Travel Technology - what do you think of the healthy back bag?

I'm not sure if this is a question for the Travel Technology forum or the Travel Buzz forum.

I do suspect, though, that it's a question for the women in the group; I've yet to see a man using ...

... the healthy back bag, which apparently LLBean (or is it Land's End? or both?) have licenses to sell, along with several other retailers.

I'm intrigued by the idea of replacing my purse and carry-on bag with some version of the healthy back bag, perhaps with room left over to toss in a small notebook computer. But before I fork over the $$$ for one, I'd like to know if anyone else has an opinion on:


healthy back bag vs other bags
small vs medium vs large
leather vs cloth vs quilted


If it isn't going to stay on my right shoulder any better and more comfortably than anything I already have, I'm not going to shell out $100 or more for it. Is it worth it? If so, only for those people already to carrying around weight on their left shoulder (not me?)

I locked up a muscle in my back a few years ago which still sometimes bothers me, so I pay a lot of attention to what bags I use. For me the best bag is a standard bike messenger bag, worn pretty high up on my back, so that most of the bag is above my waist. I just shorten the strap until it feels comfortable- I can't easily walk if most of it is worn below my waist.

I've got one in the microfiber. It just doesn't hang right on me, not sure why. I've tried adjusting, etc. OTOH, lots and lots of people looove them.

My advice is take a bag of your usual carry-on "stuff" with you to your local mall luggage store, fill one up and walk around the store a bit (probably good to ask the sales staff first :D ). You should know pretty quickly if it's right for you.

Ir reminds me of those "earth shoes" with the front of the sole higher than the back. Asymmetric in uncomfortable ways.

These bags have been around forever, but haven't made a mark as a big win, ergonomic speaking.

Has anyone who purchased one of these used it regularly for more than three months?

I've got one in the microfiber. It just doesn't hang right on me, not sure why. I've tried adjusting, etc. OTOH, lots and lots of people looove them.

My advice is take a bag of your usual carry-on "stuff" with you to your local mall luggage store, fill one up and walk around the store a bit (probably good to ask the sales staff first :D ). You should know pretty quickly if it's right for you.
Is the bag symmetric in the sense that you can use it on either your left or right shoulder, or is it intended for left shoulder use? In the catalog photos it always seems to be on someone's left shoulder, and the flap pocket is on the outside when it's on the left, but I prefer carrying things on my right shoulder.

I haven't seen the HBB in local mall luggage stores; so far I've only seen it in catalogs. Any idea where I could go to test drive one?

Is the bag symmetric in the sense that you can use it on either your left or right shoulder, or is it intended for left shoulder use?

Symmetric. There are different things on each side, but it hangs the same either way.

Any idea where I could go to test drive one?

Not sure, you might contact the manufacturer (Ameribag (http://www.ameribag.com/)) and ask for stores in your area.

Good luck!

Personally I LOVE my new TUMI backpack!!! This isn't what the original poster asked about, but I thought I would chime in. this is the laptop model 2640. Since it rests on both shoulders it distributes the weight evenly. It has a handle on top if I do want to attach it to my rollaboard. It holds a ton of stuff

.... Is it worth it? If so, only for those people already to carrying around weight on their left shoulder (not me?)
I love these bags and have several. A small microfiber that I have been using every day for a couple of years. A medium one for some trips. A large mesh, and a leather mini. You can wear them on either shoulder. I have see them at stores like The Walking Store or some luggage shops at outlet malls. Cheapest sellers are ebay and Sierra Trading Post. I sometimes see men wearing them, but usually the larger ones. I bought one of the medium Tech models for a guy who uses it for the gym.

I used the medium microfiber bag for a few weeks on a trip and found my shoulder aching at the end of the day. I gave the bag away and now use a small backpack style that has straps over both shoulders. It's more comfortable and also, of course, doesn't slip off, as the other bag sometimes would.

I chronic back problems. Got the healthy back bag for xmas. It is ok for an overnight trip, but the bag I really like is a medium sized rolling backpack.