Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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rolling backpacks (self.Blind)
submitted by Laser_Lens_4
Between my massive epic gamer laptop, braille display, talking calculator, water, food, and all the ancillary crap needed for having knowledge dumped into your head, my backpack has become uncomfortably heavy, and I'm worried about my back and neck. I take the train to my local college campus almost every day and walk everywhere. I'd also like something that can hold all my stuff when visiting friends or generally being out and about in circumstances that require me to carry big stuff (like big events or get-togethers for D&D and the like).
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I've been doing research on rolling backpacks, and I have two questions.
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1. does anybody here have recommendations for a good model that can accommodate lots of bulky stuff (e.g 15.6" laptop, access tech, a jacket, keys, water, etc.). I'm not against paying a lot for something that will give me a long life of service beyond school and keep all my stuff protected from bumps and knocks and rain and the like. Also I'm a tall girl at nearly 5;9:, so that's something I have to take to account as well.
2. 2. I'm concerned about occupying my only free hand. Since the other is holding a cane, that would leave me without any free hand to use for touching stuff which bothers me. It's also a matter of safety since I'd rather have a free hand in case I get assaulted by some creep. Is there a solution for this, or will I just have to get used to hugging walls and path edges less?
​
I've been doing research on rolling backpacks, and I have two questions.
​
1. does anybody here have recommendations for a good model that can accommodate lots of bulky stuff (e.g 15.6" laptop, access tech, a jacket, keys, water, etc.). I'm not against paying a lot for something that will give me a long life of service beyond school and keep all my stuff protected from bumps and knocks and rain and the like. Also I'm a tall girl at nearly 5;9:, so that's something I have to take to account as well.
2. 2. I'm concerned about occupying my only free hand. Since the other is holding a cane, that would leave me without any free hand to use for touching stuff which bothers me. It's also a matter of safety since I'd rather have a free hand in case I get assaulted by some creep. Is there a solution for this, or will I just have to get used to hugging walls and path edges less?
bonouser826 6 points 1y ago
I am in your boat, but unless you have someone like a friend to help you, my O&M instructor strongly advised against a rolling bookbag, which I used to have and use on a college campus when I was in high school. There were a lot of stairs. My advice would be to carry only the things that you know you'll need for that day, but I know from experience it isn't that easy.
Littlebiggran 1 points 1y ago
I know this isn't as strong but in Europe they sell these "granny trolleys" (shopping carts to pull) with 3 rotating gear wheels on each side to more easily go up stars. I used them there. If there is a sturdier edition. I know they are made in China.
BenandGracie 3 points 1y ago
While this doesn't help with the weight, you might want to look at a hiking backpack. I used one all through college. It is a very large backpack with a pocket for your laptop, and it has several compartments for hiking stuff. These tend to work well for blindness tech. I once loaded mine with 3 days of food for my guide dog and all my clothes and carried it around with me for three days at a conference.
MostlyBlindGamer 2 points 1y ago
That's a good idea. It'll probably look out of place at a college campus, but the padding and extra straps on trekking backpacks will make the load feel lighter. Pockets and attachment points for water bottles and a backup cane or whatever are also really useful.
BenandGracie 3 points 1y ago
I don't think it looks that much different. The one I used is called a day pack. I think it just looks like a bigger and heavier back pack.
MostlyBlindGamer 2 points 1y ago
Right, there's some variety. I've never been too hung up on not standing out, anyway. I'm sure OP can find something that's stylish and functional.
[deleted] 1 points 1y ago
[deleted]
MostlyBlindGamer 2 points 1y ago
Your needs overlap with those of many photographers and there's great gear our there for that.
Here's an $1.
I've never liked trolleys and my solution, in college was to downsize from a 15.6 inch laptop to a 10.1 inch Surface Pro. My back was very happy with that decision, but I understand that it's not the way to go for everybody.
Here's an $1.
I've never liked trolleys and my solution, in college was to downsize from a 15.6 inch laptop to a 10.1 inch Surface Pro. My back was very happy with that decision, but I understand that it's not the way to go for everybody.
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