casual bag question

[marc237]

Due to work and other considerations, I tend to carry a fair amount of stuff - cell phone, blackberry, note-book, i-pod, book for reading, etc., etc. During the work day I often use a brief/attache case and distribute stuff through the pockets. On weekends and casual work days (think no sports coat or blazer), I am without as many pockets and would prefer a less formal looking case.

Accordingly, I need help here guys. I am looking for the equivalent of a men's purse, without it being a purse. It should be casual for weekend use and not a backpack.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Kent Wang]

I believe the only sensible option is the messenger bag slung across the body. There are men's bags that hang off the same shoulder (like a purse), but those are bad for your posture, not very secure and too much like a purse.

Last night, I heard some ridiculous nonsense that the fanny-pack was coming back in California. Something about roller-skater chicks.

 

[kabert]

The Patagonia "Valise" in black.

If you want even less casual, their Messenger Bag.

 

[shoreman1782]

The only option: Prada fanny pack. Someone around here was checking out these Rawlings bags awhile back, I wonder how they are. I have a waxed canvas messenger bag, but it's a little rugged. Patagonia makes excellent functional packs, but usability also depends on your style. Kent has a point, when you say purse, I assume you mean you need a shoulder strap, that pretty much translates to messenger bag.

 

[Kent Wang]

The Valise seems quite nerdy. I hate that huge shoulder strap. It's like you're wearing a bandoleer across your chest.

Those Rawlings bags are really beautiful, especially the tan one with the cream strap. I'd buy it if I could justify another messenger bag. I currently have a black and white Puma one that I found for $14 at Urban Outfitters. Cheap and thin material, but very casual.

 

[ViroBono]

I have this, one of my several Billingham bags:

It's about 15 inches x 12 x 5 inches. There's a shoulder strap which is tucked under the flap in the pic. It's big enough to take my PowerBook and all the bits that go with it. It has a removeable padded liner (it was originally for cameras). Top quality, and improves with age. I'm a big fan of Billingham - I like the traditional materials and good workmanship.

 

[ord]

I've had the Metropolitan from Trager since the late 90s. Â Even after years of rugged use it still looks pretty good. Â The only problem I ever had was that the plastic buckle broke once, but Trager replaced it for free when I contacted them. I also considered Waterfield who make some really nice messenger bags that are very durable. Â Their buckles are even made of metal, so they won't break. Â The main reason I didn't get one of them is because their models are relatively heavy and since I walk a lot, weight was an important consideration.

 

[zjpj83]

ViroBono - I like that.

 

[arvi]

I believe the only sensible option is the messenger bag slung across the body. There are men's bags that hang off the same shoulder (like a purse), but those are bad for your posture, not very secure and too much like a purse.

Last night, I heard some ridiculous nonsense that the fanny-pack was coming back in California. Something about roller-skater chicks.

i totally agree...i have a black nylon prada that looks great stuffed or almost empty...costly but wears like iron..
a thin fanny pack may be ok when you go out for a run, but i wouldn't be caught dead walking around town with one

 

[sashae]

I've got a Ghurka canvas/leather Messenger I'm very happy with... highly recommended.

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