Which bags would you take with you if you had to flee to survive a zombie apocalypse?

[Purse Chakra]

See, now this is exactly why I come to this forum. For hard-hitting, serious minded, deeply philosophical questions that matter. Also, to be around other people who relate everything to style and accessories!

So, I have to say, I really like your thinking. A backpack, crossbody, and tote do indeed seem to be very sensible. Although, I might skip the tote unless my husband carries it, because those get heavy. Also, I'll need my hands free for wielding weapons to whack zombies. ALTHOUGH now that I think about it, I do have a patchwork fabric tote that has a very long handle and could be worn crossbody in the back (under the backpack) if needs-must.

I don't actually have a good backpack. I have a few handbags that are worn on the back though, so I guess one of those. I could use one of the kid's backpacks since those are roomier, but those are so ugly and even in a zombie apocalypse I need to have standards. Oh no, wait! My daughter's backpack from last year is a cute Betsey Johnson. Pale pink with deeper pink hearts embroidered into it. It's a little childish but either she or I could carry that one.

For my crossbody, I'd have to go with the Dooney and Bourke yellow Wayfarer that I just got. Technically it's an over-the-shoulder, but it's so roomy and I could lower the strap. Although maybe wearing bright yellow would make me too visible. Hmm. Well, I don't have it yet so I don't know how it would fare, but I ordered an Owl from Frrry which might work. It looks roomy and a good combo of easy to access without stuff spilling everywhere.

Wow, this thought exercise has made me realize just how many bags I got rid of in my recent bag-purge. I sent a bunch of unused stuff to charity and now I barely have anything useful left. This is terrible. I mean, what if there's a zombie apocalypse and here I am with no suitable bags! I think I'd better go shopping asap!!

We are also watching The Last of us, and we watched The Walking Dead from season 1 to final season. So believe it or not, I too have pondered this very same question.

Although I agree with backpack and crossbody, I am going to have to pass on a tote. Running could prove problematic with a tote. Personally I am going with my Hermes Herbag A Dos backpack. That will proved virtually impossible for anyone behind me to reach in and steal my beef jerkey and other essentials. Crossbody will be my Hermes Evelyne 40, otherwise known as "BABS" or Bigg A Bag. It will hold a lot. Of course as as @880 said, I will keep the H logo inside so as not to drawn unwanted attention!

This is why tPF is the absolute best place. Not only am I assured that I am not the only one to have considered this, I am getting great tips on some great factors I had not considered.

If I were to repost the original post, I might have added a poll: Take cute bags because the world is ending? Or take functional bags to stockpile supplies?

 

[Purse Chakra]

I would load up a 35cm Birkin with weapons and other zombie repellant items. Then it would be really heavy so the Birkin itself could be used as a weapon. Probably my Blue Nuit/Magnolia Verso with palladium hardware, Dark exterior to hide zombie guts, bright interior to illuminate my arsenal. Clemence leather is also pretty durable.

Your very thoughtful post has me thinking that we should all be lifting weights (if not already) because the bags will get heavy and may need to be used as projectiles at the same time.

Your note about a dark exterior to hide zombie guts led me to thinking that an outside slip pocket might help hide a protective knife that could be accessed quickly.

 

[Purse Chakra]

warriors, survivors, and over achievers

Agreed. A site full of very stylish warriors, survivors, and over achievers!

 

[Purse Chakra]

I have a military grade backpack for my medical missions, so that and a fanny pack for easy access .

To really get into it, we also used to do paintballing and airsofting, so we have some light protective gear and elbow/knee pads.

Although I would flee a zombie apocalypse with anyone in this thread, I am going to go ahead and nominate you to be the survival pack's defacto leader. Military grade backpack + medical experience will come in very handy...

 

[nyeredzi]

I'd probably take one of my bigger Kipling crossbody bags. They are lightweight and functional and fit a lot. I would also not use a backpack because Zombies could easily grab me from behind and then it's difficult to get free and run for the hills.

But, if they grab the backpack, you can slip your arms out of it and possible get away. Especially if you carry the backpack usually on a single shoulder. But with a crossbody, if they grab that, you're done. There's no easy escape from a crossbody, which is why I don't usually wear them.

 

[lill_canele]

But, if they grab the backpack, you can slip your arms out of it and possible get away. Especially if you carry the backpack usually on a single shoulder. But with a crossbody, if they grab that, you're done. There's no easy escape from a crossbody, which is why I don't usually wear them.

@Sibelle
Also, I don’t know if you’ve ever run with a crossbody but it’s kind of annoying. Swings around everywhere and you kind of need to hold onto it. Not practical if you need to hold a gun or grab onto things to climb.

Backpacks distribute weight a little more evenly and don’t shift as much when running.

 

[Sibelle]

But, if they grab the backpack, you can slip your arms out of it and possible get away. Especially if you carry the backpack usually on a single shoulder. But with a crossbody, if they grab that, you're done. There's no easy escape from a crossbody, which is why I don't usually wear them.

I still think that the backpack is easier to grab for zombies than a crossbody. They only have gross motor skills. Also if I have to leave my backpack behind I lose all my essential belongings. On the other hand, if they bite into the backpack instead of me - that could be a bonus.

 

[nyeredzi]

I still think that the backpack is easier to grab for zombies than a crossbody. They only have gross motor skills. Also if I have to leave my backpack behind I lose all my essential belongings. On the other hand, if they bite into the backpack instead of me - that could be a bonus.

These are good points. I appreciate you and all the insightful comments in this thread. Finally, we're all asking the important questions.

 

[coloradolvr]

What about the outfit of the day? Or is that another thread? As far as I can tell you are pretty much stuck with it for the entirety.

 

[Purse Chakra]

What about the outfit of the day? Or is that another thread? As far as I can tell you are pretty much stuck with it for the entirety.

You and I clearly watch zombie shows with similar thoughts. I too have had this thought.

I feel like you'll ultimately have two sets of clothes: The one you flee in and then there is always the one episode when you find a building that has a hot shower and somehow has extra clothes too. So then you get the second set and that set is forever. Brutal.

I would got Athleta all the way: wicking fabric leggings, those Urbanite shirts with the tiny armpit holes for breathability, a sweater that can go into the backpack when it's sweltering but comes out when it's snowing or something, and another wicking-fabric jacket preferably with thumb holes.

I'd have a harder time deciding on a pair of shoes. I feel you need at least two: The ones you walk from one city to the next major city in (they're always walking like hundreds of miles or something) and the boot-type footwear you need when you're making your way through muddy woods or walking through unidentifiable gunk.

 

[AnnaLou]

You and I clearly watch zombie shows with similar thoughts. I too have had this thought.

I feel like you'll ultimately have two sets of clothes: The one you flee in and then there is always the one episode when you find a building that has a hot shower and somehow has extra clothes too. So then you get the second set and that set is forever. Brutal.

I would got Athleta all the way: wicking fabric leggings, those Urbanite shirts with the tiny armpit holes for breathability, a sweater that can go into the backpack when it's sweltering but comes out when it's snowing or something, and another wicking-fabric jacket preferably with thumb holes.

I'd have a harder time deciding on a pair of shoes. I feel you need at least two: The ones you walk from one city to the next major city in (they're always walking like hundreds of miles or something) and the boot-type footwear you need when you're making your way through muddy woods or walking through unidentifiable gunk.

Oh no. It wasn't bad enough that we had to leave our cute bags behind, but now we have to stick to "practical" footwear? If I have to spend the rest of my life wearing athleisure and hiking boots, and can't regularly wear jeans and converse or vans, I'll just go ahead and hurl myself at the zombies to give you guys more time to run away. Somebody leave me some Manolo or Louboutin stilettos and I'll use them to take out a few zombies in my last moments.

 

[thundercloud]

You all have such great tips! Whenever we watch those shows, I always think about how to barricade our home/property securely, so we could keep intruders (zombies, cordyceps, or raiders) out.

If we absolutely HAD to run, I would grab 2 backpacks, 1 to wear on my back and 1 to wear on my chest. So even if I lost 1 backpack, I'd still have some items.

Also I would do the "Joey" method (Friends) and wear a couple layers of clothing. That way clothing isn't taking up valuable space in my 2 backpacks. Shoe-wise, I guess I'd buy myself some Goretex Air Force 1 hightops/boots, so they're comfy AND waterproof if we have to run through muck.

 

[vesna]

since Covid started I was only in the mood for one bag, my ancient Belstaff which zi got since the movie Interpreter and I Robot. My silver knee high Doc Martens and this bag and I am ready for any apocalypse, and I still in the same mood . I have put some patches on it and LOVE it forever

 

[vesna]

But I am seriously tempted to answer with the least practical bag I have

Off White by Virgil Abloh called meteor shower

 

[AnnaLou]

since Covid started I was only in the mood for one bag, my ancient Belstaff which zi got since the movie Interpreter and I Robot. My silver knee high Doc Martens and this bag and I am ready for any apocalypse, and I still in the same mood . I have put some patches on it and LOVE it forever

View attachment 5721286

Okay, I may not need to sacrifice myself after all. I totally forgot about my Doc's! I'll wear my tall black ones because they have a zipper and will be easy to take on and off, which would be good for when you need to get into ass-kicking (or running away) mode quickly. They have a good combination of style and function, so no need for hiking boots (whew!).

But I'm still not wearing leggings or sweats. I just can't. Leggings are for the gym only and sweats are for when you're sick and there's no chance you'll have to leave the house. I'll wear jeans which are durable and don't look like you gave up all hope of ever looking good again.

That bag is seriously bad-ass! I totally need that in my life, zombie apocalypse or no! I'm seriously geeking out on the patches.
And did you say silver knee high doc martins? We need to be friends!