FFEJ’s Laws: the size of shoulder bags and backpacks is inversely related to the overall economic condition. Ie, as the economy tanks, the bags get bigger.
I formulated this law 20 years ago, in the recession after the market crashed. Back when it was the economy, stupid. I noticed all my friends, even the hardcore hipsters were suddenly carrying backpacks or shoulder bags. I figured it was because you wanted as much stuff with you as possible, so you didn’t have to waste time or money running home. Most of the people I knew were also carrying bag lunches to cut costs. Almost everyone was carrying spare clothes or light jackets. This was also when America started carrying water bottles. The average backpack size was around 2000 cubic inches (manufacturers numbers, someday I’ll write up a post on how manufacturers lie about size).
Back then I moved from a rummage sale Leica safari bag (with the strap that my grandmother had sewed back on after it came off) to a Domke camera bag and a medium sized shoulder bag alternating with a 2500 ci. Jansport backpack. I was toting film cameras and and one of my two portable computers each weighing over 10 pounds. But then I always travelled heavier then my friends.
As the 90s progressed, the economy boomed, and the packs and shoulder bags got smaller and lighter. Gone were the 1600-1000 denier cordura, replaced by polyester and nylon ripstop. sizes dropped to about 1400 ci. I migrated to various smaller trade show swag shoulder bags.
The next explosion in bag size was the messenger bag explosion that coincided with the bubble bursting in 2000. Backpacks followed in size, if not materials. The messenger bags of this period were 100 denier ballistic nylon or Cordura. I moved first to an 2500 ci. Eddie Bauer backpack that disintegrated, then to a 2000 ci. Timbuktu messenger bag I still love, but my back hates.
Finally, almost exactly coincident with the onset of the recession 2 years ago, bags and packs went back to the supposed 2500 ci. size, and I began see more and more people carrying a backpack and a shoulder bag. I migrated to 3000+ ci. military backpacks with satellite shoulder bags.
I’ve mentioned this law to various friends over the years, and been snickered at. But one of the people I’ve laid the law on is now a true believer. They went and bought a 2500 ci. pack on my recommendation, and have been raving about it for a month now. On top of which, they went and bought me the 3100 ci. version of the pack as a thank you. I’m having coffee with them right now, and while they insist on anonymity, I think a public announcement is in order. So, Illinois Backpack Bandit, you join the ranks of this site’s supporters. I and my back thank you!
Now stop kicking me under the table, ok?
