Anyone's school aged child use a messenger bag instead of backpack?

[Monchhichi]

Mine both want them this year, and since they're only in 3rd grade and don't have much (if any) homework, the weight-thing won't be an issue for us, either. I see a lot more messenger bags this year to choose from...

My dd was in 2nd grade this year and didn't have much homework, but once you stuff in a lunch bag, library books, a sweater, a spare pair of socks (lots of mud in our field) and whatever other crap she manages to sneak in there when I'm not looking it can become quite heavy.

[Kim C]

Sierra was in 3rd grade last year, and sometimes came home with a backpack so heavy, I was surprised she didn't topple over! I'm afraid to let her get the bag only.

Thanks for all the info!

[joanna]

Susannah's all about the messenger bag this year too. I don't care either way, but I did tell her there would be no new backpack if she decides it's uncomfortable or doesn't work for her. She'll have to make do with her old backpack.

[DDVMM]

DD had to have a messenger bag last year in 3rd grade. It totally did NOT work for her. We wound up having to get a backpack after about 2 months. It was heavy and uncomfortable for her. There also wasn't enough room for her to put all the 'stuff' she had to carry.

[AmymOH]

My dd has refused a backpack since 7th grade. She uses a messenger type bag as do all of her friends.

[annie-s]

My DD was in 3rd grade this year and insisted on one from Justice. Since she is in charge, that's what she got. By the end of the year she hated it. Binder, papers, pencils, water bottle on the side, plus her lunchbox. The last month she ended up using her backpack from the previous year and was much happier.

[lisa in venice]

Sam will start middle school this year and I am sure he will want one. Since most kids carry their backpacks on one shouler anyway I don't see much of a difference. I DO know that the "rolly" backpacks are MAJORLY uncool and viewed as a "little kid" thing.

In high school and in some middle schools you start to see the REALLY expensive over sized designer bags (real and fake). My older dd had knock offs and her grandma bough her a D&G bag on sale at a wholesale place in NY. She carried her books in that for three years. It was a very big deal around here.

[shaz]

DD had one last year (3rd gr) and like it a lot. She didn't have a lot to carry back and forth though.

[TwoQTs]

It would not work for kids around here. Lunch bag, library books, a couple reading books for the home reading pgm, water bottle, agenda, a scribbler or two or a binder for the iny amount of homework...

Here they aren't really given a choice; the school list says 'backpack; no substitutions.'

[CdnMom]

My dd was in 2nd grade this year and didn't have much homework, but once you stuff in a lunch bag, library books, a sweater, a spare pair of socks (lots of mud in our field) and whatever other crap she manages to sneak in there when I'm not looking it can become quite heavy.

that is so true, it's amazing how heavy bags got without homework. I am dreading grade 4 this year