how does a tote bag work?
from Crampon@lemmy.world to nostupidquestions@lemmy.world on 19 Aug 2024 13:36
https://lemmy.world/post/18824024

I think om going insane. When you carry it by the handle it’s so long that it may scratch the ground, but the handles are too short to cary it properly over your shoulder. What’s going on? How are they so popular?

#nostupidquestions

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tobogganablaze@lemmus.org on 19 Aug 2024 13:39 next collapse

Get one where the handles aren’t so long that it scratches the ground and … problem solved?

Crampon@lemmy.world on 19 Aug 2024 13:50 collapse

They’re usually very uniform. Loads of people use them regularly, but it’s so awkward to carry.

I rarely do, but when I do I’m just struggling with it. I prefer a back pack for all carrying purposes myself. I just don’t get how people haven’t given up on them.

tobogganablaze@lemmus.org on 19 Aug 2024 13:55 collapse

Are you maybe shorter than average?

I really don’t see what’s awkward about them. Worst thing is you have to push them outwards a bit so you don’t kick them with your legs while walking.

I prefer a back pack for all carrying purposes myself

I do too, but 2 tote bags and a backpack can carry a lot more than just a backpack.

VelvetStorm@lemmy.world on 19 Aug 2024 15:19 collapse

Idk I’m 5’6 and mine don’t hit the ground.

Ziggurat@sh.itjust.works on 19 Aug 2024 13:41 next collapse

It’s light and fit in a pocket/purse, so you can go shopping without carrying a heavier bag. But indeed, some have weird handles

atest123@lemmy.world on 19 Aug 2024 13:54 next collapse

You can double up the handles, which also spreads the load a bit so they don’t cut into your hand as much. It is mainly for compactness and easy marketing

Nemo@midwest.social on 19 Aug 2024 13:55 next collapse

You slid it over one shoulder, not like a messenger bag, and hold it there with one hand as you walk.

otherbarry@lemmy.zip on 19 Aug 2024 15:23 next collapse

When you carry it by the handle it’s so long that it may scratch the ground

Always assumed that’s a short person problem. Source: Am short, same thing happens to me.

Maybe there’s a better way to deal with that but what I usually do is add a knot to each handle so the handles are shorter, that way the bags are higher from the ground.

That’s when using re-usable grocery bags/totes with long handles.

NeatNit@discuss.tchncs.de on 19 Aug 2024 15:33 collapse

As a tall man I can tell you that it’s not just a short person problem.

Kolanaki@yiffit.net on 19 Aug 2024 15:39 next collapse

IDK what kind of tote bags you have but I’ve never had any where the handles are super long. They’re just slightly longer than the handles on the paper or plastic bags you’re replacing with the tote, which just allows a bit more room to hold the handles if some items in the bag end up being a little too tall.

Deestan@lemmy.world on 19 Aug 2024 15:42 next collapse

It’s suppsed to go like this <img alt="" src="https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/0b6c3991-abb7-4d02-b865-c8d2406ccf1b.jpeg">

capital_sniff@lemmy.world on 19 Aug 2024 15:44 next collapse

It is all about where your hands fall on your body, and it sounds like you are just an ankle holster person. Maybe tie some knots in the handles or use a clip to shorten them so the bottom doesn’t drag.

gencha@lemm.ee on 19 Aug 2024 16:41 next collapse

Tote bag handle length is not standardized. Get a different one

Boozilla@lemmy.world on 19 Aug 2024 16:50 next collapse

Totes drive me crazy, too. I have had better luck with messenger bags with adjustable straps. They come in many sizes, shapes, colors, materials, etc.

Crampon@lemmy.world on 20 Aug 05:16 collapse

Someone who understands.

ALostInquirer@lemm.ee on 20 Aug 2024 00:07 next collapse

Could you provide an example image of the sort of tote bag you’re mildly confused by?

howrar@lemmy.ca on 20 Aug 08:51 next collapse

Loop the handle around the back of your wrist to shorten them.

Crampon@lemmy.world on 20 Aug 16:19 collapse

It’s the best solution I’ve found. I’m convinced it’s a faulty product which everyone pretends is nice.

howrar@lemmy.ca on 20 Aug 17:18 collapse

Everyone’s arms hang at different heights. There’s no way to design a static bag that fits everyone.

thermal_shock@lemmy.world on 21 Aug 05:41 collapse

ikea did. short AND long handles on same bag

RBWells@lemmy.world on 21 Aug 19:21 collapse

Wow. I guess either I am tall or the handles on my tote bags are shorter. They have short handles AND are scratching the ground? How big are these bags, or how short are you?