This is what backpacks are for. It's better for you to carry it in a good pack and I like to have my hands free. If I have to physically carry something in my hands, I'll inevitably leave something behind, trip over a bag, bang it into someone, it will tip over and spill the contents etc. Backpacks for the win, despite with the haters on the other thread say. When I'm old, my back will still be functional. Anyway, I carry gym clothes/shoes, plus a lunch and whatever else I need during the day. I do my best to minimize what I need but when you're away from home 10-14 hrs a day, you're going to need stuff.

I use a backpack but that's because I pick up my kids via metro and stuff their crap into my bag so I have my hands free while corraling small children

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because some of us were Girl Scouts and were taught to always be prepared.

Some of us were former Boy Scouts, same principle applies.

I am an Eagle Scout. While we were always told to "Be prepared" we were also stressed to leave no trace and walk with a light foot. That meant to be aware of how our actions affect other people and the environment. Only carry the absolute necessities - so many people lug around stuff that isn't needed.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get tired just looking at people lugging all this stuff around. I have a tote bag which fits my little purse and a lunch bag. That's it.

So you have two computers? or don't need a laptop? A lot of people need to carry their computer and all that entails (cords etc.) so not a good comparison.

I'm lucky I guess. I don't need a laptop.

I have to carry my pump, cooler bag, breakfast, lunch, laptop...it's a lot of stuff!

I work between two offices on the metro line. So yes, I lug my laptop around which I place in my book bag. I also carry my small purse around. And I have classes right after work, so I carry my books too. And I carry my lunch. I wish I didn'the have to carry so much around but I have to.

Anonymous wrote:I think the trend is open floor plans and fewer people have offices. I used to have a lovely office where I stored most of my crap. In the new virtual world, I have 3 "offices spaces" I can work from. The trade off is that one of these include my home. But 2-3 days a week when I'm not home I go to one of these other spaces depending on my work or possibly just go into the city for a meeting etc. So some days I need to pack my non-commuting shoes (my commute involves a fair bit of walking), lap top, lap top cord, phone cord, snack, in addition to my kindle, wallet, phone. I'm thinking of getting a wireless mouse to lug around as well.

Also some people go to the gym after. I work out at home since kids but man would I lug a lot of crap to the gym in my pre-kid days.

+1

I do either tote or backpack plus a purse. I carry lunch, sweater, change of shoes (because I have a long walk), and my kid's daycare stuff which varies in bulk depending on the day.

Anonymous wrote:I get tired just looking at people lugging all this stuff around. I have a tote bag which fits my little purse and a lunch bag. That's it.

So you have two computers? or don't need a laptop? A lot of people need to carry their computer and all that entails (cords etc.) so not a good comparison.

Because some of us were Girl Scouts and were taught to always be prepared.

I think the trend is open floor plans and fewer people have offices. I used to have a lovely office where I stored most of my crap. In the new virtual world, I have 3 "offices spaces" I can work from. The trade off is that one of these include my home. But 2-3 days a week when I'm not home I go to one of these other spaces depending on my work or possibly just go into the city for a meeting etc. So some days I need to pack my non-commuting shoes (my commute involves a fair bit of walking), lap top, lap top cord, phone cord, snack, in addition to my kindle, wallet, phone. I'm thinking of getting a wireless mouse to lug around as well.

Also some people go to the gym after. I work out at home since kids but man would I lug a lot of crap to the gym in my pre-kid days.

I carry one large bag. For me it's because I teach outreach programs for kids. I carry iPad for music, a notebook, drumsticks, scarves, spots to jump over, water, etc... No place I work allows me to store things and I need to get them from place to place. Sorry so many people are offended by bags today. Not all of us go to an office.

I get tired just looking at people lugging all this stuff around. I have a tote bag which fits my little purse and a lunch bag. That's it.

Anonymous wrote:Ladies! Why so many bags when you commute?

A purse. Ok. But why is it big enough to be a weekender?
The "tote"? In addition to the purse a tote that's three times the size of the weekender purse. Why? What's in there?
The lunch bag that can't fit in the purse or the tote. Really? It can't fit?
The laptop bag/briefcase.
Finally, the ubiquitous yoga mat.

No wonder your tired and achy. You're moving twice a day!

My DW is this person. Her posture is terrible from shlepping all this crap everyday.

She carries so much stuff because it assuages her neurosis - she might "need" some of this stuff. I've told her to buy double of EVERYTHING and keep one set at the office. She thinks it's wasteful.

Ladies! Why so many bags when you commute?

A purse. Ok. But why is it big enough to be a weekender?
The "tote"? In addition to the purse a tote that's three times the size of the weekender purse. Why? What's in there?
The lunch bag that can't fit in the purse or the tote. Really? It can't fit?
The laptop bag/briefcase.
Finally, the ubiquitous yoga mat.

No wonder your tired and achy. You're moving twice a day!