[nabs-l] backpacks are unprofessional?

[T. Joseph Carter]

If you can get a bag with a "floating strap" it will feel lighter and 
hurt your shoulder less.  Also, I've been using convergence devices 
more and more so that I need carry less.  I also carry a 3lb computer 
instead of the traditional 6lb laptop--though these have limitations 
(see the thread on nettops--smallish keyboards and screens or high 
price tags..)

You should might be able to order just the strap from Waterfield 
(sfbags.com), which is what I use.  It's about the only affordable 
product they sell, and it's a nice strap for that sort of bag.  You 
might have to email Gary and ask him to sell you one.

Otherwise, the style of strap is one that has a shoulder pad that 
won't slip easily, and is long and stretchy.  Most fatigue from an 
over-the-shoulder bag comes from the shock of motion, and the 
stretchy shoulder pad takes most of the force out of that.  It makes 
the bag feel lighter and easier to wear.

Just a suggestion.

Joseph


On Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at 11:54:49PM -0500, Jamie Principato wrote:
>I can kind of see where your professor is going, but at the same time I
>don't think he understands how inconvenient and impractical it is for a
>blind professional to carry around a messenger bag or briefcase. I don't
>know where I'd be if I was suddenly told I couldn't carry my backpack on my
>back. A messenger bag throws me off balance and I tend to move diagonally to
>the side the weight is on if it's heavy (which we all know it would be.). It
>also makes it more difficult to use my cane, and the weight can be rather
>painful and potentially harmful. I can understand if I was driving into town
>to do this work, but if I'm walking and using public transit, it just isn't
>practical... And frankly, our bags are heavier (usually) than a sighted
>persons, what with the weight of any braille or large print materials we'd
>be carrying, laptops, note-takers, magnifiers, things that may be needed for
>the dog (not sure about that one since I don't use a dog, but I imagine it's
>a possible added weight). It just makes more sense to use both shoulders
>instead of one or just your hand.
>
>I don't think it looks unprofessional to be carrying a backpack. I mean, if
>a blind person was doing business with me and they had on a barbie doll or
>spider man backpack, or it had stickers and buttons all over it advertising
>their favorite bands or college sports teams, I have to say that would look
>very unprofessional and may lead me to take this person less seriously. But
>a simple, organized adult backpack is fine, in my opinion...
>
>However I am not the majority, and I find time and time again that my views
>on blindness and other matters differ greatly from those of the majority.