For years, I have been facing a dilemma when it comes to traveling: should I wear a backpack or not?
Someone recently asked if sneakers were considered giveaways for tourists, just like baseball caps used to be. This got me thinking about why we are so afraid of being labeled as tourists in the first place.
The term “tourist” carries a negative connotation due to the stereotype of the “ugly American.” This stereotype portrays Americans as loud, pushy, and culturally insensitive. But beyond this stereotype, I believe the fear of being seen as a tourist stems from a more general fear of not fitting in, reminiscent of our middle school days.
Some insecurities never go away; we simply learn how to manage them. One way we manage this fear is by trying to blend in, even though there’s nothing wrong with being a visitor.
In fact, appreciating and being curious about other cultures is a good thing. It’s also beneficial for the economy of the places we visit, as some locations heavily rely on tourism to survive. However, it’s crucial to be respectful of the customs and values of the sites we explore.
This brings me to the topic of backpacks. Like sneakers and baseball caps, backpacks have practical associations with school and hiking, but they have also been embraced by the fashion world.
Prada’s nylon backpack, the Vela, made its debut in 1984 and ignited a trend that has continued ever since. Backpacks have undergone transformations, from being tiny (hello, “Clueless”) to adopting an urban style (hello, hybrid workplaces). Now, with the resurgence of the ’90s, backpacks are experiencing a renaissance. It’s hard to find a major fashion or leather goods company that doesn’t offer its version of a backpack.
Therefore, it’s not the mere presence of a backpack that will make you stand out in a particular setting; it’s the type of backpack and how you wear it.
If you choose an Osprey, REI, or Patagonia backpack, hang a water bottle on the side, pack it full, and wear it with the hip and chest straps buckled, you will attract attention everywhere you go in the world. (You might also be asked to check your backpack in most places you visit, and museum security guards will trail behind you, fearing you may accidentally damage the artworks.)
Instead, opt for a more tailored and urban style backpack, like the ones offered by Everlane, with fewer pockets and a slim silhouette. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of a backpack, such as even weight distribution and ample carrying capacity, without looking like a cartoonish camper. Just remember to avoid mini backpacks, which are inexplicable fads, and resist the temptation to hang your backpack off one shoulder. By doing so, you won’t fall into the trap of looking like a fashion victim either.
Your Style Questions, Answered
Every week on Open Thread, Vanessa will address a reader’s fashion-related question. You can email your questions to her or reach out via Twitter. Questions are edited and condensed for publication.
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