’Tis the beginning of a Saturday morning. The birds are chirping, the Rooke Chapel bells are ringing and hangovers abound. You finally take five minutes away from studying for the three tests you have on Monday, while your roommate complains about the lack of food in the fridge. You gear up for a day of errands, conversations and some well-deserved relaxation. As you prepare to venture out to the fabled Giant, there’s only one thing left to grab: the bag.

Before you are two choices: the mythical swinging sack—better known as the tote bag—and your eternal companion, the ever-dependable backpack.

The tote bag: lightweight, no strings (or straps) attached. Sure, it may dig into your shoulder a bit as you trudge up the hill to upper campus, but it’s always there within reach. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to withstand the mischief of campus squirrels and the random scrambles of students racing between classes. Maybe it’s even insulated, so the snacks you packed won’t be lukewarm by the time you get to Dana. It’s reliable and fashionable, a trusty stand-in on your daily trek. Overall, a 7/10. It’s solid, dependable and the casual swinging motion might even give the impression of carefree joy, rather than a sense of existential dread.

The backpack: your constant companion, carrying the weight of both your books and—let’s be honest—your life. It’s practical and reliable, though occasionally it rebels with a stuck zipper or a forgotten item lost in its depths until after graduation. The backpack also happens to be a favorite of campus photographers, slightly increasing your chances of being featured on the Bucknell Instagram. Just smile and act like you’re not totally overwhelmed, and you might make the cut. Overall, an 8/10. It’s classic, comfortable—except when it isn’t—and perfect for keeping everything secure, even if it does come with a few extra backaches and a penchant for swallowing your essentials whole.