I have never been a backpack person. I have tried, but it has never ‘stuck’. I didn’t use one for school, and living in South Africa where crime is high, I never wanted something I couldn’t see on my back. Chances are it could be cut with a knife, opened, or ripped off my shoulders without me seeing the perpetrator approaching.
In Sweden I have always found it a faff to take my backpack off on public transport, and in crowds the danger is that I will hit someone with it.
But my recent back and shoulder problems have meant that I am using a backpack rather than a handbag when I have heavier things to carry.
This Marc Jacobs Domo leather backpack (bought on sale) has been my favourite for years. I once – before my back problems – used it every day for at least eight months, which is a record for me and a backpack. It is very comfortable to wear, and not over-large (though it does fit my computer and A4 papers).
Here it is in action as an overnight bag. My husband and I went away for a night at Hotel J in Stockholm to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Because we cannot leave the cats alone for long, we usually get to the hotel at about 3pm (we travel by boat from our apartment), check in, go for a walk along the shore, and then have a slap up meal at the restaurant. The next day we have a hotel breakfast and check out by 10.30. So we don’t need much – a change of clothes and some toiletries, plus we usually take our books and some snacks.
And here is the view from the hotel
