reasons but I think for you it would be very helpful. There are plenty of other backpacks that have something like it. Go to an REI or similar store near you, bring your empty glass containers, and go ham exploring their day hike bags.
posted by Mizu at 8:29 PM on May 30, 2023 [1 favorite]
My backpack is the Tom Bihn Synik, but it probably has too many little pockets and fiddly bits for your purposes. One thing it does have though is a flexible, removable internal frame. I took mine out for reasons but I think for you it would be very helpful. There are plenty of other backpacks that have something like it. Go to an REI or similar store near you, bring your empty glass containers, and go ham exploring their day hike bags.
posted by Mizu at 8:29 PM on May 30, 2023 [1 favorite]
I carry my lunch on my bike and even then try to avoid glass because of the extra weight. Could you carry a lightweight dish from home and use that at work so you don’t have to wash at work?
posted by bluedaisy at 12:47 AM on May 31, 2023
posted by bluedaisy at 12:47 AM on May 31, 2023
I walk a lot with a heavy bag and love my Osprey Daylite Plus. It has a frame for better weight distribution, as well as chest and hip straps, but it manages to remain compact and streamlined. The hip straps can be tucked away into the side pockets when you don't need them, so they're not dangling around your thighs all day. As a bonus, it comes in lots of pretty colours.
posted by guessthis at 3:13 AM on May 31, 2023
posted by guessthis at 3:13 AM on May 31, 2023
Very happy with the Osprey I got at REI. I carry a lot of stuff sometimes, and having the chest-high clip that pulls the shoulder straps together is the ultimate help when packing really heavy. I never, ever use the hip strap though. In fact, I'm going to be replacing my stained Osprey with another version that hopefully does not even have the hip straps. Or I might just cut them off. I find that they dangle all over and mostly get in the way, even when I have them tied up as much as possible.
But go to a store and try them on. Last time I went to an REI they even had various weights you could put in the bags to demo them. REI has great sales staff, too.
posted by SoberHighland at 4:49 AM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
But go to a store and try them on. Last time I went to an REI they even had various weights you could put in the bags to demo them. REI has great sales staff, too.
posted by SoberHighland at 4:49 AM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: @Frowner, I appreciate that suggestion and am open to ideas. I have been wearing proper running shoes and that's helped a little (I suspect I have plantar fasciitis, which likely isn't helping). But I feel like the pain is more in my shoulders and upper back. It just feels like I am carrying a lot! I am looking at some lighter container options for the lunch. I do also want to work on my back/core strength (and my feet!) In the meanwhile, I think a better backpack will help.
posted by ficbot at 6:52 AM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by ficbot at 6:52 AM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
Two thougts.
1. Can you make a lunch for yourself that will last a week (salad, soup, rice/quinoa bowl) and leave it at work. That way you don't have to carry something all day.
2. Can you get tour kiddo a lunch bag separate from whatever elste they are carrying? Surely a six year old can carry their own lunch.
That would relieve you of some of the weight.
posted by brookeb at 7:31 AM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
1. Can you make a lunch for yourself that will last a week (salad, soup, rice/quinoa bowl) and leave it at work. That way you don't have to carry something all day.
2. Can you get tour kiddo a lunch bag separate from whatever elste they are carrying? Surely a six year old can carry their own lunch.
That would relieve you of some of the weight.
posted by brookeb at 7:31 AM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
Sternum and hip strap for the backpack. Make sure the shoes are giving you the support you need; if your feet are unhappy your whole body can shift to compensate, making knees or hips or back unhappy too.
posted by nat at 8:14 AM on May 31, 2023
posted by nat at 8:14 AM on May 31, 2023
Further to shoulders/back pain and carrying stuff: I was unwilling to believe this because it is so annoying, but tight hips and a weak core throw things off and cause other muscles to compensate, meaning that you can have tight hips and all kinds of seemingly disconnected back pain.
For years I assumed that the PT that I had been given wasn't working because it focused on my hips and core when the problem was my back. And while it's true that the PT wasn't working, that turned out to be because it was designed for the people who typically have my condition, relatively inactive people in their late sixties and beyond, and just wasn't working my muscles enough since I am much younger and pretty active. When I added reps and some more difficult related exercises, all of the sudden my back got a lot better because my hips and abdominals weren't so tight/weak.
I understand that "just exercise more" advice is inherently somewhat obnoxious, so please take this with a giant grain of salt if it does not seem to apply to your situation.
That said, when you get a new backpack, it might be worth trying how things work when you pack the different things in different sections of the backpack to distribute the weight differently. It just occurred to me that a smaller more fashion backpack would lump all the weight in one relatively high-up spot and would make a little glassware feel much heavier.
posted by Frowner at 8:48 AM on May 31, 2023
For years I assumed that the PT that I had been given wasn't working because it focused on my hips and core when the problem was my back. And while it's true that the PT wasn't working, that turned out to be because it was designed for the people who typically have my condition, relatively inactive people in their late sixties and beyond, and just wasn't working my muscles enough since I am much younger and pretty active. When I added reps and some more difficult related exercises, all of the sudden my back got a lot better because my hips and abdominals weren't so tight/weak.
I understand that "just exercise more" advice is inherently somewhat obnoxious, so please take this with a giant grain of salt if it does not seem to apply to your situation.
That said, when you get a new backpack, it might be worth trying how things work when you pack the different things in different sections of the backpack to distribute the weight differently. It just occurred to me that a smaller more fashion backpack would lump all the weight in one relatively high-up spot and would make a little glassware feel much heavier.
posted by Frowner at 8:48 AM on May 31, 2023
How much snow are we talking? I sometimes use a rolling backpack (Toronto, Canada), and I see lots of other people doing the same. I don’t use mine all that often, but I figure a decent one could probably manage a year of daily use.
posted by cotton dress sock at 3:27 PM on June 1, 2023
posted by cotton dress sock at 3:27 PM on June 1, 2023
I think you should pack your lunch in silicone, which you can both reheat in and eat out of. I have some like this. I also have a round one for salad that lets you put the lettuce or greens in the bottom and then the other stuff and dressing in a separate compartment on top, then you can mix them just before eating so your lettuce doesn't get soggy. I got mine at Bed Bath and Beyond, so that's probably not an option anymore.
I assume you're using glass because you don't want to heat plastic. If that's wrong and you're ok with plastic, I highly recommend ziploc plates, which I used to use in grad school. I had the dinnerplate sized. I don't think they sell them anymore. But if you can find something similar, the nice thing about them is that they are kind of flat and thus can fit well with other things carried in the backpack without causing weird weight distributions. You want stuff to be up against the surface of your back as much as possible.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 5:37 AM on June 4, 2023
I assume you're using glass because you don't want to heat plastic. If that's wrong and you're ok with plastic, I highly recommend ziploc plates, which I used to use in grad school. I had the dinnerplate sized. I don't think they sell them anymore. But if you can find something similar, the nice thing about them is that they are kind of flat and thus can fit well with other things carried in the backpack without causing weird weight distributions. You want stuff to be up against the surface of your back as much as possible.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 5:37 AM on June 4, 2023
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posted by chesty_a_arthur at 7:24 PM on May 30, 2023 [6 favorites]