Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Everyday bags, man bags, messenger bags, backpacks, satchels, murses, purses ...

entatlrg said:
DEFINITELY "a casual guy who just throw your **** in the bag and go?"

I'm low profile, carrying a black nylon backpack now but it's just too large, I end up carrying too much as a result.

I hate to say purse but I need something to empty my heavy pockets into along with room for a laptops, paper notebook etc.

It's hard to find that 'manly/cool' everyday bag...
Click to expand...

It depends heavily on your taste... I also have a profile (CEO, carry a lot of stuff etc...) like you, but I'm very casual and to be honest I'm not to obsessed with the looks of my bag (I'm not a fashion model). My bag had to be very practical and functional and with a 17" MBP you don't have a lot of choice to be honest... In the end I went with the Targus TCG200 messenger bag Link
With the Targus I got a lot space for a very acceptable price and it not looks too bad, so I went with it... And I like it very much. For short (1-3 days) business trips I'm currently looking at a laptop trolley where I can carry all the stuff I have in the Targus messenger bag plus some extra papers and files and enough clothes for a short trip...

To be honest, there is enough stuff for you out there, so just buy what you like and don't forget about practicality and safety for your electronics (cushioned sleeves...)
 
Puma1552, have you looked at this messenger bag from Briggs & Riley? After reading your requirements, I thought this might be the bag you’re looking for. It’s horizontal, made from Cordura nylon, comes in black and moss, and looks pretty compact. The bag has a computer sleeve, but it’s removable. You can use the bag’s sleeve or slip in your MBP in its own sleeve. Take a look and see if you like it!
 
I know the URL sounds funky, but it's for David King. I have a messenger bag from them for a 13" MBP which wouldn't suit the OP's needs, but if I were in the market for another bag, I would look at their stuff. Very high quality, IMO, but I'm not a connoisseur.


http://www.ussuitcase.com

Edit: Found the one I own. It's great for 13" MBPs (they fit like a glove in this): http://www.ussuitcase.com/3197.php?sku=3197&cat=7
 
CJS7070 said:
I have a Samsonite bag that I bought from Office Depot for school, fits all my stuff in it plus my MBP (when I need it).
Click to expand...

They have a nice looking one here. And it's on 50% discount :eek:

51vQfmmKJBL._AA270_.jpg
 
I'm getting a sleeve for my 17" MBP and was wondering if anyone has experience, good or bad, with the Booq VyperXL2 or the Incase Neoprene Sleeve Plus? Also, has anyone seen either of these sleeves available locally at a brick and mortar?
 
I've used all sorts of bags, but settled on the North Face "Surge" Backpack for all-around use. Costs about $115. Loads of storage and very well designed for carrying around all your electronics. (For example, power cords fit into a zippered compartment on the bottom of the pack.) Well-padded laptop compartment.

See it here
 
Commute to work via bus or bike. With a Chrome Messenger bag (citizen) holds my 17" MBP (in a sleeve), wallet, keys, smokes, power supply, and my lunch pretty well. It's five years old now, all the threading is still intact and has a life-time warranty. They also make traditional backpacks, but the single strap shoulder is preferable for accessing your bag while riding a bike. R.E.Load also makes quality messenger bags, with more design options.

Also the waterproof interior lining + bag of ice, makes a great cooler on the go.
 
Tumi Flap Zip Cross Messenger

I got the Alpha Flap Zip Cross Body messenger bag from Tumi made with black ballistic nylon plus leather on stress points.*
http://www.tumi.com/product/product-detail/?modelId=135975

It also is available in all black leather if you are so inclined.

The center pocket is big enough for me to put the iPad or MacBook Air or 13" MacBook Pro. Under the front flap is a pocket with zipper that is great for cables, chargers, pens, business cards, and other items. There's a lower front outside zipper side pocket useful your iPhone or anything you for which you want quick access.
 
While we are talking about bags, anyone got any suggestions for the 17 incher. I would prefer a backpack but open to messenger bags. I don't want something too fancy but not cheep. I'm young (25) and don't want something so formal but if i needed to carry my laptop to the office I could. I was thinking of the hurley bag that apple sells but saw it today and i think its too young looking...
I want to be able to carry the laptop a portable HDD, my ipod touch, a mouse, a notebook/clipboard and hold a water bottle...

Any one got any ideas?
 
I just got one of these - Incase Nylon Sleeve at one of my local Apple Stores. It had everything I wanted - padded velvet interior to keep the MBP from getting scratched, handles for carrying, shoulder strap for carrying, and two exterior pockets on one side for the power supply and some other misc. items and a folder sized pocket on the other size for papers. Overall it's very thin and will be perfect for transporting my lappy to and from work, friends, family, etc.

If you want something that will hold a lot of stuff this isn't the bag, it's more like a typical sleeve with handles and a shoulder strap and a couple external pockets. It's perfect for me. :)
 
JoeG4 said:
Going by the bags some of you guys pick out, I'm surprised you have such a fixation on how your laptop looks. xD
Click to expand...

This made me spit out my morning (it's a late morning :eek:) tea! Thank you for saying what I was thinking. You folks obviously have good taste in computers, but some of these bags are not so pleasing to the eye. That being said, some people prefer function over form, which is fine - I just prefer a marriage of both :cool:

To the OP, out of all of the bags posted, I find that these are very nice:

http://www.solocases.com/item.aspx?id=1787

and

http://www.solocases.com/item.aspx?id=1787

They're both gorgeous, scream class, but I can easily see them on my more casual guy friends. I second the recommendation for Tumi bags. My fiance owns two of them, and they are gorgeous, high quality bags with a very good warranty, too. If you are concerned that black leather is too formal looking, I would suggest a tone on tone look like this:

http://intl.tumi.com/sundance/las-cruces-east-west-day-bag-146109/

(not saying that bag would suit your needs, just using as a colour example)

The colours are neutral enough that they don't clash with various darks (blacks, gray, et cetera) like some of the all brown or olive-toned bags would. It also maintains a casual look, but at the same time, is still very distinguished.

Let us know what you end up going with :) And thanks to everyone for posting options, I'm looking for a new bag myself. Going to check out the first link for myself methinks, looks nice enough for a purse replacement!

Cyn
 
jhande said:
I'm looking at getting one of these. Does it really let you work 'in the bag' like in the pics? Are the angles OK?
Click to expand...

The one I got was the Exo M "Rush" Model and it doesnt let you work in the bag, but in lieu of that, it has a nice big pocket on that side instead of the flap, and holds the mbp in better. I would never work "in the bag" anyhow
 
Higher Ground Trillium Laptop Backpack
holds lots of electronics, your laptop, and books too
can be held as a messenger bag, suitcase, backpack, or an office on the go =]
 
Those first two are awesome. I'm disappointed they only come for a 16" laptop. My soon to arrive 17" MBP is just barely too big for them.

CFYG said:
This made me spit out my morning (it's a late morning :eek:) tea! Thank you for saying what I was thinking. You folks obviously have good taste in computers, but some of these bags are not so pleasing to the eye. That being said, some people prefer function over form, which is fine - I just prefer a marriage of both :cool:

To the OP, out of all of the bags posted, I find that these are very nice:

http://www.solocases.com/item.aspx?id=1787

and

http://www.solocases.com/item.aspx?id=1787

They're both gorgeous, scream class, but I can easily see them on my more casual guy friends. I second the recommendation for Tumi bags. My fiance owns two of them, and they are gorgeous, high quality bags with a very good warranty, too. If you are concerned that black leather is too formal looking, I would suggest a tone on tone look like this:

http://intl.tumi.com/sundance/las-cruces-east-west-day-bag-146109/

(not saying that bag would suit your needs, just using as a colour example)

The colours are neutral enough that they don't clash with various darks (blacks, gray, et cetera) like some of the all brown or olive-toned bags would. It also maintains a casual look, but at the same time, is still very distinguished.

Let us know what you end up going with :) And thanks to everyone for posting options, I'm looking for a new bag myself. Going to check out the first link for myself methinks, looks nice enough for a purse replacement!

Cyn
Click to expand...
 
mingoglia said:
Those first two are awesome. I'm disappointed they only come for a 16" laptop. My soon to arrive 17" MBP is just barely too big for them.
Click to expand...
Consider the Brenthaven ProLite Shoulder Case, which is available through Amazon. I have been using mine for 7 years and love it. I bought it for a 17 inch Powerbook G4 in 2003 and still use it with a 17 inch MBP, which is almost exactly the same size as the Powerbook was. The case is amazingly light to be as large as it is and to say that it holds a lot does not do it justice. Its sleeve fits my MBP like a glove. Highly recommended!
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
This bag holds all the things the thread starter listed and is top quality. The Tucano Stiles:
http://www.jr.com/tucano/pe/TUC_WOSM/

I bought my original one at the Apple Retail Store in San Diego. The 17" and 15" MBP both fit. The center pocket is padded for protection. There are four side pockets, two with zippers. You can carry it like a briefcase or use the shoulder strap. High quality leather.

I like it so much that I recently ordered a second one from J&R -- who has it cheaper that any other source.
 
entatlrg said:
I'm not a fan of carrying any kind of bag ... I'd prefer to carry only my wallet, phone and keys. For me that's not possible.

I have to carry a lot of 'stuff'. I need some kind of "everyday" bag to stop relying on pockets or using my over sized business bags.

I need to carry:
Mac laptop
iPhone
Blackberry (business phone)
Power Supply (on longer trips)
Paper Notebook or notepad/moleskin
Pen
Wallet
Keys
External Hard Drive
USB Stick
Canon subcompact camera, SD 780

I'm CEO of a mid sized business and I work on the go, from my den, home office, cottage, coffee shop, patio etc, I'm rarely at my business office.


- Do you carry an every day bag?
- What kind of bag?
- What do you carry daily for your activities/work?
Click to expand...

http://www.fossil.com/en_US/shop/me...0||p_weight|0&rec=1&pn=c&imagePath=MBG1165201

I just got that, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a very nice leather bag. Fits 15" MBP perfect, and plenty of pockets for all your needs.

Best bag I found, period.
 
iPad is here, carrying more or less?

I don't know about anyone else but since I bought my iPad I find I'm carrying more not less.

Why? The iPad is cool, I like to bring it with me, saves me pulling out my laptop as often, the 10 hour battery and 3G ... I just have to carry it with me daily :)

But, that doesn't mean I can leave my MBP at home. I need a full powered laptop on my travels too for technical design, many emails etc..

That means I'm carrying more, I'm getting farther away from having to carry a 'man bag' (messenger/backpack) daily.

So, what do you carry daily, and what do you carry your all your gear in, messenger, backpack, sleeve, shoulder bag?

I'm carrying a Swiss Gear backpack right now, seems too large for everyday use, but it's difficult to find a small/medium size backpack.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back