Many students have recently switched from traditional backpacks to stylish tote bags. For tote bag users, the price, environmental aspects, fashion and maybe desire to follow trends has pushed the change. On the other hand, for loyal backpack users, the functionality, comfortability and organization has made them stick to their roots.
Several schools across the country, including Summit High School, have taken note of the difference. Barnard College’s student newspaper compared backpacks to Swiss Army knives — practical and packed with compartments — while tote bags are more for looks. At Summit, the debate isn’t just about trends: It’s about practicality, comfort and personal style. This brings students to the main question: How do you know if a tote bag or a backpack is right for you?
“For some people, [tote bags] look better for their outfits than backpacks, but if they also still have a full schedule of classes they probably are carrying a lot of weight on one shoulder constantly,” said Cassidy Burkhardt, a junior at Summit High School.
Burkhardt is choosing to stick with her backpack since it fits her school needs.
“It’s way more practical for everyday use, and I really don’t notice that it clashes with my outfits or find it unstylish,” Burkhardt said.
Summit Human Anatomy and Physiology teacher Jason Colquhoun agreed with Burkhardt’s opinion. Colquhoun highlighted the pros of using backpacks instead of totes based on his knowledge of the skeleton.
“Backpacks are better for your body because they evenly distribute the weight among your back… [but] I have [some] tote bags so call me guilty,” said Colquhoun.
Colquhoun thinks that due to the double straps, backpacks can handle more weight as well, making them more durable and the student standard for as long as we can remember.
“You don’t want back problems as a teenager” he explained. “That can be detrimental to your overall health and musculoskeletal system.”
Another reason some students are making the switch could be cost. Juniors Maya Hibble and Lilly Young both said their tote bags cost about $30, significantly cheaper than the commonly used JanSport and North Face backpacks that range from $60 to $100.
“I love my tote bag so much more than my backpack,” Young said.
Sustainability might be another driver leading people towards tote bags. Backpacks may be more durable, but are made up of synthetic materials that contribute heavily to environmental pollution, while tote bags are most commonly made from green materials such as recycled cotton and canvas.
Tote bag users highlighted the functionality of tote bags as opposed to backpacks.
“It’s easier to get all my stuff out and I don’t have to rummage through my whole backpack to find what I want,” said Summit junior Maya Hibble.
Even though few students mention wanting to fit in, the matching tote styles around campus suggest the trend might be about more than convenience. Similar to low-rise jeans from the early 2000s that were shunned into the darkness up until recently, maybe backpacks will get their chance again if more people return to them. It’s easy for things once looked at as normal to become unpopular in the blink of an eye.
So what is the real reason behind the switch? An unconscious desire to fit in? A genuine appreciation for the look? Environmental concerns? For most students both tote bags and backpacks do the job when it comes to carrying school supplies. If you’re looking to spice up your everyday look, help the environment or move away from traditional backpacks, give tote bags a try. But if you prefer extra organization and better back support, stick with your classic backpack. One thing is for certain though: Tote bags are here and here to stay.
