Favorite leather messenger bags (not briefcases)?

[josepidal]

Lots of people have posted favorite briefcases here, especially when kolecho was discussing his Swaine Adeney Brigg projects.

On a less ambitious note, my canvas messenger bag is just so beat up I want to replace it (I know it has character, but the straps and fastening have given way so it's close to unserviceable). I was hoping to get some kind of leather messenger or saddelbag type thing that is obviously not a leather briefcase and would work great for travel or long leisurely walks. Ideally, it would have enough room for a camera, flask, hardcover novel, sunglasses, etc. and possibly a large laptop.

I was looking for some ideas so I have something in mind when I go look around, so was wondering if people here might have photos of their favorite leather messenger bags?

 

[dkzzzz]

"Stork-sak" diaper bag.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by dkzzzz

"Stork-sak" diaper bag.

 

[AlanC]

Not leather, but apparently well designed are Tom Bihn bags.

 

[jefferson]

I went through a similar task a few years back. I needed a bag to carry everyday to the office, a bag suitable for client meetings, and a bag for more casual applications (carrying books, etc). Originally, I wanted to get one bag to do it all, but after some research and thought, I decided to get dedicated bags for each application. For a more casual use, the bag I ended up with was a Waterfield Bag. Although I'm a little biased as they are based locally in San Francisco, do a little research and you'll see that they are known for great construction and attention to detail. They also provide hundreds of different laptop cases for each specific model, also customizable in terms of dimension and color. I also needed some customization on my bag so I dropped an email, to which they responded by phone, and they were happy to rip the bag apart to make the modification I wanted. All at no extra charge. Great company.

(After reading my post, it sounds kind of sales-pitchy. Oh well.

)

 

[ms244]

I bought a Krochmar bag from their outlet store on ebay, I has a slight rip on the inside lining from where a brass bar rubbed on it, it was a return apparently.

Its nicely made and I think will last a long time. I paid about $80 shipped for it, IIRC, I think it was a good purchase.

http://stores.ebay.com/Korchmar-Outlet

The one I have is a half canvas/half leather version of this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Brown-Schlesinge...QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Gus]

A favorite of mine for casual use is this vintage, all leather, U.S. Mail carriers bag. It has loads of room. It is the first one I ever saw that had the shoulder strap in perfect condition so I bought it and I'm glad I did.

 

[Gus]

These only have some leather trim but I also like them for casual use. The fishing creel is lined with a removable rubber liner that snaps in and out. When my son was born, I refused to carry some flowery baby bag so I went out and got this. It was a big hit and perfect for diapers, bottles and toys. Now, 21 years later, I am still using it although it has yet to hold a fish!

The larger portfolio bag is new. I purchased it at the Dover Street Market in London last year. It is made by the same classic English company as the fishing creel. It is roomier and ideal for carrying larger art pieces and portfolios.

Both are made by Brady in the UK.

 

[TheHoff]

I've posted this before but since you ask...

 

[ms244]

Not to hijack this thread, but when you have a messenger bag, is there some way to avoid damage where the bag and the strap rub against your clothes?

 

[GuidoWongolini]

I have a nappa leather from Giorgio Armani Black Label, slim & very soft too touch. As it is cut 'portrait' not 'landscape', it sits flatter across the side of my body (also my MacBook fits perfectly.

 

[SoCal2NYC]

Up until you said a lap top I was going to reccomend the Louis Vuitton "sac plat" in Utah leather. Right now I have in mine a book, sunglass case, phone, wallet, keys and bottle of water. Still has room if you needed a few more odds and ends without over stuffing it. It's a great size for "long walks" and will prevent you from carrying excess stuff.

 

[Augusto86]

I can heartily recommend the Schlesinger Korchmar single-buckle messenger. It actually has a spring-loaded clasp under the buckle so you can either unbuckle or unclip the flap, it's got a nice lining and two smaller compartments, it has some structure so a 15 in. laptop sits nicely in it and it stays upright even when empty, and the leather is soft, smooth, and feels bulletproof.

 

[Sander]

Originally Posted by Augusto86

I can heartily recommend the Schlesinger Korchmar single-buckle messenger. It actually has a spring-loaded clasp under the buckle so you can either unbuckle or unclip the flap, it's got a nice lining and two smaller compartments, it has some structure so a 15 in. laptop sits nicely in it and it stays upright even when empty, and the leather is soft, smooth, and feels bulletproof.
I just looked Korchmar up and their products do look interesting. Where did you get it? If I recall correctly you don't live in the states as well, so there might be a chance that they're available somewhere in Germany as well?

 

[soulstylist]

...waht do you think of the remake of the old German Posttasche by Manufaktum?