As someone who likes to be prepared for anything, I typically travel with a full purse. I fill my tote bag with a spare sweater in case I get cold, a large water bottle so I’m never thirsty, sunscreen for reapplying, a makeup bag for touch-ups, plus all the usual suspects including my wallet, sunglasses, keys and more. When I worked in an office, I also toted a laptop daily (in addition to everything listed above).
![A person in casual jeans and a top is picking up a large brown leather bag from a couch in a living room filled with plants](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/huffpost/image/66630f552400003400ede0ea.jpeg?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)
Improper bag use can have serious health consequences.
![A woman in a sleeveless blouse and dark pants stands outdoors with a red handbag, holding a coffee cup, with modern buildings visible in the background](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/huffpost/image/66630d1a2500003500342547.jpeg?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)
Spine doctors always avoid heavy one-shoulder bags.
![Woman carrying a large tote bag with a recycle symbol and leaves on it, walking on a sidewalk](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/12/17/asset/394d1ca36a1d/sub-buzz-486-1718213447-1.jpg)
Dr. Jordanna Clarfield-Henry, a doctor of chiropractic with Health Haven Clinic in Toronto, echoed those sentiments. “The worst characteristics for a bag, leading to potential damage to your back, often involve poor ergonomic design and improper weight distribution,” she explained. “Carrying a bag over one shoulder rather than evenly distributing the weight across both shoulders can cause spinal misalignment and strain.”
![Woman in a short-sleeve dress and sunglasses stands on a white balcony, carrying a large striped tote bag, with stairs and a building in the background](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/12/17/asset/380de79ef282/sub-buzz-3882-1718213515-1.jpg)
Backpacks are better than totes and shoulder bags, but only if you use them properly.
![A person standing against a wall, visible from the waist down, wearing denim shorts and sandals, holding a black and pink backpack](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/12/17/asset/e5b4de268aab/sub-buzz-1205-1718213666-3.jpg)
The best bag is something lightweight that evenly distributes its load.
![Woman in a retro workout outfit posing confidently. She's wearing a yellow headband, blue fanny pack, white leotard, and yellow lace unitard. Her arm is raised](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/12/17/asset/5eff9dbdf2e2/sub-buzz-502-1718213762-8.jpg)
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.