Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with bags

Any suggestions on a professional work bag?

Mr_Thirdworld — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:37:18 -0800

Looking for a professional work bag. Any suggestions? I usually pack my stuff in a medium sized Jansport backpack to carry the things I need to and from work. It's time to switch to something a bit more professional. With a budget of $100 USD, I've narrowed it down to a few choices but wanted to see what else is out there before making a purchase. Here's my short list:

-Boa slimcase M
-Oakley VERTICAL COMPUTER BAG 3.0

I'll need space for the following:
10.9" Netbook
Netbook charger
PSP
PSP Charger
Portable HDD with charger
A few magazines
Lunch

So......any suggestions?

Please help me find Cyclus bags in the U.S.

theperfectcrime — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:33:02 -0800

I've fallen in love with these bags, made in Colombia from used inner tubes. I love everything about them. I live in Austin and saw some recently at this local import store. However, they only had a couple in stock, both of which I think were too small for my laptop, plus there are some styles in the catalog which I love more. The lady I spoke to at the store was unsure if they were planning an order soon, if ever again. Apparently the Cyclus website is currently being refurbed, so I don't think I can order directly from the manufacturer. I did find a couple of sites which carry them, but none were in the U.S. Anyone know how I can get one of these in the States? Thanks in advance!

vacuum storage bags

blueyellow — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:27:51 -0800

Which vacuum storage brand is best? I've seen "Space Bag", "Storage Kaddy", and "Honey-can-do" on amazon. The reviews seem fairly mixed or sparse on all of them. Do you have any personal experience with different bags?

Hanoi city worker bag question

miles — Sat, 30 May 2009 05:10:09 -0800

Bagfilter Hanoi: I am in Hanoi and I keep seeing utility workers with these really cool box shaped green canvas bags. Does anyone know where this kind of stuff would be sold? It seems like there must be a street for this kind of thing somewhere since there is a street for everything else here.

Help me find this grocery bag using trash bin., or something similar, please.

RunawayOctober — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:55:10 -0800

Help me find this grocery bag using trash bin., or something similar, please. I StumbledUpon this link and think it would be an awesome gift for my mother. She doesn't want to use reusable bags because she takes 8-10 empty aluminum cans to the recycle bin every morning along with a bag of cat poop/liter from cleaning the litter box. For convenience she uses two grocery bags a day for the job. If she's going to use bags I figured I may as well make it easy for her.

Want REVENGE! Laptop bag.

tcv — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:50:46 -0800

Family Fail. How can I get revenge on my family by purchasing an awesome laptop bag? So, even though my family got me many things, all great and wonderful, they're still evil and fail hard because I didn't get a laptop bag. Of course, I never told them I want one, but they should be able to read my mind at this point.

I want revenge, cold revenge, but since I seem to have a running streak of bad laptop bags, I thought I'd list the items I'd have to carry.

1. Thinkpad X61T laptop. (Fairly small laptop.)
2. Cell phone.
3. Pens (a couple)
4. A couple of small paper notebooks. (Yeah, sorry.)
5. AC adapter.
6. Memory stick

Of course, I want all this within a 2x2 inch bag, but I'll take the following, too:

1. Ability to pick up and go. (Doesn't acquire reassembly with each get up and/or go.)
2. Doesn't scream "Steal me! I'm ever-so-valuable."

I know there's a million askmefis on this already. The problem is that new bags come out all the time and each situation is a bit unique. Furthermore, many retail places don't seem to carry a large variety or they carry everything Targus.

Cheers,

m

Yes, I did sleep.

Pants! — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:09:24 -0800

When I wear contact lenses, I get bags under my eyes within about fifteen minutes. I wear toric lenses, if that matters. Is there anything I can do about this, or should I continue to stick to glasses?

Stylish man's bag?

Manhasset — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:52:08 -0800

I want a men's bag that is stylish and unique that can hold a laptop fine (13" macbook), perhaps with an added sleeve, but doesn't look like a laptop bag and is therefore functional when the laptop's at home. So far I'm considering bags by Qwstion, Hard Graft, Cydwoq, and Freitag. What are some of your favorite bags? I know there have been many laptop and briefcase questions before, but none seem to lead to what I'm looking for.

Stop my messenger bag from sliding down?

everichon — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 09:33:12 -0800

I have a Timbuk2 messenger bag. When I ride with it on, it wants to slip down to the right under my right arm. What can I do to make it more friction-y or tacky on the back, such that it is not so slidey? There is, of course, the included lateral strap, but I want to avoid using that.

I am thinking along the lines of brushing on liquid latex, or something.

Timbuk2, Tokyo

theyexpectresults — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:32:58 -0800

Where can I buy one of those Timbuk2 laptop messenger bags in Japan? My current cheap-ass messenger bag just died and I decided I really want a Timbuk2 laptop messenger bag. Checked their site and it says they have Japanese distribution, but couldn't find a list of distributors.

Can you tell me some stores (in Tokyo please) or even online retailers that stock Timbuk2 laptop bags? Amazon.co.jp doesn't really seem to carry the laptop messengers, just the regular ones.

Also welcome: suggestions of other decent bags I could buy here in Japan.

Cheers.

Where can I find the "recycled bag" fabric used by grocery stores?

mikepop — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:58:47 -0800

Where can I find the fabric/material several grocery chains are using to make cheap reusable bags these days? Is it as cheap as it appears? Several grocery store chains in this area have been offering reusable shopping bags for 99 cents or less. The material used is recycled plastics and ranges from very plasticy (example) to somewhat woven fabric-like (example).

I'd like to de-beige the walls of my work cube on the cheap, but haven't been able to find anywhere to buy the material in bulk, and am unsure of what the proper search terms are. Assuming I can find it in bulk, will it be as cheap as it seems to be? Or are the stores getting some sort of massive volume discount? I'm willing to just wait for a design I like and buy 10 bags and cut them up, but I imagine starting with bolts of fabric will be easier/look better.

I need a bag to carry gym stuff and work stuff.

tenaciousd — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 03:12:27 -0800

Can you recommend a good gym bag/work bag combo? I'm looking for suggestions for bags that can carry my work stuff (laptop, power cord, file folders, etc), my lunch and also my gym stuff.

I'm a male, so handbags/totes won't work, and I'm not hip or metrosexual enough to carry a murse.

A duffel bag has enough room, but it doesn't look professional. The computer/work bag I use now is too small for gym shoes and clothes. I'd appreciate any suggestions.

LAN bags in Seattle

calistasm — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:26:38 -0800

Is there a place in Seattle or vicinity that sells computer case transport accessories/LAN party bags such as these? I am failing in the Googles.

Solar Panels R Fun!

aetg — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:09:19 -0800

Do you have this backpack? Have you taken it through the TSA? What about the airports at Paris, Johannesburg, or Dakar?

For obvious reasons I want to use it as my carry-on bag, but I'm concerned that the additional cords and wires might caused it to get searched or seized.

Actually, I'm not so worried about the search as much as the seizing.

Any personal experiences or links to articles welcome. Random speculation would not be helpful in this case. Thanks in advance!

Help me find the right laptop bag

AMP583 — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:15:42 -0800

I'm in love with these bags but can't find one that fits my needs - help me find something similar to this thats fit for a laptop. I've conducted an exhaustive search online of mens messenger bags - i've also searched MetaFilter and none of the suggestions are quite right for me. I consider myself picky, maybe i just hate settling on things im not in love with.

I really like the style of bags by QWISTION but none of them fit my needs - they're either too big, too small or too feminine. I need a messenger like bag to carry my 15" MBP, a notebook or 2 and small things like an ipod, pens, etc. mostly to work. Typical shoulder bags look frumpy and/or aren't refined and classy enough. Leather bags seem too un-me/stuffy. So it seems a canvas, nylon, leather combo is a good fit.

Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.

How else can I roll with the fixie set?

liketitanic — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:30:07 -0800

Must messenger bags be the purview only of the flat-chested? I need a messenger bag that is compatible with my ample bosom. The bag I have now (Timbuk2) basically cuts my chest in half, either uncomfortably or unattractively. Is there a messenger option of the large-chested lady?

Removable bike bags...

dobbs — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:03:56 -0800

Looking for bags or similar things that can attach to a bike and easily (without tools) be removed that I can carry stuff in. I currently have a MEC frame bag but it's insufficient, space-wise. I'm also familiar with the Detours bags, but they only carry 5 lbs. Suggestions...? It's important to me that when the item is off the bike, its fastening system isn't still on the bike (like a basket or panniers). Also, if I can throw it over my shoulder (when not on the bike) that's even better. I quite like the look of the Freitag Knight Rider frame bags but they appear to have the same capacity as my MEC bag, which won't do. (I can't, for instance, carry a single dvd in its case inside this bag!)

Mostly, I carry dvds and cds, burritos, and small things like that, but sometimes in qty (the mec bag'll take 4 cds, for instance, and that's pushing it). I can also fit my u-lock in there but with room for pretty much nothing else.

I already have a Chrome Messenger bag for when I want to carry larger things but I'm really just looking for something that doesn't touch me while riding and doesn't touch the bike when walking.

Difference between a bag and a purse?

TheOnlyCoolTim — Sat, 24 May 2008 20:06:36 -0800

What is the difference between a purse and a bag? It is 11 PM on Friday and I need to know this. My friend has a bag which I say is a purse. When I saw it I thought at first it was some girl's purse. Men can carry purses, and purses are subsets of bags, but let's have a logical definition.

My theory is that a purse is accessed while being carried/worn, while backpacks and messenger bags, for example, are generally removed before opening.

Good place to try out various bags/backpacks in Chicago?

korpios — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:06:30 -0800

What's a good place to check out a wide variety of bags and backpacks in the Chicago area? I have three different bags from Timbuk2 that I ordered online over the past couple of years, but none are perfect; I need to try out my next bag-candidate in person.

Recommend me a man bag.

chrisbucks — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:40:13 -0800

ManBagFilter: Looking for recommendations for a canvas/nylon messenger bag which is functional, fashionable and wont blow the bank. I'm looking for something similar to these bags. I like the style, but it is pushing the top of my price range and they don't appear to ship out of the US.

I'm after something fairly simple, well constructed, just a couple of interior pockets and easy to keep clean. A vendor who offers international shipping would be a bonus too! (to NZ).

Where can I go to purchase a big bag?

Polychrome — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:45:17 -0800

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.

Black and tan...and espresso, and cafe, and brown, and sand...

splendid animal — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:51:24 -0800

When choosing a leather messenger/shoulder bag, how do I decide between brown and black? Should I try to match to the clothes I usually wear, or just pick what I like? I'm planning to buy a leather messenger bag to use in professional situations like conferences, meetings (especially of the networking variety), and the like. (Right now I'm looking at this and this, but I haven't yet decided - suggestions more than welcome!). I'm a PhD student, female, late 20s, and have finally been convinced that appearance matters. I can get away with jeans/t-shirt the vast majority of the time, but I do occasionally meet with non-student colleagues in professional research settings (think conference room, not laboratory), and would like to look more like them (the kind of job I aspire to) than like a part-time undergrad gopher (been there, done that).

I'm planning to buy some better clothes a little at a time (quality button-down shirts and nice slacks; perhaps a suit or two up the road), but want to buy the bag now. Should I try to match it to what I'll usually be wearing when I use it? Sometimes that would mean a brown bag, and at other times black. Some bags come in a dark brown color (like the espresso bag linked at amazon, above) - is this a solution for getting around the brown/black dichotomy altogether?

I have the same question about leather shoes, actually - usually I wear navy (nice jeans, navy top), sometimes navy and black or navy and grey, sometimes khaki and navy, sometimes navy or tan pants with a white shirt, etc. (Yes, these actually are the colors that I like wearing - don't hate!) Which bag/shoes go with which clothes?

If it seems like I'm overthinking this, it's because I'm willing to spend $100-$400 to get a quality bag that will last - hopefully for decades. Thus, I want to make sure that what I choose will have staying power.

I look young for my age, am on the petite side (5'2", small but not tiny), and would like to do what I can to present myself more professionally in certain situations. A more polished appearance in general wouldn't hurt, either. Please help me figure out how this matchy-matchy stuff works when it comes to leather bags/shoes. Thank you!

please point me in the direction of the bag store.

hector horace — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 18:26:15 -0800

Anyone know where I can buy (in a store) Manhattan Portage products in Montreal? I am fashion/shopping retarded. I'm sure that a store in the underground mall must carry the brand, but I'd rather not have to wander around in there for hours trying to find "bag stores," if such things do in fact exist.

thanks

Pop goes the pouch spring

that girl — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:28:37 -0800

Where can I find/buy the closures for squeeze pouches? I want to be able to make squeeze pouches or what-call-you, but I have no idea how to find the flat springs that are used to make them. A picture of the kind of closure that I am looking for is here.

I have no idea what to call them. Flat spring brings up things that are too mechanical, and otherwise I am failing miserably at the Google. I need a place where I can buy these springs, free of the accompanying bag part, so that I can make my own.

No, I'm not tired...I look this way all the time

melissam — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:05:25 -0800

Has anyone successfully reduced or eliminated puffy eyes/dark circles? For me I know allergies are a factor, but looking at my family, it seems the general puffiness is genetic. I've tried everything from getting more sleep to a gluten-free diet. Has anyone with this problem on MF ever had any success reducing them?