Need a beautiful & sturdy work bag recommendation
January 27, 2021 9:39 AM Subscribe
I need a multi-functional shoulder bag/tote (maybe that converts to a backpack) that looks professional but not boring. I need a laptop sleeve and multiple dividers that would allow me to keep various projects separate. I commute by car or walking and I'd like it to sit upright on the floor...so structured, not floppy. Budget ideally under $200.
I don't love the utilitarian look or the color options of Timbuk2 bags but love that they are built to last. I love my Tom Bihn Pop Tote but it's too unstructured and the fabric/design of their briefcases look too casual for me..but I love the durability. I like some of the Baggallini totes but they look so much like luggage with all of the exterior pockets and such. Can you recommend a cool, durable, somewhat sleek bag that comes in cool colors or prints? It can be zip top or messenger.
I don't love the utilitarian look or the color options of Timbuk2 bags but love that they are built to last. I love my Tom Bihn Pop Tote but it's too unstructured and the fabric/design of their briefcases look too casual for me..but I love the durability. I like some of the Baggallini totes but they look so much like luggage with all of the exterior pockets and such. Can you recommend a cool, durable, somewhat sleek bag that comes in cool colors or prints? It can be zip top or messenger.
This is neither zip top nor messenger, but it's unique enough, and structured for sure, so I'll pop it in here anyway. I got this bag when it was on Kickstarter and I absolutely love it. It converts several different ways, including backpack, and has several dividers. It has a laptop compartment, though I will caution, a 15" Macbook Pro is too large to fit in it. Anything even slightly smaller would fit.
Only comes in 2 colors, but it is made of cork (!) and super light weight.
It was severely delayed to me because it ships from France and the Kickstarter shipping was slated for right when everything in Europe shut down due to COVID, so unfortunately, I've only been carrying it a few months, but so far, it seems very durable.
posted by pixiecrinkle at 9:54 AM on January 27, 2021
Only comes in 2 colors, but it is made of cork (!) and super light weight.
It was severely delayed to me because it ships from France and the Kickstarter shipping was slated for right when everything in Europe shut down due to COVID, so unfortunately, I've only been carrying it a few months, but so far, it seems very durable.
posted by pixiecrinkle at 9:54 AM on January 27, 2021
OMG I get to sing the praises of my favorite work bag! The Timbuk2 Scholar Convertible Tote!
I adore this bag. It converts from a tote to a backpack, zip top, lots of storage space. I currently have a ThinkPad for work and it fits great in the laptop section (which is padded). Stands up on the seat or floor of my car.
I love it, I love it, I love it.
Oh. I was SO EXCITED to share that I didn't even see that you don't like Timbuk2 bags. And weirdly, they aren't selling the bright colorblock one right now. Anyway, leaving this here in case you find it useful and in case someone in the future can find it useful.
posted by cooker girl at 10:03 AM on January 27, 2021 [3 favorites]
I adore this bag. It converts from a tote to a backpack, zip top, lots of storage space. I currently have a ThinkPad for work and it fits great in the laptop section (which is padded). Stands up on the seat or floor of my car.
I love it, I love it, I love it.
Oh. I was SO EXCITED to share that I didn't even see that you don't like Timbuk2 bags. And weirdly, they aren't selling the bright colorblock one right now. Anyway, leaving this here in case you find it useful and in case someone in the future can find it useful.
posted by cooker girl at 10:03 AM on January 27, 2021 [3 favorites]
In my opinion, this is exactly fit by Mad Rabbit Kicking Tiger (my rec is the Kendrick backpack, though they have messengers) but apparently they're not currently selling through their online store which generally has the best selections, colors and prices. I see them here or there online as linked, a good range on Faire, and some options on ebay right now.
posted by BlueBlueElectricBlue at 10:43 AM on January 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by BlueBlueElectricBlue at 10:43 AM on January 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
Matt and nat bags, I have two they’re perfect stylish functional
posted by St. Peepsburg at 11:08 AM on January 27, 2021
posted by St. Peepsburg at 11:08 AM on January 27, 2021
Mariclaro bags! Sustainable, handmade in Canada, gorgeous. Maybe the shev?
posted by stray at 11:18 AM on January 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by stray at 11:18 AM on January 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
If you are OK with leather and.... just squeaking over or totally blowing past your budgets, take a look at WP Standard, formerly known as Whipping Post.
My spouse destroys bags. Like they only last a few months until they are ripped up or straps give way from strain. She also needs to bring bags to more dress-up environments, and is a woman in an adversarial, male-dominated field.
The WP Standard Vintage Tote is what we found and it looks as good now as when we bought it five years ago. It is big enough for a laptop and many files, but with long straps can be worn on the shoulder for more of a purse/briefcase bag look. It is well made but radiates a subtle badass vibe due to the thickness of the leather and the rivets.
Sadly no interior sleeves or pockets until you get to the more fancy items, that go for more than $200. Still, with a laptop sleeve and pouches for files, pencil case, it works pretty well.
posted by sol at 11:53 AM on January 27, 2021
My spouse destroys bags. Like they only last a few months until they are ripped up or straps give way from strain. She also needs to bring bags to more dress-up environments, and is a woman in an adversarial, male-dominated field.
The WP Standard Vintage Tote is what we found and it looks as good now as when we bought it five years ago. It is big enough for a laptop and many files, but with long straps can be worn on the shoulder for more of a purse/briefcase bag look. It is well made but radiates a subtle badass vibe due to the thickness of the leather and the rivets.
Sadly no interior sleeves or pockets until you get to the more fancy items, that go for more than $200. Still, with a laptop sleeve and pouches for files, pencil case, it works pretty well.
posted by sol at 11:53 AM on January 27, 2021
When I was in this situation I got a lovely leather bag on Etsy from Italy for about $100 - pretty, with a number of dividers and laptop case built in. It was years ago (and I forget the makers), but it's held up well. Back then Etsy was full of similar products, so it might be worth looking there.
posted by coffeecat at 12:39 PM on January 27, 2021
posted by coffeecat at 12:39 PM on January 27, 2021
I got a Day Owl backpack/tote via Kickstarter and it is great for both daily commute and travel.
posted by mogget at 12:39 PM on January 27, 2021
posted by mogget at 12:39 PM on January 27, 2021
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by neushoorn at 9:54 AM on January 27, 2021 [3 favorites]