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Help! I’m On the Hunt for a New Bag

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

I’ve wanted a new shoulder bag for a long time now. My current one — a small Brooklyn Industries messenger bag — was perfect for me when I bought it about 7 years ago. But its reflective strip lost its shine long ago. Plus the nylon hasn’t aged well — it just looks tatty. What finally tore it for me was that I noticed it was starting to rub a hole in a brand-new pair of chinos. (I’ve hoisted it higher on my back for now, which I actually like the look and feel of better.)

Can anyone help me out with some suggestions and links? Hit the comments section, please.

HERE’S WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR:

  • Something nicer and more grown-up looking. That’s not to be confused with “professional,” however (my workplace is fairly laid back).
  • Canvas and/or leather construction. These just seem to look and age better than synthetics. Plus, I’m hoping it’s the nylon that was the culprit with my pants, and that if I get a replacement made out of canvas or leather, it’ll be gentler. Anyone know?
  • Dimensions: About 10-12 inches wide, 10 inches or less high, 3-5 inches deep. These are the rough dimensions of my current bag, and they work for me. But I’m having a tough time finding a bag I like in such a small size.

    • Obviously, the main factor when it comes to size is what you plan on loading it up with. I usually carry keys, wallet, pad and pen, a book, a few other sundries, and sometimes a sandwich. For the record, I’m NOT planning on dragging around a laptop with me.

    But I also think your height and weight factor in there somewhere too. And apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks your messenger/briefcase/musette bag should be somewhat proportional to your body. Check out this Style Forum thread on whether the Filson briefcase fits shorter men… Anyway.

    HERE’S A FEW OF THE BAGS I’VE COTTONED TO SO FAR:

    Filson, Original Briefcase – 16″W x 12.5″H x 4″D, $210

    Filson, Field Bag (Medium) – 14″W x 11″H x 5″D, $220

    Chapman, Border Fell – 14″W x 11″H x 4″D, $180

    Barbour, Wax Leather Tarras – 14″W x 11.5″H x 4.5″D, $180

    Croots, Dalby Carryall – 13.5″W x 10″H x 3.5″D, $155

    Millican, Mark the Field Bag – 13″W x 10.5″H x 5″D, $130

    Chapman, Troutbeck 12 – 12″W x 10″H x 4″D, $130

    They’re mostly all just a tad bigger than I’d like, though. May have to settle…

    Let me know if you’d vote for any of these or if you have any alternatives. Much appreciated, guys.

    And I guess it’s obvious, but for the record, I don’t get the whole ‘murse’ thing. I’m a proud bag-with-a-strap-over-the-shoulder kinda guy. Been carrying these things for over 20 years, since junior high. My parents called it a musette bag, my friends and I called them satchels in high school. I guess they’re called messenger bags these days. In any case, men invented (or at the very least wore the hell out of) purses, pocketbooks, stockings, make-up, curly wigs, high-heeled shoes, earrings — you name it — at various points in history. I’m just keeping the dream alive.

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