diff --git a/code/modules/mob/mob.dm b/code/modules/mob/mob.dm
index 06648809dd4..e8825d3248f 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/mob.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/mob.dm
@@ -143,12 +143,17 @@
 // Convinience proc.  Collects crap that fails to equip either onto the mob's back, or drops it.
 // Used in job equipping so shit doesn't pile up at the start loc.
 /mob/living/carbon/human/proc/equip_or_collect(var/obj/item/W, var/slot)
-	if(!equip_to_slot_or_del(W, slot))
-		// Do I have a bag?
-		var/obj/item/weapon/storage/bag/plasticbag/B = is_in_hands(/obj/item/weapon/storage/bag/plasticbag)
+	if(!equip_to_slot_or_drop(W, slot))
+		// Do I have a backpack?
+		var/obj/item/weapon/storage/B = back
+
+		// Do I have a plastic bag?
+		if(!B)
+			B=is_in_hands(/obj/item/weapon/storage/bag/plasticbag)
+
 		if(!B)
 			// Gimme one.
-			B=new(null) // Null in case of failed equip.
+			B=new /obj/item/weapon/storage/bag/plasticbag(null) // Null in case of failed equip.
 			if(!put_in_hands(B,slot_back))
 				return // Fuck it
 		B.handle_item_insertion(W,1)