I was fairly interested in this thread for a good "writing case." I've been using my messenger bag from work, but I wanted something a little more rustic looking. I found a bag on clearance from Fossil, but figured a map case would be a good backup. While waiting for my other bag to come in the mail, I went to a local surplus store to look at a map case. It was not quite what I wanted-- a sandwich of clear vinyl that folds into something the size of a binoculars case. They did not have the map case linked to in the earlier thread. Instead, I found a nice bag that carries my writing stuff-- and most of what I'd ever want to take to work-- very well: an M-51 Engineer's Bag, which cost about $27 or so, with tax.



The whole thing measures 12" X 14" X 6". The front of the bag has a main flap that opens with a little clasp on the front. I've heard this clasp can break, but so far, so good. The inside of the front flap has a clear plastic sheet with a little velcro clasp holding it open and closed: It can be used for maps or even sheet music.

Inside, there's a long pouch at the bottom with a velcro closure, just about perfect for my pen roll or smaller pen cases. The pockets up top have held most of my thicker pens, except the Rotring Core. The pocket behind them fits small black notebooks from Moleskine or their clones perfectly.



I'm a little leery about the pens. They only go down into their compartments a few inches, but have held them securely-- note that I only have a Safari, Jinhao and Hero in the picture. None of the pens cost more than $20. Due to the front flap, I could probably reach in for the pens on the side if I absolutely had to. This makes them easy to get to, and I haven't pulled the cap off of one yet: they slide right out. There are also pen/cylindrical object pouches on the side, exposed, for those so inclined.

The main inner pocket has room for a laptop or several notebooks. I have a Rhodia A4 tablet, spiral-bound across the top, along with a Mead Cambridge spiral notebook and my leather journal inside. It can fit more if I need it to. The main inner chamber has a broad, shallow pocket across the back so you can keep a notebook separate from other stuff.

The back of the bag has another compartment, closed over the top by a flap with velcro closures and a zipper closure on the left side and bottom. It opens completely. Doing so reveals more pouches on the inside back area. I have not yet found a use for them. However, the back flap has some hard material and yet another pocket, tight and flat. I'd bet it's designed to hold a writing tablet, and that's just what I've got there.



By the time my Fossil bag came in the mail, this one had won me over. Amazon reviews of the thing have been mixed: Sometimes the clasp breaks, sometimes the stitching goes. But this bag has held up well for the week I've owned it. The compartments have worked well for holding my pen cases and notebooks. I have used its top to write on a time or two.

I really like the way this bag is laid out-- If I had the money, I would send one to Renaissance Leather and request one with better stitching, or maybe more custom pen slots.

Thanks for sharing,

That looks quite handy.

How much did the cat cost you?

My SOUL!!

I found the cat wandering in my fiance's neighborhood. No one stepped forward to claim her, so she's ours now.

Very nice. I heart Fossil. I heart cats as well.

El Mocho:
Original poster, owner of this fine bag. Am I to understand, by your comment on Amazon reviews, that this utilitarian Item is from Amazin dot com? If not, may I inquire where you got it and how I might order one too? IE companys name, phone #, address, web site, ad infinitum> Thanks, Jim

Jim: I have seen the bag on Amazon.com. I tend to check out their product reviews either before or after I get an item, so I learn of hazards or pitfalls. It's better to do so before, but I found this at a local Phoenix, Arizona surplus store, Allied Surplus and picked it up into my waiting hands. I probably loaded it up in the parking lot!

If you go to Amazon and do a search for "M-51 Engineer Bag", you will find several links. Here lies the craziness: they seem to be available from a variety of sellers. I picked the vendor with the most product reviews. "Rothko" is often attached to the bag, but I don't know if they're a vendor or manufacturer. They are also available from surplus vendors:

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

As stated, I purchased mine from a Brick & Mortar store. I noticed one of the unfavorable reviewers on Amazon thought his or her bag had been rejected and found paperwork inside saying so! I did not pick the first bag off the rack, but the second one, as it looked a little crisper. (Everyone looks at the first bag on the rack!). Doing so would let you inspect it for flaws.

Either way, happy hunting!

I looked at this bag also. I reviewed it extensively before I made any purchase and I discovered their quality to be sketchy at best. Customer reviews were all over the place and 1 wrote he found a rejected tag in the bottom of the bag! I went to my local surplus store and he was reluctant to order it for me. He stated he has had too many returns. I hope you got a good one. If you did, I'm envious. I wanted this bag but settled for something a little "perfect" for pen haulin' to and from class.

Wow. Thanks for the review El Mocho. After reading all the replies on my posting (the one you mentioned) I've spent many a late night looking at bags and have since bought about 3 or 4 adequate ones. Not great, but perfectly usable.

I've come across the Engineer bag a few times, but figured it was just like a regular vertical messenger bag. The whole back compartment is this amazing feature NO ONE thought to take a picture of. Well. Looks like bag number 5 is on the way. Thanks again!

And hey, to all you who are thinking of getting the bag, I'm fairly sure this is the same thing for $24 with free shipping. Find a coupon code online and you can get it for a few bucks cheaper.

http://www.armynavydeals.com/asp/products_...U=8112&ST=2

Nice looking bag there, I just bought a Maxpedition Devil Dog for carrying all my assorted gear every day. Cannot wait until it shows up, should be good for holding pens, Moleskins etc. I think it will be too small for a full pad of paper, but I rarely have anything larger than a reporters notebook with me.



Image "borrowed" from Maxpedition web page.

Cheers,
Sean

btw, a great site for bags and whatnot is edcforums. A little on the militaria side of things, but great suggestions for packing things every day.

Ooo, I heart Fossil, too, but that Engineer's bag has me seriously thinking. Great review with great pics. TY!

I will also add that the bag has not yet fallen apart. It had one loose thread up inside the cover, where the vinyl "map case" is. The pocket where the Little Black Notebook goes has stretched a little, and I do note some fading here and there.

So my advice remains to try and find one at a surplus store yourself, and inspect it. I will let anyone know if it falls apart and how. I suspect that if the clasp goes, I could have it replaced.