Students find bags for long haul

Every student on campus needs a reliable school bag. Whether these are messenger bags, backpacks, tote bags or rolling luggage, they should be comfortable.

But the bags also need to be strong enough for a heavy textbook load.

Even the strongest bag can still be fashionable.

Some unisex fashion trends can be misinterpreted to be appropriate for only one gender.

For men, the messenger bag can sometimes appear to straddle the line between convenient classic and men's purse. The across-the-body style grants easier access to the bag's contents and can easily carry a light load. The smaller in size a messenger bag gets, the more similarities it has to a women's purse.

"It depends on how it is carried, when it is carried, and the way it looks," said liberal studies major Laurie Hernandez.

Structured backpacks with clean lines and vintage designs are another unisex look this season. While not the most fashion-forward option, these bags evenly distribute weight. They bring a more erect posture and relief to one's back. Designs with leather trim, toggles, buttons, suede, plaid prints and color-blocking all add a little more flare.

Backpacks with a reinforced bottom are ideal for carrying a heavy load. Although this choice provides more comfort, for some students fashion precedes function.

"Totes are trendier," said AASU student Damita Hodges.

Totes are large bags with an open top and two arm straps, like a sturdier version of reusable shopping bags.

"Totes hold more stuff, making them more popular," said fine arts student Ben Ransom.

"Females can just put a wallet in it and use it as a purse, too," Hodges said.

For some students, a bag as light as a tote may still be too strenuous on one's back and shoulders.

Often heard before it is seen, most students have seen rolling luggage on campus. A style originating in the '90s, this "book bag" may be the only option for people who cannot physically endure the weight of their books and supplies. This option could also be a good idea for students concerned about preventing spine problems in the future.

Until everyone can have their class material on Kindles or iPads, students will have to get creative for the long haul of books, which seem to constantly increase in number and weight.