We all know that the best way to go shopping is to BYOB –no, not Bring Your Own Booze, but Bring Your Own Bag. Still, we sometimes end up with regular bags that we carry around. While plastic bags are disappearing from the grocery stores in San Francisco, they are still pretty common at other businesses.  But no matter where you shop, the store-issued bags all have one thing in common:  they dig in your hands, especially as they get heavier.  In addition, did you know that it requires more effort to carry a bag in your hand than on your shoulder or back?  The Yoke Shopper is a simple tool that might just solve the problem.

You can hold it in either hand to prevent thing bag straps from digging into your hand.  But I prefer using the extendable strap (up to 1.2 meter) to carry the load on the shoulder or across your body “messenger style”.

The Yoke Shopper can carry up to 6 plastic bags.  Other bags work too as long as the handle is not too thick.

The Yoke Shopper is a nice ergonomic gadget allowing you to reduce your energy expenditure and improve your posture when carrying one or multiple bags. Plus, it leaves your hands free to continue shopping or multi-task.  Don’t blame me if you end up buying more because you feel you can carry more!

PS.  Limit the weight you carry.  It should not exceed 15% of your body weight.