Best bag for someone with arthritis | Arthritis Information

 

I am looking for a new bag for carrying my stuff when I'm out and about. The one I have now is a messenger/courier bag with a shoulder strap, but I find that even with little in it my shoulder starts to ache after a while.

I find backpacks a lot more comfortable, but the problem is that they are not very practical when shopping. Apart from the suspicious looks you get from shop owners, you have to be very careful not to bump into anything. It's a lot easier with a bag you carry at your side.

For reference I need to carry a wallet, passport, maybe some tablets or sweets, mobile phone, a fan and some glasses. I'd also like to put small items of shopping or food in it. Unfortunately it's too hot in the summer to wear a jacket with pockets, as I do when it's colder.

If anyone has any ideas or experiences they would like to share, I'd be interested to hear them!
Well, I used to use one of those everything but the kitchen sink inside sized bags but since RA have really had to down size. It's been a major adjustment for me. Here's what I do, I keep a backpack with essensials I just have to  have in the trunk of my car. Non perishable type things that I can grab as I need. I keep just wallet and pen and small agenda in my reall small purse. I also don't carry one on my shoulder much as it does bother me after a short while too. I suppose maybe that's the only solution - a smaller bag. I was hoping to find something I could carry my (small) Thinkpad laptop in too, but it's probably impossible...

I also like to carry small headphones for listening to audio books. I'd like to carry some larger noise cancelling ones, but they are far too big for pockets.
Actually  my RD told me I shouldn't carry anything over 5 lbs.  It restricts you alot. I also like to  carry my kindle and just keep  small headphones in my back pack.  I am slowly (even though I am not happy about it) getting used to it.
Good luck with making something work for  you.
I have been carrying a small organizer bag for years.... I call it a wallet on a rope, but it is much more than that. The one I use is a little pricey, but it wears like iron -- and you can even wash them. They are available in many designs. It's amazing what i can stuff in the thing!

I get mine from here -- but I'm sure if you look around you can find something similar:

http://dannyktapestry.com/whatsnew.htmlIslandWoman, I looked at the website and the bags look really nice.  I like the idea of a  wallet on a rope. Might have  to  try that. They have a wide array of fabrics too.  Nice. Thanks for pointing us to the webpage. _popupControl(); I use a Vera Bradley (quilted tote bag)  to carry my extra stuff in.  I life it because it is light to start with.  I can carry it in my hand, over my arm or over my shoulder.  It might be kinda pricey but I am sure there are some inexpensive copies.  I really think you will need to experiment to see what works for you.  I have a small leather bag with a long strap which I put over my head so it crosses my body and hangs at my hip. I don't have to hang onto it and it doesn't weigh down one shoulder that way. It has slots so I put all my credit cards and ID and so on in the slots, so I don't have a wallet. I got a money clip for bills, and there's a pocket in the front where I keep a little change, not much. I also carry eye drops, a small pillbox, minimal keys. Keeping a larger bag in the car with things you don't need on you every minute is a good idea.
This works for me because I was able to minimize what I carry. I can also get into the bag while it's hanging on me, using both clumsy hands to delve into it instead of having to set it down so I can get in. My shoulder bags killed my shoulder, and I couldn't carry one in my hand any more.I have several ergonomically designed bags like >>THESE<<. They were recommended by both the PT I saw soon after I was diagnosed as well as the hand therapist.

I have several sets of inexpensive cosmetic bags that segregate the contents of my bags and make "stuff" more assessable. The middle sized back bag is perfect for trips to the pharmacy and to the book store: all the purchases fit in the bag and keep my hands free for further shopping! The large bag is roomy enough for my thinkpad and with careful arrangement I can manage my 17 inch laptop, although it is heavy and I certainly would not want to be carrying it when I shop.

On a day-to-day basis I often simple put my ID in my pocket and forego any bag.
I've always discovered that I can manage to fill whatever size bag I use but I generally use various sizes of Vera Bradley bags like Catnitp does.  The quilted material is light and the bags hold up well.  

This is a cute bag from Shug's website for laptops:  http://www.ebags.com/ameribag/acadia/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=136207&productid=1353198 I have several Vera Bradley bags - my fave is the "Hipster," which I have in 3 different patterns.  They're lightweight and quite durable.  I also have a Levenger Soho organizer (which holds a classic size Circa planner/notebook).  The Levenger is quite heavy, so I only use it when I'm going to a meeting or conference and need to have my planner/notebook.

If I'm just running simple errands I put my credit/ATM cards and DL in my back pocket and off I go.
[QUOTE=JasmineRain]I have several Vera Bradley bags [/QUOTE]
OK, you all convinced me: I have ordered four different sizes/shapes/styles. Bob should never have left a bed-bound wife with a set of credit cards!
Wow, there have been a lot of replies! Thanks everyone.

The AmeriBag looks interesting, might give that a go.

I think in the end though, the only solution is to carry less. It's annoying because sometimes I want to take things on trips with me - camera, mobile phone, headphones etc. To be honest I have started taking holidays in February/March so that I can wear a coat with plenty of pockets.

Anyway, things are acting up for me at the moment and the Docs have starting talking about Lupus again, so I won't be able to try anything for a while yet...
[QUOTE=mojo]I think in the end though, the only solution is to carry less. It's annoying because sometimes I want to take things on trips with me - camera, mobile phone, headphones etc. To be honest I have started taking holidays in February/March so that I can wear a coat with plenty of pockets. [/QUOTE]

I have a couple of photographer's vests that are light weight, crafted of dozens of different sized pockets that secure gear zippers, draw strings, or velcro. I am especially fond of the ScotteVest with interior, "no-bulge" pockets.

Sorry to hear that things are acting up. Best wishes for a speedy resolution.
[QUOTE=Spelunker] [QUOTE=JasmineRain]I have several Vera Bradley bags [/QUOTE]
OK, you all convinced me: I have ordered four different sizes/shapes/styles. Bob should never have left a bed-bound wife with a set of credit cards!
[/QUOTE]

LOL - been there, done that.  I easily memorize long numbers (such as credit cards) and so I don't even need to have the damn card in my hot little hands to do damage.Sometimes simple boredom does the same thing for me as Lunesta does for you, Jas. I don't have the shopping memory loss though! I'm always up for new books. Amazon has my photo on their wall, with a halo above my head. [QUOTE=JasmineRain]LOL - been there, done that.  I easily memorize long numbers (such as credit cards) and so I don't even need to have the damn card in my hot little hands to do damage. OMG.. I Too suffer from this disease!! AND, I have my card # memorized as well!!