Where can I go to purchase a big bag?

March 3, 2008 12:45 PM

Where can I go to purchase a big bag?

I'm going abroad in a few days and just realized that I don't have a bag that I can use for carry on. I want something large enough to hold a change of clothes, a book, my little quart-sized bag of toilletries and some odds and ends, as well as a smaller handbag(5x9x2"). A zip-top main compartment is ideal, as well as an adjustable strap. I don't care what material the bag is made of, but it would be nice if it it was visually appealing and could double as an every day carry-stuff-around bag. For functionality something like this would work (maybe it's a little too large), but I don't have enough time to order anything online. I looked at the mall yesterday and was a little overwhelmed and didn't find anything appropriate, but I probably missed something. Where/what should I be looking for? I'm in the Indianapolis area and would prefer to spend under $100, if that helps.

posted by Polychrome to travel & transportation (9 comments total)

When I found myself in need of a bag a couple of months ago (I ended up buying a bunch of crap that I then had to take back home), I found a good bag at a good price at TJ Maxx.
posted by wierdo at 12:47 PM on March 3, 2008

For bags of all sizes in neutral colors, I've usually had good luck with Army-Navy stores.
posted by Greg Nog at 12:59 PM on March 3, 2008

Do you have a Target nearby? I've found lots of reasonably priced bags there, in the luggage/gym bag section.
posted by xsquared-1 at 1:00 PM on March 3, 2008

I got a variant of this Timberland bag as a good durable carryon from a local TJ Maxx or Marshells for about half the price it's advertised for. If you're not super picky about styles, a place like that will give you a good bang for your buck.
posted by jessamyn at 1:11 PM on March 3, 2008

A large day pack wouldnt work? I was going to suggest an REI outlet but I guess you folks dont have that in Indiana. Still, any decent outdoor/hiking etc store should have a wide variety that would be less than $100. The link above is just for reference (and REI is kind of expensive, so the costs they list are probably not standard).
posted by elendil71 at 1:26 PM on March 3, 2008

My Briggs & Riley tote, I might go for first in a house fire. At $129 MSRP, it's not cheap, but it is super-durable (two years of weekly flights and mine looks new), and roomy (this can hold: my big travel wallet, zip-up jewelry case, camera case, ipod case, headphones case, a padfolio and couple of manila folders, a paperback and magazine, change of clothes, and toiletries Ziploc, plus that day's purse holding purse things -- and not be crammed too full for comfort).

Other favorite features: zip top closes the bag completely, for shoving under plane seat... one of the two outer side pockets unzips across the bottom to allow you to slip the bag over the handle of a rolling suitcase... inside mesh pocket is great for water bottle or camera... two additional big pockets inside... and comes with its own waterproof removable zip pouch for toiletries.

Looks like it's available at Brenner Luggage in Indianapolis. They also appear to carry Boyt, who made the previous carry-on that I swore was my one true carry-on (till I found the Briggs and Riley). The one lesson I learned from Boyt is that I'll never go leather for carry-on again -- shows wear and gets mucky looking too quickly.

The one requirement you wanted that the B&R doesn't have is adjustable straps.

No matter what brand or style of bag you find: if you're willing to spend $100, I say spend the whole hundo -- and never have to buy another shoulder tote. Good luggage provides excellent ROI.
posted by pineapple at 1:34 PM on March 3, 2008

Thrift stores often have small luggage sections and you can find some great stuff there.
posted by OmieWise at 1:43 PM on March 3, 2008

Have you tried Zappos? They have free shipping which they say takes about 4 days (although anything I have ever ordered arrived in less than 2 days ) but you can speed things up with express delivery for $7-$25 per order.
posted by esmerelda_jenkins at 2:13 PM on March 3, 2008

I fully intended to check out an Army Navy store and, failing that, take a trip to Brenner Luggage, but I had to stop at Target for garbage bags and looked at the luggage on recommendation here--I never would have guessed they had so much stuff! I got a nicely functional tote for $30. Thanks everyone!
posted by Polychrome at 4:02 PM on March 4, 2008