Backpacks as purse

[sangtarah]

I have always carried a backpack diaper bag. It’s easiest on my back. I’m ready to look for another bag/purse to carry (no more diapers!), but still need it too be large, since I carry lots of things all the time, and would like a backpack.

I bought a Vera Bradley regular size backpack today, but I am having second thoughts about it and may return it. I’m not sure it will hold up to my abuse (the water bottle pockets are mesh, one in the store had ripped). I’m not sure it will be big enough (I put everything in it and it was tight, probably b/c it’s thinner than my diaper bag). It was $45 at an outlet, so a good price.

So, anyone have suggestions for a bag that is an economical price? Maybe I should stick with the Vera Bradley? 

[katilac]

I haven't tried their backpacks, but I've used and abused other Vera Bradley bags with great success. One tote bag style, bought new two years ago, pretty constant use and battering and still going strong. I use it like a purse but also frequently throw books and planners and other heavy stuff in it. A couple more I bought used from the thrift store, they are usually used for packing stuff for the car for long trips or carrying stuff to cons or parades. So, not daily, but also not treated nicely, and both still going strong after a year plus. 

I can't speak to the mesh pockets, but I'd assume they would be the weak link on any bag. If the mesh itself was ripped, I'd assume it likely got cut somehow, maybe when they opened the box. If the entire pocket was ripping away from the bag, that would be more concerning, but I'd probably just check the apparent sturdiness of the one I have and roll with it if it seemed good. 

[cabercro]

I have this backpack from Amazon. We're still in the toddler phase, so it carries diapers (cloth, so bulky), wipes, eating supplies, books/basic art supplies, and our other odds and ends pretty easily. Lots of zippered compartments, but no thick lining (like laptop-style) to add bulk/weight. The water bottle pockets are nice and stretchy and deep. It's held up well so far and I like that it has back straps and a shoulder strap, so I can quickly throw it on a shoulder if I'm just walking out to the car or something. 

The overall dimensions are probably slightly smaller than a regular backpack but I seem to be able to fit lots. My apologies if it's smaller than what you envisioned. 🙂

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D71LF24/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Arcadia]

My Nike Brasilia backpack survived a summer of abuse. I carry two 12oz or 18oz insulated water bottles with it as I bring my own coffee usually. I put an iPad, an iPad mini, two iPhones, a continental wallet, a wristlet, a card wallet, a light jacket, usb charging cables, sometimes a power bank. I use a carabiner to attach a cap and two Chico grocery bags ( https://www.amazon.com/ChicoBag-Original-Reusable-Shopping-Grocery/dp/B006WA9LRA) to it.

https://www.amazon.com/NIKE-Brasilia-Medium-Backpack-Midnight/dp/B008DZYW80/

[fairfarmhand]

My girls have had the same Vera backpacks for years and they are workhorses. 

Even my oldest who has hailed crap all over campus, her backpack looks great and she’s going into her last semester of college. She’s had the thing for like 6 years now and it’s not worn or falling apart.

[wintermom]

I'm not into flowery bags and certainly NOT for backpacks, so VB is definitely not something I've used. I tend to get backpacks from athletic or outdoor equipment stores, as they are built for rough use. The zippers are usually strong and stay together, the pockets don't rip off, the straps are better padded for your back and shoulders.

Depends on what you want, though. If you want to look flowery, you may have to compromise in the actual quality for rough use.