Aug 14, 2007

Backpack vs. Messenger Bag

Fashion or function center of book tote debate

Associated Press

When it comes time to tote books and homework to and from school, might more children be using urban-style messenger bags than the sturdy stalwart backpack this year?

Toward the end of the last school year, 8-year-old Anita Baume, the daughter of Teen Vogue fashion market director Gloria Baume, traded a backpack her mom had given her for a beat-up messenger bag.

Gloria Baume really thought she had picked a "cool" backpack but she says that with her readers, too, backpacks are "done."

That's not necessarily good news for students' backs, says Dr. Mary Ann Wilmarth, director of the doctor of physical therapy program at Northeastern University's School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

"You want any weight you are carrying close to your torso or trunk," Wilmarth says. "If you have a significant amount of weight in a bag, a good backpack is better because it centralizes it. A messenger bag is lopsided."

The stress of carrying a too-heavy bag can cause muscle pain in kids' backs or necks, or, in children already with slight scoliosis, there can be an increase in the spine's curvature, Wilmarth says.

The best backpacks are those more likely used for camping - they have a frame and rest on the hips. Short of that, choose one that's not too big and has a waistband and padded shoulders, says Wilmarth, also a spokeswoman for the American Physical Therapy Association. "You want a backpack that doesn't allow too much to fit in it because, if you have room, you'll fill it."

But even Wilmarth acknowledges the style appeal of the messenger bag. Her tip: At least wear it diagonally across the body to help distribute the weight instead of over the shoulder like a laptop bag or purse.

Some fashion-savvy voices weigh in: backpack vs. messenger bag?

– "I'm more into the messenger bag at the moment. I used to be a backpack girl - I carried one forever - and will always think backpacks are cool." Gwen Stefani, singer and founder of fashion label L.A.M.B.

– "Messenger bag, for sure. Messenger bag, all the way. It's like a big purse, not a big bookloader." Monique Coleman, who plays the brainy Taylor McKessie in the upcoming "High School Musical 2" TV movie.

– "Backpacks and messenger bags are both growing in total bag business - it goes with the move toward a generally casual style," says Tim Schifter, founder of Schifter + Partners, which makes bags for designer Jill Stuart and Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B and Harajuku Lovers collections.

Back in his school days, Schifter, now the father of a 12-year-old girl, carried an orange nylon backpack. "It was cool to have a beat-up backpack with ink stains."

– "I had a backpack - everyone carried a backpack when I went to school. If I was young, I'd probably carry a messenger bag now" says Beyonce, singer, actress and co-founder of fashion label House of Dereon.

– "This year, I think backpacks are perfect for back to school. They are much cuter than they used to be. Now backpacks are a must-have accessory, very colorful, with multiple purposes, and neat little compartments, like a padded place to protect your laptop" says Sara Tervo, spokeswoman for Victoria's Secret Pink, which has a line of backpacks.

– "Teen girls are using the oversized handbag as the carry all of choice this season ... no traditional backpacks for her," says T.J. Maxx fashion spokeswoman Sonya Cosentini. (She suggests tying a scarf or charm on the handle.)

For teen boys, it's the messenger bag. But for younger kids, Cosentini thinks the key is a backpack with matching lunch tote.

– "I think we're still in a very utilitarian look and we've had great success with a mini messenger bag. Fashion isn't as important as having a functional nice piece you can wear across the body," says Jim Piotti, vice president of accessories sales at Rocawear.