MacGyver would use this bag

September 25, 2011 7:22 PM

Looking for a messenger/briefcase type bag, that is taller than it is wide. Saw this Saddleback bag, but specifically I'm looking for something with separate compartments. Something like one big compartment and one small compartment. As in, there would be a compartment that would fit a laptop, and another compartment for miscellany. Here's the kicker: I would like the compartments to be able to be opened individually. E.g. I could open up and remove the laptop, without opening up the other compartment.

Other thoughts:
- It can be any material - leather, canvas, etc.
- It must durable and strong.
- Price is a criteria, but being a person that's owned a Filson for a while now, I'm a believer in that expensive bags can indeed live up to the price.

posted by demagogue to clothing, beauty, & fashion (8 answers total)

etsy. get one of the leather handbag makers to make you exactly what you are looking for.

handmade, and totally functional the way you want it.
posted by hal_c_on at 7:40 PM on September 25, 2011

You might want to try a search for "Map cases" or "Military map bags" for those kind of dimensions (taller than wider).
posted by cazoo at 7:42 PM on September 25, 2011

This Tom Bihn bag is pretty close and is designed to fit a laptop. It has a separate compartment for little things, but you have to open the flap to get to either the laptop compartment or the small compartment, so I'm not sure if that fits your criteria.

I have a Tom Bihn bag and love it. It's well-made and well-designed and has a bunch of little pockets and little rings to attach my keys and things and it is just so cool.
posted by Metroid Baby at 8:12 PM on September 25, 2011

I am not trying to state the obvious, but the ideal search term is "vertical messenger bag." That may help you find some possibilities.
posted by darksong at 8:16 PM on September 25, 2011

You may like one of the Chrome laptop bags.
posted by zoinks at 11:11 PM on September 25, 2011 [1 favorite]

A bunch of vertical messengers have pockets (either zip or open) in the back separate from the pockets inside the flap.
Piel
LeDonne
Siamod

Some also have zip pockets on the outside of the flap itself:
Piel
David King
Victorinox
posted by rmless at 7:00 AM on September 26, 2011

I got my boyfriend this Jansport Curbside Bag which may fit all your specifications. He loves it and is fairly hard on bags and it has held up well. Jansport also has a lifetime repair policy which is a plus.
posted by scrubbles at 12:54 PM on September 26, 2011

Waterfield makes a vertical laptop messenger with a separate and removable miscellany pouch.

Maybe too separate.
posted by Sallyfur at 5:48 PM on September 26, 2011