backpacks are unprofessional

[dextersmith]

Backpacks are terrible, there are other options available outside of briefcases.

[Spectral]

sounds like you trying to put being a geek squad member above lawyer/banker. sounds silly, so stop it.

Do people still respect lawyers?

[zenkai]

lol yeah right if you were on trial for murder and your lawyer came in with a backpack you would shit bricks. like others said, matters on the job.

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sounds like you trying to put being a geek squad member above lawyer/banker. sounds silly, so stop it.

No I wouldn't, that's because I know the qualification of how good of a lawyer is, is not based on if they carry a backpack or a briefcase.

[Tinykong]

It really depends on what you do, and where you do it.

I have too much stuff to carry in a briefcase, and often need to carry stuff in places where a shoulder bag would be an annoyance.

[msully]

I'd say if your job involves dressing to impress a customer, and you wear a suit (or that level of dress for a woman) then have a briefcase. They make some nice soft cases these days with hideable backpack straps for when you're carrying it long distances.

If you wear a suit but say, are in your office all the time and mostly only interact with peers, a decent backpack is probably more than adequate.

[Cosmic Janitor]

I usually have a shoulder bag or what ever you call it (like a woman's handbag, just not filled with crap and more practical). I hate backpacks, especially in summer, because it's always uncomfortably hot with them on your back and I usually try to minimize sweating .

[Morrigenn]

Different expectations of what is "professional attire" exist for different professions.

For bankers or lawyers a briefcase probably is outside the norm.

For geeks like me, backpack is totally fine.

Consider the circumstances and dress/accessorize accordingly and everything will be fine.

[Bushtuckrman]

I don't think it's unprofessional either way, a backpack is way more practical and convenient. Fuck what other people think

So is wearing shorts and a singlet but yet people are expected to dress professionally over function.

[Deleted]

Briefcases are hilariously stupid. I can understand the kind of shoulder strap manbags if you've got a laptop. However, there's nothing wrong with a proper backpack. Obviously a backpack kind of clashes with a suit.

[zenkai]

So is wearing shorts and a singlet but yet people are expected to dress professionally over function.

Because have a backpack is the same as wearing shorts, seriously.

[kiramon]

I have a corporate position in a bank and wear a suit daily. I use a backpack.

Our executive leaders use them too.

[Ealyssa]

I agree backpacks are not really good looking. But each their own.

For me when in a suit : briefcase
When more casual and/or needing to lift a "lot" (computer/tablet/papers/other) I take a messenger bag.

I got this exact model :



and love it.

[Nerdgasm]

It's all about the field, the company and the position.

Sometimes, even if everyone is fine with your backpack, you may still interact with third parties that aren't.

[Reeve]

So I saw an article on linkedin a couple of weeks ago that basically said it is unprofessional to carry a back pack in the professional world instead of a briefcase. Most of the people who responded said it depends on what field you're in. For example it would be unprofessional for a lawyer to carry one but for people who are in like the IT field a backpack is really the best option.


I can agree with this. Being in the IT field when I have to go out to campus to repair a computer or check out a network problem I carry a back pack. A briefcase would be very limiting when I need to carry various tools, laptops, testing equipment, and cables and stuff.


What do you guys think of this?

I carried a briefcase for the first 5 years of my professional career because I thought it made me look more professional.

I then decided that was bullshit, and that a backpack Byers you back less, carries more, and organizes my stuff better. And you know what? No one gave a shit. Half of my coworkers are wearing backpacks too. Though I suppose that may be in part because we've all been seismic field workers who have had to carry our gear miles through swamps, deserts and jungles, and so we know that practicality trumps any stupid preconceptions about image.

[oxymoronic]

No I wouldn't, that's because I know the qualification of how good of a lawyer is, is not based on if they carry a backpack or a briefcase.

apparently you dont, or dont have a clue about the judicial system

[Mihalik]

I have a couple of leather "formal" backpacks.

Something like this. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...9ecdde6147.jpg

I also have several side satchels. Main reason is that I bike/motorbike often. Also use public transport a lot. In all cases it is more convenient than a briefcase which is amazingly unwieldy and which I haven't ever used.

Honestly the only people I've seen using briefcases in the past 10 years are some men over 50.

[oxymoronic]

I carried a briefcase for the first 5 years of my professional career because I thought it made me look more professional.

I then decided that was bullshit, and that a backpack Byers you back less, carries more, and organizes my stuff better. And you know what? No one gave a shit. Half of my coworkers are wearing backpacks too. Though I suppose that may be in part because we've all been seismic field workers who have had to carry our gear miles through swamps, deserts and jungles, and so we know that practicality trumps any stupid preconceptions about image.

yeah of course, your job is not 90% appearance and confidence.

[the game]

I carried a briefcase for the first 5 years of my professional career because I thought it made me look more professional.

I then decided that was bullshit, and that a backpack Byers you back less, carries more, and organizes my stuff better. And you know what? No one gave a shit. Half of my coworkers are wearing backpacks too. Though I suppose that may be in part because we've all been seismic field workers who have had to carry our gear miles through swamps, deserts and jungles, and so we know that practicality trumps any stupid preconceptions about image.

I just find briefcases to be awkward and over complicated. Backpacks are way more efficient for carrying the things I need. I would likely carry it even if I was in a job where I had to wear a suit.

[Reeve]

I usually have a shoulder bag or what ever you call it (like a woman's handbag, just not filled with crap and more practical). I hate backpacks, especially in summer, because it's always uncomfortably hot with them on your back and I usually try to minimize sweating .

I live in Houston, where the heat index is often around 120F in the summer. I wear a backpack, and it doesn't cause me to sweat more than my briefcase did. Modern backpacks, the good quality ones, have all sorts of clever design in their straps and back pad to air them as comfy as possible.

[Ripster42]

sounds like you trying to put being a geek squad member above lawyer/banker. sounds silly, so stop it.

A lot of people put pond scum above lawyers and bankers.