In my bag: Tote bags vs. backpacks on campus

Abigail Abdi’s Tory Burch tote bag with the following items in it: MacBook, iPad, Hydro Flask water bottle, an electronics case, pouch, glasses case, vaseline and perfume, wallet, iPhone, Hello Kitty coin purse and a USB-C charger. 

Stop-motion graphic created by Angela McKinzie and Abigail Abdi.

Returning to campus allows us to come back as a new person. It’s like New Year's Day, as everyone shows off their newly minted outfits or chooses to remix old favorites from their closet. Though we each have our own individual taste, style trends on TikTok and Instagram have us seeing double, or triple…or several all along Sheridan Road. This year’s latest trend? Tote bags. 

I'm not talking about free, canvas ones but rather stylish options from brands like Coach, Longchamp, and Telfar. These totes are a robust alternative to purses, perfect for carrying larger items like laptops. Totes have always been a campus staple, but it feels like fall has welcomed an influx of this new tote-purse hybrid. 

I ask myself, “Why ditch the backpack?” Backpacks and school go together like peanut butter and jelly. The classic school bag’s functionality has made it a reliable vessel for carrying all our school supplies. Despite this fact, it seems that students’ wants and needs are changing, and backpacks haven’t made the cut. I am still asking, why though?

Maybe it’s the form?

The biggest difference is how they are worn: Totes go on one shoulder while backpacks go on both. Medill first-year Luluya Tekle said, “It is easier to grab things out [of tote bags].” If you ever want quick access to an item, the one-sided feature allows you to reach in and grab rather than remove both straps to get it. 

When coming to Northwestern, Tekle didn’t think she would use her tote bag but recently switched back to it because of its cute, “less-humbling” style. The return brought back old problems, though. 

When asked about totes’ drawbacks, Tekle hinted at a physical issue with them. Tekle said, “I know my body doesn’t love it, but my soul loves it.”

Although the tote is cute, she mentioned that her body tends to lean toward the shoulder where she holds it while walking, even when she isn't carrying it. Bookbags distribute weight evenly across both shoulders, preventing this discomfort, but tote bag pain may be overlooked due to their new design opportunities. 

Okay, so maybe it’s the look?

Backpacks generally have the same look and feel: polyester material and a rectangular yet round shape. If I asked seven people to draw a backpack, they would all draw the same arch-like rectangular. Tote bags, on the other hand, come in a wide variety. 

Some boast brand logos on the front. (See Telfar’s Medium Shopping Bag - Black) 

Some go for a sleek leather exterior.  (See Coach’s North Tote Bag 32 - Brass/Maple)

Some take on a quilted kind of puff look.  (See Coachtopia’s Loop Tote with Wavy Quilting - Black) 

With each change comes a different vibe or what some call an aesthetic.

Weinberg fourth-year Danielle Adekogbe said, “Bookbags are limited in design and aesthetic,” Weinberg fourth-year Danielle Adekogbe said. “I wanted something better aesthetically.” 

Aesthetics relate to a specific style, like Y2K, Coquette or Cottagcore. A tote can fit any aesthetic, but it seems to be an aesthetic category all on its own. Looking up “tote bag” on TikTok populates videos with hashtags like #corporategirlies #itgirl #hotgirltotebag #whatsinmybag. In a way, media trends have made totes a status symbol for chic, hot people, but this is a zoomed-out view of the trend. I think it comes down to personal preference.

Wait, why does the look matter?

Self-expression and personalization are essential, especially since most of us are defining ourselves for the first time. But why fix what isn’t broken?

Students like Communications fourth-year Cassius Cole said that tote bags in a school setting do not make sense. For him, bookbags were designed for academic life. His bookbag's space allows him to carry more things at once, like his Penny Board and big umbrella.

“[A] tote bag doesn’t offer that utility,” Cole said. 

“Religious backpack wearer” Weinberg second-year Mariam Fofana seems to agree with Cole, saying, “It is just the practicality of it all.” Fofana also said, “When it comes to actual everyday school, I still print stuff out and I have a textbook.” 

Some students can’t—or simply don’t—return to their room throughout the day, so carrying everything saves on return trips.

However, there is a difference between the school day, every day and (soon) the workday. Depending on the location, backpacks can seem obtrusive and in the way.

For upperclassmen especially, backpacks clash with the professional setting of internships and jobs. While anti-tote bag, Cole did contend that his backpack did not fit with his summer internship at a creative and media agency.

“I was kind of embarrassed to bring it [backpack] into the office,” Cole said. “I feel like I should have something more sleek.”

For him, though, sleek can translate to a crossbody or a satchel, not necessarily defaulting to totes.

I get it…I think.

Ultimately, the decision to tote or not to tote comes down to your needs. Some may be like Adekogbe and only need to carry their laptop and personal items in their tote bag; others may take after Fofana and have textbooks and folders in their backpack. Regardless of where you land on the question, it seems tote bags are here to stay…Maybe. Who knows, messenger bags might come into style by the Winter Quarter.