Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with messengerbag

Where shall I get my manbag from?

chorltonmeateater — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:58:49 -0800

Where shall I go to for buying reasonably-priced (i.e. under £100, if not lower) leather messenger bag (yes, all right, a manbag) in the UK? Anything web-based, or located in Oxford or London would be great. I don't really know where to begin looking. These guys (found via Google ads) seemed OK, but I could be wrong.

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.

Where can I find used truck tarp?

nitor — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:27:02 -0800

Where can I find truck tarp? I'm thinking of making a messenger bag, and I want to find some used/scrap truck tarp like they use to make these?

The cheaper the better.
The more colourful the better.

Just looking for something to use as either a liner or a cover to protect from rain. If you know where I can find some, lemme know!

Also, if you have suggestions for other similar materials (preferably something used) that I can use for water resistance, I'm open to other ideas! Thanks!

Any other suggestions for features/fabrics for the bag would be sweet too.

I Have A Dirty Sack

turgid dahlia — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:44:53 -0800

So I went and bought myself a Sierra Messenger bag from Fossil the other day because I dig its funky style – yes, I know it has leather in it and yes, I know this makes me a hideous person – but I’ve got a real problem with it: it’s getting dirty. Specifically, the rear side of the bag, which rubs against my butt while I’m cruising around town picking up ladies – a Maserati would work better, I’m sure, but it just isn’t economical in these difficult times – is scuffing up with the dye from my new jeans, so now there’s this blue mark on the back which I predict is only going to get worse. So, my question to you, hivemind, is this: how do I remove this unsightly discolouration, and what can I do to prevent the canvas from picking up the shade and hue of every item of material that comes within five feet of it?

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.

Boston area laptop bag store?

genefinder — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:24:24 -0800

I need a durable waterproof laptop bag for under $100, and I need to buy it in the Boston area today. My son is off to college, and for some reason we haven't had the chance to go laptop bag shopping yet. No time to order online plus he would rather see it before we buy one. I would like to go with him today and buy one in the Boston area (preferably north of Boston rather than the city if that is possible).

He wants a messenger style, and it will need to be durable as he is a well known destroyer of bags. It needs to hold a Dell Latitude D630 and a selection of textbooks (one or two at a time I guess). It would be great if it was waterproof to withstand the New England weather. And hopefully around $100, but i would be willing to invest more for one that will last.

So does anyone know of a good brick and mortar we should go check out later? I'll check back if anyone needs more information to help out.

Men's field bag

mendel — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:20:34 -0800

Please help me find an alternative to this Jack Spade bag. My trusty canvas field bag of many years is finally starting to give up the ghost, and I'm looking to replace it. The Jack Spade bale case I linked above is almost perfect, except it's bloody expensive, and I'm not a big fan of branded things.

Requirements: Wide sewn-in shoulder strap; no top handle; vertical format, around 10-11" long or so, not laptop-sized (got one, thanks); easy to get a hand in on the go; flap that goes at least halfway down the front, maybe even all the way. I'd like something a bit better quality than fake army surplus, and I don't want a lot of shiny nylon or any plastic fasteners. The nylon in the Jack Spade bag is as plasticy as I'd want. Canvas is great. Leather trim is fine but I don't want a leather bag. I have one of these already but you can see how many of those things it gets wrong!

There are lots of questions about big messenger bags (horizontal, bigger) but I found nothiner here about small men's bags like this. Thanks for your suggestions!

Help be find a bag to buy for my girlfriend

Cogito — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:54:16 -0800

She wants shoulder bag, but it needs to be cute, light and simple. She's desirous of a shoulder bag, or possibly a backpack. Here are her specifications:

- Doesn't have to be very big or have tons of compartments, simple preferred
- Must be cute, but not little-kid cute, just stylish
- As light as possible

I'm aware of Timbuk2's custom bags, so tell me about other stuff I may not have heard of. Price is not much of an issue, but let's keep it < $500.

Messenger bags versus backbacks?

whir — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:46:55 -0800

Why do you prefer a messenger bag to a backpack / bookbag (or vice versa) for bicycle commuting? Should I get one? My old backback is beginning to show some serious fray, and I'm looking at getting a new one. I see a lot of other bikers wearing messenger bags. They are so common that it seems like there's got to be something going on there, but the bags have always looked impractical to me, so I'm hoping to find out why people like them with an eye to possibly buying one.

In particular, does it tire one's shoulder out to have all the weight on one side? And doesn't the bag tend to slip around when you're biking around? Why do you prefer the bag over a regular two-strap backpack? ("I think it looks cooler" is a perfectly acceptable answer.)

My commute is mostly flat through heavy urban traffic, and I have road-bike style drop handlebars.

For The Green: a bike bag?

horseblind — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:20:26 -0800

Looking for an eco-friendly messenger bag. Used? Recycled? Fabric? What have you? I'm prepping to start commuting to work a few days a week by bicycle. I'm looking for a greeen (eco-friendly) messenger bag that's ideal for this purpose.

I've seen recycled material bags from Freitag, Alchemy Goods, and Timbuk2. I've also searched Ask.MeFi. So far I'm most interested in the Alchemy Goods bag. I'm curious as to what else is available.

More info: I'm a guy. My commutre will be about 15 miles. I'll be carrying a change of clothes, an ipod, phone, maybe a book, sometimes a laptop (I'd be willing to buy a sleeve for that--eco-friendly preferred here too), pens & pencils and the usual day-to-day stuff that winds up in pockets. I like the idea of loads of pockets and (maybe?) at least one internal divider.

What have you bought and did you like it or hate it? Or did you see something you just thought was the bee’s knees even if you didn't buy it. This is my first go at bike commuting. I can look up tips from many sources for the commute itself. What should I Consider or know about getting a good bag? Any usage/tweaking/hacking tips?

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!

Messenger bag shop in NYC?

defenestration — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:04:49 -0800

Where's the best place to check out and buy messenger bags in NYC? I want to head into the city tomorrow and pick up a nice messenger bag before catching a train to MA. Because of this, I don't have time to order online or go to three or four different stores before making a purchase. I'd like to enter a store, take a look at all of the bags, pick the one that suits my needs (storage, feel, fit, build quality, looks, etc) and be on my way!

Does anyone know of a good shop that has a nice selection of messenger bags? Does this one stop messenger bag heaven exist? Bonus points if they carry great bags made by an NYC-based company... It'd be nice to support a 'local' company.

Not to throw another question in here, and I know it's already been asked, but if you have any good recommendations on bags -- feel free to share!

Wanted: Bookbag For Law School

cribcage — Tue, 01 May 2007 08:57:59 -0800

Help me to find a bookbag for law school. I'm starting 1L in August. I won't be living near school. I'll be commuting via subway; and while I anticipate that some books can stay in my locker and others can stay at home, I'll probably need to carry a heavy load daily.

I'd love to hear advice from current or former law students, or specific suggestions from grad students in similar circumstances. I've been carrying this Filson for the past several years, but it may prove too small for law school casebooks. It's been a long time since I wore a backpack and I'm reluctant, but I do need plenty of space.

I've been browsing this selection of backpacks and messenger bags from Victorinox. I haven't decided whether I'll carry a laptop, but I'd like to preserve the option; on the other hand, I already own a SleeveCase so I don't need a padded pocket. I definitely don't need three pouches. I can do my own compartmentalizing. Simple is best.

Thanks in advance. I appreciate your help.

Bonus question: If you are, or have been a law student, how many books did you bring home daily? 2–3 or 4–5?

I need something put my junk in.

patr1ck — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 12:23:14 -0800

ShoppingFilter: Anyone know where I can find a nice messenger style bag in southern Ontario/GTA? Extra points for independent makers/shops etc. Thanks to this great AskMeFi I bought one of these cool cases. I love it and it provides good protection so I am no longer required to buy expensive laptop computer bags, I can buy any sort of bag I want... The problem is, I can't seem to find any.

I'm looking for a decent size bag I can throw my computer, some clothes, and maybe my SLR camera in too. Chrome Bags are really nice but rather expensive. Are there any other brands, preferably locally available to a south Ontarian (Ontarioist?), that anyone knows about?

Thanks!

Help me make my dream bag.

Alison — Fri, 26 May 2006 10:34:56 -0800

What are the best, most useful, most ingenious backpack/messenger bag features you've ever seen? I'm planning on making my own backpack/messenger bag with convertible straps. I'll use it sometimes for commuting, but mainly as an under seat carry-on for long distance travel. It will carry a laptop (which will have its own sleeve) and a few other small items.

Since it will be a custom job, I plan on adding all the useful features I can. I thought I would ask my fellow AskMefites if they have any bag features that they can't live without. Do you have a bag with super comfy straps? Does it have some kind of pocket that you can't live without? Are there special flaps to keep out the rain? Do those little metal feet at the bottom of some bags really matter? What kinds of materials are resilient enough to put up with lots of abuse? Any ideas about compartments for carrying snacks that won't get squished? I need descriptions, links and (especially) pictures.

I have lots of leather, canvas and vinyl and I have the parts to add a lighting system. I'm also experimenting with ways to stiffen the back so I can use it like a desk and adding a pillow to the front flap for naps. Other than that, I'm stumped. Any input or ideas would be welcome.

Baileyworks vs Chrome, & Photos

devilsbrigade — Mon, 01 Aug 2005 12:30:58 -0800

So, I'm getting a messenger bag. I already struck Timbuk2 out of the picture. I'm looking at Chrome or BaileyWorks now.. Chrome has good pictures on their site of their bags. Baileyworks... doesn't. (a) Anyone have one of these bags that could comment? and (b) anyone with a baileyworks bag, could you take a picture?

I need a really good messenger bag that will accomodate a laptop.

LittleMissCranky — Tue, 20 Apr 2004 20:04:18 -0800

I need a really good messenger bag that will accomodate a laptop. I have one from www.timbuk2.com, which I really like, but I'm looking for other recommendations.