While walking around State College on the way to class, you may have noticed the decreasing popularity of backpacks among students and the rising trend of tote bags. VALLEY is here to explain why.
Backpacks and College Culture
Backpacks have always been a staple in college culture. They fit perfectly with the fast-paced lifestyle that college brings. You can throw your books, computer and everything else you need for the day into it, and throw it over your shoulder as you head to class.
Weirdly, a backpack can even be a symbol of someone’s identity. Walking around campus, have you ever recognized a friend from behind just by spotting their backpack?
The Particularity Of The Backpack VS. The Tote
I’m sure we can all agree that a backpack is often more practical than a tote. For one, it’s quicker to pack because you can just shove everything in without really needing to properly organize it.
A tote, on the other hand, needs things to be packed a bit more carefully to avoid items poking into your side or sticking out awkwardly.
Another advantage of a backpack is that it holds a lot more and distributes the weight across your back. This makes carrying heavier loads more comfortable. When you have a lot of stuff to carry, a tote can be uncomfortable on one shoulder, while a backpack is designed to make that weight easier to handle.
The Tote VS. The Backpack
Backpacks may not be everyone’s preference stylistically speaking. There may be cute backpacks out there; however, some may argue that backpacks can ruin an outfit whereas a tote can elevate it.
Over time, with the advancements in technology, college has become a lot more digital, which might make the shift to totes feel more practical. Students aren’t carrying as many physical items. It is usually just a laptop and maybe the occasional textbook. In this case, the practicality of a backpack isn’t as essential.
European Tote Influence
Social media trends might be associated with the decline of backpacks. A few of these are the European summer trend and the clean girl aesthetic. European style and pop culture tend to influence United States culture due to their chicness and sophistication.
These trends have risen in popularity throughout the past few years and might be the reason that backpacks lost their appeal to college students. TikTok trends tend to inspire younger generations’ lives on a daily basis and continue to influence us in everything from lifestyle to making backpacks fashionable.
Tag us on Instagram, @VALLEYmag, and let us know what you prefer, the tote or the backpack!
