I only wear one when I travel. It's easier to have hands free at the airport.

NOOOOOOO!!!!

only on special circumstances ie; overseas travel or camping/hiking

All the time. I think seeing women walk around juggling bags looks silly. I'm on the go - I need my hands free. It's more chic.

I have an Armani and a Louis Vuitton handbag, but I don´t use them lastly because a prefer the shoulder bags. But I use my Roxy and Eastpak backpacks for going to the gym, to play tennis or travelling.

I have a messenger bag for my laptop and textbooks- I don't think I've worn an actual backpack since Junior High.

im a student and id rather have shoulder problems than be seen with a backpack *shudder* unless it's the boxy leather type the answer is no.

I still use one on occasion, but I'm still in school. I use a tote most of the time.

I agree with Oxymoron, for going to the gym or traveling.

Backpacks are perfect for traveling, especially when you travel with children.

I don't care if 'they're coming back'. I only wear them when walking, hiking or other times when they are necessary.

only when I HAVE to, otherwise, no way!

leninacrowne i agree! i lug my heavy law school books in shoulder bags that are very cute and stylish!

but i must say backpacks are still more stylish then the rolling backpacks---you see a lot of those in law school and i would never be caught dead rolling those around--no matter how practical they are!

Only for activities like going to the gym and the occasional camping trip.

dorky.

Nope...hate them. Even when I was student, I always preferred a messenger-style bag.

ICK!

NO~!

I wear a one strap cross the body one for walking to work and any other outdoors activity. But it's cute, so don't worry.

Well, they are better than a fanny pack, but that's about it.

What else would I carry around my books in? Totes hurt my shoulder

I use a timbuk2 shoulder bag almost every day. It's perfect for bike riding.

No way. Haven't worn one since middle school.

on traveling,hiking and camping.i'd def carry a backpack

Nope...

Nope. They have never been my cup of tea.

When hiking I would but usually don't have to. It's not something I'd wear to be fashionable. I'd rather carry a big bag for all my stuff.

love my bag pack especially when riding on MUNI or BART. It also doesnt hurt that I have a bag addiction which also includes the back packs but they are all cute and fun bags!!

nooo not even in middle,high,or elemantry.

NOOO, never ever ever. I live in Tokyo and the backpack screams "tourist/recently arrived foreigner." It's even more touristy than a camera, because there are plenty of Tokyo locals who enjoy photography as a hobby, but no one who lives here carries a backpack unless they're actually going camping.

On the other hand, if you really ARE a tourist and cannot speak a word of Japanese, this is probably an effective way to get shop assistants to practice their English on you.

Yes-- although I probably shouldn't quite so much. I switch to a smaller bag when I can.

I need a nice laptop bag in backpack format though. All the ones I can find are huge and masculine.

I can't handle tote bags at all. They fall right off my shoulders.

So....EW! I mean, backpacks are good to lug around heavy things in, but if I need to carry a lot of stuff, I prefer oversized totes. They usually look better with any given outfit, and aren't so awkward. Also, they're easier to keep an eye on simply because it's a bit harder to watch your back.

can't live without it.

backpacks are great, much better than shoulder pain from a heavy tote, but I do love my Crumpler messenger bag, almost as comfortable as a backpack, but in the form of a messenger bag

I have a small one I use for a purse. Mush easier on my shoulder and when I put it on proper, leaves me hands free for shopping. I don't care if I am a dork, I make it work.

Hell No.

well, when every other work day i carry a 15 inch laptop and a DSLR camera....a backpack it is.

unless i decide to carry 3 different bags...for different things.

No one wears a backpack as a fashion statement.
They're for a purpose.
Who cares if they're "dorky?"
They may be used for school purposes, but we aren't in high school anymore...