The perfect grad school bag?
July 23, 2015 12:21 PM Subscribe
I'll be starting a 2-year master's program in August, and I want the perfect school bag! Requirements: 1) stylish, 2) fits a 14" laptop and a couple of textbooks, 3) made of soft leather or sturdy canvas, 4) not a backpack, and 5) reasonably comfortable to carry.
I already have a Moop bag (the Porter, which is basically a weekender), so I'm not looking for another one. I also already have a perfectly serviceable North Face backpack that will work as a bookbag when I need it, so...no backpacks either.
I don't want anything made of "performance" fabric or stiff leather. Soft leather or sturdy canvas would be fantastic. I'm not opposed to cross-body bags, but I have an ample chest, so heavy cross-body bags can be uncomfortable. I'm willing to drop some cash on this if necessary, but ideally the upper limit would be around $300.
I already have a Moop bag (the Porter, which is basically a weekender), so I'm not looking for another one. I also already have a perfectly serviceable North Face backpack that will work as a bookbag when I need it, so...no backpacks either.
I don't want anything made of "performance" fabric or stiff leather. Soft leather or sturdy canvas would be fantastic. I'm not opposed to cross-body bags, but I have an ample chest, so heavy cross-body bags can be uncomfortable. I'm willing to drop some cash on this if necessary, but ideally the upper limit would be around $300.
I got a Rickshaw messenger bag when I wanted to upgrade my backpack midway through grad school. I particularly like their "performance tweed" fabric (I know you said you don't want 'performance fabric', but to me it basically just feels like a thick tweed). Especially with the tweed fabric, it feels very "academic" to me, but in a fun way. I like that it looks more professional than a backpack but still fun and young. The bag can be worn cross-body, but also is comfy just slung over my shoulder. Very sturdy, and I also like that basically everything about it is customizable. If you are in the Bay Area, you can go to their shop to customize your bag and check things out in person.
posted by rainbowbrite at 12:29 PM on July 23, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by rainbowbrite at 12:29 PM on July 23, 2015 [1 favorite]
I have a smaller Duluth canvas/leather bag and I really love it -- I think their laptop bookbag should be about the right size?
posted by Jeanne at 12:42 PM on July 23, 2015
posted by Jeanne at 12:42 PM on July 23, 2015
I have a Timbuk2 Command Messenger Bag (Small) (which, perhaps in it's older edition, looks more like this). I found it for $60 on newegg, but I remember waiting around until I could find one for cheaper than the $100-120. You can probably try them on for comfort at your nearest REI-type store.
posted by pjenks at 12:48 PM on July 23, 2015
posted by pjenks at 12:48 PM on July 23, 2015
I carry a Kale Tate bag. They are out of business but you can find the bags on eBay sometimes for a significant discount. I've carried it for six years in grad school and it still looks amazing.
posted by mrfuga0 at 1:00 PM on July 23, 2015
posted by mrfuga0 at 1:00 PM on July 23, 2015
I also came in to recommend Duluth Pack; I have the deluxe book bag and I'm very happy with it--it is a cross-body bag, though. It's plenty roomy and very sturdy. I think the main difference between this and the laptop bag is that the divider in the laptop version is padded, versus plain canvas in the book version. I've never had a problem carrying my laptop in the secondary pocket even without the padding. The leather bits were a little stiff when I first got it, but they break in nicely--and the laptop and "standard" versions are much more canvas than leather if you prefer that.
posted by egregious theorem at 1:01 PM on July 23, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by egregious theorem at 1:01 PM on July 23, 2015 [1 favorite]
The Rickshaw tweed bag mentioned above (I have the Commuter and not the Zero Messenger) has been my grad school bag for years.
...too many years
posted by pemberkins at 1:05 PM on July 23, 2015 [1 favorite]
...too many years
posted by pemberkins at 1:05 PM on July 23, 2015 [1 favorite]
I love my Archival Clothing waxed canvas messenger bag. Mine is no longer made, but should be very functionally identical to the one linked. Kind of pricey, but it wears very nicely and will stay around for a long time.
posted by Maecenas at 1:09 PM on July 23, 2015
posted by Maecenas at 1:09 PM on July 23, 2015
I have this laptop bag which comes in various colors, and it has been surprisingly sturdy. I like the structure and the protection for the computer. Plenty of room for books. I love that it has feet on the bottom.
Prior to that I had this bag, which is all canvas and metal and is machine washable. It has no structure to it, but man, is it sturdy. It's six years old and has been through two kids and two jobs and is a workhorse.
posted by dpx.mfx at 1:09 PM on July 23, 2015
Prior to that I had this bag, which is all canvas and metal and is machine washable. It has no structure to it, but man, is it sturdy. It's six years old and has been through two kids and two jobs and is a workhorse.
posted by dpx.mfx at 1:09 PM on July 23, 2015
Hex laptop tote, canvas and leather
Canvas briefcase from Blk Pine Workshop
Useful resource
posted by the_blizz at 1:34 PM on July 23, 2015 [2 favorites]
Canvas briefcase from Blk Pine Workshop
Useful resource
posted by the_blizz at 1:34 PM on July 23, 2015 [2 favorites]
Filson briefcases are pretty great and fit all of your criteria.
posted by perihare at 1:41 PM on July 23, 2015
posted by perihare at 1:41 PM on July 23, 2015
This Filippa K bag would be a beautiful option. (Also this store shows Canadian prices so if you're in the states you'll benefit from our dismal dollar).
posted by thebots at 1:45 PM on July 23, 2015
posted by thebots at 1:45 PM on July 23, 2015
Best answer: Highly recommend Madewell's Transport Tote and Everlane's Twill/Leather Totes - they're only $40 and quite sturdy!
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 1:55 PM on July 23, 2015
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 1:55 PM on July 23, 2015
I have a Duluth pack (the small Scout pack, so not one you'd want as it's backpack-style) and the quality is good. It looks university-appropriate without being super serious or weird performance material. I'd browse their wares online. Lots of colors to choose from.
posted by easter queen at 2:06 PM on July 23, 2015
posted by easter queen at 2:06 PM on July 23, 2015
Best answer: Some of the designs from Rough and Tumble bags might work for you. You can do custom combos of colors too but then they're not returnable.
posted by oneear at 2:19 PM on July 23, 2015
posted by oneear at 2:19 PM on July 23, 2015
I'm in grad school and I see a lot of backpacks and the Longchamp Le Pliage linked above (or similar totes). I have this LL Bean tote which has served me well for a year and change- I use the middle zipper pocket for my laptop (in a zipper case) and I've carried several textbooks, a water bottle, coffee mug, etc. in one side section with all of my regular purse items in the other half. It's stiff enough leather to stand up but it's softened up some with use, and the zipper top is perfect for traveling or rain.
posted by MadamM at 3:04 PM on July 23, 2015
posted by MadamM at 3:04 PM on July 23, 2015
I'd second the recommendation to check out how you like a Timbuktu bag at an REI-like store (or an actual REI, which is where I bought mine). I love mine, although I don't have an ample chest, it does fit quite comfortably on the chest. It's even better if you think you may like to try a bicycle commute later on.
posted by General Malaise at 3:16 PM on July 23, 2015
posted by General Malaise at 3:16 PM on July 23, 2015
Queen Bee flapped bag. Sturdy. Stylish. The truckette size is good for all you describe wanting to carry.
posted by scrambles at 3:53 PM on July 23, 2015
posted by scrambles at 3:53 PM on July 23, 2015
Best answer: I would normally recommend the men's line from The Cambridge Satchel Company, however, since you dislike stiff leather, I would steer you to The Leather Satchel Company's line, which are much, much softer, a tad thicker, and quite durable. I have one of these, bought on clearance. It's been quite comfy to wear (I usually wear mine crossbody).
Here are the products; they also make a "tall boy" which may be better for your laptop (I think tallboys are a special request order), and an instagram where you can see a lot of their products.
Here is a size guide.
There is a sale section that turns over quite frequently, and ISTR they have a big sale in January. Unfortunately, unlike The Cambridge Satchel Company, The Leather Satchel Company charges shipping.
These are quite stylish and people seem to really gravitate towards the patent oxblood but to my mind I'd probably go with the oxblood from CSC. Memail me if you have any questions! I've ordered from both companies (and Zatchels as well). They are definitely more grown-up than carrying a backpack or nylon messenger. I really love mine. Good luck!
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 5:14 PM on July 23, 2015
Here are the products; they also make a "tall boy" which may be better for your laptop (I think tallboys are a special request order), and an instagram where you can see a lot of their products.
Here is a size guide.
There is a sale section that turns over quite frequently, and ISTR they have a big sale in January. Unfortunately, unlike The Cambridge Satchel Company, The Leather Satchel Company charges shipping.
These are quite stylish and people seem to really gravitate towards the patent oxblood but to my mind I'd probably go with the oxblood from CSC. Memail me if you have any questions! I've ordered from both companies (and Zatchels as well). They are definitely more grown-up than carrying a backpack or nylon messenger. I really love mine. Good luck!
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 5:14 PM on July 23, 2015
I use this bag for work and carry about the same amount of stuff you are talking about. I really like it, and it goes on sale pretty regularly.
posted by mjcon at 5:37 PM on July 23, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by mjcon at 5:37 PM on July 23, 2015 [1 favorite]
I've been really happy for a few years with my Waterfield cargo bag, which I think meets all your criteria.
posted by dfan at 6:12 PM on July 23, 2015
posted by dfan at 6:12 PM on July 23, 2015
Response by poster: Resolution: I got this Rough & Tumble bag (15", on sale!), and it is glorious.
posted by Ragini at 4:42 PM on September 10, 2015
posted by Ragini at 4:42 PM on September 10, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by greta simone at 12:24 PM on July 23, 2015