Messenger Bag recommendations?
 

I'm looking to get my husband a leather or leather & canvas combo messenger bag that can hold a laptop for commuting or just regular work days. I'm hoping to keep it to $250 or less. Anyone have one that they love & can recommend and link a site to? Thanks!

I would point you to nylon if he commutes in all weather. Much much better if rained or snowed on. Chrome makes a super durable product. I have a year in on their Buran model and it is like new still. Timbuktu also makes quality messenger bags, again all nylon though.

The Buran model has laptop pockets/organizers in it as do the Timbuktu models, some bags are a single open pocket. I prefer the divided up ones but they have less space for bulky items at times.

Only leather bags I know of are Brooks,and they're crazy expensive. Filson makes 'messenger bags' out of canvas with leather bits,but the straps are def not made for bike use.

Timbuk2 will make you a custom bag in waxed canvas(and some other nice fabrics) that will be in your price range. Their waxed canvas is very nice. You could also look into one of the custom bag makers(RELoad,Seagull,etc) and see if they could do a leather flap.

Most 'messenger bags' aren't really made for use on a bike. Real mess bags have a strap system that keeps them in place when you're out of the saddle mashing,and are either waterproof or have a waterproof lining. On a bike function is way more important than fashion.

You guys are absolutely right about the all-weather material, and he does have one that fits that description. He's looking for something that gives more of that retro look for days he either has a short jaunt to do by bike or on non-riding days into the office. So, yeah, definitely more of a "fashion" look with the practical application of carrying a laptop, than a durable, all-weather one (which he has already). Sorry I wasn't clear in my first posting. Will check into the above-mentioned names, though, to see if there's one that fits the description. Thanks! And keep the ideas coming :thumb:... it's for his upcoming b-day!

hand made leather and cheap seem oxymoron like , opposite poles of reality.


I got one years ago.. Timbuk 2 , its one piece of Cordura with a PVC liner ,
it happens to be Orange .

they commonly use 3 colors now .


even older one sewn in NYC its got a waist belt + the shoulder strap. the
mill coating wore off, inside , so I painted in a new liner with Plastidip ,
the stuff you use to dip coat tool handles .

Bailey Works?

I have a Timbuk2 and a new one from STM bags. The STM replaces a 14 year old Eagle Creek briefcase. (similar)

Aaron :)

I second the Chrome bag! I love love my Metropolis!

I use a "Courierware" bag made to your order for a very fair price. These bags are made of cordura nylon and are indestructible. To keep them clean just throw the empty bag in the washer and air dry.

http://www.courierwareusa.com/

Banjo Brothers. I can't speak on the quality of their canvas offerings. However, I do have one of their Cordura based mess bags (received used) and it is still functional.

That's getting close with the leather straps and canvas combo. Thanks!

Messenger Bag recommendations?
 

Timbuk2 in nylon for sure!

I have one of these that I used for daily commuting for prolly 6 years. They are hard wearing,lots of pockets,and it's nice that they come in many sizes,but I can't recommend one of these as an only bag. Unless they've seriously updated their liner material,they will not handle rain. I would recoat mine with Campdry once a year,but it would still soak through in a heavy rain. In fact,I lined the rear pocket with an old plastic UPS envelope because in hot weather I would actually sweat through the back of the bag.

Too bad,because other than rain resistance they are pretty nice. But if it's going to rain,I use one of my other bags.

Hi Guys! Thanks for all your suggestions...went ahead and got this: http://www.philosophybags.com/bags/field-bags.html (yes, I went over budget :o), but they're locally made & I think it'll be perfect.

Those look nice.

The Cameron doesn't look durable to me for cycling use.

The waxed canvas should make it waterproof. What I liked about it is that it's really thick canvas and inside the bag it has a kind of metal squeeze clamp to keep items in. It also is really tall inside, so it has to roll a bit down (like an Orlieb bag), so I thought that would keep the laptop both secure and dry. Like I mentioned before, this bag won't be his only one (he has a Timbuktu). My husband had wanted something that would give an old-fashioned, kind of "vintage-y" look that he could use for times on his bike as well as off, & I think this will meet those needs :thumb:

I have a 30 year old Carradice waxed canvas bag that is still going strong. They do need a bit of care, like an occasional rewaxing but that is all.

Aaron :)

Some preliminarily info here, some of which has has been discussed within this thread. :)

Looks beautiful.

He might want to put the laptop in a waterproof sleeve inside the bag, given Oregon's reputation for rain. Would be pretty gruesome to have the laptop rained to destruction just because the bag that's carrying it looks so beautiful.

Good point! Better safe than sorry. He has a separate sleeve that'll fit nicely inside his new bag. Cannot.wait. I'm so excited about his b-day!

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Please keep the discussion civil from now on. Thank you.

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http://www.bag-collector.com/

here is a place to look at a lot of bags, lots of links