The Backpack Is the New Briefcase

The definition of business casual has changed.  So has the definition of the thing we use to transport our work stuff around in.  That thing is the backpack. 

When the little kids line up for the school bus I can see Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants style backpacks.  When the older kids hang out on the quad I can spot the backpacks from JanSport and The North Face.   When lining up for the flight from San Francisco to JFK the line is loaded with men and women, dressed like they just left the Board Room slinging backpacks over the shoulder.  Hmmmm.

Backpacks are now a major accessory for the businessperson.  I suspect it all started when people right out of college refused to change.  The transition from college to the real world is tough enough without having to abandon one’s favorite backpack.  In fact, some big firms began to dispense backpacks to new employees with the company logo branded on one of the pockets.  The Geeks refused to give up their beloved backpacks too.  As they grew older and got into management, the backpacks came with them.

Backpacks are everywhere and wow, have they changed.  The choice of backpack style is infinite.  I just received a catalogue that features a twelve hundred dollar backpack for busy executives.  The merits of such an expensive backpack may be lost on me.

Some that I see wear a backpack to work as if they are in survival training.  Those backpacks are loaded with water bottles and carabineers hanging from them.  You never know when you might need climbing equipment at work.  Best to leave the grappling hooks for the weekend backpack.

Other backpacks tromping onto the elevator behind someone look like those that are on their way to do battle in a major conflict.  Each little pocket and nook and cranny is packed with unknown goodies required for survival on the battlefield.  This level of sophistication is usually not needed.

Some backpacks look like they weigh a ton, some look empty.  Backpacks can smack you in the elevator or while waiting in line at the coffee shop.  On airplanes the backpack in the aisle is a lethal weapon as they swing around behind unknowing travelers.  Be careful not to hurt people with the backpack.

But the questions about backpacks remain:

1. Is there an age limit to wearing a backpack?   Probably not, but the backpack you choose should be age appropriate.   As a leader, anything you wear or say sends out a signal to those around you.  A backpack is not different.   As you get older, others might assume you are wearing one to save the wear and tear on your back.  And that assumption is probably correct. 

1. Is there an image limit to wearing a backpack? Would Jeff Immelt, the CEO of General Electric wear a backpack? Would Marissa Mayer, the CEO of Yahoo wear a backpack?  I don’t know the answer but the image question lingers.  Does a senior exec schlep around so much stuff that he or she needs a backpack?  Probably not.

Alternatives to backpacks are still available.  The alternatives like messenger bags and computer bags are equally important to your persona.

A backpack makes it easier to carry all the necessities of life in transit and at work:  the laptop, a water bottle and snacks.  A laptop is travel friendly.  It fits under the seat in front of you or on the back of the scooter.  A backpack lets you ride your bike to work or use both hands to use your phone.  A backpack says as much about you as your shoes or your hairstyle and can help your image.

Is a backpack workplace appropriate? I am all for any thing that makes life at work easier, saves your back and enhances your style. But like everything else at work, your backpack will say something about you.