Briefcase/Satchel recommendations

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fastmikey

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Topic # 239406 16-Jul-2018 14:45

Hi all,

Looking to up my game from the current use of a standard vendor supplied shoulder bag to cart a tablet, some paper and lunch bag around - anyone got any locally sourceable options? I’m based in Auckland...

dylanp

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Reply # 2057145 16-Jul-2018 15:04

The satchels from Timbuk2 are very good. I've seen a couple people mention that they've lasted for 15ish years before they get retired and replaced with the current model. I have one of the messenger bags in small size and that's perfect for a macbook air, lunch, and other stuff. Heaps of pockets to organise all the things. There aren't a great number of stockists in New Zealand, I got mine on Trademe.

kiwi_64

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Reply # 2057149 16-Jul-2018 15:14

One person supports this post

If you're keen on NZ made, I'd recommend cactus:

https://www.cactusoutdoor.co.nz/packs-bags/urban-packs/subductor.html

Geektastic

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Reply # 2057256 16-Jul-2018 16:58

Tom Binh have some great options.

BlinkyBill

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Reply # 2057266 16-Jul-2018 17:42

Nutsac

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gehenna

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Reply # 2057267 16-Jul-2018 17:51

My last two have been Timbuk2 and I highly recommend them. They're exceptional.

jonherries

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Reply # 2057313 16-Jul-2018 20:47

I have had this for 5 months:

https://bellroy.com/products/slim-work-bag/polycanvas/black#image-0

Rate it highly - shoulder strap is removeable (important) and connects with metal clasps.
Only reservation is in very heavy rain, on a scooter, I have had water get inside...

Jon

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Reply # 2057344 16-Jul-2018 21:44

Yep Bellroy is the real deal too. I've had a Note Slim for about 4 years and it's fabulous.

sbiddle

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Reply # 2057508 17-Jul-2018 07:35

I've had my current Timbuk2 messenger bag for probably 6-7 years now and it's performed incredibly well with daily use. I know @scottjpalmer is a huge Tom Bihn fan and has recently got one of their laptop bags which looks really nice. Most of the others I'd go for are mentioned above - the Cactus Subductor is a really nice bag as well, and Crumpler also make some really nice messenger bags.

One key thing though is whether you travel on a plane regularly or not. If you do you will definitely want to get something that's TSA compliant so you don't have to remove your laptop from your bag every time you go through screening.

eracode

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Reply # 2057520 17-Jul-2018 08:12

I bought one of these when I got a new laptop last year.

The materials and build-quality are fine and you can’t balk at the price.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-15-6-Inch-Laptop-Tablet-Bag/dp/B00DUGZFWY/ref=sr_1_7_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1531771670&sr=8-7-spons&keywords=Essential+laptop+bag&refinements=p_89%3AAmazonBasics&psc=1

Looking at the video ad in the Belroy link above, there really seems very little difference between the A$200+ Belroy and the US$20 Amazon. Certainly not ~US$150-worth of difference.

MikeAqua

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Reply # 2057586 17-Jul-2018 09:34

Timbuk2 seemed to have their own definition of messenger bag. Most manufacturer seem to classify a portrait-oriented bag as a messenger and a landscape-oriented bag as a brief. All Timbuk2's messengers are landscape orientation

Semantics I know, but an odd choice.

Mike

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Reply # 2057653 17-Jul-2018 11:30

MikeAqua:

Timbuk2 seemed to have their own definition of messenger bag. Most manufacturer seem to classify a portrait-oriented bag as a messenger and a landscape-oriented bag as a brief. All Timbuk2's messengers are landscape orientation

Semantics I know, but an odd choice.

A messenger bag is pretty much an over the shoulder bag and I've never thought nor seen any that are portrait orientated. Certainly Google images shows 99% from all manufacturers being landscape.

A landscape messenger bag would be pretty uncomfortable to wear.

jonherries

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Reply # 2057779 17-Jul-2018 14:41

eracode:
I bought one of these when I got a new laptop last year.

The materials and build-quality are fine and you can’t balk at the price.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-15-6-Inch-Laptop-Tablet-Bag/dp/B00DUGZFWY/ref=sr_1_7_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1531771670&sr=8-7-spons&keywords=Essential+laptop+bag&refinements=p_89%3AAmazonBasics&psc=1

Looking at the video ad in the Belroy link above, there really seems very little difference between the A$200+ Belroy and the US$20 Amazon. Certainly not ~US$150-worth of difference.

This might be the difference - from the review at the top of the pile:

“Then it happened. The strap unclipped itself while I was leaving my office this afternoon. You see, they are intended to be free spinning, typical straps. Except when it doesn't twist, it will come off. Another review I read mentioned this. "Nah, that's just a once in a blue moon scenario" I told myself after reading it. I shuddered the same phrase as I watched the case fall corner first. Not even enough time to realize what had happened, as it was only hanging from my shoulder....”

Plus it is a bit thicker 71 vs 60mm, depends on how much value you place on this and “design”

Senecio

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Reply # 2057804 17-Jul-2018 15:14

I swear by my Ted Baker leather satchel. Pricey but meets the brief if you're looking to up you game as you put it.

Mine is similar to the one in the link

[url=https://www.tedbaker.com/row/Mens/Accessories/Bags/NEVADAA-Leather-satchel-Chocolate/p/144259-XCHOCOLATE]TedBaker[\url]