words Al Woods
Do you want red or white with dinner? How about fries or mashed? Or, what about coffee “light and sweet” or black? These are the same kinds of questions as “satchel bag or backpack.” Read on for some perspective.
What Is a Satchel Bag?
For this comparison, we will consider a satchel bag synonymous with a messenger bag: slung across the body so thieves cannot quickly grab it. The chief advantage of such a bag is that it’s easily accessible. You don’t have to stop and take it off to get into it the way you would with a backpack.
Satchel crossbody bags also come in many colors and designs, allowing the owner to make a style statement. Safe and stylish is a great combination, particularly when you consider that the interior of such bags often has several compartments of different sizes for different items.
Compared to backpacks, the disadvantage of satchel bags is that they’re smaller and generally won’t fit larger laptops and/or briefcases of any size, the way a laptop backpack will. However, many commuters have eschewed the briefcase for just this reason.
Backpacks
The No. 1 advantage of backpacks is that they’re larger than satchel bags, so you can fit more into them without sacrificing comfort. The secondary important benefit to a backpack is that it’s centered on your body, which puts less stress on your oblique and lower back muscles.
Backpacks are also versatile. You can pack them up for a pleasure hike through a nearby state park or national park, whereas you wouldn’t do the same thing with a satchel. That brings us to the weather. Most backpacks these days are waterproof or at least highly resistant, which means that the materials you carry will be safer while you’re underway than they would be with a satchel that isn’t resistant.
Transportation: How and How Far?
The longer your commute, the better choice a backpack is over a satchel, particularly if you take mass transit and need your hands free. Satchels are great for short commutes and/or if you don’t need to carry a heavy load with you. Their convenience is fantastic. For example, if there are delays during your commute, it’s far easier to get something out of a satchel to do some work while you wait than it is to take off even the best travel backpack, get the stuff, close up the backpack, and put it back on.
Leather satchel bags are better if you walk to work, while backpacks are better if you bike, because of their better balance than satchels. If you prefer balance to convenience but don’t have lots to carry, then a mini backpack is equal to a men’s satchel bag, women’s satchel bag, or satchel bag for any other gender.
Sustainability
As the 21st century progresses, sustainability is becoming more critical than ever. It’s possible to get both sustainable backpacks and satchel bags. If you’re environmentally conscious, you should seek out these items rather than those made from non-sustainable materials and/or processes.
Conclusion
The choice of whether to get a satchel or backpack is a personal one. You have several things to consider, like commute length, balance, wear-and-tear, affect on your body, and whether or not you routinely have to commute through inclement weather. No matter which style of item you choose for conveying your stuff on your commute, you’re sure to find something suitable if you’re diligent in your approach.
