Table of contents:
- Backpack or sling, which is better?
- The advantages and disadvantages of a backpack
- The advantages and disadvantages of a sling bag
- Tips to avoid back pain when using a bag
The backpack and the sling are two of the most popular types of bags. Besides being easy to carry anywhere, you can fit a variety of objects in it. However, which one is better for your health, backpack or sling bag?
Backpack or sling, which is better?
Source: Tripssavy
As time goes by, there are more and more things that people have to carry with them when they travel, especially when the distances are quite far. Starting from laptops, books, house keys, wallets, and various other things.
This abundance of items makes you put everything in your bag, which makes it even heavier. Without realizing it, you have put a strain on your shoulders and back, making it prone to make them sick.
The most popular bags that can contain a wide variety of items are the backpack and sling bag. However, each of these bags has advantages and disadvantages.
Which is the best for health of the two?
The advantages and disadvantages of a backpack
Basically, a backpack or backpack has many parts that make the contents of your bag more organized. As reported from the page Teens Health, a backpack is a good choice if you carry a lot more than a sling bag or a shoulder bag.
This is because the use of a backpack will make the load carried has a balanced portion of the strongest human muscles, namely the back and abdominal muscles.
There was a study in 2015 which stated that backpacks were better because they reduced back pain symptoms compared to other types of bags in teenage girls.
Even though the muscle load is balanced, luggage that is too heavy will burden your back so that the bag can pull your body back. You will also lean forward in the pelvis and spinal curves. As a result, the posture of the spine is disturbed.
The advantages and disadvantages of a sling bag
Source: Business Insider
Actually, the confusion when choosing a backpack and sling can be tailored to your needs. If you are carrying a small number of items and want to look more fashionable, a shoulder bag or sling bag is the answer.
If you're tired of slinging it over just one shoulder, you can hold it in your hands and move the weight off.
However, carrying a sling bag with a very heavy load can affect your gait. This is because when walking, the arms and legs swing and need a good balance.
When the weight in the bag you carry overloads one shoulder or one side of your body, it can upset your balance and put you at risk for back pain.
Tips to avoid back pain when using a bag
Judging from the various pluses and minuses, you could say that a backpack is better than a sling bag because the load on the muscles is balanced. Even so, you also have to pay attention to the burdens you carry.
Back pain caused by using a bag cannot be completely avoided. However, you can reduce this risk by wearing a backpack in place of a shoulder and sling bag.
In addition, some of the following strategies can also help you lighten the baggage burden.
- Choose a small bag size. The bigger the bag you use, the more likely you are to include things that really don't really matter. As a result, the bag becomes heavier.
- Look for a bag with thick, wide straps. The small strap of the bag will make your shoulder muscles hurt.
- Grouping bags based on their needs. For example, a bag to go to work or a sling bag when you go to the gym should also be differentiated because of the different contents of the weight.
- Always use both backpack straps or switch sides when you use the sling bag to maintain your posture.
The key to choosing a backpack and sling bag is knowing what items you should carry with you. If you only carry a few items and are not too heavy, you can choose a sling or shoulder bag. However, when it comes to carrying a heavy laptop or book, it's best if you choose a backpack.
