A briefcase for the working gamer

astronautcowboy3

I've been a teacher for almost five nears now, but I still take a backpack to school every day like a student. I love my backpack, don't get me wrong, but I think it's time to grow up a little bit and start using something a little bit more brief case-ier.

However, I've never owned a briefcase and really know nothing about them. I would like one that can hold a handheld (3DS or Vita) just as easily as it can protect my papers and textbooks. Any advice?

Someone recommended a Porter bag, and he's a pretty fashionable dude, so it's entirely possible that the hard briefcase is "out." Either way, I'm open to any and all suggestions. Thanks!

I might be going to graduate school next school year, but even then I'd like to use something that looks a little more professional than a backpack.

Rankenphile

Here ya go

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/aaa5/

Elin

I'd recommend looking into Saddleback. Yes, it's a big upfront but if you take care of it you'll never have to replace it and good leather just keeps looking better as it ages.

Australopitenico

OMG I love the Bag of Holding.

kaliyama

Soft leather attaché cases are more practical and briefcases definitely not required to be professional. Porter is good, but as a teacher the style expectations you face will be low, so don't feel pressured to spend a lot because you see expensive bags. These items are luxury goods price to capture an almost infinite amount of disposable income. As you noted, it does the same thing as the backpack you currently own. I like Tumi a lot. The only other observation I have is that a completely soft leather bag will do a poor job protecting papers. You should get a bag where the interior pockets have support.

finral

Elin wrote: »

I'd recommend looking into Saddleback. Yes, it's a big upfront but if you take care of it you'll never have to replace it and good leather just keeps looking better as it ages.

I agree with the saddelback. I want one pretty badly myself though, so maybe I'm projecting. They are super nice looking, and said to be super durable. Once you have one, should be usable basically forever.

Inquisitor77

I'm going to warn against a Saddleback leather product. I pined after one for months, but quickly realized that it is, by and large, a luxury item. It looks great and has fantastic "bang for the buck", but it really, really depends on what you want to "bang" with it.

In reality, it's tremendously over-engineered for the type of stuff the vast majority of people will use it for. If you are backpacking across the Serengeti and need something that will survive a lion attack, sure, knock yourself out. But if you aren't going to use it as a rugged outdoor travel piece, then it's probably way too expensive for what you need on a day-to-day basis (hence the "luxury" label I applied earlier). And since @astronautcowboy3 says he's a teacher, I'm going to assume that upwards of $500 is probably going to break the bank.

For the average first-world working person, the leather is way too thick and way too heavy, especially when you add in the weight of the things you will be carrying within it, such as books, papers, and the omnipresent laptop. If you don't believe me, add a 5-7 lbs. of weight to your current daily bag, try using that for a while, and tell me whether or not you think it's worth the extra effort.

@astronautcowboy3, you mentioned a Vita, some books, and papers. Is it just the Vita that you carry, or do you always have extra stuff like batteries, chargers, etc.? What about your cell phone - do you carry around a charger for that, too? You didn't mention a laptop, so is it safe to assume that you don't want something like an extra laptop pouch or the extra room to carry the power strip for one? And lastly, exactly how many books and papers are we talking about? What's the general thickness and weight you deal with?

P.S. - Hard briefcases died once the laptop became an everyday business tool, but in your case it may make sense given your job is one of the last vestiges of paper-based endeavors.

supabeast

Stick with backpacks and messenger bags. Briefcases went out of style for a reason—they’re too heavy to comfortably lug around with one hand.

Bowen

If you are really jonesing for leather style bags, Wilson's Leather carries them. It's certainly no saddleback brand, but holy gee, $100-200 is better than $500-700+.

Messenger bags are superior here, sling it over your shoulder. Porter bags are kind of a, in my opinion, "Hipster pay expensive for the name" messenger bag. Most of them are even made of that same backpack-style fabric. I have no idea why people are paying $300+ for those things.

nimrodblack

I find for most people EDC (Every Day Carry) gear is highly personal. I would suggest holding off on buying a briefcase if the backpack works right now. I am kind of a bag/box nut. I follow a blog called Carryology they cover all kinds of bags/wallets/etc. They cover a wide array of options and by reading the site a bit I think you will answer your own questions.

I was carrying a backpack but I had some personal issues with (comfort, accessability) and it was too big. If you give me a bag the size of a mountain I will fill it. I am a lucky man in that my wife had been paying attention to the bags I was narrowing down to and she got it for me for my birthday one year. I now carry an expensive backpack. Its made by Maxpedition. It is not cheap but it will likely last for years and years as it is made very durable. It is a Kodiak Gearslinger.

The personal part is very important. You need something that fits your need. This Kodiak only fits a 15inch laptop....but its other features map perfectly to my needs. For you it likely is not what you are looking for if your screen size is bigger. My point is that without doing a lot of research on your carry solution you won't be happy with it and will end up performing this ritual all over again in a year.

If you are looking for personalize advice I would suggest taking all of the stuff you take with you to work everyday (EDC stuff only) and laying it out on a bed. Take a nice snapshot of it and post it here if that is ok with the mods. Then describe how far you walk, drive, bike, horseback ride or chocobo or all the combinations thereof. Explain any specific carry needs you have: like you carry a lunch everyday or you must have hot coffee in the morning. And post that all here.

My guess is we can eliminate the breifcase as soon as you do that. And then we can get to the bottom of what you really need without jumping to a solution. But everyone trying to help you would benefit from knowing what you carry everyday.

finral

Inquisitor - You have just completely and totally cemented my wanting of a saddleback bag

Inquisitor77

finral wrote: »

Inquisitor - You have just completely and totally cemented my wanting of a saddleback bag

Whatever floats your boat. :P

Lindsay Lohan

I just carry a pretty basic messenger bag from Bean's and I work in a good sized professional office:
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/75419?feat=845-GN1&page=bean-s-messenger-bag

It's big enough for some technology (my Netbook/Nook/whatever) and my lunch pretty easily. It's not hugely fancy but it's really handy and getting it at Bean's means if something breaks I can have them fix/replace it. I had another bag of theirs that I swapped for this one because it lacked dividers. The one piece of advice I have is to make sure whatever you get has separation so you don't have to worry about putting your lunch in with books or electronics so much.

Blake T

I love my saddleback and its technically not a luxury item.

It's well made, there is a difference, you aren't paying for the label, you're paying for the build quality.

Saying that, yes, they are expensive, and yes they're heavy, also I've had one for over the year and I'm still wearing it in.

But I love the shit out of it though and get compliments all the time.

gold

I bought this a few months ago after using one of those standard eastpak bags for a few years:


So far I love it. I use it for work and touring. I never really cramp a huge bunch of stuff in there. For tour it's usually a book or two, my camera, iphone charger, ipod, some tools and a sweater. Fits nicely. The outer fabric is this polyester kind of fabric which is waterproof. It certainly is a lot more durable than my previous bag. When I use it on the road it gets some pretty heavy use and abuse sometimes. Haven't toured for more than a few days since I've gotten this, but my eastpak got some pretty heavy wear after our first 10-day stint. And for work it still looks "classy" enough so I can take it into the office without looking like a bum.

Also compared to some other stuff I was looking at (for example Porter, Timbuk2, Chrome,...) it was also a bit cheaper. I payed $90 for mine and I don't regret it one bit!

Edit: It's a North Face Bamble Satchel.

Darkewolfe

Blake T wrote: »

I love my saddleback and its technically not a luxury item.

It's well made, there is a difference, you aren't paying for the label, you're paying for the build quality.

Saying that, yes, they are expensive, and yes they're heavy, also I've had one for over the year and I'm still wearing it in.

But I love the shit out of it though and get compliments all the time.

An item which is built far beyond the specifications necessary for it is a luxury item. I've had this POS dell briefcase bag for like three years now, I expect I'll have it another three. I think it was free? It's black, it's leather in some places, it goes with a suit, and it carries my stuff. Something like the saddleback is saying, "I am willing to spend the money to convey the luxury image that I need something this tough, when in fact it's far beyond my daily life."

Bowen

Yes and like I said, there are $100-150 serviceable leather bags if that's the style you want. Those wilson's leather bags will last you at least 5, and it looks like much longer.

taliosfalcon

My problem with saddlebacks, and this may just be me, is growing up on a farm/ranch they look *exactly* like saddlebags, built exactly the same, for triple the price. So i mean A.t hats expensive but perhaps more importantly b. i just have different style requirements for people than horses

Donovan Puppyfucker

Blake T wrote: »

I love my saddleback and its technically not a luxury item.

It's well made, there is a difference, you aren't paying for the label, you're paying for the build quality.

Saying that, yes, they are expensive, and yes they're heavy, also I've had one for over the year and I'm still wearing it in.

But I love the shit out of it though and get compliments all the time.

I will vouch for this man's man bag. It is tight. I want one like it, and I don't even need to carry shit around. Quality materials and workmanship definitely make a difference. Just looking at it you can tell it's good stuff.

GnomeTank

I'm 33 years old and have been white collar professional for over a decade. I carry a backpack. Just carry a backpack. It doesn't make you look "kiddy" to carry a backpack, especially if it's one of the nice outdoor ones like I carry.

zepherin

saddleback makes a leather suitcase. I've never wanted a suitcase so bad in all my life. Sadly I don't have that kind of fuck you money to be blowing.

I suppose we have to look at the purpose of your briefcase. If you just want something because you think you need to "grow up a little." I think that is not a good reason to get a briefcase. Being a grown up is a bit different these days that it was 10 years ago, which was different from how things were 20 years ago, and 30 years ago, etc. Different generations have different definitions on what it means to be "grown up."

From a practical perspective. It might behoove you to see what the department heads and other bosses use to lug around their gear, and "dress for the job you want."

Darkewolfe

Also, let's be honest. The most professional looking dudes I see walking around have an ipad in the most minimalist carrying case possible with a small notebook. Those dudes look in charge. The era of the briefcase is fading.

Gaslight

Darkewolfe wrote: »

Also, let's be honest. The most professional looking dudes I see walking around have an ipad in the most minimalist carrying case possible with a small notebook. Those dudes look in charge.

Basically, if you really want people to think you look like a cool guy with a cool job, strive to be this guy.

Djeet

I think if you're working at a place where what your bag looks like matters then you will know that and can buy it then. Otherwise get something that fits all you shit and looks innocuous (you can never go wrong with all black). That all said I seriously want a saddleback and would much prefer it to the Tumi bag that cost me a similar amount (which has served me fine the last 7 years, like not even a zipper problem).

I cannot see the reasoning behind a suitcase (hard case), unless it's one of those metal contractor-grade ones. If you have one of those you absolutely have to cuff it to your wrist like you're some elite courier or carrying "the football".

Gaslight

Yeah, in all seriousness, if we are talking about an actual old-fashioned hard shell leather briefcase...don't get one of those. You will just look like a nerd...and not in a good way, in a weird way. I can maybe very dimly remember my father having one of those when I was growing up...before he abandoned it back in the early 1990's.

Enc

Gaslight wrote: »

Yeah, in all seriousness, if we are talking about an actual old-fashioned hard shell leather briefcase...don't get one of those. You will just look like a nerd...and not in a good way, in a weird way. I can maybe very dimly remember my father having one of those when I was growing up...before he abandoned it back in the early 1990's.

I had one of these I inherited from my grandfather and tried using it for a few years when I started white collar work. It ended up being so heavy and cumbersome I would dread carrying it around, especially as they all lack shoulder straps. I have a cheap black laptop bag that I got on sale for $20 and it does everything those $500 bags does along with the added ability to be totally disposable if some accident happens (and some accident always happens to your bag, from a broken drink bottle to setting it down in an unsafe place to my new Student Assistant dropping her boiling hot latte on it).

I'd save the worry and go inexpensive- especially on your first bag. If you find after a few years that you absolutely need the better luxury bag, invest the money then.

azith28

Rankenphile wrote: »

Here ya go

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/aaa5/

Correct me if im wrong, but the bag of holding doesnt appear to have the padding around the edges you probably want surrounding a gaming laptop. I've got a laptop bag that barely holds my 17" gaming laptop but i have to be very careful with it cause its got no padding along the top or sides.

spool32

Rankenphile wrote: »

Here ya go

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/aaa5/

Australopitenico wrote: »

OMG I love the Bag of Holding.

I bought one for my daughter, and we can both attest to its quality and usefulness (not to mention nearly infinite interior). She expects to use it throughout college and into the future. I'd get another if I needed one!

zepherin

Djeet wrote: »

I think if you're working at a place where what your bag looks like matters then you will know that and can buy it then. Otherwise get something that fits all you shit and looks innocuous (you can never go wrong with all black). That all said I seriously want a saddleback and would much prefer it to the Tumi bag that cost me a similar amount (which has served me fine the last 7 years, like not even a zipper problem).

I cannot see the reasoning behind a suitcase (hard case), unless it's one of those metal contractor-grade ones. If you have one of those you absolutely have to cuff it to your wrist like you're some elite courier or carrying "the football".

I'm going to start doing that with really cheap bags at work to fuck with people. "Why are you handcuffed to that Ikea bag?" "Wouldn't you like to know." "Is that a piggly wiggly tote your handcuffed too.?" "Maybe it is."

Artereis

Timbuk2 is my go to bag manufacturer. Good price and nearly indestructible.

Hewn

Artereis wrote: »

Timbuk2 is my go to bag manufacturer. Good price and nearly indestructible.

This is what I used for teaching. It's practical and not so expensive that kids will steal it. Get the messenger in black and you'll look plenty sharp.

Because, yes, kids will steal a $500 leather bag if it's left unattended. A shame, but true.

astronautcowboy3

Thanks for all the advice guys, and sorry that I went AWOL for a while. After @Elin mentioned Saddleback, I checked out their site. Am I wrong in thinking that "the guy" is a little...weird. Their bags looked nice, but he seemed way too full of himself and his product. I don't know if I'd want to give him my money, because his attitude toward potential customers is, well, kinda bad.

For the record, this is the bag I have now:



It has everything I want, but also a few unnecessary extras due to it being designed for yoga. Also, I always get mistaken for military when traveling to and from Japan. I'll try to think about EDC stuff next time I'm able to buy a bag, but perhaps seeking out a messenger-bag style version of what I have now would be best, or looking into the newer versions of the lululemon backpacks.

Giggles_Funsworth

Gaslight wrote: »

Darkewolfe wrote: »

Also, let's be honest. The most professional looking dudes I see walking around have an ipad in the most minimalist carrying case possible with a small notebook. Those dudes look in charge.

Basically, if you really want people to think you look like a cool guy with a cool job, strive to be this guy.

I look like that guy if you sub in a leather jacket for the button down and a Chrome bad for the strappy messenger. And I work as a hacker. This post gets my seal of approval.

Natas_Xnoybis

bike messenger bag is a pretty cheap way to go for something that will last and look decent. I am in the same boat as the OP, I stopped using a backpack cause it just felt a "bit odd". Been using a black cloth sack/back, but I realize now that this look more like a manpurse, which really isn't the look I am going for.

I just hit the big 40 and rockin' a backpack just doesn't work at my office. Nobody has said anything, and it isn't like I will miss a promotion because I have a backpack, but...

I was looking at something like this: Timbuk2 classic

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/classic-messenger-bag/1419873?gclid=CMO2xY6RkbUCFQhyQgod2EEAEA


at the saddleback stuff, I don't need to worry about students stealing it, and for what I do, something that is that rugged isn't such a bad idea (background in geology, and I still do a fair amount of fieldwork).... but the price and it just seems, well I mean if i was Indiana Jones, sure... but in 2013 carrying something like that.. I dunno. I do really like their Satchels though.

Serpent

Natas_Xnoybis wrote: »

bike messenger bag is a pretty cheap way to go for something that will last and look decent. I am in the same boat as the OP, I stopped using a backpack cause it just felt a "bit odd". Been using a black cloth sack/back, but I realize now that this look more like a manpurse, which really isn't the look I am going for.

I just hit the big 40 and rockin' a backpack just doesn't work at my office. Nobody has said anything, and it isn't like I will miss a promotion because I have a backpack, but...

I was looking at something like this: Timbuk2 classic

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/classic-messenger-bag/1419873?gclid=CMO2xY6RkbUCFQhyQgod2EEAEA


at the saddleback stuff, I don't need to worry about students stealing it, and for what I do, something that is that rugged isn't such a bad idea (background in geology, and I still do a fair amount of fieldwork).... but the price and it just seems, well I mean if i was Indiana Jones, sure... but in 2013 carrying something like that.. I dunno. I do really like their Satchels though.

Messenger bags where you are pulling a big strap over your head are not more professional looking than backpacks. If your intent is to 'avoid being judged' messenger bags are not the way to do it.

I have two Timbuk2 messenger bags. I love em - they are awesome -- and I don't use them when i'm trying to look professional. How many lawyers, CEOs, top salesmen do you see with messenger bags?

If your goal is too look professional, get a real business like bag -- samsonite are good and reasonably priced, while Tumi and Hartmann are the best but very expensive.

Try this: Samsonite Checkpoint Friendly... I love the checkpoint friendly stuff too!

Wassermelone

You can't really say that messenger style bags can't fit in a professional situation.

A bag like this or this would absolutely look good in the professional world. Also, that samsonite bag is really boring. While I wouldn't think less in general of the person with it, I would probably think he had rather uninteresting taste in bags.

This is also the first time I've seen anybody disparage Saddleback - there is something to be said for having a product that is likely going to last your entirely life, and probably the life of whoever you leave it to. I don't think the only thing that merits amazing construction is 'backpacking across the serengeti'. Just because it CAN survive that doesn't mean it is only for that. Ridiculously well made, and amazing looking? Yes please.

Enc

Most laptop cases and messenger style bags are cut from very similar style, just what materials they are made of vary. Working in an academic setting, I see deans with goofy patched up jansports backpacks and GTAs with very stylish leather laptop cases, it really dosen't make much of a difference compared to what you wear it with. If you are going full suit and tie, you could be carrying your 8 year old's neon pink backpack and probably pull it off with confidence.

Get what works best and what is most comfortable. Students won't care or notice either way, and your superiors could care less so long as you are getting the job done professionally and well.

cookiekrush

I personally think the briefcase look is out of style, and isn't very logical because of all the stuff professors carry nowadays. Nearly all of my professors when I was in school, carried a backpack. It's better for your back to carry the weight evenly, than using a messenger bag.

Backpacks doesn't really make people look "kiddy" anymore like they used to.

You should look into bags that will suit your needs and items, rather than going to the "professional" look. No point to be professional if you're carrying your stuff in pain. Invest in a good backpack that has a solid built (good shoulder pads and a breathable back) and design. Your back and shoulders will be thanking you in the long run.

schuss

If you want slightly more stylie timbuk2 type stuff, try mission workshop or khrome.

For the record, I've been rocking a timbuk2 commute 2.0 for many years, and it's awesome. If you get a laptop bag, make sure it has the fold-flat thing that means you don't have to take it out at airports. Awesome feature that speeds everything up.

Djeet

"professional" seems so loaded, especially if this an academic environment.

I haven't been on a campus in nearly 15 years, but no one I work/peer with or otherwise develop business with in private/govt sector wears a backpack. Similarly I've not seen many shoulder strap only bag/purse things, everything has grab handles so you can carry it like a briefcase (though it may/likely have a shoulder strap).

Not that I'd judge you by it, I just don't see it.

I mean, I'll wear a Jesus riding a velociraptor t-shirt to work, but I would likely choose something other than a backpack to bring my gear in, as weird as that sounds.

taliosfalcon

Serpent wrote: »

Natas_Xnoybis wrote: »

bike messenger bag is a pretty cheap way to go for something that will last and look decent. I am in the same boat as the OP, I stopped using a backpack cause it just felt a "bit odd". Been using a black cloth sack/back, but I realize now that this look more like a manpurse, which really isn't the look I am going for.

I just hit the big 40 and rockin' a backpack just doesn't work at my office. Nobody has said anything, and it isn't like I will miss a promotion because I have a backpack, but...

I was looking at something like this: Timbuk2 classic

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/classic-messenger-bag/1419873?gclid=CMO2xY6RkbUCFQhyQgod2EEAEA


at the saddleback stuff, I don't need to worry about students stealing it, and for what I do, something that is that rugged isn't such a bad idea (background in geology, and I still do a fair amount of fieldwork).... but the price and it just seems, well I mean if i was Indiana Jones, sure... but in 2013 carrying something like that.. I dunno. I do really like their Satchels though.

Messenger bags where you are pulling a big strap over your head are not more professional looking than backpacks. If your intent is to 'avoid being judged' messenger bags are not the way to do it.

I have two Timbuk2 messenger bags. I love em - they are awesome -- and I don't use them when i'm trying to look professional. How many lawyers, CEOs, top salesmen do you see with messenger bags?

If your goal is too look professional, get a real business like bag -- samsonite are good and reasonably priced, while Tumi and Hartmann are the best but very expensive.

Try this: Samsonite Checkpoint Friendly... I love the checkpoint friendly stuff too!

Actually i have a few law firm clients, and among the younger (sub 40) lawyers messengers are pretty common, i definitely see more of them than briefcases.