Discussion
I need a man bag
Apologies if this has been done since 2015 + 2011, Ive spent 20 mins with the 'excellent' PH search function and there have been a couple of meaty man bag threads but nothing recent
My job has just been tweaked so once a week Im at an office just under a couple of miles from home and I intend to walk
I need to carry a modestly sized laptop, lunch and some other boring stuff of minor volume and consequence like a collapsing umbrella
On account of the laptop, and more importantly my lunch, the bag needs to be waterproof as I intend to walk in all weathers
The thing stopping me from getting a Decathlon rucksack is that Im client facing and so would prefer something slightly more stylish.
This makes me sound vacuous and I agree - blame my boss
Im flexible on rucksack/shoulder bag/whatever it just needs to be weatherproof, not from Decathlon and easy to carry
Help!!!!
And thanks
Cheers
I just bought a Longchamp Boxford and I’m very happy with it.
Padded laptop compartment, lots of useful sized pockets inside. Easily holds my laptop, cables, A4 notebook, pens, wallet, Fulton compact umbrella, lunch, and other bits and pieces but without being too large. I carry it using the shoulder strap.
https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/longchamp-box...
When I need more space, which is probably going to be pretty rare, I have a my trusty old Sandqvist Tyre, which can be carried with a side or top handle, or backpack straps pulled out and worn as a rucksack. Padded laptop compartment, lots of pockets, looks pretty good. Mine is black. Not sure if it is still available as it seems to be out of stock:
https://www.urbanexcess.com/products/sandqvist-tyr...
Padded laptop compartment, lots of useful sized pockets inside. Easily holds my laptop, cables, A4 notebook, pens, wallet, Fulton compact umbrella, lunch, and other bits and pieces but without being too large. I carry it using the shoulder strap.
https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/longchamp-box...
When I need more space, which is probably going to be pretty rare, I have a my trusty old Sandqvist Tyre, which can be carried with a side or top handle, or backpack straps pulled out and worn as a rucksack. Padded laptop compartment, lots of pockets, looks pretty good. Mine is black. Not sure if it is still available as it seems to be out of stock:
https://www.urbanexcess.com/products/sandqvist-tyr...
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 19th January 22:31
Check out Herschel Supply Co
https://herschelsupplyco.co.uk/shop/collections/te...
I just got a Gibson messenger which is ace, it’s like a briefcase for someone who wears smart streetwear for work rather than traditional office wear.
There is a backpack too, similar with plenty of storage for a day, and well laid out and a place for everything
https://herschelsupplyco.co.uk/shop/collections/te...
I just got a Gibson messenger which is ace, it’s like a briefcase for someone who wears smart streetwear for work rather than traditional office wear.
There is a backpack too, similar with plenty of storage for a day, and well laid out and a place for everything
I use an Osprey Nebula when I go into the office: loads of room for a laptop (clam shell opening so easy to get to all your stuff), lots of other pockets and compartments for charging cables, books, waterproofs, sandwiches or whatever.
https://www.ldmountaincentre.com/walk-hike-c1/bags...
https://www.ldmountaincentre.com/walk-hike-c1/bags...
Overpriced but they do make a nice bag..
https://uk.filson.eu/collections/backpacks/product...
or
Briefcase/messenger style
https://uk.filson.eu/collections/briefcases-messen...
https://uk.filson.eu/collections/backpacks/product...
or
Briefcase/messenger style
https://uk.filson.eu/collections/briefcases-messen...
I normally recommend a browse through HH's selection for stuff that'll last:
https://heinnie.com/backpacks-bags/bags/?productLi...
But if you want 100% waterproof, worth a look at Ortlieb's selection. Mainly bike bags, but some others on there. I have their Office Bag for the back of my bike, and I can assure you it really is waterproof given I commute by bike in Wales!
https://www.ortlieb.com/uk_en/office-bag+F70709
https://www.ortlieb.com/uk_en/products/backpacks
https://www.ortlieb.com/uk_en/products/travel-bags
https://heinnie.com/backpacks-bags/bags/?productLi...
But if you want 100% waterproof, worth a look at Ortlieb's selection. Mainly bike bags, but some others on there. I have their Office Bag for the back of my bike, and I can assure you it really is waterproof given I commute by bike in Wales!
https://www.ortlieb.com/uk_en/office-bag+F70709
https://www.ortlieb.com/uk_en/products/backpacks
https://www.ortlieb.com/uk_en/products/travel-bags
https://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/travel-backpack-re...
Rapha’s laptop bag looks better IRL than in this pic. It’s well made and reflects in headlights yet looks like good quality fake leather (if that’s possible) in normal light. Plenty of sections too.
Rapha’s laptop bag looks better IRL than in this pic. It’s well made and reflects in headlights yet looks like good quality fake leather (if that’s possible) in normal light. Plenty of sections too.
https://trakke.co.uk/
Trakke do excellent messenger bags and backpacks.
For ~2 miles each way with a laptop, for the sake of your back I’d suggest a backpack.
Trakke do excellent messenger bags and backpacks.
For ~2 miles each way with a laptop, for the sake of your back I’d suggest a backpack.
https://www.thenorthface.co.uk/shop/en-gb/tnf-gb/b...
I use this, perfect for carrying all I need and more. So comfortable when walking to meetings, or to the station. Saddle bags are awkward and hurt my back.
I use this, perfect for carrying all I need and more. So comfortable when walking to meetings, or to the station. Saddle bags are awkward and hurt my back.
I use this : https://bellroy.com/products/classic-backpack-plus...
A bit pricey but it's got all the space I need including a separate laptop section. Robust enough to take the knocks while still looking good for client visits
A bit pricey but it's got all the space I need including a separate laptop section. Robust enough to take the knocks while still looking good for client visits
On the whole most standard rucksacks/backpacks are not waterproof , being mildly water resistant at the most. That's why many rucksacks have rain covers. When I get caught hiking in a rain shower in any standard rucksack, the things inside have a slightly damp feeling.
The fully waterproof ones can be a faff to open/close to access things quickly.
I would suggest something like the North Face Commuter (even though I'm not a fan of NF because of the cheap out and the news reporter/journalist connections). It will protect in most heavy showers and looks less like a boat bag.
The fully waterproof ones can be a faff to open/close to access things quickly.
I would suggest something like the North Face Commuter (even though I'm not a fan of NF because of the cheap out and the news reporter/journalist connections). It will protect in most heavy showers and looks less like a boat bag.
Edited by vikingaero on Thursday 19th January 08:15
Wow!
I had no idea that backpacks had become the male equivalent of handbags - at prices that aren't far off either.
Bloody hell, that's eye-opening.
I make do with an old dive regulator bag and if it's pouring down, then wrap the laptop inside a plastic bag.
That and an army day sack. I understand why you might not want the camouflage 'look', but then I had a Compaq laptop and carry case when I worked for IBM, so fitting in (in a client-facing role) was not about what bag I had.
I had no idea that backpacks had become the male equivalent of handbags - at prices that aren't far off either.
Bloody hell, that's eye-opening.
I make do with an old dive regulator bag and if it's pouring down, then wrap the laptop inside a plastic bag.
That and an army day sack. I understand why you might not want the camouflage 'look', but then I had a Compaq laptop and carry case when I worked for IBM, so fitting in (in a client-facing role) was not about what bag I had.
dukeboy749r said:
Wow!
I had no idea that backpacks had become the male equivalent of handbags - at prices that aren't far off either.
Bloody hell, that's eye-opening.
I make do with an old dive regulator bag and if it's pouring down, then wrap the laptop inside a plastic bag.
That and an army day sack. I understand why you might not want the camouflage 'look', but then I had a Compaq laptop and carry case when I worked for IBM, so fitting in (in a client-facing role) was not about what bag I had.
I had no idea that backpacks had become the male equivalent of handbags - at prices that aren't far off either.
Bloody hell, that's eye-opening.
I make do with an old dive regulator bag and if it's pouring down, then wrap the laptop inside a plastic bag.
That and an army day sack. I understand why you might not want the camouflage 'look', but then I had a Compaq laptop and carry case when I worked for IBM, so fitting in (in a client-facing role) was not about what bag I had.
jm8403 said:
I use free plain black bag I got with my laptop when work gave me it....I feel like I am missing something....is it spending 200 quid on something that does the same thing?!
It's like anything in life: It's nice to have nice things 
Why buy an expensive watch when you could wear a perfectly accurate £10.99 Casio F91W? Why buy an expensive coat for work, when you could wear a £25 one from Primark? Why buy expensive shirts when a pack of 5 white shirts is £35 at ASDA?
If you think £200 is expensive for a man bags/business bags, then you best not look at the following...
Dunhill (£1500ish) https://www.dunhill.com/gb/men/business-bags
Berluti (£2k-4k) https://www.berluti.com/en-gb/bags/briefcases/?gcl...
Mulberry (£1000) https://www.mulberry.com/gb/shop/men/mens-bags/bel...
Aspinall (£600-800) https://www.aspinaloflondon.com/mens-collection/le...
and loads of other brands... Man bags are big business!
Lord Marylebone said:
It's like anything in life: It's nice to have nice things
Why buy an expensive watch when you could wear a perfectly accurate £10.99 Casio F91W? Why buy an expensive coat for work, when you could wear a £25 one from Primark? Why buy expensive shirts when a pack of 5 white shirts is £35 at ASDA?
If you think £200 is expensive for a man bags/business bags, then you best not look at the following...
Dunhill (£1500ish) https://www.dunhill.com/gb/men/business-bags
Berluti (£2k-4k) https://www.berluti.com/en-gb/bags/briefcases/?gcl...
Mulberry (£1000) https://www.mulberry.com/gb/shop/men/mens-bags/bel...
Aspinall (£600-800) https://www.aspinaloflondon.com/mens-collection/le...
and loads of other brands... Man bags are big business!
I totally agree. I have 5 cars and lots of expensive clothing, lots with brands, lots of apple products, 5+ pairs of sunglases. I am no stranger to buying things I don't need. I must dabble in bags soon! Why buy an expensive watch when you could wear a perfectly accurate £10.99 Casio F91W? Why buy an expensive coat for work, when you could wear a £25 one from Primark? Why buy expensive shirts when a pack of 5 white shirts is £35 at ASDA?
If you think £200 is expensive for a man bags/business bags, then you best not look at the following...
Dunhill (£1500ish) https://www.dunhill.com/gb/men/business-bags
Berluti (£2k-4k) https://www.berluti.com/en-gb/bags/briefcases/?gcl...
Mulberry (£1000) https://www.mulberry.com/gb/shop/men/mens-bags/bel...
Aspinall (£600-800) https://www.aspinaloflondon.com/mens-collection/le...
and loads of other brands... Man bags are big business!
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