Help with An everday carry bag option

[ProfCharles]

Heya all,

I tend to lug around lots of stuff on a daily basis. I'm not as premeditated as many are with their daily activities. I would have my 9" tablet, a book, my small moleskine journal, a pen and highlighter, and sometimes a bottle of water. I used to carry this stuff in hand, which was annoying as hell, and yes I do make use of each item throughout the day, especially my journal as thoughts and ideas come randomly popping into my head. A few months ago I switched to using plastic bags, but they've become unreliable (they rip and stretch) and look bad.

I have a Saddleback leather Large satchel that I use when I go to work, which carries all the above mentioned, plus textbooks and papers being graded, and a pouch with all my chalk, markers, presentation tools.

I'm a leather Junkie, so immediately thought about getting the small satchel from Saddleback (because they are truly awesome bags) It would work whether I'm in a suit or jeans. My concern however is that it may be too heavy for my needs.

My alternative is http://www.zappos.com/ogio-module-ii-messenger-blue?zfcTest=fcl%3A0
It's much lighter and MUCH cheaper, but isn't quite as attractive, and may not go as well with suits and in my experience will likely fray and rip. I'm not a fan of zippers.

Any suggestions that would help me make up my mind?

Thanks

 

[Feraud]

Large leather bags tend to be heavy before you load it up with stuff..
I received this Filson for Father's Day and use it every day.

 

[ProfCharles]

Thanks a great bag Feraud, and a Filson, great fathers day gift.

I used to carry an MK VII but the color and style didn't really suit my wardrobe. I would also prefer having a shoulder strap to sling across my chest. Need those hands free.

 

[winterland1]

Duluth Pack has many options leather and canvas.
American made. Purchased a canvas backback for my 7 year old for school. Not cheap but after a year of kindergarden it is just getting broke in. A cheap nylon pack would have been trashed after a year.
http://duluthpack.com/luggage/tote-bags

 

[Feraud]

Duluth has nice options. I like this one-
http://duluthpack.com/scout-pack-backpack.html

 

[handymike]

I've used a leather backpack from The Village Tannery in NYC for 18 years, and it's my everyday go-to.
It looks better now than when I bought it! Their bags are made by them and carry a lifetime guarantee. I've had mine fixed a few times as the straps came loose, or a quick release buckle broke. The only charge has been return shipping.
Mine has travelled the world, and will continue to do so for many years to come. I highly recommend them for leather bags, satchels, etc. They will even customize items.
Mine is the Large Electra. I'm not sure if they still produce this bag, but I'm sure they have the pattern in the workshop.

 

[Tomasso]

Large leather bags tend to be heavy before you load it up with stuff..
I received this Filson for Father's Day and use it every day.

Very nice; with a clean, simple, sturdy look.

 

[tonypaj]

I'd choose this one (well I have one..).

http://www.chapmanbags.com/men/shop-by-collection/chapman-original/the-professor.html#

For more space, there's this, a bit small for my weekend needs, but might be an option for you:

http://www.chapmanbags.com/men/shop-by-collection/chapman-original/huntsman.html#

Your needs dealt with , I'm still waiting for someone to give me a choice to replace my Ghurka Express for weekend or carry on needs... For you, Ghurka makes smaller, nice bags, kind of costly though.

 

[ProfCharles]

These are nice but are too big and already have the saddleback large satchel.

 

[jhe888]

At a price that makes Saddleback look moderate, Mitchell Leather makes a beautiful bag exactly to your specifications.

http://www.mitchell-leather.com/Home_Page.php

 

[tropicalbob]

I picked up a Coach messenger bag several years ago when they first came out with them. A little pricey then, but twelve years later I'm still using it every work-day. I teach at a college, so I'm always lugging around books, notebooks, pens, newspapers, etc. I've seen them on the bay for pretty reasonable prices. Good luck.

 

[xbeatles4x]

I really like my saddleback leather messenger bag. I use it everyday for college.

 

[stevew443]

I carry a Samsonite Leather Expandable Briefcase. It has room for loads of books, pipes and tobacco, meds I need to take, my tablet, fountain pens, writing paper and envelopes, in fact, it has become my portable office. I have been carrying it for almost a year and it still looks brand new, looks masculine, and was rather inexpensive at ebags.com

http://www.ebags.com/product/samsonite/leather-expandable-briefcase/208024?productid=10119957

 

[J.W.]

If I remember correctly, there is an all-leather version of the MK-VII bag around. Try searching the COW-forum.

 

[Seb Lucas]

The saddleback satchel is a lovely looking thing but too heavy and uncomfortable to carry and you've got to buckle up constantly. Annoying.

 

[HudsonHawk]

I personally carry one of these, made of the same leather as baseball gloves:



If I were buying one today, I'd go with this from the King Ranch Saddle Shop: