As students came back for fall semester, their backpacks colored the SF State campus on the first day of school.

Students have different reasons for choosing how they carry their books. Many students choose their backpack based on practical reasons, such as the size of the bag and its capacity to store their belongings. Some students pick their bookbags based on the design or colors so that their bag matches their outfits.

Brendan Norton uses a snowboarding backpack that is designed to protect his things in all kinds of weather.

“Comfort is definitely a key,” said Norton, a junior majoring in recreation and leisure studies. He said he likes to use a snowboarding backpack because it can hold everything he needs for school, and its compartment help him organize his belongings.

Natsuko Ishii chose a gold-based tote bag, highlighted with spangles on straps to go with her clothes.

“I always try to come up with the one that would go with my outfit for the day,” said Ishii, a senior majoring in conceptual and information art. She added that she tends to use bags since it’s hard to find a stylish and fashionable backpack.

Some students choose a bookbag based on their orthopedic health needs.
Susan Dell, a graduate student studying counseling, uses a rolling backpack to walk around the campus.

Dell developed a repetitive stress injury while working on a computer for eight hours a day for eight and a half years at the state Employment Development Department, she said.

“I don’t want to be in pain,” said Dell.

After using a regular backpack during her first year of school, she switched to a rolling backpack because of the pain she experienced in her shoulders and back. Still, she said, getting around can sometimes be a hassle.

“It (a rolling backpack) limits your options when you are walking around the campus since it takes a long time to use ramps and elevators,” said Dell. “You have to allow more time to get to a class.”
SF State health educator Albert Angelo recommended that students use a backpack that distributes weight equally.

“I would recommend to students to use a rolling backpack if they feel that there’s a risk on their shoulders or back,” said Angelo. “The key is you want to have a good posture with your backpack, (which is) hard to do with a one-shoulder backpack or carrying a bag.”