Spec me a bag for the commute

Somnambulist

Somnambulist

Somnambulist

Soldato
Joined
17 Jun 2010
Posts
12,536
Location
London
(Finally) got a job in London where I'll be commuting in via a combination of bus, train, tube and one stop on the DLR (nice easy journey lol), this is a big moment for me! I've only got a crusty old backpack, and as the job is around the Canary Wharf area (IT related though), I feel like I should get something that's professional looking, but will be durable and last a long time.

Needs to be able to carry:
a) a work laptop (at least occasionally)
b) iPad (don't laugh, games/RSS/books etc for the journey + internet browsing at work, which is allowed when there's nothing to do)
c) paper/pens/stationary
d) lunch

Any brands/suggestions? I feel like another backpack would be more comfy given it hangs off both shoulders, but messenger bags seem to look a little smarter. Budget is... well, nothing outrageous but I can afford something decent. Ta.

In b4 bags are for gayers, this is srs work biz, not a poncy handbag for guys.
 
Any more idea on budget than just 'something decent'? £70, £100, £200?

I'd avoid messenger bags, unless you are homosexual.
 
Definitely under £200, or even £150. £70-100 is what I was guessing. It doesn't need to be ultra smart as I won't even be wearing a suit, I'd just like it to look tidy.

Waterproof is obviously a must as well. My friend showed me the Jansport Lapstation backpack which looks very roomy, which is a start, although I'm not sure if it's a little excessive.
 
I'd go as far as to say forget the messenger bag, there'll be days where you will need to carry that bit more home or do something and it's not much use for much else especially if you're in IT.

Go for a North Face or Swissgear backpack, black ones look really smart, are commonly used and not out of place, super comfortable and hold loads, plus durable. Messenger bags for me are only if you hold documents and small items as well as a laptop, I get the feeling you'd end up carrying more on some days, I know I do.
 
joey1211 said:
:confused: Really!
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For the quality of the stuff, it's actually not bad at all. You'll find that other brands that are of similar quality will be significantly more expensive.

They haven't been around as long as the likes of gucci etc. but as their popularity increases, I can see future prices rising accordingly.
 
Kappa said:
I'd go as far as to say forget the messenger bag, there'll be days where you will need to carry that bit more home or do something and it's not much use for much else especially if you're in IT.

Go for a North Face or Swissgear backpack, black ones look really smart, are commonly used and not out of place, super comfortable and hold loads, plus durable. Messenger bags for me are only if you hold documents and small items as well as a laptop, I get the feeling you'd end up carrying more on some days, I know I do.
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Ta. The Jansport one does slook good in this regard and I like the compartment layout, I'm not sure if it's a bit too big though.

Currently looking at the backpackers Booq make as well, look quite minimalist and smart.
 
Speaking on behalf of all commuting Londoners please don't get a backpack. You'll annoy the hell out of everyone if you wear it on your back on the tube, and then you'll be stuck having to take it off every time you get onto a train (annoying for you). There's a reason everyone has messenger bags as they don't get in everyone elses way and they don't make you get all sweaty either.
 
Scam said:
Speaking on behalf of all commuting Londoners please don't get a backpack. You'll annoy the hell out of everyone if you wear it on your back on the tube, and then you'll be stuck having to take it off every time you get onto a train (annoying for you). There's a reason everyone has messenger bags as they don't get in everyone elses way and they don't make you get all sweaty either.
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+1
 
Scam said:
Speaking on behalf of all commuting Londoners please don't get a backpack. You'll annoy the hell out of everyone if you wear it on your back on the tube, and then you'll be stuck having to take it off every time you get onto a train (annoying for you). There's a reason everyone has messenger bags as they don't get in everyone elses way and they don't make you get all sweaty either.
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SS-89 said:
+1
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+2

People saying 'don't get a messenger bag' don't commute in to London. In short, get a nice looking messenger bag.

EDIT: Hmm, those Visconti bags looks very nice...
EDIT2: Looks like the Visconti's aren't colour fast and leave marks - ah well, nearly got one!
 
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Scam said:
Speaking on behalf of all commuting Londoners please don't get a backpack. You'll annoy the hell out of everyone if you wear it on your back on the tube, and then you'll be stuck having to take it off every time you get onto a train (annoying for you). There's a reason everyone has messenger bags as they don't get in everyone elses way and they don't make you get all sweaty either.
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+3
 
You don't HAVE to wear a messenger bag on your side either, wear the strap like a seatbelt so the bag sits alongside your back. That's how I wear my Crumpler Side Dig!

Simples.
 
Noted. I have seen cyclists with the messenger bags on their back. Often the pictures doesn't show you the internals which is annoying. I like taking a 1.5L bottle of water around and would prefer compartments etc so I can keep it sep. from a laptop or iPad just incase. I suppose the strap is also important than once it starts weighing a bit more.
 
Crumpler straps are as strong as seatbelts, I can tell you that much.

Chicken string FTMFW.
 
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