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rob_s
03-15-2016, 07:16 AM
TL/DR: I need a new laptop shoulder bag/briefcase. Tell me what you're using that works for you and you're happy with


I'm in the market for a new laptop bag/briefcase for work and I thought I'd see if anyone here has any suggestions or a bag that works for them.

First, if you're the kind of guy that just uses the bag they gave you on the first day of work, or at that conference, or takes pride in "look, this thing only cost $25 and works great!" then this probably isn't the thread for you, unless one of those bags happens to do something really particularly unique to set it apart. I also don't want a backpack. Already did that, already have one I like if I want to go back that direction, don't need a new one. Looking for an over-the-shoulder or messenger style.

Second, I don't mind spending on this. I'd prefer it be under $400, and be even happier if it were under $200, but am willing to spend if I have to. I was strongly considering both Filson (http://www.filson.com/luggage-bags/briefcases-computer-bags/24-hour-tin-briefcase.html#35) bags and the Peak Design (https://www.peakdesign.com/product/bags/the-everyday-messenger/), which many would consider to be "expensive" for such a bag, but I'm unsure about the Filson styling and the PD won't fit my laptop. Speaking of things that I considered but that won't fit my particular laptop, is the Booq Boa (http://www.booqbags.com/products/bnl-gft-15-inch-laptop-messenger-bag).

My laptop, for the record, requires 15"x10.5"x1.5". It's a work computer, and it's brand new, so there's no changing that right now. However, I may get away with a smaller laptop in a year or so as I hand mine down to a future employee, so I don't want to exceed that size too much either. The above dimensions are already rounded up from the actual computer dimensions to allow some space.

Right now I'm using a Timbuk2 "Custom Icon Laptop Messenger Bag (http://www.timbuk2.com/customizer#/product/23-23-custom-icon-laptop-messenger-bag/size/4/customize)", which is essentially their standard messenger bag but with a laptop sleeve and an organizer inside. Overall I like the bag, but there are a few places where it's lacking for me.
1) The bag slumps. I should have known this, of course, being a messenger bag. But it still slumps too much, wants to tip over on it's front, etc.
2) The computer sleeve is only attached at the top, which makes it difficult to get the laptop in at the end of the day, or when I'm leaving for work in the morning. Opposite of a gun, I'm never in a hurry to get the laptop out, but am often in a hurry to get packed up and go.
3) There's not enough room for my lunch. The aforementioned laptop epitomizes the term "brick" when it comes to the power supply, not to mention the umbrella, bag of cords and such, external HD, external battery, etc. that need to live in the bag. The bag fits all the work items pretty much perfectly, but then there's no room for lunch which leaves me toting a lunchbox like a 5 year old. I bought a shoulder bag to free up my hands, and now I have the lunchbox in one hand. Need to fit my food in my bag.
4) Internal organization. There is an organizer in there, but like the laptop sleeve it's also only attached at the top, so again when the bag flops over it makes it a pain to get at the stuff that's in there.

There are enough things I like, however, about the Timbuk2 that I'm considering the Command (http://www.timbuk2.com/command-tsa-friendly-ipad-laptop-messenger-bag/174-4-7755.html). It appears to address some of the issues I'm having, but retain the look I like. You can see more about the updated version of the bag here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBIY4POgFxc).


So what's working for you? Do you have something you like? Something your'e lusting after?

LittleLebowski
03-15-2016, 07:20 AM
I'm sure it's not the style you're looking for and it's a little "tactical" for my taste as well but the Maxpedition Monsoon Gearslinger (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TIFIZ4/) is what I like and use. I used it while commuting to work on a bicycle for two years and it's strong, durable, gets out of my way with the single across your body strap, and secures with the waist strap if you are doing something active. I could always fit my work clothes, laptop, shoes, and CCW piece in there.

Again, I don't think it's probably the best fit for you but it works quite well for me.

orionz06
03-15-2016, 07:25 AM
If Filson is an option Filson should be strongly considered. Timeless bags.

Frost River is also worth looking into.


Sent from my Nokia 3310 using an owl

rob_s
03-15-2016, 07:36 AM
If Filson is an option Filson should be strongly considered. Timeless bags.
I really do want the Filson. I just don't know if the size will work or if they have the features I want, and I'm having a hard time getting hands-on with anything but the classic and that's definitely a no-go.


Frost River is also worth looking into.

That's a little too Cracker Barrel looking for me. Which, is also a problem I have with the Filsons. I get that hipsters are running all over NYC to their day trader jobs with them, but I'm not sure it's right for me.

ffhounddog
03-15-2016, 08:04 AM
I am using a Samsonite standard briefcase that fits a my laptop just find and it a nice Cherry finish. Granted I wear a suit and it has a shoulder strap if need be.

I can toss it around and it still keeps my laptop and tablets safe. I have had too many Kindles die due to screen cracks being in a soft bag on a train.

breakingtime91
03-15-2016, 08:10 AM
I plan on getting saddleback leather products for going into work (elementary teacher). Classy and affordable.

martin_j001
03-15-2016, 08:14 AM
I recently picked up the Vertx EDC courier bag. I like it quite a bit for it's versatility. I have used it as a daily carry bag for work, intend to use it as a diaper bag in the future, and have also used it as a range bag for a recent match. Some other offerings by Vertx may be good options too, depending on the size and features you want...I have been impressed with the quality/cost of what I own from them so far (just got their range bag this past week too).

rob_s
03-15-2016, 08:22 AM
I plan on getting saddleback leather products for going into work (elementary teacher). Classy and affordable.
That's an option I've been considering. Particularly this one (http://www.saddlebackleather.com/front-pocket-briefcase). Aesthetics aside, my experience with leather has been that it's heavier and bulkier for the same internal volume as nylon. But I'd be lying if I said the long-term weathering appearance doesn't appeal to me.



I recently picked up the Vertx EDC courier bag. I like it quite a bit for it's versatility. I have used it as a daily carry bag for work, intend to use it as a diaper bag in the future, and have also used it as a range bag for a recent match. Some other offerings by Vertx may be good options too, depending on the size and features you want...I have been impressed with the quality/cost of what I own from them so far (just got their range bag this past week too).
I was unaware of these. They definitely look interesting. I'm not sure that the inclusion of the gun pocket may not mean added bulk I won't use, and the ripstop look is definitely not going to fit in at the office.

farscott
03-15-2016, 08:23 AM
Since I cannot function without my laptop and I travel up to 85% of the time, I make sure my laptop is safe when traveling. I use a Zero Halliburton attache modified to be a laptop case. While the empty case weighs about seven pounds, I have taken laptops to Germany, Mexico, and all across the USA with no issues. I bought my original case in 1989, and my wife modified it with a new leather interior including a strap to secure the laptop in place.

The look may be Miami Vice, but the protection is second to none. Do not buy new. Haunt eBay for what you need. I bought a spare case for about $150, which is less than I paid in 1989 dollars for the original case.

I also suggest not keeping food or drink in the same case as a laptop as spills are inevitable.

martin_j001
03-15-2016, 08:28 AM
I was unaware of these. They definitely look interesting. I'm not sure that the inclusion of the gun pocket may not mean added bulk I won't use, and the ripstop look is definitely not going to fit in at the office.

Yeah, they definitely aren't super upscale or classy bags that work best in a suit and tie environment (although I guess that can vary by opinion and need some). I was concerned about the "gun pocket" too, but I've found it works well for flat items (paperwork, folders/files), as well as using their velcro add-ons for slim items (spare mag, leatherman, flastlight, tourniquet, etc).

Sadmin
03-15-2016, 08:54 AM
Another vote for Frost River; I have some weird affinity for waxed canvas, I think its because I have been to

https://www.frostriver.com/shop/work-bags/briefcases/protege-laptop-satchel/

edit - nevermind, I see its a no go. Laughed at the Cracker Barrel comment, it would fit right in there.

Cookie Monster
03-15-2016, 09:20 AM
I am running a Timbuk 2 messanger bag, only because it is the only messenger bag that fit a 17 inch barbell weight of a laptop that I got.

I have no experience with them but my next bag is from these guys: http://www.reloadbags.com/

Kram
03-15-2016, 09:53 AM
For anyone looking for a quality bag, Natchez has the Eagle Industries LE Courier Bag in both black and gray on close out for $31.

https://www.natchezss.com/eagle-courier-bag-le-style-172644.html

rob_s
03-15-2016, 10:01 AM
I have no experience with them but my next bag is from these guys: http://www.reloadbags.com/

That's a very interesting company, thanks for the link!

martin_j001
03-15-2016, 10:24 AM
I am running a Timbuk 2 messanger bag, only because it is the only messenger bag that fit a 17 inch barbell weight of a laptop that I got.

I've had several Timbuk2 bags in the past, the quality on them is great. I just needed a bit more organization/capacity in my EDC bag. I'm guessing you'll find the same to be true of the Command, rob_s...even though it may offer more in the organization department. I've also used a Crumpler bag in the past, and that was good too--it was rather heavy and lots of material, but definitely a well built bag...I still question whether it would have enough room for a lunch plus laptop and other stuff.

orionz06
03-15-2016, 11:09 AM
I'd also look at the ITS bags. They have the stupid cobra buckles that all the nerds love but they're a clean looking bag that might work.

https://store.itstactical.com/its-discreet-messenger-bag.html


Sent from my Nokia 3310 using an owl

FOG
03-15-2016, 11:33 AM
I wanted the tactical tailor case for Christmas but my wife bought me this Voodoo Tactical bag instead. I was going to send it back but decided to give it a shot... after a few months of daily carry, I actually like it. It has a separate ipad and laptop case that can be taken out of the main bag if need be.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/03/15/0974e52aff092351136ac7e95db50025.jpg



Sent from my SM-G900R4 using Tapatalk

rob_s
03-15-2016, 11:38 AM
I'd also look at the ITS bags. They have the stupid cobra buckles that all the nerds love but they're a clean looking bag that might work.

https://store.itstactical.com/its-discreet-messenger-bag.html


I've actually been kind of eyeballing that one.

StraitR
03-15-2016, 01:48 PM
I travel a good bit for work, so a quality laptop bag is a must. I've tried several brands and styles over the years, but have settled on Tumi products. Right now, I have the previous generation of their Alpha 2 Expandable Brief. It's not tactical in any way, which I prefer. In fact, I use one of their small Alpha 2 pocket bags inside of the bigger one specifically to tote a handgun, small Ifak, spare mag and multi tool. It's been excellent for my purposes going on a few years now. Has lots of miles on it and looks practically brand new. Quality is top notch.

StraitR
03-15-2016, 01:50 PM
I've actually been kind of eyeballing that one.

I got an email from them about that bag last week. Looks really nice, and would probably be my choice if I was shopping today.*

ETA: *For a casual bag and travel not being a requirement. It looks a bit floppy.

BobLoblaw
03-15-2016, 02:37 PM
That's an option I've been considering. Particularly this one (http://www.saddlebackleather.com/front-pocket-briefcase). Aesthetics aside, my experience with leather has been that it's heavier and bulkier for the same internal volume as nylon. But I'd be lying if I said the long-term weathering appearance doesn't appeal to me.

One of my buddies has that bag in tobacco color. He's carried it for a year or two and it looks absolutely awesome. I envy him every time we cross paths. He says it gets even more comfortable after a break-in period.

rob_s
03-15-2016, 03:00 PM
I travel a good bit for work, so a quality laptop bag is a must. I've tried several brands and styles over the years, but have settled on Tumi products. Right now, I have the previous generation of their Alpha 2 Expandable Brief. It's not tactical in any way, which I prefer. In fact, I use one of their small Alpha 2 pocket bags inside of the bigger one specifically to tote a handgun, small Ifak, spare mag and multi tool. It's been excellent for my purposes going on a few years now. Has lots of miles on it and looks practically brand new. Quality is top notch.

Thanks for the suggestion. I love that the bags are expandable as that might address my lunch/breakfast carry conundrum. I think I need to see them in person though, as the pictures online likely don't do them justice. A lot of their bags have that kind of 1995 look to them...

luckyman
03-15-2016, 05:33 PM
Tumi stuff has been bulletproof for me. But for this particular application, I've been using this from Orvis for years : http://www.orvis.com/p/battenkill-briefcase/4x8x

rob_s
03-16-2016, 07:11 AM
Turns out I'll be in NYC this weekend, and there is a Filson store there. I won't have my laptop and other stuff to try out in the store but I will be using my Timbuk2 as a travel bag so I can compare the two.

Something else that occurred to me this morning re: carrying the food. I really only carry it in the bag from the car to the office, up the elevator, to the fridge. the food sits in a small cooler in the truck, I just hate carrying the cooler up to the office. Point is, the risk of leak is small, and the amount of time I need the bag to be big enough for the food is short.

CGA
03-16-2016, 02:18 PM
Love all of my Tom Bihn stuff. What about the "Empire Builder"?

https://www.tombihn.com/collections/briefcases-and-messenger-bags/products/empire-builder

rob_s
03-16-2016, 03:13 PM
Love all of my Tom Bihn stuff. What about the "Empire Builder"?

https://www.tombihn.com/collections/briefcases-and-messenger-bags/products/empire-builder

Interesting bag. Problem I see right now is the largest laptop is the Macbook Pro 15" and my current laptop is larger than that.

ETA":
Looks like they may have a sleeve option that would work. Thanks!

JAD
03-16-2016, 03:54 PM
I. Right now, I have the previous generation of their Alpha 2 Expandable Brief. .

I use a previous version of the organizer brief. It has 15 years and 200,000 miles on it. It looks professional if a little same-same, and it holds exactly everything I need for a two day trip. It stands up easily, slides underneath the smallest airline seats while leaving room for my feet, holds any 15" laptop, and has an ideal pocket for a pistol.

TCinVA
03-16-2016, 04:35 PM
I bought one of these:

https://www.sfbags.com/collections/laptop-bags/products/cargo-laptop-bag

I carry a Macbook, an iPad, the related chargers, pens, flashlight, spare batteries for the flashlight, a folding utility knife, a Leatherman, and an IFAK in it. The outside zippered flap pocket is really convenient for cards/keys/headphones etc. All made in the USA, good quality materials, good quality zippers and attachments. So far I'm quite pleased with it. It doesn't look remotely "tactical" so nobody has any clue that occasionally there's a gun in it, too.

PNWTO
03-16-2016, 04:39 PM
I don't know if it has been mentioned but Mission Workshop (http://missionworkshop.com/products/bags/messenger/) has some bombproof, weatherproof, and custom-option shit that is made in 'Merica.

Huckberry has some cool options as well.

rob_s
03-22-2016, 09:09 AM
Turns out I'll be in NYC this weekend, and there is a Filson store there. I won't have my laptop and other stuff to try out in the store but I will be using my Timbuk2 as a travel bag so I can compare the two.

Visited the store. Filson is out. Small bag is too small, big bag is too big.

Unisaw
03-22-2016, 09:56 AM
I would recommend a Tumi given that you are willing to pay up. I recently got an Alpha Bravo Anderson Slim Commuter Brief, and the quality is impressive. Note: this particular model won't hold a 15-inch laptop.

rob_s
03-22-2016, 10:19 AM
I would recommend a Tumi given that you are willing to pay up. I recently got an Alpha Bravo Anderson Slim Commuter Brief, and the quality is impressive. Note: this particular model won't hold a 15-inch laptop.

They're next on my list to visit. There's a store local to me, but it's in the mall so I have to first be in the mood to tolerate the mall.

rob_s
08-13-2017, 09:49 AM
Thought I'd dig this back up a year later.

My Timbuk2 that I've had all this time has been working well. My list of complaints about the current bag are:
1) no exterior water bottle pouch
2) lack of swivels on strap
3) the carry handle on top doesn't work so well
4) lack of strap on back to attach to rolling suitcase

Definitely a bunch of minutiae, but 1-3 affects literally every single day I use the bag and #4 becomes a major headache when traveling (which I'm doing more of for work now). Item #4 in particular became a major headache this past week and I decided to order a new bag.

I decided to stay in the Timbuk2 family and go with the Timbuk2 Command Messenger (http://www.timbuk2.com/command-messenger-bag/174.html) in medium. I'm not 100% certain the medium will be big enough but I thought it was a good place to start. It will be here tomorrow and I'll get an update as soon as I move everything over.

orionz06
08-13-2017, 11:11 AM
FWIW I've had a Filson 24 Hour (https://www.filson.com/24-hour-tin-briefcase.html) since SHOT and have loved it. Organized all the junk I had and even allowed me to minimize too. Holds my XPS15 just fine, does not hold my monster work workstatation laptop though. Fortunately I can use all my software on my personal laptop.

1911nerd
08-13-2017, 03:01 PM
If Filson is an option Filson should be strongly considered. Timeless bags.

Frost River is also worth looking into.


Sent from my Nokia 3310 using an owl

I'll second Filson.

Maple Syrup Actual
08-13-2017, 03:55 PM
I don't know if it has been mentioned but Mission Workshop (http://missionworkshop.com/products/bags/messenger/) has some bombproof, weatherproof, and custom-option shit that is made in 'Merica.

Huckberry has some cool options as well.
I have a MW courier bag that I absolutely love. I end up using my Hazard 4 diagonal a lot more, just because I don't care when it gets dirty and beat up, but I love the Mission Workshop stuff.

RevolverRob
08-13-2017, 04:38 PM
Timbuk2 Commute, sized Small, in basic black.

More than enough space to hold and organize all of my various day-to-day accoutrements and hold an Adventure Med Trauma Pak (http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/stop-bleeding-fast/trauma-kits/trauma-pak-with-quikclot.html), Adventure Med First Aid 2.0 (http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/medical-kits/adventure-first-aid/adventure-first-aid-2-0.html), my waterbottle, my laptop, laptop charger, iPad, chargers etc. AND have room to carry a spare change of gym clothes (along with gym shoes), or lunch, and an extra book or two.

Quite frequently, I pack gym clothes along with a stack of dog gear (long lead, collapsible water bowl, treats, toys), and carry it all to the office. No problem carrying the bag fully loaded the mile or so walk to the office. I imagine much longer than that I would want to redistribute the weight and adjust the straps, but the included detachable waist strap also makes bicycling to work very viable, or that I can shift some of the weight onto my hips instead of shoulders.

I've also used it now a few times as an overnight bag, perfectly sized to take along my laptop and some work, to go with three changes of clothes and my kit bag. I also appreciate how easy it is to get through TSA with it. Zip and flip it open at the airport and walk on through. Last time I only needed a single gray tray for my shoes and belt, everything else was in the bag and went right through.

willie
08-13-2017, 05:01 PM
Is there a chance that your next lap top won't fit? This may not be relevant if you'll be keeping the current one for a long time.

rob_s
08-13-2017, 05:39 PM
FWIW I've had a Filson 24 Hour (https://www.filson.com/24-hour-tin-briefcase.html) since SHOT and have loved it. Organized all the junk I had and even allowed me to minimize too. Holds my XPS15 just fine, does not hold my monster work workstatation laptop though. Fortunately I can use all my software on my personal laptop.

That one was a strong contender but at the end of the day the price, relative hipsterness, and concern that it wouldn't fit everything my current bag turned me off on it. I got to go to the Filson store in NYC and handle one in person and I'm pretty certain the stuff I carry would have filled the bag and then some.

Crawls
08-13-2017, 07:47 PM
Visited the store. Filson is out. Small bag is too small, big bag is too big.

Did you check out their padded laptop briefcase? I find that one to hit a sweet spot in terms of size. It's a heavy SOB abut pretty darn useful.

orionz06
08-13-2017, 09:51 PM
Did you check out their padded laptop briefcase? I find that one to hit a sweet spot in terms of size. It's a heavy SOB abut pretty darn useful.

Part of me wishes I got this one instead but the extra stuff I would carry would surely kill me.

On the other hand I can get one at 40% off so....

rob_s
08-14-2017, 07:41 AM
Did you check out their padded laptop briefcase? I find that one to hit a sweet spot in terms of size. It's a heavy SOB abut pretty darn useful.

I don't recall for sure but I think I did. Funnily enough my recollection was that it was too big.

rob_s
08-14-2017, 10:50 AM
Thought I'd dig this back up a year later.

My Timbuk2 that I've had all this time has been working well. My list of complaints about the current bag are:
1) no exterior water bottle pouch
2) lack of swivels on strap
3) the carry handle on top doesn't work so well
4) lack of strap on back to attach to rolling suitcase

Definitely a bunch of minutiae, but 1-3 affects literally every single day I use the bag and #4 becomes a major headache when traveling (which I'm doing more of for work now). Item #4 in particular became a major headache this past week and I decided to order a new bag.

I decided to stay in the Timbuk2 family and go with the Timbuk2 Command Messenger (http://www.timbuk2.com/command-messenger-bag/174.html) in medium. I'm not 100% certain the medium will be big enough but I thought it was a good place to start. It will be here tomorrow and I'll get an update as soon as I move everything over.

Opened the box, took out the bag, laptop just barely fits. I admit to being on the ragged edge of "true width" as they measure it, but I was hoping that allowed for at least some amount of gap to get the thing in and out. So now I have to send this one back and order up the Large instead.

And while I'm 99% sure the laptop will fit the large I'm not 100% certain I'll like the overall larger size.

rob_s
08-17-2017, 09:02 AM
Got the large in yesterday. Moved everything over, and I like most of the things I expected to like. But jesus this thing is big/bulky. When I lay my old bag on top of it they appear to be about the same size but I think because the other bag was a "messenger" style it had more rounded edges.

Remains to be seen if I can tolerate this thing day to day. It flops around a lot more, isn't as conducive to being slung like a messenger, etc. Unfortunately I probably could have totally gotten away with the medium had the laptop fit just a bit better, but I already use a "small" laptop (15") compared to most people that do what I do. I was really hoping there was some magic button to get this thing and all my accessories into a smaller package but that just doesn't seem possible.

If nothing else this new bag may become my "I have to fly" bag and I'll just go back to the regular messenger for everything else. That should also help cut down on all the tings I have in the bag that get confiscated when I fly.

DocGKR
08-17-2017, 09:25 AM
This bullet resistant AMI bag is what I have been happily using for a number of years: http://armoredmobility.com/bbag.pdf

rob_s
05-21-2019, 06:40 AM
I’m back in the market again.

Things I’ve learned from my current by that I like...
1) separate, zippered, compartment for the laptop.
2) separate, zippered, externally accessible compartment for the iPad
3) at least two other externally accessible compartments (especially if one is fleece lined)

I’m frankly totally happy with the timbuk2 I wound up with (link above) but just looking for something a little less bike-messenger-y.

Looked though most of the links previously posted and didn’t see anything right off that met the criteria.

This new Tumi looks interesting enough to get me to the mall though...
https://www.tumi.com/p/organizer-brief-01173401009/

TGS
05-21-2019, 07:00 AM
I was unaware of these. They definitely look interesting. I'm not sure that the inclusion of the gun pocket may not mean added bulk I won't use, and the ripstop look is definitely not going to fit in at the office.

When worn as a messenger, the padded back on the VertX bags is death to lightweight materials like suits.

rob_s
08-20-2020, 12:55 PM
Thought I'd dig this back up a year later.

My Timbuk2 that I've had all this time has been working well. My list of complaints about the current bag are:
1) no exterior water bottle pouch
2) lack of swivels on strap
3) the carry handle on top doesn't work so well
4) lack of strap on back to attach to rolling suitcase

Definitely a bunch of minutiae, but 1-3 affects literally every single day I use the bag and #4 becomes a major headache when traveling (which I'm doing more of for work now). Item #4 in particular became a major headache this past week and I decided to order a new bag.

I decided to stay in the Timbuk2 family and go with the Timbuk2 Command Messenger (http://www.timbuk2.com/command-messenger-bag/174.html) in medium. I'm not 100% certain the medium will be big enough but I thought it was a good place to start. It will be here tomorrow and I'll get an update as soon as I move everything over.


Opened the box, took out the bag, laptop just barely fits. I admit to being on the ragged edge of "true width" as they measure it, but I was hoping that allowed for at least some amount of gap to get the thing in and out. So now I have to send this one back and order up the Large instead.

And while I'm 99% sure the laptop will fit the large I'm not 100% certain I'll like the overall larger size.


Got the large in yesterday. Moved everything over, and I like most of the things I expected to like. But jesus this thing is big/bulky. When I lay my old bag on top of it they appear to be about the same size but I think because the other bag was a "messenger" style it had more rounded edges.

Remains to be seen if I can tolerate this thing day to day. It flops around a lot more, isn't as conducive to being slung like a messenger, etc. Unfortunately I probably could have totally gotten away with the medium had the laptop fit just a bit better, but I already use a "small" laptop (15") compared to most people that do what I do. I was really hoping there was some magic button to get this thing and all my accessories into a smaller package but that just doesn't seem possible.

If nothing else this new bag may become my "I have to fly" bag and I'll just go back to the regular messenger for everything else. That should also help cut down on all the tings I have in the bag that get confiscated when I fly.

Been using this bag in Large since posting, and functionally been VERY happy with it. The externally accessed pouches for phone/airpods, laptop, and ipad have been amazing, and they mean I rarely have to access the main pocket at all which is perfect.

but now I'm in the market for something a little more up-scale. maybe/probably leather. I'm already dreading not being able to have that same pouch configuration I've become accustomed to with my Timbuk2.

Trying not to go over $300 I'd say.

Half Moon
08-20-2020, 02:05 PM
Been using this bag in Large since posting, and functionally been VERY happy with it. The externally accessed pouches for phone/airpods, laptop, and ipad have been amazing, and they mean I rarely have to access the main pocket at all which is perfect.

but now I'm in the market for something a little more up-scale. maybe/probably leather. I'm already dreading not being able to have that same pouch configuration I've become accustomed to with my Timbuk2.

Trying not to go over $300 I'd say.

Not sure it meets your criteria but going on about 10 years with a Samsonite leather courier bag. Bonus, if I wear my Stetson Explorer everyone thinks I'm an Indiana Jones fanboi...

rob_s
08-26-2020, 08:43 AM
Couple of options I'm considering...

Briggs & Riley MEDIUM EXPANDABLE BRIEF MSRP $330 (https://www.briggs-riley.com/products/at-work-medium-expandable-brief-kb425x?variant=23741172809786&gclid=CjwKCAjwkJj6BRA-EiwA0ZVPVp-QLqzQpWiFKVEiIobiv2v8JsKJhZZoF499lEmvIXiAETplppTGT RoCXCUQAvD_BwE)
59351


Tumi Alpha 3 Triple Compartment Brief MSRP $475 (https://www.tumi.com/p/triple-compartment-brief-01173081041/)
59352

vcdgrips
08-26-2020, 09:11 AM
Executive summary Buy B&R v Tumi based on those two choices.



The B/R bag has a lifetime warranty that covers damage by an airline. The vast majority of manufactures do not.

https://www.briggs-riley.com/pages/the-briggs-riley-difference

It is also on sale @ 200ish on amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CPZPBMN/ref=twister_B07CNRL6LC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1



The Tumi warranty is very comprehensive for the first year , then drops off in years 2-5
https://www.tumi.com/s/product-info-warranty/