Question: Backpacks for not-male
Q asks…
I’ve looked absolutely everywhere for a backpack – school is starting in two days – and nowhere can I find a decent backpack that isn’t made for “businessmen.” I need something strong, supportive, with lots of pockets, including one for a laptop, but every pack I’ve seen is for huge men. When I try to wear these, it kills my neck and looks ridiculous.
I’ve looked at Swiss, Kenneth Cole, and Samsonite mostly, but only the cheaper, less durable, and less practical backpacks (JanSport, Herschel) seem to fit me properly.
The few packs I’ve found that might work only come in purple, or with pink and lime lining, which is out of the question.
Please post your response in the comments below.
» Ask Genderfork «
Posted by Freiya on February 11th, 2015 at 08:00 am
Category: questions 8 comments »
February 11th, 2015 at 9:12 am |
I don’t know what sort of build you are, but I’m short with proportionally broad shoulders and I found a good, medium-sized entirely black backpack that was Samsonite. It has enough pockets to carry a small laptop, textbooks, lunchbox and other bits and bobs, but wasn’t too big or heavy unless I overloaded it. So they do exist and my advice would be to try Samsonite again. Also, I think I found mine in a luggage store, so look there if you haven’t already.
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February 11th, 2015 at 12:37 pm |
Mine is a High Sierra, and it has a number of pockets, fits perfectly nicely and doesn’t have particularly bright colours. I’ve had it for probably around six years, and it’s only recently gotten to the point where I’m considering a new one.
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February 11th, 2015 at 12:42 pm |
I’ve got a North Face Borealis which I love to pieces; big enough to fit everything without looking bulky, nice combination of black and color (they’ve got various; mine is blue), very sturdy (had it for half a decade and still going strong), and – I think – pretty unisex :) If that one’s still too big for you, they’ve got a model called Isabella which is slightly more feminine in name but looks almost the same only smaller…
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February 11th, 2015 at 3:17 pm |
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/62115?feat=backpack-SR0&page=quad-backpack
This backpack is super popular at my school as both a girl (light blue) and guy (navy or dark green) backpack.
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February 11th, 2015 at 4:52 pm |
Those are really helpful. Thanks! :)
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February 13th, 2015 at 9:36 pm |
I’ve used this bag both for carrying textbooks/my laptop and for backpacking. I’m 5′ 4″, and it’s a pretty good size for me/not too hard on my back as long as I don’t put too much stuff in it. It holds a lot for its size.
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March 13th, 2015 at 6:33 am |
Not sure about your budget but I’ve found awesome designs with timbuk2, both my husband and I (both queer) have backpacks from them, he designed his and I bought one in sale price. Great backpacks, lots of pockets and very durable.
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March 13th, 2015 at 6:35 am |
I’d suggest finding a skateboarding company like Vans Or Burton, they make great backpacks for all people. They also almost always have laptop pockets and a lot of great colors and patterns. good luck! <3
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