Help me find the perfect everyday crossbody bag?
January 28, 2016 10:17 AM Subscribe
I'm looking for a smallish, durable crossbody bag with lots of pockets, a wide strap, and a not-overtly feminine appearance that nonetheless isn't an army surplus store special, and won't set me back more than, say, $60. Does such a thing exist?
OK, so I'm a lady who prefers a 'man purse', I guess, but I have yet to identify the Holy Grail of everyday stuff-carrying pouches and I was wondering if folks here could point me in the right direction.
I have a bunch of bags that I sort of cycle between, including a handful of random Army Surplus store canvas offerings. Which I like from an aesthetics standpoint, but which tend to kind of start falling apart inside pretty quickly, so I'd like to avoid that route.
The closest to what I am looking for configuration-wise is this one, which I received as a gift and would use more if it weren't so visually loud. It's about 9" high x 10" wide x 1" deep. I really like the wide strap and the fact that it's adjustable but non-removable, the plethora of internal pockets, and the way the strap is attached such that the whole bag stays low-profile while you're wearing it.
(I also like the shape where one side goes up slightly more than the other -- is there a name for that?)
Anyhow, though...can anyone recommend something that has the overall shape, rough size (maybe slightly larger), and strap style of the Lily Bloom example linked above but in a more gender-neutral and less noisy color/pattern? Black or charcoal grey would be perfect.
I don't care about brand so long as it's one with a deserved reputation for durability. Material doesn't matter too much, as long as it isn't crinkly or likely to tear easily; canvas, sturdy nylon, or leather are all fine. Again, I'd prefer not to spend more than $60. Thanks!
OK, so I'm a lady who prefers a 'man purse', I guess, but I have yet to identify the Holy Grail of everyday stuff-carrying pouches and I was wondering if folks here could point me in the right direction.
I have a bunch of bags that I sort of cycle between, including a handful of random Army Surplus store canvas offerings. Which I like from an aesthetics standpoint, but which tend to kind of start falling apart inside pretty quickly, so I'd like to avoid that route.
The closest to what I am looking for configuration-wise is this one, which I received as a gift and would use more if it weren't so visually loud. It's about 9" high x 10" wide x 1" deep. I really like the wide strap and the fact that it's adjustable but non-removable, the plethora of internal pockets, and the way the strap is attached such that the whole bag stays low-profile while you're wearing it.
(I also like the shape where one side goes up slightly more than the other -- is there a name for that?)
Anyhow, though...can anyone recommend something that has the overall shape, rough size (maybe slightly larger), and strap style of the Lily Bloom example linked above but in a more gender-neutral and less noisy color/pattern? Black or charcoal grey would be perfect.
I don't care about brand so long as it's one with a deserved reputation for durability. Material doesn't matter too much, as long as it isn't crinkly or likely to tear easily; canvas, sturdy nylon, or leather are all fine. Again, I'd prefer not to spend more than $60. Thanks!
The other thing about baggalinis: You can often find them discounted on amazon or ebay in new or near-new condition, if their price point is too high.
posted by dinty_moore at 10:25 AM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by dinty_moore at 10:25 AM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
You can probably spend ~$5 and a few hours to overdye the floral bag to a more muted palette, if it really hits all your other requirements. Look for "fiber-reactive" dye.
posted by janell at 10:27 AM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by janell at 10:27 AM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I carried this Ogio bag for years and it's still in great shape--no broken zippers, no fraying fabric, no rips or holes or tears. It's a great bag.
I recently got a Rickshaw bag because I needed something bigger for reasons, but I love and miss a lot of things about carrying my little Ogio every day.
posted by phunniemee at 10:27 AM on January 28, 2016 [6 favorites]
I recently got a Rickshaw bag because I needed something bigger for reasons, but I love and miss a lot of things about carrying my little Ogio every day.
posted by phunniemee at 10:27 AM on January 28, 2016 [6 favorites]
I have a one-year-older version of this Eddie Bauer sling bag. It has a couple pockets of different sizes and a low profile.
posted by esker at 10:31 AM on January 28, 2016
posted by esker at 10:31 AM on January 28, 2016
(if you DID decide to splash out, Moop all the way)
posted by listen, lady at 10:32 AM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by listen, lady at 10:32 AM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
I think you want a Baggallini. This one checks your asymmetry, color, and price point boxes.
posted by clavicle at 10:33 AM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by clavicle at 10:33 AM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I love my (super-popular on AskMe) Tom Bihn Large Cafe Bag. That's currently $70, but the other sizes are cheaper if you can want a smaller one. The pockets are great, there's lots of o-rings to attach more straps or pouches, and it's incredibly durable. When the strap on mine where I attach my heavy keyring started fraying after seven years of daily use, they repaired it at no charge with free shipping both ways.
posted by nonane at 10:35 AM on January 28, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by nonane at 10:35 AM on January 28, 2016 [2 favorites]
Check out the Travelon bags. Lots of pockets. Super tough. Sits close to the body. If you go to ebags or amazon they have a few of their older styles that aren't listed on the Travelon site that might also fit your requirements.
posted by wwax at 10:47 AM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by wwax at 10:47 AM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: I won't threadsit but thanks so much so far! baggalini is a possibility; I did inspect some of those in person recently, though, and wasn't sure about the material (the nylon seemed a tad on the thin side?); I do like the looks of their messenger bagg and stand-up, FWIW.
Dyeing my existing bag is something I'd thought about, but since that one is made from recycled soda bottles or something like that, I was worried even a fiber-reactive dye might not take very well (and I wouldn't want dye running all over my clothes in the rain, etc.).
So far, the Tom Bihn cafe bag looks closest to being my jam, specifically the "small" model. It doesn't have the asymmetrical top thingy but that's less important than the wide strap.
posted by aecorwin at 10:51 AM on January 28, 2016
Dyeing my existing bag is something I'd thought about, but since that one is made from recycled soda bottles or something like that, I was worried even a fiber-reactive dye might not take very well (and I wouldn't want dye running all over my clothes in the rain, etc.).
So far, the Tom Bihn cafe bag looks closest to being my jam, specifically the "small" model. It doesn't have the asymmetrical top thingy but that's less important than the wide strap.
posted by aecorwin at 10:51 AM on January 28, 2016
The Mailbag Crossbody from Vera Bradley is a pocket paradise. (in solid black!)
This has become my favorite bag of my life. There's one big purse-size pocket under the flap, as well as a slightly smaller pocket in front of that. In addition to that, there's a zip on the top that opens to the biggest space - and it has two slip pockets in it. The back also contains a zip pocket that's probably the smallest of the surface openings.
It is a bit bigger then your current bag. The big zip pocket easily holds an ipad. (It was the first or second search result for "purse big enough to fit an unfolded piece of paper inside", which is what I wanted)
posted by INFJ at 10:51 AM on January 28, 2016
This has become my favorite bag of my life. There's one big purse-size pocket under the flap, as well as a slightly smaller pocket in front of that. In addition to that, there's a zip on the top that opens to the biggest space - and it has two slip pockets in it. The back also contains a zip pocket that's probably the smallest of the surface openings.
It is a bit bigger then your current bag. The big zip pocket easily holds an ipad. (It was the first or second search result for "purse big enough to fit an unfolded piece of paper inside", which is what I wanted)
posted by INFJ at 10:51 AM on January 28, 2016
I hate girly things on me pretty fervently, but I deeply love this woodpecker Bungalow 360 small messenger bag. They come in other sizes and critters, too (otters, foxes, whales ... All so crittery!)
posted by DingoMutt at 10:53 AM on January 28, 2016
posted by DingoMutt at 10:53 AM on January 28, 2016
You want a Courierware bag. Sturdy, made in the US, lifetime guarantee, simple in appearance but comes with a variety of pockets depending on the model you pick. And you can customize the appearance by picking a particular design for the outside flap.
I've had Courierware bags for over 25 years, and they're great.
posted by suelac at 11:01 AM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
I've had Courierware bags for over 25 years, and they're great.
posted by suelac at 11:01 AM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
I came in to suggest the Tom Bihn Cafe Bag. Mine's either the small or medium and I love it. Pockety and super durable!
posted by Metroid Baby at 11:05 AM on January 28, 2016
posted by Metroid Baby at 11:05 AM on January 28, 2016
Check out http://recycledseatbelts.ca/
They use recycled seatbealts to make bags. I have one, love it to death. Has little wear showing even after 3-4 years of heavy use.
posted by Ftsqg at 11:24 AM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
They use recycled seatbealts to make bags. I have one, love it to death. Has little wear showing even after 3-4 years of heavy use.
posted by Ftsqg at 11:24 AM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
Seconding Travelon. They have excellent pockets and are not so expenxive that finding one to be wrong after a bit of use would be terribly painful. Less noisy than Baggalini, and seem better thought out. I love Tom Bihn in general, but hate top flaps and must have a top zipper so the Cafe wasn't going to work.
I bought 2 Travelons: the 3 compartment and the N-S crossbody. My mom took the 3 comparment and loves it. The N-S is the near perfect replacement for a leather Fossil bag with perfect pockets that I'd been using for 10 years but needs some love and is heavier than I'd like at this point.
posted by monopas at 12:41 PM on January 28, 2016
I bought 2 Travelons: the 3 compartment and the N-S crossbody. My mom took the 3 comparment and loves it. The N-S is the near perfect replacement for a leather Fossil bag with perfect pockets that I'd been using for 10 years but needs some love and is heavier than I'd like at this point.
posted by monopas at 12:41 PM on January 28, 2016
Best answer: Check out Thinkgeek's Handbag of Holding. They have a less-feminine "Bag of Holding" and a "Bag of Holding - Con Survival Edition".
I have the deluxe Handbag of Holding, and I love this thing! A month after I bought it, I was still discovering new pockets. It's not that it holds a huge amount of stuff (though it does), it's that allows you to organize the stuff so that you can easily find what you need.
posted by Flipping_Hades_Terwilliger at 1:12 PM on January 28, 2016 [4 favorites]
I have the deluxe Handbag of Holding, and I love this thing! A month after I bought it, I was still discovering new pockets. It's not that it holds a huge amount of stuff (though it does), it's that allows you to organize the stuff so that you can easily find what you need.
posted by Flipping_Hades_Terwilliger at 1:12 PM on January 28, 2016 [4 favorites]
I love my Healthy Back Bag (mine is the medium size). It holds such a lot and is really comfortable to carry.
posted by essexjan at 1:21 PM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by essexjan at 1:21 PM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
My everyday crossbody is the Baggallini Paris (exactly 9x10) in plain, non-crinkly black. It's discontinued, but you should know that although I've overstuffed it and carried it daily for two and a half years, it's still holding up like a champ.
I think the closest things that's available now are the slightly bulkier Provence or the slimmer Zipper.
posted by tangerine at 1:48 PM on January 28, 2016
I think the closest things that's available now are the slightly bulkier Provence or the slimmer Zipper.
posted by tangerine at 1:48 PM on January 28, 2016
since that one is made from recycled soda bottles or something like that, I was worried even a fiber-reactive dye might not take very well
It won't take it at all, so don't bother trying the fiber reactive dye. J
Nylon can be dyed very well with Rit dye, and if you rinse it enough the Rit will come out entirely and not get on your clothes, while remaining colorfast. I don't know what it would do to your bag though. Polyester can't be dyed at all, or at least not by the consumer. (It's dyed when the fiber is made)
posted by yohko at 4:20 PM on January 28, 2016
It won't take it at all, so don't bother trying the fiber reactive dye. J
Nylon can be dyed very well with Rit dye, and if you rinse it enough the Rit will come out entirely and not get on your clothes, while remaining colorfast. I don't know what it would do to your bag though. Polyester can't be dyed at all, or at least not by the consumer. (It's dyed when the fiber is made)
posted by yohko at 4:20 PM on January 28, 2016
A couple of folks have mentioned Travelon - they have a bag with an asymmetrical top that you might want to take a look at.
posted by clerestory at 7:31 PM on January 28, 2016
posted by clerestory at 7:31 PM on January 28, 2016
Don't dye it, PAINT it. Fabric spray paint does exist, and I bet it would work.
posted by raisingsand at 7:36 PM on January 28, 2016
posted by raisingsand at 7:36 PM on January 28, 2016
I carried a slim crossbody Baggallini like this one--bought it at Marshalls and another one at Home Goods for half the list price, they were in the luggage section (!). The nylon holds up well, it's lightweight and easy to wash.
What I did not like was the lining. On the slim bags, the lining was too large and not tacked down. (I did that myself and it helped a little) Finding things at the bottom was difficult because there was so much excess material and half the time, I pulled out the lining as well as what I was trying to grab. Now I carry a Kipling clone which comes in wonderful, bright colors and it has the lining attached to all the seams.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 9:19 PM on January 28, 2016
What I did not like was the lining. On the slim bags, the lining was too large and not tacked down. (I did that myself and it helped a little) Finding things at the bottom was difficult because there was so much excess material and half the time, I pulled out the lining as well as what I was trying to grab. Now I carry a Kipling clone which comes in wonderful, bright colors and it has the lining attached to all the seams.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 9:19 PM on January 28, 2016
Best answer: I know you mentioned you wanted to stay away from the canvas surplus store special (due to durability), but that you like the aesthetics. There are superior products in the military/tactical space that are much more durable but still have that aesthetic. Specifically this Propper OTS bag*, or this Maxpedition bag*, or this other Maxpedition bag*. They're loaded with pockets, crossbody, asymmetrical top and made from high-end, durable nylon.
*self link disclosure
posted by Jacob G at 5:51 AM on January 29, 2016
*self link disclosure
posted by Jacob G at 5:51 AM on January 29, 2016
This thread is closed to new comments.
I'm on my second iteration of this bag - I don't know if it's as durable as you're looking for, but the last one went through two years of heavy abuse and was still okay. Some patterns are flashier than others (I have the typewriter and the birds).
posted by dinty_moore at 10:23 AM on January 28, 2016 [2 favorites]