Grippy back side for Empire Builder?

[reina]

Hi,

I have the Empire Builder and Absolute Shoulder Strap. Do you think a grippy material on the back of the bag might make it feel a little lighter? (if it grips to clothes & body, might it take some pressure off the shoulder/back?)

This is the first time using a messenger/shoulder bag style bag, and when fully packed, it is a little heavy. I thought it would be cool to try a different style, but I might just buy another backpack. Thought I was tougher than I actually am.

Thanks

[Darcy]

Interesting idea!

Do you need a bag the size of the Empire Builder to carry everything you need?

Tom is always thinking of ways to make bags lighter. For example: the new Smart Alec will be lined with Dyneema fabric instead of Cordura. (The Dyneema is lighter.)

[reina]

Thanks for the reply!!

Yup, I do need an Empire Builder-sized bag for everything. I have a 17" laptop...otherwise, I might have gone with the Zephyr or ID. However, I do tend to carry a lot of stuff, depending on my schedule for the day.

Here is what I carry in my Empire Builder:

17" laptop & Size 1 Horizontal Brain Cell (the Steel color is beautiful, by the way) & charger
2 marble notebooks
2" thick textbook
Wallet for IDs, membership cards, etc.; coin purse for coins; coin purse for small bills
Cell phone charger
Clipboard
iPod
Glasses
Index cards
Pens & pencils
Water bottle

The Horizontal Freudian Slip with:
Mini Sharpies
Extra pencil lead
Eraser
Spare contacts
Scientific calculator
White out
Scotch tape
Post it tags
5 manila folders with each classes' work/handouts/etc.

The Medium Padded Organizer Pouch with:
iKleen wipes
Laptop remote
DVI converter
iPod microphone
Earbuds
iPod USB cable

Small Clear Organizer Pouch:
Leatherman Juice
Mini lighter
Mini stapler
Pillbox for Tylenol
More spare contacts
More spare lead for pencil

Small Clear Organizer Pouch:
Foundation
Lipstick/lipgloss
Listerine spray

& I clip my keys to the Absolute Shoulder Strap, along with my sunglasses case (it has velcro straps to go over a belt/strap/etc.)

I love the Empire Builder's size and storage capacity & how everything has its place in the bag. ...and its style! and of course its high quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. Every seam is put together perfectly!!

So I would love to continue using the EB...maybe I just have to get stronger, or else give it to my brother & go back to a backpack.

On days I don't need my laptop, I carry the Medium Cafe Bag with the pens/pencils, manila folders, calculator, water bottle, small organizer pouches, keys, wallets, sunglasses and text book.

[Darcy]

Wow!! That is a lot of gear.