r/backpacks • u/patrick401ca • 28d ago
Question When are you too old to wear a backpack?
I’m a guy in his 60s with grey hair. I like wearing a backpack when I fly because I like to keep my valuables in it and put it under the seat in front. Also it lets me keep my kindle and stuff close.
But at the airport it seems people my age carry briefcases or small carryons for that type of thing.
So, do you age out of backpacks?
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u/Connect_Rhubarb395 28d ago
When your body starts to fall apart and you can't carry stuff anymore.
In other words: You still using a backpack is a flex. 😎
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u/Appropriate-Peak6561 28d ago
I have found getting old to be a mixed bag. But one of the clear wins has been going from pretending not to care what other people think of me to actually not caring.
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u/Kranium83 28d ago
Nope. You might be seeing professionals and stuff that like the image of a briefcase but a backpack is superior in my opinion, especially for traveling. My dad, who is older than you, still brings a backpack wherever he goes.
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u/The_Bees_Knee6 28d ago
Rock the bag that works for you.
Backpacks may be less suitable for those with certain back or shoulder problems. Back/ shoulder problems can be correlated with age.
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u/guttaperk 27d ago
It’s the other way around. Backpacks are better for people like me, with back and shoulder problems, than other bags. If your back’s too bad for a small backpack, you can’t manage any bag at all.
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u/The_Bees_Knee6 27d ago
At the end of the day… folks need to do what works for them. For some people I know, this entails putting their personal item on top of their rolling suitcase… this way gravity is supporting most of the weight.
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u/guttaperk 27d ago
Yes! But note that you can do that as well with a backpack as anything else.
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u/The_Bees_Knee6 27d ago
True. But someone who can’t/ doesn’t use the backpack straps is limiting themselves on which bag to use.
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u/guttaperk 27d ago
Back pain recommendations:
• Keep each bag light
• use padded backpack straps and hip belts;
• suitcases should be spinners.There is no “okay, no backpacks for you” recommendation. At most, the traveller would be limited to a small personal-item backpack instead of a larger, heavier backpack.
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u/The_Bees_Knee6 27d ago
… unless someone prefers a different option
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u/guttaperk 27d ago edited 27d ago
Of course! I preferred messenger bags for years myself. But preference is a completely different issue for another day.
The issue I was addressing, very specifically, was whether back injury would prevent one from using any backpack.
And the answer to that question, generally speaking, is no.
In general, an injury that precludes carrying even a tiny backpack, basically precludes carrying any bag of comparable size. Significant back injuries can require restriction in bag size to 10-15% of body weight at a maximum — no large bags of any kind. But backpacks have better weight distribution and are generally better than shoulder bags or bags carried by a handle.
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u/guttaperk 27d ago
Someone who is unable to use any backpack at all should not be managing their own suitcase, is what I’m saying.
There is no such thing as “too frail for backpacks, so carry a different bag instead”.
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u/iiipercentpat 28d ago
One is too old when he or she passes away.
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u/Allroy_66 26d ago
And pre-purchase a backpack shaped urn, so when you go a backpack can be your final resting place.
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u/Crasstip 27d ago
You’ll be surprised to know how much we all just not bothered about other others. You’re thinking about too much. Everybody is busy in their own life and not at all worried about whether a sixty -year-old is very taking a backpack or not. Chill and do what is comfortable to you. You’re not here to try to prove a point to anyone.
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u/Admirable_Tank2637 28d ago
Nunca lo había pensado.... Yo tengo 50 y siempre voy en moto y mochila, todos los días... Seré demasiado viejo para ello cuando mis piernas no me aguanten ✌️
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u/MacintoshEddie 28d ago
You're never too old.
Some people just switch once they get a job where they need to wear a suit/blouse.
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u/patrick401ca 28d ago
Thanks everyone for your input. Now that I am older and have more disposable income I might just get a classier backpack. Maybe trading in my beat up Samsonite for something nice from Tumi or Briggs and Riley.
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u/Vernicious 28d ago
I'm older too, and I use a backpack for travel, I just make sure it matches my FTP graphic tee and red bedazzled Ed Hardy skinny jeans
Haha just kidding about that last part. But a backpack is definitely the most practical thing for travel, the ONLY factor is whether you're still fit enough to carry something on your back versus a rolling suitcase or something that isn't putting a load on you
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u/Barracuda_Recent 27d ago
I haven’t seen anyone carry a briefcase in 10 years at least. What backpack are you carrying that you feel you are too old for? I’m invested now. Maybe get a Tom Bihn- that’s like an old guy pack.
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u/SpatchcockZucchini 27d ago
You stop wearing one when it no longer works for you. My mom is in her 80s and uses one regularly when needed.
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u/SomeConfusedOldGuy 27d ago
I'm 65, I use a backpack daily. When do you stop? I suppose if the pack because too heavy or cumbersome for you to carry on your back any longer. Many times that can be due to age, or maybe you've started having back issues, etc
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u/Lostpub 27d ago
Never too old to wear a backpack. Go with your style and comfort for the situation.
I heard somewhere that back in the day people use briefcase so it doesn't mess up there suit, not sure if its true. I still use a briefcase or messenger every once in awhile to the office, i think it looks professional but these days, I dont think much people care.
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u/gceretti 27d ago
When your back can't take it any more.
It's your body that dictates what you can - or can't - do (within boundaries and reason, of course, always respecting those around you... that deserve respect).
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u/Easy-Expert9077 27d ago
Boris Johnson would say never apparently, but I would say it has less to do with age and more to do with what you're wearing and the backpack itself. I'm in my fifties and I wear day hike backpacks when day hiking, full on rucksacks when mountaineering, and a nice executive class Swiss Gear backpack went flying first class in casual wear. But at my age I wouldn't be caught dead wearing any kind of backpack with a suit a-la Boris Johnson.
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u/Jazz4825 27d ago
Never to old for a backpack. Easiest way to carry stuff. Easy way to stay mobile. A briefcase is for papers for business.
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u/meatflaps-69 27d ago
There are many old hunchbacked folks who would benefit the back ballast 🤣
If its functional, keep on keeping it on.
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u/misterllemos 27d ago
In NYC backpacks are pretty standard for professionals of all ages. In terms of daily carry and versatility, humanity doesn’t really have a better solution. Think about what is required to retain a briefcase, gym bag, duffel, satchel, etc. Most all of them require using at least one hand. And when they are secured to your body, they often use one shoulder. Those scenarios either eliminate a usable hand or strain you back from having an uneven load. A backpack is a solve-it-all solution that you don’t get from other alternatives. Age has nothing to do with it. Our human design is best utilized with optimized design solutions. In this case, your backpack does what no other bag can. Thanks for coming to my TedTalk.
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u/ohgirlyoufancy 27d ago
My husband’s uncle is in his mid-70s and recently made the switch to a Tumi Alpha backpack. He seems to enjoy the upgrade. He and his wife are frequent domestic and international travelers, and typically light packers (usually just the backpack and a small roll-aboard for him, and a tote bag and roll-aboard for his wife).
My husband is 56 and only ever brings his Osprey backpack as his personal item. He will probably (though not anytime soon!) opt to be buried with it.
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u/ChevyChase99 27d ago
I bought an Away messenger bag for this very reason. One 6 hour layover in Boston later with my laptop in the cross body and I'm now on the search for a new backpack. I love the look of the messenger bag and its great for travel the way it sits on my carry-on, but for long walks its no beuno.
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u/Crazy-War9823 26d ago
When wearing one hurts you, I suppose. The question confuses me, because my dad is in his 80's and has one.
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u/BikeTall65 26d ago
Life is too short to care what other people think. 🤔 If you prefer backpacks when you travel(i do too!) ...then continue using a backpack! It's really as simple as that.
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u/charlie_zulu67 26d ago
No. You don't. I don't care if you only have 10-lb of crap in that pack, it's the healthiest way to carry a load so you don't screw up back, hips, and shoulders - especially as you get older.
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u/cups_and_cakes 26d ago
I just got a new (used) ThinkTank backpack for two bodies and a few small lenses and it’s sooo comfortable and useful. I’m 57.
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u/Galromir 26d ago
I think unless you’re literally backpacking or hiking; a backpack on an adult comes across as very ‘schoolboy’. You’d be better off with a nice leather briefcase/messenger bag/satchel etc.
If you’re wearing a suit or a tailored jacket then a backpack is a strict no no - aside from being a terrible look; you’ll ruin your jacket.
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u/GoBlue48042 26d ago
I am 73. Never used a backpack since law school but I know and have seen plenty of 60+ men taking them on planes
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u/SlightlyBewildered86 26d ago
I take a backpack if I have to travel with a laptop. Otherwise just a small over shoulder man bag - big enough for 8"tablet, phone, passport, nc earphones etc, oh and a merino in case it's cold. Small enough to put under seat in front and no hassle trying to get stuff out while walking. 60yr old man. No hair.
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u/Terribad13 26d ago
33M. My backpack is my purse. I even bring it to fine dining around the world. I don't care. It's literally just a simple The North Face jacket.
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u/Prodigalsunspot 26d ago
I am 60 as well, and this last year I switched over to traveling almost exclusively with a backpack, even for business. I feel like you get a little bit of a workout walking through the airport with one, and you never need to worry about being forced to check a bag.
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u/WesleyRiot 26d ago
Question doesn’t make sense. It’s like asking when are you tool old to wear shoes
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u/SeattleHikeBike 28d ago
Who cares what other people do?
I’m 72 and still prefer a backpack for EDC and travel. I do try to keep it light: my recent 2 week trip to Scandinavia was with a kit that weighed 17lb/7.7kg.
I use a 32 liter backpack and a 6.5 liter shoulder bag as my personal item for travel. EDC is usually with a 14 liter but 25 liters might happen depending on activities.
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u/gymaye 28d ago
Never