What's your favourite Manbag?

[wikeh2004]

+1

 

I've used mine every weekday for 5 years now and taken it on vacations and business travel. I am still delighted with it. The thing is indestructible and shows hardly any signs of wear.

 

I did have to replace the buckle a couple months ago. One of the plastic spring tabs finally broke off, but that's just normal wear for a consumable item. Replacement parts and a ton of useful accessories are easily available from the web site.

 

I can't say enough good things about Tom Bihn, the products and the company.

 

Yeah, I'm totally impressed with it. I could have used the Large Cafe Bag, but it was out of stock. The Medium makes me more of a minimalist, which is a good thing. I can't help going to the website and thinking about other Tom Bihn stuff I can get. :-)

 

And, that they have spare parts available just extends the life of their bags indefinitely.

Edited February 3, 2015 by wikeh2004

[hypnostene]

Hadn't heard of the Jaxk Wolfskin brand before this thread. Had a look at the range and like the gadgetary. I tend to carry an ipad, notebook, and a few FPs when I move around so a smaller bag suits. Anyone know this bag? Quite inexpensive too.

 

I use a backpack from the same series (same materials, colours etc) as the bag above. I am very pleased with handling, and after 6 months it seems to be in better shape than other non-leather bags I use daily. I would recommend trying to see it in person to judge whether you like the materials, but I would recommend them, as far as cheaper options go.

[dapv]

Just to add my $0.02, I have no affiliation with either other than being a repeat customer of both, take a look at Renaissance Art Leather and Gfeller Case-makers for their bags, etc.

 

http://www.renaissance-art.com

 

http://www.gfeller.us

 

I inadvertently left out Rickshaw Bags which makes the "Commuter 2.1".

 

http://www.rickshawbags.com/laptop-messenger-bags/laptop-bag.html

[Willieboy]

I like the S.O. Tech Mission Go Bag. I have been using them for years. They have many pockets and pouches and come in many colors.

[Cryptos]

I had a canvas messenger that gradually fell to pieces. In looking for an alternative I quickly found Tom Bihn, but they do not have an outlet in my country and I think their shipping policy is somehow linked to a US national debt reduction programme! Anyway, I turned my attention away and for a long time sifted through the various tacticool offerings such as 5.11, Maxpedition (ugh), Goruck, Xifaru, and Mystery Ranch. Lots of organisation if you want it, lots of adjustability, but all once again not available here without taking out a second mortgage for the postal services (gnashes teeth).

 

In the end I found a locally retailed Osprey Quasar backpack that has stood up well to a year of abuse. Normally it has a small EDC toolkit (Maxpud Fatty), a pencil case, a pen wrap, some cables, a Midori, couple of A4 notebooks for school, and a 4 inch Sil-X ball chucked in it. Oh, and a packed lunch and sometimes a change of light clothes. Just about fits my needs, though I have found - as others have too no doubt - that whatever size bag you choose you will fill it up!

 

Anyway, +1 for Osprey (and they have an awesome guarantee too).

Edited February 4, 2015 by Cardboard_Tube

[Sabin]

http://www.amazon.com/Visconti-16116-Distressed-Messenger-Shoulder/dp/B00K6QJCTS/ref=pd_sim_sbs_a_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1DBA5KSGG6BX4MTM007B

[JKelly]

About 20 years ago, when I did a lot of pencil and pen and ink drawings, I used one of these to carry my sketchbook, pens, pencils, and assorted paraphernalia. It's currently doing duty as a shooting bag for my percussion shotgun, but it will likely be returned to use as my art bag, now that I am retired and have time for such.

 

Although mine looked like this one, because they didn't offer the leather bottom back then.

http://www.duluthpack.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/1000x1000/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/t/standard-shell-bag-100-od.jpg

[Caifanito]

Let's keep this going folks

 

My Victorinox Eduard started showing some signs of use on the edges due to the metal gadgetry in the straps rubbing against it as I carried it. I decided to put it away until I find a repair place to fix it. I put it aside with my older victorinox messenger bag from the same series.

 

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/Caifanito/63303EBC-7694-42E2-A690-ECF268F2169B_zpshkejzcyj.jpg

 

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/Caifanito/F9915FF5-002D-4F11-99D8-5880D4420B22_zpsxmqhfssl.jpg

 

Been using an Ernest Alexander Hudson canvas bag for a while. I absolutely love this bag. Great heavy material, very good compartments, quite roomy. I actually love the external side pockets because it lets me carry water bottles comfortably. Also dig the magnetic closing clasps in the smaller compartments, other than the main belt buckles (would have actually preferred something similar vs the conventional buckles). Over all very happy, particularly with the nice big thick metal strap...it just feels very comfortable while carrying. I think it's due for a nice re-wax.

 

Next step...Saddleback front pocket briefcase in dark coffee brown

 

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/Caifanito/2B5418C8-D63D-4225-8CEA-92345938AFDC_zps5oo544zs.jpg

 

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/Caifanito/E37092CA-80F6-49A8-AABE-331D1FEE020E_zpsfzmuhru8.jpg

 

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/Caifanito/247B5135-F5B1-4371-9DF9-3400F206960A_zpse349pu8s.jpg

 

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/Caifanito/9CDAFFCF-6CB7-47A4-ADC2-8D40420017D7_zpsnwqvtepa.jpg

 

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/Caifanito/F6E7EA83-DA9E-4BA1-9072-1D261BF6D8A5_zpssexoi1fu.jpg

 

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/Caifanito/2117B5DF-3B84-4DBC-8098-4F7E0B1F78BA_zpssantel91.jpg

 

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/Caifanito/F2DA2419-6FF1-4E9A-BF65-446AE12857B2_zps2jb4ywdj.jpg

 

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/Caifanito/13A7B848-1ADF-44DE-B726-21474A60F8BD_zpscpz89uvj.jpg

 

 

[inkypete]

Great bump, thanks. I am still a hater of flaps on bags. Generally useless. Looking for a nice small shoulder bag now (flapless) as my Fossil is starting to wear in the wrong spots. Been a fantastic bag but all the newer models have flaps.

[CoffeeDaddict]

I use a large Saddleback Leather Classic Briefcase. It is great for a business meeting or adjusting the straps into a backpack and for travel. I have also used it as a diaper bag while out with the kids. It's a bit heavy, but more durable than anything else I have ever owned.

[AAAndrew]

The Duluth Trading Co. Leather Travel Bag has no flap. I've purchased a lot of items from Duluth and haven't been disappointed yet. Their Lifetime belt is looking like it will live up to it's name.

 

Funny, I use my old diaper bag (it was a black square duffel) to hold my shells when I go shooting. (once a year)

 

I don't mind flaps on my bags. Right now I'm using a basic messenger bag from a local office store. Can't remember the brand. But I'd love something a bit nicer. If I ever hit the lottery, I'm getting one of these. http://www.renaissance-art.com/Prod424/Product.aspx

[TheOtherBart]

I went through a LOT of bags trying to find the one. Backpacks all the way through school, but once I didn't need to carry textbooks anymore I found them generally too big, and I wasn't crazy about having two straps. I tried a briefcase but didn't like having a hand occupied carrying it. I tried a couple of different shoulder bags and messenger bags, but I never liked how they swung and moved when I walked. I wanted something big enough to hold a file folder without crumpling, with pockets for organizing, without being huge.

 

Finally I ended up with a Maxpedition Malaga for everyday carry, and I couldn't be happier. It holds my netbook, two notebooks, a journal, my pens, extra ink, snacks, some basic first aid, papers to be graded, and sometimes the book I'm reading. The one cross-body strap is convenient and stable. It fits perfectly into a saddlebag on the motorcycle. For me, this is the one.

Edited July 28, 2015 by TheOtherBart

[inkypete]

The Duluth Trading Co. Leather Travel Bag has no flap. I've purchased a lot of items from Duluth and haven't been disappointed yet. Their Lifetime belt is looking like it will live up to it's name.

 

Funny, I use my old diaper bag (it was a black square duffel) to hold my shells when I go shooting. (once a year)

 

I don't mind flaps on my bags. Right now I'm using a basic messenger bag from a local office store. Can't remember the brand. But I'd love something a bit nicer. If I ever hit the lottery, I'm getting one of these. http://www.renaissance-art.com/Prod424/Product.aspx

That Duluth bag looks ideal, thanks. Hmmmm - very tempting.

[Caifanito]

Monthly bump!

 

Going on a weekend trip right after work...I was pumping gas this morn and decided to snap a shot of this. The Ernest Alexander Hudson looks so good next to the Belstaff weekender bag

 

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/Caifanito/8B0521FC-1C62-40C9-B7FB-042BAED97CB3_zpsfhw4anxr.jpg

[HamFist]

Maxpedition single strap

https://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Noatak-Gearslinger-108p1436.htm

[Ubyssey]

I've taken my Professional Operator's Kit Spartan HBC everywhere for the past 7 years and the thing won't die. It's all 1000D Cordura and heavy-duty stitching so means that I won't have an excuse to replace it with a handmade leather bag anytime soon . Stock photo:

 

http://siscalifornia.com/catalog/images/Tan%20Spartan%20HBC.jpg

Edited August 28, 2015 by Ubyssey

[inkypete]

That Duluth bag looks ideal, thanks. Hmmmm - very tempting.

Reviews talk of this being a very heavy bag. That has deterred me somewhat.

[hbdk]

This:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zp5vhM5oL.jpg

Wolfskin, Camden Town. Not that big but easily holds a tablet, a small camera, a couple of notebooks and pens, a multitool, a few odds and ends - and has room for a water bottle and an umbrella in the outboard pockets. Oh, and in this colour it is easy to locate among a pile of overcoats and other bags

[OCArt]

I require a handle to grab and a shoulder strap. I picked up a used Coach messenger bag from the auction house we do not name. Under $50 with shipping and looks like new. I saw some that needed a good polish go for half that amount.

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAyNFgxMDI3/z/xAwAAOSw3ydV2SzS/$_57.JPG

[my63]

This is my favourite case and I would like to own one. Of course like many other who live in the real world I don't have the money to buy one.

Make sure you are sitting down before you look at the price.

 

http://www.swaineadeneybrigg.com/store/swaine-adeney/document-cases/paternoster

 

My solution is to make my own for a fraction of the cost I am not a professional leather worker but I have restored a few brief cases and bags already so I am all set.