<p>Backpacks are way easier on your neck and back than messenger bags. </p>
<p>I use spirals as well as little cheapo duo tang folders. The most important thing, after everything has been said and done, is to make sure your notes are organised as well as your syllabi. You never know if a prof will swap things around with the syllabi. And you need all your notes for finals for sure.</p>
<p>L.L. Bean makes really neat backpacks because they last forever. Army Navy Surplus makes nice ones also.</p>