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Messenger/shoulder bags

chronoaug

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I'm sick of putting on a decent outfit and going to class with a ugly backpack. I was looking for a decent messanger bag type thing. I want it to be casual enough to wear to class and soon, grad stuff, but also relatively nice looking. Nothing too crazy, i'd definitely like to keep it under $100 since i won't be able to get extra work for a month. Some of the diesel bags on ebay were going for $50 and looked pretty nice. Same with some ones i've seen on the Fossil site. Just wondering what you guys do for bags for going to work or if any of you are in college.
 

ratboycom

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I have seen some rather nice bags from Timbuc2 and Chrome.
Personally I have a Uniqlo bag that was stupid cheap. I just needed a bag to carry all my stuff around when I was in Japan and my Icon Squad Backpack was just too big (and I didnt rent a bike like I wanted to). I liked the messenger bag enough that I use it as my daily for college.
 

knucks

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If you are actually hauling stuff (aka more than 1 book, laptop+book, etc) messenger bags are really bad for your shoulder/back.
 

chronoaug

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It's usually light books(history major) and notebooks. I don't carry my laptop around, so at the most it'd be a few folders, few spiral notebooks, and maybe a book or two but these are big chemistry books or anything. A messanger bag should do fine.

I live in florida, and the biggest city I have access to is Orlando. I can't find uniqlo in florida or online.

The jcrew one is nice, but a little dressier than what i'm looking for. I'd feel bad taking it to class with text books. I feel like i should have important documents in there.
 

Tiranis

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I've got J. Crew and Diesel messenger bags, both are good enough for me. Though I still need some kind of leather bag—not necessarily a messenger.

I would recommend J. Crew—they're cheap, fairly durable and quite nice. And if you think the waxed one is too dressy, you're absolutely nuts. Seriously.
 

babygreenspots

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For under 100, I would suggest a leather vintage one. These can be found on ebay. These can last forever if they are well-made.
 

chronoaug

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That's a good idea. I was kinda hoping to see what you guys are sporting to get a good idea about what to look for and what would look good for my situation. None of my friends care about this kind of stuff and i've never owned a messanger bag. I do think it's essential though, as i sucks when i put together a decent outfit and mar it with a ugly eastpack backpack.
 

ratboycom

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Originally Posted by chronoaug
I live in florida, and the biggest city I have access to is Orlando. I can't find uniqlo in florida or online.

Heh, hence the "I bought it in Tokyo" part of my story.
 

babygreenspots

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I have a vintage eddie bauer one that I picked up on ebay for about 60 dollars. It is great condition, beautiful leather. Distressed is in anyway, right (or is it already not in)? Get one that is naturally distressed.
 

amdi8

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I highly recommend Timbuk2 bags. They're pretty much indistructible. I've had one for about 10 years of almost daily use on my bike through sun/rain/snow, and it looks like new.

Besides, you can choose whatever color combo you want through their web site (http://www.timbuk2.com).

And they're *real* messenger bags for people who bike, not look-alike messenger bags :)
 

LA Guy

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Originally Posted by amdi8
I highly recommend Timbuk2 bags. They're pretty much indistructible. I've had one for about 10 years of almost daily use on my bike through sun/rain/snow, and it looks like new.

Besides, you can choose whatever color combo you want through their web site (http://www.timbuk2.com).

And they're *real* messenger bags for people who bike, not look-alike messenger bags :)


Both Timbuk2 and Chrome make very good bags. Both pretty much indestructible. Chrome is a little more stylish, imo, and a little more expensive. I have both, and have to say that I like the Chrome more because it fits flat on your back, while my Timbuk two shifts around more, and because the padded shoulder strap is more comfortable that the Timbuk2 unpadded strap. On the other hand, stuff is far more accessible for the Timbuk2. For style, nothing beats a leather messenger from the first 3 seasons of John Varvatos though. Those are some nice, nice bags.
 

minya

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I loved the Chrome bag I had, but their shape/the way they fit on your back makes them definitely designed for use on a bike. Obviously being a bike messenger isn't required, but Chrome bags are definitely most comfortable when you're bent over riding a bike.
 

tangerine

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Crumpler has nice bags in the same vein as Timbuk2 and Chrome.

I've converted to Freitag but that's a grungy look and very pricey if you're buying in the US.
 

poly800rock

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my buddy is launching his own line...

track and field

trkfldsp07.jpg


april
 

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