Nice bag

August 9, 2007 11:38 AM

I'd like some direction for a nice briefcase bag / satchel.

My backpack has had it, while I'd like to move into adulthood I don't want to go Tumi/Ferragamo/lawyer bag handler. I've checked Booq, Jack Spade - are there other interesting brands you would recommend? Thanks.

posted by four panels to shopping (17 comments total)

check out The posts on uncrate tagged with "bags".
posted by The Esteemed Doctor Bunsen Honeydew at 11:51 AM on August 9, 2007

check out the earlier briefcase asks.

such as this one or this one or this one.
posted by crush-onastick at 11:57 AM on August 9, 2007

Tom Bihn, Bailey Works
posted by iamabot at 12:13 PM on August 9, 2007

I LOVE my Coach Man Bag.
posted by doorsfan at 12:13 PM on August 9, 2007

Waterfield has me as a customer for life, yo.

But crush-onastick's point about searching should be taken to heart.
posted by sparkletone at 12:18 PM on August 9, 2007

I've probably posted this in one or more of above-linked previous "asks" but I love it so much I'll do it again:

Filson Leather Field Satchel.
posted by probablysteve at 1:14 PM on August 9, 2007

How about a bike courier bag?

Skip the well known (Chrome, Crumpler, Manhattan Portage, Timbuk2) and try one of the lesser-known makers*:

• Bagaboo
• BaileyWorks
• Banjo Brothers
• Chicago WIG
• Cocotte
• CourierWear
• Lemolo
• PAC Designs
• Push the Envelope
• ReLoad
• Seagull
• Under the Weather
• Zo Bags
• Zugster

Many will do custom work if you're interested.

* Not intended to be a complete list, just what I can think of now
posted by Utilitaritron at 1:16 PM on August 9, 2007 [6 favorites has favorites]

I had a Marimekko bag for a while that I liked a lot. Also, although they're probably not what you're looking for, I'm fascinated by Ortlieb bags.
posted by hapticactionnetwork at 1:30 PM on August 9, 2007

I love my Gravis digi
posted by zackola at 1:43 PM on August 9, 2007

Seconding Waterfield. I own both a Cargo and a Cozmo, both fantastic.
posted by j-dawg at 1:54 PM on August 9, 2007

[I shortened your title.]
posted by jessamyn at 1:58 PM on August 9, 2007

I was in Target the other day, and was surprised at the selection of messenger bag / satchel / manpurse things they have, anywhere from $20 for canvas bags of various designs, to a really nice distressed leather for around $60. Might be worth a stop if there is a Target nearby.
posted by The Deej at 2:19 PM on August 9, 2007

I'm another big Waterfield fan (http://www.sfbags.com), so I guess you could say that I "third" that recommendation. You won't find better crafstmanship, more thoughtful design, or higher quality customer service anywhere. I'd go with their Cargo or Cozmo bag. Both are professional enough, while still unique.
posted by flyawaygal at 2:43 PM on August 9, 2007

I tried to move "beyond the backpack" for a few years until I realized that carrying a satchel on one shoulder was wrecking my back. I currently use and would recommend the vertical brief/laptop bag from Briggs & Riley.
posted by donovan at 2:46 PM on August 9, 2007

Second the recommendation for Tom Bihn. Look at the Empire Builder, or if that is too big, its little brother the Zephyr. I've had an Empire Builder for years and it looks nearly as new as the day I bought it.
posted by brianogilvie at 3:22 PM on August 9, 2007

You might also find some of non-backpack answers to this question useful.
posted by -harlequin- at 2:52 AM on August 10, 2007

seconding Uncrate: I picked up a North Face Base Camp messenger in black and it's great. It's known as the stealth bag, not because it's particularly sleek but because it totally evades gaydar.

I balance it out with a Poketo wallet, so all is well.
posted by heeeraldo at 3:47 PM on August 24, 2007