Hi
How do you carry your bag ?
Or purse
Or keys
Whilst trying to use a walking stick ?
It’s awkward
I look daft 😞
And feel I’m getting some funny looks !
What do you do ?
😊 x
Walking stick .......: Hi How do you carry your bag... - NRAS
Walking stick .......
56 Replies
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I use a bag with a strap going over my shoulder. My purse in my bag I put keys in my pocket. I have no problem no good carrying hand bag. Need strap type
If I use one stick I might have it in crook of other elbow. In summer have been known to put phone etc in bra. If I use two sticks, either I use body strap kind or hubby carries it! Also when out with my dog she has a harness bag and carries small stuff in that. People do look but eventually you don’t care. Hugs xx
I always use a crossbody bag, even in the summer. I tend to put my keys in a side pocket of my clothes/jacket. So I don't have to rummage through my bag. I do, however have issues, when getting my purse out, as I have to find somewhere to rest my stick. I have lost count of the times, the stick has ended up on the floor and I have struggled to pick it up. Some people are kind enough to retrieve it for me, mostly though, I have to struggle to get it myself. I have made comments to several shops and outlets, that they should have a hook somewhere near counters for the purpose of helping people who use walking sticks. It is such an easy fix. As for the looks, you will get used to ignoring them, I had to start using one in my Forties. Now I just concentrate on getting from A to B trying to ignore the pain I am in.
in reply to
Have you tried one of these. It stays on your stick so it’s always there.
co-opmobility.co.uk/mobilit...
in reply to
Thanks Kitty, will check it out.
Like all other replies a crossbody bag slung to the front. I also have a soft wrist loop attached to the top of my stick so that when I need to pay for goods my stick stays on my arm attached by my wrist strap, no chance of it dropping to the floor and having to pick it up! 🤗X
in reply to
I have a cross over bag why didn’t I think of that ?
I thought about a rucksack but I do have days where I struggle with shoulder pain too x
mickam in reply to
I would certainly agree with this solution. I have loads of health related stuff to carry around plus all the normal bits and pieces and I find a shoulder bag and a strap on my stick solves pretty much all my problems.
I don't walk far,but i use a scooter and i have my bag hooked onto some ringlys i have on the handles,but i have veered towards body bags.xx
in reply to sylvi
Awe bless you xx
The joys of living in the countryside! I don't have a bag - I have pockets! I do have a small belt pouch with hand gel, dog poo bags, dog treats, antibacterial wipes and tissues. But apart from that phone goes in one pocket, purse in another. Keys behind the window box....
And I use a walking pole rather than a stick, which is much taller.
in reply to helixhelix
💜the countryside
You must have a Barbour coat 😊
helixhelix in reply to
😂🤣 a tatty old fleece does me nicely, and much lighter to wear too!
I don’t use a walking stick but I always use a back pack because much as I love cross body bags they cut into my shoulders and ache and I probably try to carry too much in them so they’re heavy too. I’ve got one of those Scandanavian Kanken ones, it’s probably the most comfortable one I’ve ever had - and I’ve had loads. It has a couple of pockets on the side for water bottles and I’m sure if you have a fold up stick you could probably work something out to fix it in there.
I’ve also got a couple of smart leather backpacks but I’ve got past the stage of caring what things look like or what people think. A neighbour once commented about seeing me ‘walking along with your back pack’ - I wasn’t sure it was meant to be a flattering comment or what but if that’s my trade mark so who cares.
I use a teardrop shaped cross over shoulder bag, which is easy to access and really comfy. Some independent shoe shops sell them , or you can get them on Amazon. ( I've never been a handbag user, too faffy 😉)
in reply to Mmrr
True x😆
They are good and I’ve got one but I find if I have too much in it (story of my life) it cuts into my shoulder and is painful, I end up moving it from one side of my body to the other to help my shoulder, it’s the same reason that I can’t use a cross body bag for long. The teardrop one is very comfortable if I don’t try to put too much in it though.
Somehow a backpack spreads the weight well over both shoulders and they don’t seem to hurt. It’s not a particularly glamourous look - especially if I’m dressed up to go out but then I’ve given up on fancy shoes too and I’m now one of those old ladies who wear trainers that I used to see when I was young. I’ve only got one pair of heeled shoes - the rest are all ‘clumpy’ and comfortable so they go with the backpack.
Personally, I have found using an across body handbag best, you can get fairly compact ones or a slightly larger size. Keeps everything handy and easy to find. Hope this helps
in reply to dippyd09
Thank you 😊 I have a cross over x
I find it annoying that so many women's clothes no longer have pockets in them. It is ok when it is winter and you have pockets in your coat or jacket, but very difficult in the summer. Like you, I find it very hard. I have ruptured tendons in my shoulders so using a stick is painful anyway, but having a bag around my shoulders makes it almost impossible. I have a walker which I use sometimes as I can put a few bits and pieces in the lift up seat. I hated it at first because I felt that everyone was looking at me, but I just think, well let them look and get on with it. To be honest it is very rare that I go out on my own because of the difficulties.
Gnarli in reply to
I so wish I could 'like' your post more than once. I have a few summer clothes with pockets, mostly french, and I wear them all the time. Just a thought, but have you considered a bum bag? They may be deeply unattractive but useful for carrying small bits and pieces
in reply to Gnarli
I have one of those too 😊 I alway think about the possibility of someone unclipping it and running off with it. ! You can never be too careful 😞
in reply to
I know I totally agree and understand 💜
People can be so rude
Think a lot of us can relate x
Hi I only use one stick mostly, I have 2 normally when not having too much pain and I have my man bag over my head so that it won’t fall off, that’s my bag and not my head lol
in reply to BUDGIEBURDEKIN
Man bag 😆. I’ll have to google that one 😀 x
BUDGIEBURDEKIN in reply to
Lmao, as long as they are NOT SHINY or pink, blue and definitely not white and sparkle haha, eBay search man bag lol.youll love it
knapsacks are a must for me even helps when all I got to pick up is milk that bag goes into knapsack hands free with cane love !
As others have already said I’ve always used a crossbody bag.
Back pack all the way. I need both hands for my wee wheelie! So unless I’m sitting on it or if I buy something a bit heavy I stick my backpack on the seat! Lol I was so nervy about using a walker but now I wouldn’t be without my wee wheelie! M x
When I used a stick (oh happy days) I used a sports bag across my body. Now I have to use a rollator with a shopper hanging off the handle.
I was given a cane when my pain was severe and I have to admit I never figured out how to use it well. I have enough trouble trying to navigate my two feet, never mind a third. Too challenging for me I guess. I was also given a walker with wheels - that was easier. I think a scooter would be the answer but I don't have one.😊
in reply to Nanna71
I must admit I’m like bambi with my stick it’s hard to use especially when you have elbow or shoulder pain x
I have a bag with both two handles so I can both carry it or have it in the crook of my arm, it helps when you can alternate between the two. I also have a shoulder strap if I need a free hand. When standing I place the two handles on my stick & hold on to the remainder of the handle, it helps to take the weight as I'm an Auntie Doris (have everything within for any situation!). Purse & keys are in the centre zipped section but easy to access once my bag is unzipped. I've tried cross body bags but they're either not big enough or too bulky so given up on those. My friend had stuff taken out of her back bag, phone & something else, thankfully not her purse, but it has put me off trying those.
in reply to nomoreheels
Sorry to hear about your friend . There some terrible people about . I once had £100 stolen from my bag that was in side pocket . I searched all over for this which really upset me so put me off having side pockets
I know you can get little locks for your bag but my fingers are no good with fiddly small items as you probably know yourself
X
You get yourself a across the body shoulder bag and stuff everything in there. Also a folding walking stick is handy. I’ve just bought one with 3 feet instead of 1. I used to feel really embarrassed about having a stick until I fell over and 2 old ladies shouted across to me, Get a walking stick. They must have seen m struggling to walk before I fell over.
in reply to strawberryshortcake
Have you found it more helpful with your stick x
strawberryshortcake in reply to
Yes I dont over balance as easily
As I did without it. I’m a lot worse at walking than I used to be though. I’m ok on the flat but outside I find it really hard to
Walk. I can’t walk on carpet or grass without my stick. Slopes are a no no. I use the furniture and door nobs to walk round the house.
I struggled a long time before using a stick because i was embarrassed but had to give in to it now i dont care who sees me with it
I’ve got a thin bifold wallet for drivers license, etc. can put money and credit card in as well. That with car key in one jeans or jacket pocket (make sure it’s deep enough not to slip out) and phone in other pocket. Hands free! Easier to use cane, walking stick, or walker.
in reply to BonnieT
😊 like this one x
I use a “Healthy back bag”, it is a bag designed by an orthopaedic surgeon and a physio. It is specifically for people with back problems and is absolutely brilliant. I now own 3 of them and plan to increase my collection, they have not only been good for my back but also my shoulders, neck and hands as it takes pressure off these areas as well. Have a look at thehealthybackbag.co.uk website.
in reply to Bessieboo1
Thank you for sharing the website . I’ll look at it when I finished reading through these replies x
Bessieboo1 in reply to
You’re welcome, as you can probably tell I’m a real convert. Xx
Hiya,
Gosh, I didn't know you'd got so bad. Have you tried a rucksack?
TT x.
in reply to ThyroidThora
Hiya
Yes it’s been like it fir a year or so . People underestimate how bad this condition is I don’t moan about it I just deal with it .
Seek help here when I need a friendly ear x
ThyroidThora in reply to
Crikey! I know RA can be bad but I didn't think it could affect you so much at such a young age. I have friends and my Uncle have RA but they're retired and their ages are 70+ years. I don't know what to suggest to make things better for you, perhaps gentle exercise such as Tai Chi could help with flexibility and pain.
Keep your pecker up, chuck!
TT x.
I’d love to see you in a video doing what you say? Hehe.x
got keys upon a carabiner that locks - love - purse days rare love knapsack got emergency meds in it will never do without when walk out my door
in reply to pd118
That’s a good idea . Everyone is giving me some top tips x
I use a selection of Kipling bags which are crossbody. They are made of very lightweight material but are hard wearing, unobtrusive and come in different colours and sizes. They’re also washable. Currently I use the smallest one which holds my purse and phone very neatly. They're not the cheapest but I’ve managed to get most of them them in sales or through special offers.
in reply to Creakywrists
Have to look out for the sale ones. Where do you buy from 😊
I've given up on shoulder bags as they pull me to one side and hurt by spine and shoulders.
I've switched to pretty backpacks from places like accessories or monsoon. It means I am balanced when walking and and hands free. I've recently bought a duck egg blue one for the spring and its perfect.
Prior to that I used my old backpack but it wasn't pretty, it looked like I was going for a hike in the hills, not a coffee in town!
Debenhams, Frasers, Amazon, EBay, all of them have them and - once only - I got a brand new one in a charity shop!
I just buy them if I see them reduced and like the style and colour. They dress up or down, mostly down in my case though I have one I’ve used at two weddings.
in reply to Creakywrists
Thanks I will look online 😊
I use a cross body bag (or a bum bag if I don't need much), and this kind of wrist strap on the stick: co-opmobility.co.uk/mobilit...
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