How to Carry Coffee, Laptops, and Groceries on Crutches in 2025

You're on crutches. Your hands are busy keeping you upright. But you still need coffee, your laptop for work, lunch, groceries, and all the other stuff that real life requires. Figuring out how to carry things on crutches is less about superhuman balance and more about smart setups, the right containers, and bag choices that keep your hands on the grips.

I spent two weeks testing every bag type and carrying method I could think of. I spilled coffee on my kitchen floor. Twice. I tried to balance a laptop in one hand while crutching with the other and realized halfway across a parking lot that it was a terrible idea. I hung a grocery bag from a crutch handle exactly once before it swung into my leg and nearly tripped me.

This guide shows you the setups that actually worked: hands-free bags that distribute weight safely, drink containers that don't slosh everywhere, and simple accessories that turn chaos into a manageable routine. You'll see what works for coffee runs, work commutes, grocery trips, and everyday carrying without turning every task into a high-wire act.

How I Tested Ways to Carry Things on Crutches

I tested carrying routines in three locations: my apartment (kitchen, living room, small hallway), a campus-style office building with long corridors and stairs, and a parking lot near a grocery store.

What I carried: 16-ounce travel mugs filled with coffee or water, a 14-inch laptop in various bags, a small notebook and pens, a phone and keys, light groceries like bread and canned goods, and mail packages from my front door to my desk.

Which bags and accessories I tried: backpacks with laptop sleeves and side pockets, crossbody messenger bags, fanny packs and waist bags, a small rolling cart I could push with one hand, and a clip-on cup holder designed for wheelchairs that I tested on a walker.

Surfaces and conditions: dry tile in the kitchen, wet tile after mopping, concrete sidewalks, carpeted hallways, stairs with handrails, and light rain with damp pavement. I wanted to see how each setup handled normal and slightly tricky conditions.

What I tracked: how many times drinks sloshed or spilled, how often bags slipped or pulled me off balance, shoulder and arm fatigue after 10 minutes of walking, and how many trips I needed to move the same amount of stuff before and after I changed my system. For example, carrying groceries went from five trips to two once I started using a small backpack and a rolling cart.

Ground Rules for Carrying Things on Crutches

Before we get into specific setups, here are the core safety rules that apply to every carrying scenario:

Hands stay on crutch grips as much as possible. If you are moving, your hands should be on the grips, not holding a cup, phone, or bag. Anything you carry needs to be in a bag or container that stays with you without requiring a hand to hold it.

Favor closed containers for drinks. Open cups, mugs, and glasses spill. Use travel mugs with screw-on lids, water bottles with flip or screw caps, and thermoses with secure seals. Fill them only three-quarters full to reduce sloshing.

Keep weight close to your body and centered. Backpacks with two shoulder straps work better than single-shoulder totes or messenger bags. Fanny packs and waist belts distribute small loads without pulling you to one side. Avoid anything that swings or dangles far from your torso.

Never overload one side. If you can only use one bag, keep it light. Heavy single-shoulder bags pull you sideways, especially on slopes, ramps, and stairs. If the load feels uneven, split it into two trips or switch to a backpack.

Test any new setup in a safe area before taking it to stairs or outdoors. Walk around your house, down a hallway, or across a flat parking lot. Adjust straps, repack weight, and make sure nothing shifts or pulls. Find problems in a controlled space, not on a busy sidewalk or wet floor.

Coffee and Drinks on Crutches

Best Drink Containers for Crutch Days

Open cups don't work. I tried carrying a ceramic mug of coffee from my kitchen counter to my desk—about 15 feet. I made it eight feet before the first slosh. By the time I reached my desk, there was coffee on the floor, on my hand, and somehow on my shirt.

Travel mugs with screw-top lids are your best option. Look for mugs with a tight seal, not just a snap-on lid that pops off if the mug tips. I tested three styles: a 16-ounce insulated tumbler with a screw lid, a 12-ounce travel mug with a flip-top spout, and a 20-ounce water bottle with a screw cap.

The 16-ounce tumbler worked best for coffee because it fit in most backpack side pockets and stayed sealed even when I bumped it against doorways. The flip-top spout was convenient for drinking but occasionally leaked if I didn't close it all the way. The water bottle was great for cold drinks but too tall for some bag pockets.

Container height and shape matter. Tall, narrow bottles tip more easily than shorter, wider tumblers. If you are putting a drink in a bag pocket, measure the pocket depth first. A bottle that sticks out too far will catch on things and fall out when you bend over.

Where to Put Your Drink While You Move

Side pockets on backpacks are the easiest solution. Most backpacks have stretchy mesh pockets on the sides designed for water bottles. Put your travel mug there, zip or close the main compartment, and you're hands-free. The drink stays upright because the pocket holds it snugly against the bag.

Crossbody bags with bottle pockets work for lighter loads. Some messenger-style bags have a side pocket big enough for a small travel mug. This setup works if you are only carrying a phone, keys, and a drink—nothing heavy like a laptop.

Dedicated cup holders that attach to mobility aids exist, but I only tested one designed for a wheelchair. It clipped onto the armrest and held a cup securely. If you are using a walker or a knee scooter part-time, a clip-on cup holder might be useful. I didn't find any that attached reliably to crutches themselves without getting in the way of my hands.

How to prevent sloshing: Don't fill containers to the brim. Leave at least an inch of space at the top. The liquid has room to move without overflowing when you shift your weight or go over bumps.

From Counter to Couch or Desk, Step by Step

Here's the routine that stopped my coffee spills:

1. Make your coffee or drink. Use a travel mug with a screw-on lid, not an open cup.
2. Fill the mug three-quarters full. Leave space at the top to reduce sloshing.
3. Put on your backpack or crossbody bag first, then slide the travel mug into the side pocket.
4. Pick up your crutches with both hands on the grips.
5. Walk to your destination. Your hands stay on the crutches the entire time.
6. Set your crutches down in a safe spot, then take off your bag and retrieve your drink.

First person story: During my first week on crutches, I tried to carry a mug of tea in one hand while using my crutches. I held one crutch under my arm, gripped the mug with that hand, and used my other hand on the second crutch. It felt unstable immediately. When I reached the hallway, I hit a slight slope and the mug tipped. Hot tea went everywhere. After that, I bought a $12 travel mug with a screw lid and used a backpack side pocket. Zero spills since.

Carrying Laptops, Books, and Work Bags

Backpacks and Laptop Bags That Work with Crutches

Two-shoulder backpacks beat single-shoulder bags every time. I tested both. A messenger bag with a 13-inch laptop, charger, and notebook pulled my left shoulder down and threw my balance off, especially on stairs and ramps. A backpack with the same load felt stable and centered.

Look for backpacks with padded laptop sleeves that sit against your back. The closer the laptop is to your spine, the less it shifts when you move. I used a basic $30 backpack with a sleeve designed for a 14-inch laptop. It kept the laptop snug and upright instead of flopping around.

How to position a backpack so it doesn't throw you backward: Tighten the shoulder straps so the pack sits high on your back, not sagging down by your hips. The weight should rest between your shoulder blades. If the pack hangs too low, it pulls backward when you lean forward on your crutches.

Backpack size matters. Don't use a huge hiking backpack for daily laptop carrying. A smaller daypack or school backpack with 15 to 20 liters of capacity is plenty for a laptop, charger, water bottle, and a few small items. Bigger packs tempt you to overload them.

Crossbody and Messenger Bags

Crossbody bags work for lighter loads like tablets, small notebooks, phones, and snacks. I used a small crossbody bag that held a 10-inch tablet, a charging cable, and my wallet. Total weight was maybe two pounds. That felt fine on flat ground and short distances.

When crossbody bags pull you off balance: I tried putting my full-size laptop in the same crossbody bag. It weighed about seven pounds loaded. Walking on flat tile was okay, but as soon as I hit a ramp, the bag swung and pulled me to the left. On stairs, I had to hold the bag with one hand to keep it from swinging into the railing. At that point, my hands weren't on my crutches anymore, which defeats the whole purpose.

Use crossbody bags for loads under three pounds. Anything heavier should go in a backpack.

Packing and Weight Limits

Keep laptop setups minimal. Laptop, charger, one small notebook, and a pen. That's it. Skip the extra books, the second charger, and the massive binder. Every extra pound adds up when you are balancing on crutches.

Comfortable weight ranges: For most people, a backpack loaded with 5 to 10 pounds feels manageable for short walks across campus or an office. Above 10 pounds, shoulder strain becomes noticeable after 10 to 15 minutes. Above 15 pounds, it starts affecting balance and posture.

Specific test notes: I carried a backpack with a laptop, charger, water bottle, and a small lunch container—total weight around eight pounds. On flat ground, it felt fine. On stairs, I noticed more strain on my arms because the extra weight changed how I shifted my body weight with each step. After a full day, my shoulders were sore. I cut the load to six pounds by leaving the lunch container at my desk and bringing only the laptop and charger. Shoulder soreness went away.

If you need to carry more than 10 pounds regularly, consider switching to a knee scooter or wheelchair for long-distance travel. Both allow you to use a basket or bag without the weight being on your shoulders.

Groceries, Meals, and Small Loads at Home

Groceries are tricky because you often need to carry multiple items at once, and they come in awkward shapes like bags, boxes, and bottles.

Using a small backpack for light groceries works well. I fit a loaf of bread, a box of pasta, three cans of soup, and a bag of apples in a 15-liter backpack. Total weight was maybe six pounds. I walked from my car to my apartment without needing to use my hands. Everything stayed secure.

For bigger loads, I used a small rolling cart. It's a two-wheeled cart with a fabric basket, the kind you see people use for laundry or groceries. I loaded it with bags of groceries, held one crutch under my arm, and used my other hand to pull the cart behind me. This only works on flat, smooth surfaces like parking lots and hallways. Don't try it on stairs or rough pavement.

Staging and counter-sliding at home: Instead of carrying items from the counter to the table, I slid them along the counter surface. For example, I'd set a plate and a cup at one end of the counter, slide them toward the stove while I moved alongside on crutches, then slide them to the table. No carrying required.

Simple meal carry example: I made a sandwich and poured a drink at the kitchen counter. I put the sandwich on a small plate, covered it with a paper towel, and set the plate and my travel mug next to a TV tray I'd positioned near the couch earlier. Then I crutched to the couch, sat down, and pulled the tray close. The food and drink never moved more than a few feet at a time, and I didn't have to carry anything while moving.

Caution: If you are using a rolling cart or tray, make sure floors are dry and clear. Wet tile or cluttered hallways make carts and trays risky. Test your path first without a load to make sure you can move safely.

When Another Device Might Be Better for Carrying

If you are walking long distances across a campus, large office, or grocery store with a heavy bag, a knee scooter or wheelchair might be more practical than crutches.

How carrying on a knee scooter is different: Knee scooters have a platform or basket where you can rest a bag. You use your hands to steer, but you're not supporting your body weight with your arms, so carrying a 10 to 15 pound backpack or placing groceries in a scooter basket feels easier. Some scooters come with built-in baskets or attachments for bags.

How carrying in a wheelchair is different: Wheelchairs free up both hands completely. You can hold a drink, rest a bag on your lap, or use a wheelchair bag that attaches to the back of the chair. If you are using a manual wheelchair, pushing while holding a drink is tricky, but a cup holder solves that. If you are using a power wheelchair, carrying is much easier because you don't need to push.

I tested a knee scooter for one day during my second week on crutches. I loaded my backpack with a laptop and lunch, total weight around nine pounds. Scooting across a long hallway was significantly less tiring than crutching the same distance with the same load. My shoulders and arms didn't ache afterward.

Device changes and weight bearing decisions must follow your healthcare provider's guidance. Don't switch from crutches to a scooter or wheelchair without confirming it's safe for your specific injury. If your provider says partial weight bearing is okay, ask whether a scooter or wheelchair is an option for long-distance carrying tasks.

For more details on how knee scooters compare to crutches, read our best knee scooter reviews.

Watch How This Carry Setup Works in Real Life

Accessories That Make Carrying Safer and Easier

You don't need expensive gear, but a few simple accessories can make carrying tasks much more manageable.

Backpacks and laptop sleeves: A basic daypack with a padded laptop compartment costs $20 to $50. Look for one with side pockets for water bottles and adjustable shoulder straps. Brands don't matter as much as fit and padding. Make sure the backpack sits snugly against your back without sagging or swinging.

Crossbody bags and fanny packs: Small crossbody bags range from $15 to $40. Fanny packs or waist bags cost $10 to $30. These work for phones, keys, wallets, snacks, and other small daily items. Choose ones with adjustable straps so you can tighten them against your body. Loose, swinging bags are a balance hazard.

Cup holders and bottle holders: Clip-on cup holders designed for wheelchairs or walkers cost $15 to $30. They attach to armrests or handles and hold drinks securely. Pros: Hands stay completely free. Cons: They don't attach well to crutches themselves, so they are only useful if you are using a walker or scooter part-time. I tested one on a walker and it worked great. On crutches, it got in the way of my hand placement.

Small rolling carts or trolleys: Two-wheeled grocery carts cost $20 to $60. They're lightweight, fold flat for storage, and hold 30 to 50 pounds. Use them for groceries, laundry, or moving multiple items at home or in an office. Only use them on flat, dry surfaces. Stairs, curbs, and wet floors are not cart-friendly.

Seasonal add-ons like non-slip tips and winter gear: If you are carrying items on wet or icy sidewalks, non-slip crutch tips and traction accessories become important. Cold weather also means you might be carrying a coat or extra layers. For tips on managing crutches in winter conditions, check out our guide on best crutch accessories for winter.

Investing in more ergonomic crutches: If you are carrying a bag daily and your shoulders and hands are getting sore, upgraded crutches with better grips and padding might help. Some crutch designs distribute weight more comfortably than standard models. For example, Mobilegs crutches have ergonomic grips and shock absorption that reduce hand strain when you are walking with a loaded backpack. If you're wondering whether premium crutches are worth the investment, read our article on are expensive crutches worth it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Carrying on Crutches

I made every one of these mistakes during my first few days on crutches. Here's what not to do:

• Carrying open cups or plates in your hands while moving. I tried to carry a bowl of cereal from the kitchen to the living room while crutching. Milk sloshed out with every step. By the time I got there, the bowl was half-empty and there was milk on the floor. Use lidded containers or make multiple trips.
• Overloading one side of your body with a heavy shoulder bag. A 10-pound messenger bag on my left shoulder pulled me sideways on a ramp. I nearly lost my balance. Switch to a backpack or split the load into two lighter bags.
• Hanging bags from crutch handles. I looped a grocery bag over one crutch handle thinking it would be convenient. The bag swung forward, hit my leg, and nearly tripped me. Bags hanging from crutches are unstable and dangerous. Don't do it.
• Forgetting that extra weight changes how you handle stairs and ramps. Walking down stairs with a loaded backpack shifts your center of gravity backward. I went down a flight of stairs at my usual pace and felt myself leaning too far back. I had to slow down and take smaller steps. Test stairs with a light load first.
• Skipping test runs in a safe space before walking longer distances. I packed a backpack with my laptop and a full water bottle, then went straight to a parking lot without testing it at home first. The water bottle wasn't secured and shifted around in the bag, throwing off my balance. I had to stop and repack. Test your setup on flat ground indoors before taking it outside.

Carry Fast Checks on Crutches

Final Thoughts

Learning how to carry things on crutches is less about perfect balance and more about smart planning, the right containers, and bag choices that keep your hands on the grips. You don't need to be a juggling expert. You just need a travel mug with a lid, a backpack that fits snugly, and a willingness to make two trips instead of one overloaded trip.

Start small. Make one change today: switch to a lidded travel mug for your coffee, or put your laptop in a two-shoulder backpack instead of a tote bag. Test that setup on a short, safe route—across your house, down a hallway, or around a parking lot. Adjust straps, repack weight, and see how it feels.

Once one setup works, add another. Get a fanny pack for your phone and keys. Try a small rolling cart for groceries. Build a system that fits your daily routine, whether that's a campus commute, office work, or managing tasks around the house.

Your hands need to stay on your crutches. Everything else is a problem you can solve with the right bag, container, or accessory. Set up your carry system for your next work or school day and test it on a short, safe route first. You'll figure out what works, and carrying things will stop feeling like a high-wire act.

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