in search of a new bag

My almost six-year-old backpack has almost bit the dust. Multiple parts are being held together by safety pins, one pocket has torn off completely, and the drawstring closure for the top broke off. It's getting close to time to replace it.

I'm pondering going the messenger bag route this time, on account of the fact that I now know myself to be susceptible to lower back injuries. I am not sold on this idea, though, and it will definitely require some store visits to try out how they feel before buying anything.

There's one ideal that I have in a bag, and that is convertibility from my carry-everything-in-the-day-while-hanging-out bag to my just-the-essentials-for-going-out bag. Ideally what I want and haven't been able to find is a messenger/tote/backpack that has a detachable purse. Right now, my purse is inside my backpack, and that makes it a slight hassle to get at if I need to, say, get my wallet out. I've been told that this might not be as much of a hassle if I get a messenger, though, as it's easy to swing in front of you in a way that a backpack isn't. (I'm dubious of this, however, because when I'm NOT wanting the bag to swing in front of me, I really want it to stay put. This seems the backpack's domain.)

I'm also torn between getting something cute and colorful and sporty like a Timbuk2 bag (I see those things everywhere) and something more sedate and serious. I know when I was working at the hospital, I felt really out of place wearing business casual with my purple backpack slung behind me. These days I'm not working in a business casual environment, but I could again someday, and perhaps I want to think about my bag being able to blend in well there, too.

If someone has advice, experience, or knows of a removable-purse bag they can point me towards, have at. This is a Big Deal to me. ;)

in search of a new bag

My almost six-year-old backpack has almost bit the dust. Multiple parts are being held together by safety pins, one pocket has torn off completely, and the drawstring closure for the top broke off. It's getting close to time to replace it.

I'm pondering going the messenger bag route this time, on account of the fact that I now know myself to be susceptible to lower back injuries. I am not sold on this idea, though, and it will definitely require some store visits to try out how they feel before buying anything.

There's one ideal that I have in a bag, and that is convertibility from my carry-everything-in-the-day-while-hanging-out bag to my just-the-essentials-for-going-out bag. Ideally what I want and haven't been able to find is a messenger/tote/backpack that has a detachable purse. Right now, my purse is inside my backpack, and that makes it a slight hassle to get at if I need to, say, get my wallet out. I've been told that this might not be as much of a hassle if I get a messenger, though, as it's easy to swing in front of you in a way that a backpack isn't. (I'm dubious of this, however, because when I'm NOT wanting the bag to swing in front of me, I really want it to stay put. This seems the backpack's domain.)

I'm also torn between getting something cute and colorful and sporty like a Timbuk2 bag (I see those things everywhere) and something more sedate and serious. I know when I was working at the hospital, I felt really out of place wearing business casual with my purple backpack slung behind me. These days I'm not working in a business casual environment, but I could again someday, and perhaps I want to think about my bag being able to blend in well there, too.

If someone has advice, experience, or knows of a removable-purse bag they can point me towards, have at. This is a Big Deal to me. ;)