Need a new messenger bag

DustyBottoms

Hey guys,

I'm in the market for a new messenger bag. I have one that I love, but I've started to carry some stuff that's a tad too big for it. I'll still probably use it for smaller things and/or carrying my main computer (17" laptop) around, but I need something more versatile.

I have a lot of needs as far as dimensions because I need to make sure it'll fit everything.. but basically I need a place for my netbook (10.1") and a place to keep some folders/documents that are as big as 17x12, without being squeezed in and bent. Size is not a huge concern, as obviously the documents will be pretty light, as will the netbook.

If you guys can think of any B&M stores that would have a good selection, or can point me in the direction of a store online that has lots of info/pictures, that'd be a huge help. Thanks!

Improvolone

What are you looking to spend? Does it need to be super durable?
Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Ross, and any similar store usually has a great selection of messenger bags for pretty cheap. Sometimes they have well made bags, I've seen a few TimBuk2s in one store before.
That said, TimBuk2 stuff is ridiculously well made.

sirchrissypoo

Well I picked up a Led Zepplin messenger bag from the store Hastings, so if you have a store like that or a store similar to a Hot Topic or Spencers, I'd browse in there for some relatively good priced messenger bags.

DustyBottoms

Ack, I should have specified, I'd prefer a more professional look, as places I will be bringing this bag with me include part-time teaching and grad school.

I'm not looking to spend more than $75 or so unless I see something I can't live without. Durable is not really a necessity as I will not be packing a lot of weight into the thing but hopefully I will be getting something that will last a while.

TaGuelle

If you dont much care for durable, treck into Chinatown and find yourself a really cheap knockoff.

UnabridgedCaptain

Military surplus stores will sometimes have decent messenger bags in stock, or at least they have when I've looked. Anything you find there would probably fit your criteria: affordable, professional, and durable.

I've had a lot of luck with these guys before, but I don't know if their online store is as good as the retail location I've been to: http://www.armynavydeals.com/asp/

Hlubocky

I love my Jack Spade messenger bag. It is rather large and looks both casual and professional.

Shadowrunner

Improvolone wrote: »

That said, TimBuk2 stuff is ridiculously well made.

I've had my Timbuk2 bag for awhile now and I'm really happy with it.

Bionic Monkey

I recently bought this SOLO bag for carrying around my new laptop. I haven't had the opportunity to really put it through the rigors, but it seems well made, and had some pretty good reviews. Don't know if it's too casual looking for what you need though.



This one is designed for a 15" laptop though, so if you like the design/price, you'll probably want to look at one of the other versions.

Lurk

I recently bought a new aeropostale bag for 30 dollars. It is surprisingly well made and sits very nicely. It is a very simple design though.

Richard M. Nixon

I've got an OGIO hip hop bag that I got from Henry's for $30 (though it was an older model, the new ones are $80 and not worth that much).

Hypatia

I got one of those ebags ones and it's worked out fine for the past ... jeez, 5 years now? ebags messenger bag link

It's surprisingly roomy and really durable - it isn't specifically designed for laptops though. My fiance has one of those axio laptop bags and it seems like it's quite nice

iglidante

I bought one from an artist's supply story a year ago, and it's been great. I'm trying to remember the name - it was an online company, and a big one - but it escapes me.