Messanger Bag/Briefcase

[College Kid]

I am in need of a new breifcase/work bag. I am looking for something pretty small, I pretty much need something that will hold a laptop, a few files and a notebook, as well as the typical pens and such.

I travel for work alot and am in and out of some pretty dirty conditions everything from open pit mines to farmyards, but I need a bag that won't be totally out of place in a boardroom as well.

I've looked at a number of "technical" bags like the North Face Base Camp Messanger.

And the On Sight Saigon Messanger Bag

I'd really like something more like the Saddleback Leather Co. Briefcases

but I am not sure I can justify spending that sort of money right now.

So what do you guys use? What are your thoughts?

 

[BKCowGod]

I have a classic Timbuk2 - it is invincible and perfect for my needs. I too love the looks of the Saddleback but I would be infuriated by the buckles - I love the velcro on my Timbuk2, backed up by clips. Price is pretty reasonable too - though I did get mine 1/2 off at one of their factory clearance sales.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

I also have a Timbuk2 and an Element Messenger bag I randomly bought in NYC. Love them both, but my shoulder doesn't so I'm back to a regular backpack now.

Take a look at Crumpler as well, thats the pack I carry daily now and I love it.

 

[kjp1969]

x3 on the Timbuk2- I have a briefcase and messenger bag and they both wear like iron. I've also used the medium messenger bag as an overnight bag/laptop case for short trips.

 

[off-roader]

I have a basic black lowepro that I use for my camera gear. It also allows for a laptop or I can remove the camera gear insert and use it for anything else that fits such as books, a portfolio, etc.

Since it's pro grade camera gear, it's capable of supporting quite a bit of weight.

 

[mountainpete]

I'm CorporatePete in my other life and I've been through a few:

Timbuk2 - great bags and very versatile. In fact my old waxed cotton version is still a favorite. Strong as an Ox. You look like a young punk if you are wearing a suit.

LowePro - Functional, but I always found them too bulky. Many have far too much padding. Can't remember which model I had but I got rid of it quickly.

ThinkTank Photo - I have the Urban Disguise 50 and I really like it for trips were I want photo gear and work gear. Fits a Macbook nicely. Downside - it's heavy. The new Retrospective line is worth a look though.

Patagonia - If you can find one that fits the gear you want to take (they are funny with certain laptops) then it is a great choice. Quality construction, just the right amount of padding and nobody will look at you funny.

Orvis and LL Bean - Both make a bullhide messenger bag. I have an Orvis bullhide document bag with handles and it's heirloom quality (and price). If you can find a nice one on sale, go with either of these in bullhide.

Fossil - I searched for a while for my current bag. I wanted a messenger style brown leather bag that is more vertical than horizontal. I was surprised to find a great selection at the Fossil store in the local mall. They are all in the $100 - 150 price range and, while not to the quality of something like Saddleback, are very nice. Treated with a good leather protectant, it handles everything but heavy downpours well and wipes clean.

Pete

 

[mountainpete]

My Fossil bag:

 

[07 Elephant]

If you spend now on the saddleback you'll have a bag that will last you two lifetimes and you'll save money in the end. You won't miss the money you spend on the bag after some time passes anyway. If you're looking for someone to push you over the edge so you can justify the saddleback.
Push...

 

[Christophe Noel]

Timbuk2.

Real fans of Timbuk2 bags seem to collect them after a while. I must have half a dozen at this point. I still have my green, white and red Bianch limited edition Timbuk2 from 1991. I'm all for Saddleback Leather bags as they're absolutely beautiful, but don't think that's the only durable option. T2 bags are insanely durable, come if a variety of styles and just work great.

 

[College Kid]

I am a fan of the Timbuk2, but I have to agree with mountainpete thou it is tough to not look like a young punk when in a suit.

I've looked at Fossil and a few others and I am not sold on the quality of their bags.

I do need a bit of a push to get into the Saddleback bag......but the more I look at these others I come back to it.

I am going to have to look into Crumpler, I see they are a Canadian company which I find pretty cool. Just need to find a shop that I might be able to have a look at them in person.

 

[southpier]

well made:

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/CTGY/200

 

[DarthBeaver]

I love the look of the saddleback, but price/weight kill me. I have the Osprey Elroy Laptop Messenger bag.

http://www.rei.com/product/764336

Padding is good. its black so it flys under the corporate fashin radar. Its made from recycled materials (green is good) and it is very light wieght....

 

[07 Elephant]

I do need a bit of a push to get into the Saddleback bag......but the more I look at these others I come back to it.

Don't stray too far away. We have purchased several of Dave and his family's leather goods. I use my briefcase every day. No regrets, just smiles.

 

[off-roader]

I'm CorporatePete in my other life and I've been through a few:

...
LowePro - Functional, but I always found them too bulky. Many have far too much padding. Can't remember which model I had but I got rid of it quickly.
...

The one I have has a removeable section which contains the padding. The main bag has no padding but lots of compartments for various items. I'll post up the model when I get home.

 

[kjp1969]

x3 on the Timbuk2- I have a briefcase and messenger bag and they both wear like iron. I've also used the medium messenger bag as an overnight bag/laptop case for short trips.

Dork confession: I actually have 4 bags, including a Saddleback medium/thin laptop bag. I love the look and quality, but it doesn't have the functionality of the Timbuk2- not enough pockets. Also, the handle is uncomfortable for a heavy load over a long distance, which is important because I don't use the shoulder strap.

I grab the Saddleback when I want to look the business, one of the Timbuk2s when I want to haul a bunch of stuff. I have a proper Korchmar lawyer's bag (16 years young!) for the rare occasion when I need to do both.

Don't be frightened by the weight of the Saddleback bags. They're heavy because they're good with quality hardware, and once you start hauling it around, you won't notice it.

If you love the Saddleback bag but are hesitant on the price, my advise is to buy nothing now and put $3 per day into a piggybank and in a few months buy the Saddleback bag. Its one of those lifetime purchases that you won't regret. You won't go wrong with a Timbuk2 either. They are very, very durable and functional, but sacrifice some of the style of the Saddleback. People comment on the Saddleback, not on the Timbuk2.