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Seeking a Thinkgeek Bag of Holding Replacement. Edit: BoH returns to Kickstarter in Q2!

ForarForar #432Toronto, Ontario, CanadaRegistered User regular
edited April 2023 in Help / Advice Forum
For over half a decade I rocked the hell out of a beige messenger bag style Bag of Holding. Eventually it just started coming apart, the back layer of fabric wore through, was repaired, and wore through again, the should strap broke off (on both ends after being temporarily repaired) and was replaced, etc, but that doesn't change it being my absolute favourite bag to date, and I'm seeking a replacement.

Now, yes, I have google'd this, and it's a question that has been asked before on a variety of places, but answers from 3 years ago aren't always going to reflect the best current answer.

There are a number of options suggested in those threads, and I find they usually fall a bit short in one way or another, or go well beyond my needs and budget (unless it's otherwise a perfect match, I'm not really looking for a $250+ leather bag).

- I liked that it was a resilient canvas. Yes it wore through, but this was after 5+ years of literal daily use. It took a beating, and if something spilled I could just throw it in the washing machine.

- The magnetic closure on the outer flap was amazing, and even held up well when under load because I'd stuffed it to capacity and then some, but was quick and easy to pop open and access stuff all the same.

- The massive amount of storage space, and especially the dizzying array of zippered pockets that then had interior smaller pockets was astounding.

In my dreams, some company just took the design and is making knockoffs of the same caliber, but I suspect this would be known by now and I might as well ask for a Unicorn to deliver it while I'm at it.

Resources aren't limitless, but after 'making due' for a few years now, I'd be willing to invest in something of quality, especially if it hits most of the marks.

Any suggestions? I get that this is a highly specific set of criteria, and I'm trying to keep an open mind, but I figured they seemed popular enough that someone here might have successfully made the hop to something available now, and have wisdom to pass along.

Edit: so far one of the closest things I've seen might be the Alpaka 7ven, which is currently out of stock on their website (this is a recent find, I haven't dug deeper), which is probably on the higher end of my budget but at least it seems to checkmark the storage capacity and possibly the resilience elements. From glancing at the questions it appears they're supposed to be releasing a 2022 revision/iteration at some point.

First they came for the Muslims, and we said NOT TODAY, MOTHERFUCKER!
Forar on

Posts

  • Mortal SkyMortal Sky queer punk hedge witchRegistered User regular
    edited August 2022
    the Rickshaw Engineering Sutro in a custom exterior fabric looks like it'd get pretty darn close to my eye - similar shape, lots of big pockets, rugged and simple, and less than $200 for a Made in USA bag

    otherwise, I'm a Tom Bihn stan for raw quality-per-dollar (edit: with the caveat that I mostly prefer their backpacks, though the messenger bags are extremely well-made still)

    Mortal Sky on
  • ForarForar #432 Toronto, Ontario, CanadaRegistered User regular
    edited August 2022
    Mortal Sky wrote: »
    the Rickshaw Engineering Sutro in a custom exterior fabric looks like it'd get pretty darn close to my eye - similar shape, lots of big pockets, rugged and simple, and less than $200 for a Made in USA bag

    otherwise, I'm a Tom Bihn stan for raw quality-per-dollar (edit: with the caveat that I mostly prefer their backpacks, though the messenger bags are extremely well-made still)

    I'm not seeing an "Engineering" edition, but Sutro styles of backpack and a Messenger variant make it appear I've found the correct Rickshaw Bags you're referring to.

    The Tom Bihn site has some options. Looks like the Maker's Bag may be their biggest messenger bag available. Seems to be a quality product with lots of pockets, but it's a bit smaller than what I'm looking for (site says it's around 14x10 x 7, the BoH was (according to Google) 17 x 16 x 7 or so, putting it around half the interior dimensions, give or take a little).

    Both are good to know about, thanks for the recommendations!

    Edit: I've also cast the net into Reddit's "ManyBaggers" sub, but I figure with how popular the TG bags were around here over the years, it was a good place to focus on as well.

    Forar on
    First they came for the Muslims, and we said NOT TODAY, MOTHERFUCKER!
  • DoctorArchDoctorArch Curmudgeon Registered User regular
    I originally wanted a Bag of Holding but instead went with the Timbuk2 messenger bag which is still going strong almost 5 years later.

    Switch Friend Code: SW-6732-9515-9697
  • Hahnsoo1Hahnsoo1 Make Ready. We Hunt.Registered User, Moderator mod
    Man, I have no suggestions, but I, too, have a 5+ year old Bag of Holding that I am still using. The strap broke, but I replaced it with a leather bag strap from Hide and Drink, and I still use it daily.

    8i1dt37buh2m.png
  • JokermanJokerman Everything EverywhereRegistered User regular
    I have stanned for Chrome Bags for a long-long-long time. I first bought a Metropolis (Which they don't even make anymore) from them in 2007 and I literally had it until someone stole my car that i had in it. The cops found the Car, but the bag was gone forever.

    With that being said, they are not as Bomb-Proof as they once were. They used to be completely waterproof (My messenger bag actually keeping a camera dry through a downpour) but they are still very-well-made (Albeit not from America anymore).

    Are they pricey? I'd say yes. But considering that it's something you can reasonably hope to have for the rest of your life and their customer service stands behind it (Never had a problem with them) I'd say it's worth it.


    The Corudra the main body of the bag is very, very tough. I was wearing one of their bags on a motorcycle crash and I just slid right on top of it. Not so much as a scuff.

  • AthenorAthenor Battle Hardened Optimist The Skies of HiigaraRegistered User regular
    I've been eyeing the Timbuk 2 Commute 2.0 bag for a while, basically waffling on it as to whether I'll like it or not and if it'll be big enough.

    Stupid FOMO Brain... after seeing this thread, I checked their website and they were offering a flash sale on their older products, taking 15% off the price. That got me to pull the trigger.

  • E.CoyoteE.Coyote Registered User regular
    It looks like there are two currently on ebay for 70-80ish shipped. Would that be out of budget, or were you not looking for another one?

  • CorvusCorvus . VancouverRegistered User regular
    If you really want canvas/natural fibre, Filson has a few different bags, but will cost $Texas https://www.filson.com/bags-luggage.html

    :so_raven:
  • webguy20webguy20 I spend too much time on the Internet Registered User regular
    The Timbuk2 bags are very good, another recommendation. I have a smaller one since I went all digital, but it holds up well so far and is water resistant.

    I will say be careful about getting a bag of holding off of ebay. I got one of the last ones before thinkgeek stopped selling them and the quality was...not great.

    Steam ID: Webguy20
    Origin ID: Discgolfer27
    Untappd ID: Discgolfer1981
  • Mortal SkyMortal Sky queer punk hedge witchRegistered User regular
    Forar wrote: »
    Mortal Sky wrote: »
    the Rickshaw Engineering Sutro in a custom exterior fabric looks like it'd get pretty darn close to my eye - similar shape, lots of big pockets, rugged and simple, and less than $200 for a Made in USA bag

    otherwise, I'm a Tom Bihn stan for raw quality-per-dollar (edit: with the caveat that I mostly prefer their backpacks, though the messenger bags are extremely well-made still)

    I'm not seeing an "Engineering" edition, but Sutro styles of backpack and a Messenger variant make it appear I've found the correct Rickshaw Bags you're referring to.

    The Tom Bihn site has some options. Looks like the Maker's Bag may be their biggest messenger bag available. Seems to be a quality product with lots of pockets, but it's a bit smaller than what I'm looking for (site says it's around 14x10 x 7, the BoH was (according to Google) 17 x 16 x 7 or so, putting it around half the interior dimensions, give or take a little).

    Both are good to know about, thanks for the recommendations!

    Edit: I've also cast the net into Reddit's "ManyBaggers" sub, but I figure with how popular the TG bags were around here over the years, it was a good place to focus on as well.

    ah woops I messed up the company name, meant to say Rickshaw Bagworks, but yeah that is the correct one

    and yeah unfortunately Tom Bihn are less a messenger bag specialist, but for those kinds of smaller size ranges they're very efficiently stitched and laid out in a way that tends to make them fit more than you'd expect

  • ForarForar #432 Toronto, Ontario, CanadaRegistered User regular
    E.Coyote wrote: »
    It looks like there are two currently on ebay for 70-80ish shipped. Would that be out of budget, or were you not looking for another one?

    Must not ship to Canada, the one showing on Canadian eBay is ~$172 US.

    First they came for the Muslims, and we said NOT TODAY, MOTHERFUCKER!
  • E.CoyoteE.Coyote Registered User regular
    D'oh. Would a backpack of holding work? This one has international shipping. ^.^

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/134197095369?hash=item1f3ec52bc9:g:kz4AAOSwNOdi9ZWH

  • darkmayodarkmayo Registered User regular
    "I liked that it was a resilient canvas. Yes it wore through, but this was after 5+ years of literal daily use. It took a beating, and if something spilled I could just throw it in the washing machine."

    Well its a shame you didn't get the Fallout 76 super handjob collectors edition, I hear that came with an AMAZING Vaultec branded Canvas bag.

    Switch SW-6182-1526-0041
  • ForarForar #432 Toronto, Ontario, CanadaRegistered User regular
    Ohhh no, I took one look at that mess developing and fled screaming into the night.

    ... plus I was all out of handjobs at the time, you see.

    First they came for the Muslims, and we said NOT TODAY, MOTHERFUCKER!
  • ArtereisArtereis Registered User regular
    Timbuk2 bags last forever. I've had a messenger bag for over a decade now and the worst wear on it is a bit of pilling on the handle.

  • AthenorAthenor Battle Hardened Optimist The Skies of HiigaraRegistered User regular
    Athenor wrote: »
    I've been eyeing the Timbuk 2 Commute 2.0 bag for a while, basically waffling on it as to whether I'll like it or not and if it'll be big enough.

    Stupid FOMO Brain... after seeing this thread, I checked their website and they were offering a flash sale on their older products, taking 15% off the price. That got me to pull the trigger.

    This just came in, after a bunch of shenanigans with UPS shipping. Woohoo!

    Came in a recyclable bag with their branding on it, opaque.

    zxj03Ewl.jpg

    The material quality is absolutely insane. Like everything just feels premium, which is nice. The bag did seem smaller than my current one, though, but I think that's just due to how it opens and being a true messenger bag versus my current one. Plus I completely forgot at first that the laptop is stored in a different compartment.

    The luggage passthru can open on the top or bottom, making it another sealed compartment, which is nice. The quick access zipper is only on one side, so it isn't terribly useful to me because I wear it on my left side. The water bottle is a bit thin for Sodastream bottles or my usual kinds... but it goes the entire length of the bag, so I am willing to bet it will be secure as hell.

    3dvYRIbh.jpg

    My laptop is a behemoth of a Surface Book 3 15", and it just BARELY fits. In fact, I need to put it in a specific way to make it fit. This probably won't be an issue with my work laptop. And bonus, I was able to fit my portable screen in the main pouch as well.

    czqIyLth.jpg

    It really does look upscale from what I was using before. :) Dunno if I'll be able to cram entire board games in there like I used to, but.. honestly, I should be treating them better anyways.

  • ForarForar #432 Toronto, Ontario, CanadaRegistered User regular
    edited August 2022
    Very nice!

    I've decided to take the plunge on a bag from Amazon, only $60 Canadian (~$45 USD) that has a magnetic closure, seems to be in the same size ballpark (claims to hold a 16" inch laptop, the BOH was designed for a 17" macbook pro), exterior dimensions seem to be an inch or two smaller but should retain some decent carrying capacity, has a similar pocket layout (not quite identical, at least one fewer pocket), but I'm optimistic.

    Timbuk2 and CourierBags are leading contenders if it doesn't work out. As long as it isn't an absolute garbage fire of a purchase, it should at least better fit my needs while I really weigh out my options with the higher end bags.

    It looks like the Courier 2.0 doesn't have a zipper for the main section? Just the cover that snaps in place?

    The Especial holds some appeal as well, definitely something to keep an eye on.

    Forar on
    First they came for the Muslims, and we said NOT TODAY, MOTHERFUCKER!
  • AthenorAthenor Battle Hardened Optimist The Skies of HiigaraRegistered User regular
    I was very much trying to choose between the Especial and the Commute, and eventually went with the Commute because of the luggage passthrough.

    You are correct - no zipper for the main compartment, just the buckles. However, I did learn that there's a pair of velcro strips that are usually covered that can keep the sucker closed if needed.

  • MegaMan001MegaMan001 CRNA Rochester, MNRegistered User regular
    They're ultra high end, but I'll shill for Saddleback Leather. Yes. They're expensive, but also bomb proof. I've got the briefcase satchel for like ten years and it's just worn, nothing broken.

    They have waxed canvas stuff now, too.

    I am in the business of saving lives.
  • JokermanJokerman Everything EverywhereRegistered User regular
    MegaMan001 wrote: »
    They're ultra high end, but I'll shill for Saddleback Leather. Yes. They're expensive, but also bomb proof. I've got the briefcase satchel for like ten years and it's just worn, nothing broken.

    They have waxed canvas stuff now, too.

    I know it's a stupid reason not to buy anything given our capitalist hellscape, but the Saddleback leather guy gives me wicked bad douche-chill vibes.

  • MegaMan001MegaMan001 CRNA Rochester, MNRegistered User regular
    Jokerman wrote: »
    MegaMan001 wrote: »
    They're ultra high end, but I'll shill for Saddleback Leather. Yes. They're expensive, but also bomb proof. I've got the briefcase satchel for like ten years and it's just worn, nothing broken.

    They have waxed canvas stuff now, too.

    I know it's a stupid reason not to buy anything given our capitalist hellscape, but the Saddleback leather guy gives me wicked bad douche-chill vibes.

    Oh, one hundred percent agree. He's also got an Evangelical Christian bend that I've purposefully gone out of my way to not investigate any further.

    The bags are great, though!

    I am in the business of saving lives.
  • GilgaronGilgaron Registered User regular
    I got a leather messenger/laptop bag off of Amazon that was superb and inexpensive for what it is, lined with canvas inside, all heavy brass hardware. It was Komal's Passion Leather which took me a bit to remember because there isn't a brand name on the actual bag anywhere. I think they're made in India but could be wrong about that. I had an older canvas bag from Fossil that started to wear, so I waxed it and it has helped protect it. This leather bag has been essentially impervious, I blended some beeswax and neatsfoot oil and applied it once and haven't done anything to it since and it 'patinas' rather than wearing out.

  • DarkewolfeDarkewolfe Registered User regular
    MegaMan001 wrote: »
    Jokerman wrote: »
    MegaMan001 wrote: »
    They're ultra high end, but I'll shill for Saddleback Leather. Yes. They're expensive, but also bomb proof. I've got the briefcase satchel for like ten years and it's just worn, nothing broken.

    They have waxed canvas stuff now, too.

    I know it's a stupid reason not to buy anything given our capitalist hellscape, but the Saddleback leather guy gives me wicked bad douche-chill vibes.

    Oh, one hundred percent agree. He's also got an Evangelical Christian bend that I've purposefully gone out of my way to not investigate any further.

    The bags are great, though!

    I was gifted a saddleback years ago. It's a solid piece of craft, but the weight of it makes it not as good as a canvas bag that might only last you 5-10 years but doesn't weigh however many pounds empty. Like, it will outlive my for sure but that's not the primary use of a bag imo.

    What is this I don't even.
  • JokermanJokerman Everything EverywhereRegistered User regular
    MegaMan001 wrote: »
    Jokerman wrote: »
    MegaMan001 wrote: »
    They're ultra high end, but I'll shill for Saddleback Leather. Yes. They're expensive, but also bomb proof. I've got the briefcase satchel for like ten years and it's just worn, nothing broken.

    They have waxed canvas stuff now, too.

    I know it's a stupid reason not to buy anything given our capitalist hellscape, but the Saddleback leather guy gives me wicked bad douche-chill vibes.

    Oh, one hundred percent agree. He's also got an Evangelical Christian bend that I've purposefully gone out of my way to not investigate any further.

    The bags are great, though!

    You have confirmed my worst fears....

    *add to cart*

  • ForarForar #432 Toronto, Ontario, CanadaRegistered User regular
    While other options were discussed, this might be of interest to some folks around here;

    The Bag of Holding is coming back!

    It'll apparently be on Kickstarter in Q2 of this year (so sometime in the next 2.5 months or so?), and is being run by Rollacrit, who are the same merchandizing team that take care of Gencon's annual swag (they may do other things as well, that's just where I'm familiar with them from).

    First they came for the Muslims, and we said NOT TODAY, MOTHERFUCKER!
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