Ladies: what do you carry when you commute to NYC? archived

You might like the Longchamp pebbled leather backpack (there's a version in black or red at Nordstrom now), the Longchamp Le Pliage nylon backpack, or the Coach Studio Legacy backpack.

I pack lunch in Snaptite boxes in my tote, or in a Mr. Bento lunch jar, which has its own shoulder strap.

As for the rest of it, I have stripped way down: ID, train pass, Metro card and debit card all fit into a small ID holder (heaven forbid I ever lose it), I don't carry a wallet, my ebook software is on my phone, a second set of makeup is in the gym bag I keep at work, and I keep a drinking glass on my desk.

Large shoulder bag for work, lunch, book/Nook, miscellaneous.
Tiny purse-like shoulder bag for cash, cards, keys, etc. Fits inside tote but can be used alone for weekends/evenings.
(Used to carry shoes too, but now keep a few pairs at the office.)

I have the same problem.
I recently bought this at Annie Sez (in the brown color)
I don't LOVE the style of it, but it suits my needs and wasn't too expensive.

http://www.ebags.com/product/etienne-aigner-business/equest-daily-tote/214438

It has section for my laptop and a decent amount of pockets.
I carry WAY too much stuff, no matter how hard I try to pare it down.
I have eyeglasses AND sunglasses, a wallet, a checkbook, a smaller wallet for train pass and metrocard, office keys, car keys, some cosmetic stuff (not too much).
I try to fit my lunch in, but I often end up with a separate bag for lunch.

I shove a lot into a little handbag - today I have book, two pairs of glasses, yogurt, Healthy Choice meal, keys, wallet, iPhone and a whole bunch of junk. Occasionally I throw shoes in there. Hate to take two bags.

If I didn't have to carry a laptop, I could make do with a smaller bag.

algebra2 said:

I shove a lot into a little handbag - today I have book, two pairs of glasses, yogurt, Healthy Choice meal, keys, wallet, iPhone and a whole bunch of junk. Occasionally I throw shoes in there. Hate to take two bags.

What's your definition of "little?" You are either underestimating the size of the handbag or are the world's best packer, bar non.

Commuting for 30 years and my best answer is a good backpack. I also carry a wristlet, big enough for phone and money, cards which is stuffed in the backpack.

Shoulder bag (medium size) for personal items and briefcase for work related items.

Definitely not a big work bag - a medium sized handbag. Took a picture but can't post it from my phone.

I carry two bags. So it goes.

Too bad I'm not in the fashion/bag industry -- I would totally try to design the perfect commuting bag. This looks like a great idea (tote/backpack combo), but is a bit too large: http://www.zappos.com/overland-equipment-cambridge-black-dusty-blue?zfcTest=fw:0

harden said:

Commuting for 30 years and my best answer is a good backpack. I also carry a wristlet, big enough for phone and money, cards which is stuffed in the backpack.

Absolutely! I've been a road warrior off and on for years. Commuter trains and Airports. The back pack is a great solution.
I bought one that is made to put one's laptop through airport security without taking the laptop out.

A back pack means I can run through airports or train stations with my stuff firmly attached to my body. I don't worry about it
falling off or hanging off of one shoulder. It is much easier on my back because it distributes the weight evenly.
Yes, it's not girly, but I work in a technical field so I guess it could be considered nerd-sexy.

I also have a pretty cool orange bicycle messenger bag that I use when I want a hint of color.

They have some real classy backpacks these days. Not your kids backpack anymore!

I carry a large purse and a large tote. Purse has ecoutrement: wallet, makeup, iPad, etc., and one that has umbrella, coffee, water, breakfast, lunch, snack, etc. Wish it wasn't so bulky, but that's the way it goes.

I no longer schlock my laptop if i bring home work at night i do it off of my tablet

i carry a furla satchel

I often have to travel with a laptop. I found a very subtle jansport backpack (that looks like they were trying to knock off Tumi) that is very comfortable, just the right size and has lots of pockets. I also carry a very small purse that can hold wallet essentials, phone and glasses. The purse can fit inside the backpack as needed.

But I also keep an extra purse at work. I go through phases when I decide just to throw my wallet in my work bag, but then I don't have any way to bring wallet, phones, etc if we go out for lunch. Spare purse fixes that.

jmo, would a backpack with wheels and a retractable handle work for you? That would solve the issue with your back.

But the issue is, for me, being comfortable on the train. I hate to be overloaded on the train. Luckily I don't take a laptop I guess.

Dear new207040:

"Schlock" is the Yiddish word for junk or garbage. I think that the word you meant to use was "schlep," which means to tote along, or drag along with you.

I'm sorry for digressing from the thread. I had to do it.







'

Lizziecat,

Maybe she meant to say that she no longer schleps her schlock. ). I schlep TONS of schlock. (I know that definition of schlock is not really correct... )

wendy said:

algebra2 said:

I shove a lot into a little handbag - today I have book, two pairs of glasses, yogurt, Healthy Choice meal, keys, wallet, iPhone and a whole bunch of junk. Occasionally I throw shoes in there. Hate to take two bags.

What's your definition of "little?" You are either underestimating the size of the handbag or are the world's best packer, bar non.

algebra2 said:

Definitely not a big work bag - a medium sized handbag. Took a picture but can't post it from my phone.

This is the bag she uses. She is just really good at organizing stuff to make it all fit. Amazing!

Nope. This is mine. 2 zippered pockets on the outside of one side, 1 deep pocket on the other. Inside has 3 pocets for other stuff. Umbrella on the bottom and small purse, address book, appointment book, etc. piled on top.

http://www.boscovs.com/StoreFrontWeb/Product.bos?assortmentId=4&itemNumber=137085&type=Product&assortmentDepartmentNumber=1503610

marylago said:

Lizziecat,

Maybe she meant to say that she no longer schleps her schlock. ). I schlep TONS of schlock. (I know that definition of schlock is not really correct... )

this is why i love mol-ers

yes i guess i schelp my schlock and am doing my best to shift from schlock to necessary items only

Laptops are big and heavy once that came off my list my bag got lighter and cuter. 10 years ago laptops were wonderful now they feel antiquated and unnecessary

I like the idea of a backpack, but I don't want to look like a college kid. I also don't want to spend $300 for a Coach backpack.
What's in between? I'd like something a little stylish and big enough to hold my backpack.


eta: LAPTOP. Big enough to hold my LAPTOP. ;-)

I also tend to favor a bigger bag that I jam way too much in. This is why I don't spend a lot on bags My purse is a larger one that can hold my wallet, phone, a few magazines, hairbrush, etc. I can usually get a frozen Lean Cuisine-type lunch and a few snacks in there. If I'm bringing leftovers for lunch I'll bring a small reusable tote or grocery bag. I really try to avoid two big bags....when I was still nursing and had to carry my pump bag every day it drove me crazy (particularly if stuck in a middle seat!).

I keep a few pairs of heels under my desk at work so I don't usually have to carry shoes.

Pippi, that's exactly where I'm at. I use a really nice leather tote that holds all of my stuff fairly well, but the tote style is terrible for my back. And I know that a rolling backpack is a practical solution, but I can't bring myself to go down that road just yet.....

This tote/backpack/messenger bag actually looks pretty nice: http://www.ebags.com/product/urban-junket/tote-laptop-tote-15/206090?productid=10114300

TarheelsInNj said:

I keep a few pairs of heels under my desk at work so I don't usually have to carry shoes.

Tarheels - we think alike! When I was commuting, I kept my shoes at work in a desk drawer...one pair of black shoes, one pair of brown. Never had to worry about carting shoes to work everyday, so my commuting load was a lot lighter!

jmo said:

This tote/backpack/messenger bag actually looks pretty nice: http://www.ebags.com/product/urban-junket/tote-laptop-tote-15/206090?productid=10114300

It does! I was about to recommend the very comfortable sling backpack (low-profile and good for the back) that I used when I had to schlep my MacBook Pro back and forth, but now I'm tempted to buy the one you posted instead. :-D

Here's the one I used:

http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=375643

It's cheaper at Amazon and elsewhere.

jmo said:

This tote/backpack/messenger bag actually looks pretty nice: http://www.ebags.com/product/urban-junket/tote-laptop-tote-15/206090?productid=10114300

That looks great!