My perfect bag is too expensive for me!

September 30, 2012 6:28 PM

I need a new bag. I think the L&S O.M.G is almost perfect, but it's more than I want to spend. Is there something similar available somewhere for $150 USD or less? (Snowflake details inside)

I need something to carry the following everyday:
1) my 34-ounce thermos
2) my laptop lunchbox
3) my Macbook Air -- OR -- my iPad
4) various other purse-type things (wallet, keys, iPhone, 2 pairs of glasses, a fold-up tote bag, a handful of loyalty cards, feminine hygiene supplies, etc.)
5) odds and ends depending on the day: a small craft project, an extra pair of shoes, a change of clothes, a notebook, chargers etc. (not all at once, usually just one of these things per day)

I estimate that I need a bag about 4.5-6 inches deep, with 13-14 inches in either height or width. I need at least 1 padded pocket for my computer or iPad (I rarely carry both at the same time). In addition to serving as my daily tote, I would like the bag to also function as a carry on when I travel.

Other requirements:
* no leather, no flaps, no open top
* at least 1 outside pocket with organizational features (places for pens, cards, keys, phone, etc.)
* as light-weight as possible when empty
* appropriate for a business casual workplace, but would also look ok with a suit.
* relatively light-colored interior (I hate bags with black interiors)
* sturdy enough to last 3+ years of daily use (I'm not especially hard on bags)

I think the L&S O.M.G bag fits the bill perfectly (although it may be slightly larger than I really want). However, at $275 it is more than I want to spend. I would like to spend no more than $150. As a further point of reference, I currently carry the Tom Bihn Medium Cafe Bag in purple, which I find to be too small (it doesn't quite fit my thermos), too casual (probably because of the color), and I don't like the flap.

Can you suggest a suitable alternative? I am looking both for bags that are similar to the O.M.G and any other bags that you think might work. I'm in the U.S. and would prefer to buy online.

posted by OrangeDisk to clothing, beauty, & fashion (10 answers total)

Mrs Alms has similar needs and got a great stylish work-appeopriate bag at Target. She said their stock varies, but is often good.
posted by alms at 8:38 PM on September 30, 2012

The Baggallini Expandable Tote or similar might work for you.
posted by BibiRose at 8:43 PM on September 30, 2012 [2 favorites]

Maybe:

Clark & Mayfield Sellwood iPad / Netbook Tote 9-11"

Samsonite Jordyn Laptop Tote Bag
posted by thirteenkiller at 8:46 PM on September 30, 2012

I just got a smaller Baggallini than the tote mentioned above and love how well it's laid out and made.
posted by JaneL at 12:12 AM on October 1, 2012

Have you considered getting a helmet bag? I think they look very utilitarian-chic.

The bag is padded but I'm not sure HOW padded, so you might want to add a Tom Binh Cache to protect a computer/ ipad.
posted by kitkatcathy at 7:01 AM on October 1, 2012

Maybe this bag from Acme Made?
posted by jcrbuzz at 8:54 AM on October 1, 2012

Have you looked at Kipling? They can skew a little young, but the Sherpa Carry-On bag seems like it would work. You'd still need a padded sleeve for your laptop, but the bag is only $98.
posted by not.so.hip at 9:13 AM on October 1, 2012

Thanks for the great suggestions! I really like the Acme Made bag and the Clark & Mayfield bag. The Helicopter Helmet Bag is a really cool suggestion. Please keep them coming!
posted by OrangeDisk at 10:04 AM on October 1, 2012

Those helmet bags are so cool! Here's the Ariat equestrian helmet bag, another thing I found looking at helmet bags. I don't know what color the interior is, though.
posted by thirteenkiller at 11:50 AM on October 1, 2012

I am in love with Lug bags, although they seem to be mostly a Canadian thing. I have the Taxicab and it holds everything I need. The Flyer Messenger bag might be a good fit, based on your description.
posted by valoius at 10:27 PM on October 1, 2012