<p>As of late i’ve realized I carry way too many things. </p>
<p>On an almost daily basis I’ll carry (in my backpack), my MacBook Pro, Book(s), Paper, Pens, Pencils, Camera, Flip Mino HD, Cell Phone, Wallet & Keys. </p>
<p>I’ve weighed my bag, and on a bad day i’ll be lugging closer to 20lbs on my back. On an easier day, I’ll lug about 2-6 pounds on my back, considering whether I take my MacBook w/ me or not. </p>
<p>Nevertheless, here I am wondering how other college students deal with such an issue. For this past week i’ve not carried my backpack at all and my back feels better, no longer as tense. I figured i’d ask such a question before I pick up my backpack once again. </p>
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<p>I’m at the point where i’m considering not carrying any backpack at all, and carrying only the bare essentials; consisting of my wallet, keys and cell phone…and chapstick…all in my pockets. If I ever know i’ll need my computer or books, then so be it. </p>
<p>But on to you community!</p>
<p>I also dislike backpacks, so I carry totes. Not that it’s any better for my back.</p>
<p>One thing that’s helped is to get the Kindle versions of my books whenever available, so I can read them on my phone instead of carrying them around.</p>
<p>Also worth considering is whether you really need the laptop with you constantly. I’ve started leaving it in my room more often and find that I don’t really miss it. I’m far less likely to get distracted when I take notes the old-fashioned way.</p>
<p>Lately i’ve realized I dont need it as much. But my concern is when somethign arises throughout the day that forces me to need it. </p>
<p>This is why as of late i’ve freaked out at times when i need either a file or copy of somthing, but my Mac is 30 miles away.</p>
<p>In a perfect world I simply wouldn’t need to carry around my Mac. I too have an iPad and it certainly helps, though am personally waiting for UC decisions to come out, and am wondering if college textbooks would be available in ePub or PDF versions.</p>
<p>Have you considered one of those rolling backpacks? They’re a little cumbersome, but they’ll save you some back pain.</p>
<p>If you drive, I’ve had friends who keep the majority of their school materials in their car. The might carry their laptop and basics with them (paper, pens, etc) but then go out to their car between classes to switch textbooks and such.</p>
<p>Concerning those Rolling Backpacks, I’ve always been a bit on the “Form Over Function” side of things. Personally (& no disrespect intended if you use a rolling Backpack), I feel the rolling backpacks are for people who go door to door selling things or the lesser popular kids. </p>
<p>I use an InCase Sling Backpack, which I really love…but of course isn’t comforting to the back when carrying a heavy load. </p>
<p>As for the car, I do drive…though i’ve never wanted to learn my electronics in the car, considering I have before…and have learned (the hard way) that leaving electronics in the car can diminish the battery life, regarding the high heat that accumulates. </p>
<p>OR perhaps i’m just a personal stickler and am looking for ways not find a solution.</p>
<p>…Just like how when people would tell me to throw a 24 pack of bottled water in my trunk but wouldn’t agree seeing as the plastic in the bottles would leaked cancerous chemicals under the harsh heat of the sun.</p>
<p>I think that, with the thousands dead or missing in Japan and multiple wars going on, I just try to put my backpack in perspective.</p>
<p>Right, when viewing it within the grand the scheme of things, a heavy backpack doesn’t compare. </p>
<p>I’m currently in China at the moment for the next few months, awaiting my UC acceptance decisions and have heard much about the Japanese earthquake and radiation fears trickling over to China.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, I can’t ignore the fact that my constant carrying of a heavy backpack is negatively affecting and tightening my back.</p>
<p>Well, regarding form over function, that’s your call. The rolling backpack seems like it would solve the issues you’re having, but if you aren’t willing to use one, you’re kind of stuck.</p>