The Definitive MANBAG Thread Part I: 2009-2014

Originally Posted by rach2jlc

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I also like these, the classic Prada Saffiano briefcase. They've made this since the beginning, but they are just now offering it in a permanent "Trolley" collection in the full range of colors.

Model no. is VS0088. Retail 940 euros, so maybe $1500 USD?
(there is also a ivory/white version, classic black, and a dark chocolate brown)

I think Phat Guido has one of these, so he may want to chime in on how it's held up for him over the years.

I like these. So beautiful. I have a black deerskin small weekender that's similar to these but it's less structured. I actually wish it was more structured... Anyway, the leather lining is very soft though - aw, makes me wanna sleep in it.

would love to see them in real life

It's like the only thing from Prada I like.

Originally Posted by Razele

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It's like the only thing from Prada I like.
Counting Prada-made Jil, Helmut, and Miu Miu, I've had probably 30-35 of their bags since the late 1990's. As such, IMHO I find that they actually make a really extensive, quite lovely men's collection. It's just that very little of the really good stuff is distributed outside of their major flagships. SO, if (like me) you don't live in NYC, Milan, Paris, or Tokyo, you often get stuck seeing the crappy Nylon garbage and red stripe "sport" junk at upscale department stores. As well, they have various levels of quality and materials, so not all items are created equal, even though both APPEAR to be made of the same material. Prada fabric/leather designations (this will be on the tags/cards) and my comments on the ones I've had: * Bufalo - Buffalo Leather: Holds up well, very soft but thick and rugged. * Canapa - Canvas: Very sturdy, but soft and gets softer/better with age. Not stiff. * Cinghiale - Wild Boarskin: Thick, structured, stiff, but holds up well and has an interesting grain/texture. * Coccodrillo - Crocodile: What's not to like about Croco? But costs about $10K for a bag or more. * Daino - Deerskin: I like their deerskin a lot; soft and shows wear, but gets better with age. * Nappa - Full Grain Leather: Nice, but soft and kinda delicate. Be careful if you can't stand marks on your bag. * Saffiano - Textured/grained calf: The above VS0088 bags are Saffiano. Holds up well. * Spazzolato - Polished Calf: Looks nice at first, but over time I think it starts to look dirty and dull. Wouldn't recommend for a daily use bag. * Tessuto - Woven Microfiber: The better travel items tend to use this on the nylon bags. Holds up FOREVER. * Vela Sport - Nylon: Tends to be on the cheaper/more accessible and sport-like nylon bags. Holds up, but not as nice as the tessuto. * Vitello - Calf Leather: Holds up well, looks great with age, though it can show marks and scratches. * Vitello Pocket- Calf Leather: Not sure the difference between reg. Vitello, but seems to be a little softer. I had a document case/portfolio in this and it felt softer than the standard vitello items. Shows more marks than the regular, too, so be careful. LINK to website with illustrations of each kind: http://pursewatch.blogspot.com/2007/...ials-list.html

I remember seeing the Saffiano (didn't know the name then) at the NYC Soho store -- at the time I think they only had black and dark blue. I was tempted...but held back.

Anybody need a 28,000 euro weekend bag? What a great color, though... Ferragamo Crocodile Weekender: Or this black Zegna one: Bamford (at Bergdorf Goodman) And leaving them all in the dust for absurdly overpriced bags... is the Chanel giant Biarritz... which in 2007 was nearly $50K (IIRC):

Rach this is such a good thread.

It's really hard to find stuff that fits my aesthetic and the smattering of things you have shown and people are showing has really helped me see outside Filson, not that I'm hating - hard wearing, affordable and timeless.

After I have my basics down, I can easily see getting a good bag every year or two.

Thanks again mate!

Originally Posted by Razele

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Rach this is such a good thread. It's really hard to find stuff that fits my aesthetic and the smattering of things you have shown and people are showing has really helped me see outside Filson, not that I'm hating - hard wearing, affordable and timeless. After I have my basics down, I can easily see getting a good bag every year or two. Thanks again mate!
You're welcome; it's been fun to add pics and see those of others as well. In my opinion, every guy needs at least three bags: 1) Brief or top-handled tote: good for work. (get leather and keep it simple... like black, brown, or MAYBE navy) 2) Messenger Bag/Mail bag: good for going out/non-work occasions/when carrying a laptop (or for school) (canvas, nylon, or leather, and make sure it doesn't look like something the US Army gave you) 3. Duffle/weekender: travel with it and use as a carry-on. (canvas or leather, dark brown or black is great, but lighter natural canvas looks nice, too.) After you have those three for "basics," you can get some fun ones that aren't that durable/useful, but you just "like." You'll notice I didn't put a backpack/rucksack in there; IMHO, if you're over the age of 20, or not a student anymore, and you're NOT a mountain climber, then it's time to LOSE the backpack.

Originally Posted by rach2jlc

Click to expand...

I also like these, the classic Prada Saffiano briefcase. They've made this since the beginning, but they are just now offering it in a permanent "Trolley" collection in the full range of colors.

Model no. is VS0088. Retail 940 euros, so maybe $1500 USD?
(there is also a ivory/white version, classic black, and a dark chocolate brown)

I think Phat Guido has one of these, so he may want to chime in on how it's held up for him over the years.
- yes I have the medium size in a dark olive green (the color is actually like a ripe avocado).
- great bag, I have used mine on average 2-3 days a week for a year now. It is my default goto bag for M-F as I hate bags that look as if it has been designed for a laptop
- if needed I can carry both my MacBook Air & stoopid/ugly work Dell LT
- I have never bothered to care for it as I am one for bags with patina/character/age
- the handles are long enough to sling over shoulder (not as a tote, but more like a gym bag)
- being soft in construction, I am able to squeeze a lot of stuff into
- perfect size for flying as it can just as easily fit under the seat
- I am tempted to get the larger size as a over-night or carry-all. But for now I have the Mulberry "Elliot" carry-all in navy tumbled calf with canvas handles (as seen in my WAYWRN posts over the last week

Originally Posted by rach2jlc

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You're welcome; it's been fun to add pics and see those of others as well.

In my opinion, every guy needs at least three bags:

1) Brief or top-handled tote: good for work. (get leather and keep it simple... like black, brown, or MAYBE navy)
2) Messenger Bag/Mail bag: good for going out/non-work occasions/when carrying a laptop (or for school) (canvas, nylon, or leather, and make sure it doesn't look like something the US Army gave you)
3. Duffle/weekender: travel with it and use as a carry-on. (canvas or leather, dark brown or black is great, but lighter natural canvas looks nice, too.)

After you have those three for "basics," you can get some fun ones that aren't that durable/useful, but you just "like."

You'll notice I didn't put a backpack/rucksack in there; IMHO, if you're over the age of 20, or not a student anymore, and you're NOT a mountain climber, then it's time to LOSE the backpack.


+1 on the no backpack!!!

Originally Posted by chowchow

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+1 on the no backpack!!!

I agree with this to a point. I think that backpacks are really useful if you have a substantial commute on a bike, and don't feel like using paneers. Me, I use one of the rolltop bagpacks from Chrome, which are utilitarian but not overdone with technical straps, etc..., which are not really needed unless you are backpacking.

what about a sailor bag? like this http://www.truewindusa.com/sailor_bag.asp it seems that sailor bag is very close substitute for backpacks. functional and comfotable. DISCLAIMER: i have no connection with this company.

Originally Posted by LA Guy

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I agree with this to a point. I think that backpacks are really useful if you have a substantial commute on a bike, and don't feel like using paneers. Me, I use one of the rolltop bagpacks from Chrome, which are utilitarian but not overdone with technical straps, etc..., which are not really needed unless you are backpacking.
+1. Of course, backpacks have their uses and I freely admit a slight bias in my opinion. BUT, I just think that it's such a shame to see a guy wearing an otherwise decent outfit and have a big-ass nylon knapsack, better suited to climbing the Himalayas with a Sherpa, on his back, like a tumorous unsightly growth or some sort of Quasimodo-like hump. It just seems that many guys fail to see their appearance as an inclusive package; they worry about the jeans and shoes, then match it with a cheap, dorky bag or backpack that looks totally out of place. From socks to fragrance to watch to bag, God is in the details. And, fellas, there is life outside of Filson, too, btw.

This may be the best thread ever, though it is kind of a ridiculous amount of information, and it makes me feel very sheepish for carrying my laptop in my North Face backpack to work! Hey, the backpack has been great for me; it saw me through grad school and my twice-monthly weekend trips to NYC. That said, I'm going to lobby the wife for a nice manbag this Christmas.

okay, my sister took these pictures in her r room. I swear those aren't my twilgiht posters Also there's nothing in either of them so it's kind of funny looking. My weekend bag. Last used: coachella!! This is for snowboarding, picnics, whatever. I've tried hard not to come into this thread because I have a weird affinity to weekend bags and don't really need anymore. Here's what I have for school but it's a pos and will be upgraded soon. I want either the filson 256 or somethign with ridiculously soft leather. Any suggestions? That Delvaux newspaper bag is noiiceee. The Ally Cappelino's mght work