[Spliff]

I'm not looking for a laptop bag (there's a separate thread for that).

Which do you prefer for college? A backpack or a messenger bag? I'd appreciate everyone's thoughts and brand recommendations.

[Kerrigan]

From strictly a fashion perspective, the messenger bag is out. The trusty old backpack is "in" again. A lot of the people who buy messenger bags now are just trying to look hip but are 1-2 years behind trends.

Of course, what really matters is practicality, and from a practical standpoint the messenger bag is inferior to the backpack, since the messenger bag distributes weight unevenly on your shoulders and can cause bad posture after a couple of years. Also if you've ever needed to carry a couple of thick books somewhere, the messenger bag will be pretty uncomfortable. They will bounce around your hips as you walk, and this can get irritating.

Go with a backpack.

[d4nth3m4n]

i have two packs that i alternate between. a marmot talus (daypack) and a timbuk2 commuter messenger bag.

lately though the timbuk2 has been getting more action as it's better suited to keeping track of all the crap i lug to school with on any given day.

[Albert Pujols]

Backpack definitely. You can't fit all your books in a messenger bag..

[rickey939]

Oakley® backpack.

[dcmacdaddy]

I've got a Timbuk2 Computer Commuter messenger bag for going to school; It carries my laptop and all my school stuff.

I've got a Timbuk2 Mogwai (medium-sized) messenger bag for going to work or overnight/weekend trips; It carries all my daily commuting/work stuff.

The work bag has taken a tremendous beating and still holds up well years now after I got it. The school bag is in better shape as I only use it for school and it sits idle most of the Summer--but it is only four years old as well.

I guess your decision depends on how much you want/need to carry at any given time. I would imagine if you had to carry a semester's worth of books all at once you'd be better off with a book bag (backpack). For days when I have got a lot of books to carry--usually after a trip to the library--I bring along a collapsible canvas grocery sack and pile all my books in there. it is so NOT stylish but uber-functional.

But as far as style goes, yeah my Timbuk2 bags are out of style now. But they were not in style when I first started using them (1997-ish for the work/commuting bag). So, I wouldn't let style be too much of a deciding factor. Find something you like that is functional, has eye-appeal to you, and then go buy it.

[Chuckit]

I definitely prefer a backpack for everything. I would carry one to work if it didn't look unprofessional. Like d4nth3m4n said, messenger bags are way worse for your back, which in turn makes them less comfortable to carry around for long periods of time.

[Cubeoid]

packback messenger

[Railroader]

Messenger bags will damage your back if you overload them. Back packs are healthier and more versatile.

Messenger bags are more convient for light loads though. Easier to get into and organize.

I've carried both for a number of years and I say get both for different occassions.

[TailsToo]

Syngergy BackPack from Wenger (SwissArmy) It's awesome!