I've looked EVERYWHERE, but I can't seem to find one that will safely house a few fountain pens, a couple of notebooks and is durable enough to just sling over my shoulder when I feel like heading out. I'm making do with small-ish messenger bags, but it would be really nice if someone had something more writer-oriented.

So. Does it exist? The perfect writing bag?

I'm contemplating buying one of these as I have a few of their covers already:

http://www.renaissance-art.com/Prod141/Product.aspx

Haven't found anything just right yet so watching this thread with interest.

I've used a variety of Timbuk2 bags for this over the years. The bags are durable and they have a lot of different sizes and designs and options for "building your own". I like picking my own colors. They're at timbuk2.com I also like them because they're a local (to me) company.

I've found a nice variety at Levenger, but then I'm female, so I would have more options for that sort of thing.

That seems pretty close to what I'm looking for, but $180??? I'm not sure there is a bag yet in existence what could make me hand over $180. And I feel like the leather ones would be too nice to throw around (though, I'm not sure how much abuse a bag that contains my most prized possessions would actually receive).

Thanks for the fast reply, though!

http://www.dickblick.com/zz032/80/

I suggest the Vertical Bag (especially if you use a moleskine). I always pass these in the art store and want to buy one. Then there's the option of making or finding a pen roll, and stitching or taping or gluing that into any existing bag. Modifications, once you sit down and just do them, take surprisingly little time and effort. Usually.

I find throwing a leather pen case in my bag keeps them safe (throwing means placing carefully in a pocket) and my notebooks just hang out wherever inside the bag as well.

I'm also reminded of Waterfield bags, available in a number of great fabrics and leathers (all combined with black). Made in the USA if that matters to you, and designed by a former bike messenger. I'm convinced my bags from them will survive the apocalypse. The small Vertigo makes a nice little bag. I have the large for my laptop case.

Try looking for "map cases" and see what you can find. Also I have seen some cases used to carry bibles in Borders that might work. Office Depo has some metal bound/hard sided cases (they look like little trunks) and one of them is about a foot long, maybe 1"-1.25" thick and holds a note pad and has a net built in for pens. Look plenty tough and durable. Maybe 10 bucks or so.

This was my first thought - I don't have a Timbuk2 bag, but their 'Blogger' and 'Hacker' variants have been tempting me for a long time. I'll probably pull the trigger on one some time soon.



Now, that's an interesting idea that also sounds quite promising. I know the kind you're talking about, never would have thought of an alternative use, but sounds an excellent notion.

/wnaders off thinking.

http://www.wilsonsleather.com/product/inde...rentPage=family

Easily holds two Moleskines in the main pocket. Front pocket fits my Visconti three pen case perfectly.

Three options spring to mind immediately.

1. Domke (a company that makes camera bags) has some smaller canvas bags that I've often thought would be perfect for notebooks and whatnot.

2. Chrome bags (a company that makes genuine bike messenger bags) has some more normal (not true messenger-type) bags in their lineup that might do you well. As a plus, they are phenomenally well constructed and would probably outlive you. www.chromebags.com Other companies that make true mess bags often have good, smaller bags in their lineup as well. To that end there's Manhattan Portage, Push The Envelope, RELoad, Chicago WIG, and others.

3. Army surplus! The military has made about a million different kinds of bags, some of which are extremely well suited to this kind of application.

I've used Timbuk2 and Courierware messenger bags. I like the materials used by Timbuk2, but the Courierware design works better for me. Both are really well made, and the smaller ones are pretty compact. If you compare sizes, pay close attention. One company's small is the other's medium. Timbuk2 now has some really great city backpacks. That's what I use for my laptop and work stuff. If I want a messenger style, it's the Courierware; if I want the backpack, it's Timbuk2.

http://courierbags.com/
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/home

I was under the impression that Timbuk2 bags are pretty large. If there are smaller ones I don't know about them.

And the army surplus idea was really great (as was the map case one)! Though, I do admit feeling a little bad looking for a specific writing bag when I realize that the forerunners of my search once carried grenades or ammo or something. Seems kind of silly. Oh well, I just can't seem to help caring about silly things like fountain pens and paper and ink... *lost in thought*

I first bought one of their covers and liked it so much I bought a bag from them. It might seem expensive but this is a bag you can definately sling over your shoulder and take on Safari if you wanted. Indestructable, beautiful and will last two lifetimes I believe.

I was also looking for a writing bag of sorts and took David's advice....military surplus. I ordered a map case from this place (no affiliation):

http://www.fatiguesarmynavy.com/store/item/FA1969


Looks to be about the right size, cheap (less than $12 plus shipping), water resistant, and does NOT look like a man-purse.....

Not to mention it fis the decor so well where I'm at (in a 'stan)

I came across one of these a few months ago. Its great. Carries either a laptop with a 17" screen or all the notebooks I need together with about 10 pens.

It has the most comfortable strap I have ever experienced on this type of bag.


Tom Bihn Bag

Google for 'Safrotto'.

These are much cheaper Chinese knock-offs based on the Domke designs.

Before I get roasted for recommending such a route, let me explain:

I have a couple of Domke bags and a couple of Safrotto bags.

The Safrottos cost a small fraction of the Domkes, but are noticably higher quality in construction, and and have worn much better than the Domkes. You don't always get what you pay for...

Hey, tell us how it works out!

Glad you found the right thing!

How about some messenger bag of U.S. Army? They are available also in S.W.A.T.-black. Check out army surplus shops.

If the notebooks aren't too large, then you might want to consider a travel organizer bag:

http://www.hsn.com/studio-pro-adjustable-t...3679927_xp.aspx

They will be sold in any luggage store and come in a variety of styles and at a variety of prices.

Filson makes the best bag of all time. This bag is small enough to carry around and not notice, but, when pressed, can hold over 24 loose cans of, er, soda, with a blanket strapped to the top. Mine was given to me by a friend who was planning on using it for the rest of his life, as I do. He didn't need it after he co-designed his current bag with a saddle-and-bag maker in Salzburg, Austria.

3 pen pockets. 3 perfect moleskine sized pockets, wax-impregnated triple-thick canvas. Leather and brass all over. This bag is never going to fail me, or my grandchildren. Filson's motto "Might as well have the best."

http://www.filson.com/product/index.jsp?pr...rentPage=family

I also suggest their four-pen pouch. Mine was given to me by the same friend. The bag that replaced "the Filson" has two horsehide pen sleeves.

http://www.filson.com/product/index.jsp?pr...rentPage=family

Don't be scared away by the MSRP. You can get them for less if you look around.


I'll try to get a picture of the inside of the bag later.

I just bought one of these. You can find it cheaper, but this has the best description of the bag. It's a whopping 8" deep front to back and has 2 pockets under the flap big enough for cell, pen case, small pad, etc. I defy myself to outgrow this one like I did the last one I bought 6 months ago! http://www.fatiguesarmynavy.com/store/item/FA1955

How about a camera bag, especially ones used to carry SLR (Single Lens Reflex) Cameras? Those are big enough with lots of pockets.

Another nod for Tom Bihn bags, besides the bag showed above, which is one of their biggest, they have lots of smaller ones.

I second the fact that their Absolute Strap is the most comfortable I have ever used.

They also make all kind of pouches with clear vinyl window to hold every notebooks from the tiniest rhodia to paperback size to letter size. They also have pen/pencil pouches and opaque padded pouches for the most valuable and/or fragile fountain pens (originally designed for electronics)

Tom Bihn bags are made in the U.S, of cordura, ballistic nylon or dyneema (a very light weight nylon).

The Vertigo is just what I have been looking for - thanks.

I bought one of the Adventure Satchels; I considered the writer's bag you linked to, but I'm glad I went with the larger size.

I'm completely happy with it; it's very sturdy and well made and should easily hold up to any use you are going to be willing to subject it to. I definitely recommend it, though I know it's not cheap.

I own this Domke bag it is worth every penny--small but big enough--easy one hand opening and closing--no major velcro. My still looks new--bought a second as "backup" because I can not imagine myself with out this bag.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2182...al_Satchel.html

I own this Domke bag it is worth every penny--small but big enough--easy one hand opening and closing--no major velcro. My still looks new--bought a second as "backup" because I can not imagine myself with out this bag.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2182...al_Satchel.html

That looks pretty interesting and a good price for leather. I had one of their folios and the quality is good.

K

I just bought this bag from ebay. It hasnt come yet but it looks like it will be good and its cheap. I will let you know how it turns out

http://cgi.ebay.com/Brown-Faux-Leather-Bri...1QQcmdZViewItem