Backpack, clutch or handbag?

I have a few bags which l don't use very often especially now as l never go anywhere. Because I walk with a stick when l go shopping it's always a cross body leaves hands free also a rucksack to hold my shopping.

My yoga teacher pointed out, many years ago, that shoulder bags need to be worn equally on each side in turn to avoid becoming too one-sided.
I have always used backpacks for their practicality and balance for my body, and because I only buy zipped ones, have never had a problem with security.
However, for romantic assignments, I did treat myself to a very smart leather handbag at a price I have never previously risen to! I actually love it, and always think of the saying ‘A thing of beauty is a joy for ever’ by John Keats.

I have so many bags it’s become a problem - my New Years Resolutions included no more bags, shoes, clothes. Failed miserably in the January sales.? In the last month I’ve got a fab Michael Korrs small backpack and a gorgeous Coach tote in cherry red - both half price ? I like a bargain!! Taking about 10 to charity shop this week and seriously considering treatment for my shopping addiction!! Which is due I think to my childhood when I got one pair of shoes a year and one dress at Christmas and one at Whitsuntide from a catalogue my Auntie ran, so my Mum could pay it off weekly. Btw my sister is just the same as me and we often buy the same things without knowing....

Backpacks? Ugh. Ghastly things.

I have a little leather backpack that i use if i am going somewhere with a bit of walking and i have a canvas bag that says I ❤️ Dr Who which i take to work cos it fits all the junk i take with me

Birthdays & Christmas I always get bought a handbag. I have a full shelf of them along the top of my wardrobes, some still have their tags on. Dropped hints to everyone about the amount of bags I have, but they still keep coming. I really love using the same navy cross body one when I go out. Holds everything I need and is a handy size. I actually bought myself another of the same bag for whenever this one gives up.

Yes. I am a bag lady. I have lots. Kipling bags are not cheap but are very lightweight to start with. And they are very organised compartment wise. You can often get last years colours in sales.

Cross body bags for me most of the time, for easy access to 'essentials'. I do have clutch and handbags for more special occasions, which are rare. I only use backpacks for travelling
( though along with cross body ) or when needed to hold extras, such as jacket, picnic things, umbrella etc. I worry about thieves having easier access, plus it's a nuisance taking a backpack off and on regularly.

i have started using a cotton shopping bag type with long straps for everyday purse, water bottle, face mask etc its driving my husband mad as i have "too many bags!!!!" ???

I use one hand bag, the straps are longish and I could put it over one shoulder (but don’t very often as it can cause pain).
I have 6 tote bags, mainly cotton or jute, for going shopping, or just carrying stuff too large or heavy for my handbag.
A backpack for walks/out for the day at National Trust etc.

I enjoy making fabric bags. There are so many nice patterns out there. You can make one for every occasion, and it's a good 'lockdown'activity.

Cross body day-to-day from Mia-Tui great colour choices arthritis neck and shoulders, so The Back Bag Company, if larger needed. Have fancy ones can't part with them , hoping one day!!!!!!

And they go in the washing machine too. I’ve got several different types.

I'm with ayse. I have a couple of old black handbags that I never use (one only gets used for weddings and funerals). Normally I just use canvas totes.

I’m referring to Kipling bags !

When I had an operation on my foot, which meant I had to be non-weight bearing, I had to walk with crutches, I found handbags and shoulder bags impossible. The physiotherapist suggested a crossbody bag or a backpack.
I don't have to walk with crutches now, but have since developed balance problems, so I've stuck with leather crossbody bags in colours to match my shoes (and one backpack for longer walks). I change my bag every few days and have really pared down what I carry.

I used to use a big shoulder bag but ended up with sore shoulder. After much deliberation I got a Kipling backpack and absolutely love it. Sometimes I use a smaller cross body, when shopping etc. But for work the backpack fits everything I need!

I have mainly two that I use, though this year I didn't bother to change them I go out so seldom. A silvery one for winter - cross body, and a white leather for summer, also cross body. Hate to think how many other bags I have though!!

I've used a handbag once since March, the rest of the time my backpack has been much more useful. And I have a collection of handbags too though I do have a weed through every spring!

Mostly Kipling for me - I have one style in several colours which holds a LOT. Don't like backpacks as I think they're too accessible to pickpockets.

I just bought a new backpack made by Roka. A good price excellent quality abs fantastic in covid times as easy to hand sanitise in shops etc don’t know when I’ll go back to any of my lovely Coach/Cochinelle bags now this does everything I need

I've never quite "got" the thing about handbags. I use a cross-body shoulder bag and buy carefully so they last me for years. I've also got a back pack but the arthritus in my neck and back make it painful to wear on a bad day.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

I have a lovely collection of vintage Accessorize bags. I do have a favourite two that are velvet and appliqued and embroidered that I use the most. My favourite for local shopping is a 1940s shopping basket.

I use Kipling crossbody bags. They are light weight, have loads of pockets and there are lots of different colours, styles and sizes to suit everyone. I have used them for years, they never wear out or look old.