Favorite bags?

[oliandy]

I currently have a big, old backpack with a zipper that decides spontaneously to be broken on some days, so I'm on the lookout for something more reliable, and perhaps a bit more "professorial." (Yup :) Stylishness would be a plus -- something urbanish and perhaps bright or at an interesting color would be my preference. I also carry a lot of stuff

Comments

[americanbeetles]

Bags! Yes!
San Francisco representin': Timbuk2.
For something less pricey/ equally durable/ good for laptops, Targus.

They both do backpacks as well, though that wrinkles up one's tweed jacket dreadfully.

[curieuse]

It sounds like a Timbuk2 is what you're describing.

Also if you get one of the more "professorial" looking messenger style bags from EITHER JanSport or LL Bean they are guaranteed for life, even against normal wear and tear. I've returned both and had them replaced no questions asked over the years, which is a big plus to me because I don't like change.

[teaganc]

Absolutely Timbuk2! I've had a messenger bag from them for years for laptop hauling, and it has been great. Plus, they also have handbags, totes, purse-y looking things, backpacks... everything, well made and super customizable.

[rabswom]

I'll second the Timbuk2 recommendation. I also like Crumpler Bags, though I'm not sure how 'professorial' they are.

[marymac]

They're ok if you don't do like me and get a neon orange one (finding it easily in the Special Collections bag-pile/baggage reclaim, was the logic).

Mind you, one of my professors is running round with his son's old schoolbag as a bag...round here we mostly work on 'is it waterproof'.

[marymac]

Heh. I wish dust were my problem. *drips*

My friend is currently guarding her heavy duty waterproof GPS unit from all comers, because apparently Geography don't have enough...so are trying to nick Envirmoental Science's.

[eljay_]

Seconding Timbuk2. I got my "classic messenger" bag from them a year and a half ago and love it. It fits my laptop, whatever books I need and everything else I can think of with enough pockets to be useful without me constantly losing stuff in them. It also will transport a hefty load of shopping or sports kit.

The prices on their website are quite wince-worthy though. Shop around - I got mine in the sale from a reseller.

[aileen8aalien]

Agreed. But the price is so worth it and you can customize the color combinations. They are super burly, great for biking, look professional while still having an edge, and fit everything you could want and/or need.

[ravenword]

ebags.com has a wide selection, and will let you ship items back for free if you don't like them after seeing them in person. When I need a new bag I pick out a few contenders, order them all, and keep the one I like best.

[erikalindsay]

I have a massive expandable Manhattan Portage bag in gray. I had a lot of large binders one semester and it fit everything.

http://www.manhattanportage.com/

[erikalindsay]

Oh, and I meant that I have a messenger bag.

http://www.manhattanportage.com/catalog/Messenger-Bags/Expandable-Messenger/114

This one in large.

[kahlan_amnell]

I also have a Manhattan Portage messenger bag, in blue, though mine is one of the smaller sizes.