Briefcases, etc.

[Allenori]

I’ve been using a leather shoulder bag for office commutes, and I love how it balances style and functionality. It holds my essentials, like my laptop, planner, and a few cords, without looking bulky. Leather might not work for everyone depending on their lifestyle or weather, but personally, I think it gives a more polished look than a nylon or canvas bag, especially in professional settings.

If you're considering leather bags that are classy and practical, you might want to check out the selection at this site for Coach bags - https://coach-bags.co.uk/ . They’ve got some great designs that are both elegant and versatile.

 

[chrisstribbs]

I carry a laptop and accessories, to use assistive software when out and about. I have a nice suitcase that I bought for holiday or a tech 21 backpack

 

[mcogilvie]

I'll be working for a big corporate firm in NYC next year. I'm getting a soft shell, leather business bag for work - kind with both a handle and a strap - and am trying decide between brown or black. I'm pretty fashion forward and will likely be wearing mostly navy blue and dark gray suits. Any reason to prefer one color over the other? Black seems a tad stodgier and less eye-catching, but I don't know.

I think a sleek modern bag looks better in black, but a rich brown looks better for a more traditional bag.

 

[gtd solo-studente]

I'll be working for a big corporate firm in NYC next year. I'm getting a soft shell, leather business bag for work - kind with both a handle and a strap - and am trying decide between brown or black. I'm pretty fashion forward and will likely be wearing mostly navy blue and dark gray suits. Any reason to prefer one color over the other? Black seems a tad stodgier and less eye-catching, but I don't know.

@samuelethan

On this end, unlike Brown, Black can blend/complement into any color

However, when is comes to metals: Platinum/Silver on Black . . . on this end, Gold on Black clashes in a tacky/unbecoming manner . . . of course acceptable if that is the objective

For attire . . . deep, deep navy blue that even appears black . . . narrow-ish lapels, crisp military-pressed white shirts . . . subtle white hankerchief . . . nothing expresses non-creativity more than rep-ties ?

Ps. Unable to imagine un-tailorable 'high-water' narrow slacks becoming classic ?

Pps. For those who really know [not unearned only money pretentious connoisseurs] . . . quality is never stodgy . . . and might very much appreciate your attention to detail . . . so be GTD prepared to deliver thereafter ?

 

[gtd solo-studente]

I think a sleek modern bag looks better in black, but a rich brown looks better for a more traditional bag.

@mcogilvie

Like tweed and elbow patches . . . brown tends to be more academic ?

 

[mcogilvie]

@mcogilvie

Like tweed and elbow patches . . . brown tends to be more academic ?

Yes, but academics in the US mostly don’t dress that way. Those in creative fields are also more casual. In general, I think the overall trend, in the US at least, is that people who can get away with it, due to position, seniority, money or power, dress as casual as they like.

 

[david_popely]

Troop London rucksack for everyday. I've had it over 20 years and it's still very serviceable.

Wheeled Samsonite pilot bag for London and other business trips of more than a day - nothing more than two days, generally.

 

[Steve_Dunn]

Cheapish brown messenger bag. Holds my laptop, A5 planner, lunch, notebook (of the paper variety).

 

[JerryC2022]

I have been looking for a canvas briefcase / messenger bag which has a silo / water bottle holder on the end. I have a Duluth Trading truck organizer but it is bulky. My main problem with the truck organizer is that it doesn't stay upright. It tends to fall over dumping out most of its contents. Any suggestions?

 

[mcogilvie]

I have been looking for a canvas briefcase / messenger bag which has a silo / water bottle holder on the end. I have a Duluth Trading truck organizer but it is bulky. My main problem with the truck organizer is that it doesn't stay upright. It tends to fall over dumping out most of its contents. Any suggestions?

Take a look at the Patagonia Atom 20L convertible tote/backpack.

https://www.patagonia.com/product/atom-tote-backpack-20-liters/48125.html

 

[JerryC2022]

Thanks mcogilvie for the link.

 

[mksilk2]

I recently bought myself a Mystery Ranch 3 Way 18 briefcase. I find it the perfect bag for work travel. It can easily be transformed to a rucksack with the straps on the back, that can then be neatly tucked away and then use the bag as a briefcase. For me it is big enough, but there is a bigger model called the 3 way 27.

https://www.mysteryranch.com/3-way-briefcase-expandable

 

[mcogilvie]

I recently bought myself a Mystery Ranch 3 Way 18 briefcase. I find it the perfect bag for work travel. It can easily be transformed to a rucksack with the straps on the back, that can then be neatly tucked away and then use the bag as a briefcase. For me it is big enough, but there is a bigger model called the 3 way 27.

https://www.mysteryranch.com/3-way-briefcase-expandable

It’s technically over Southwest’s max for a carry-on item under the seat (“personal item”), but you would probably be ok if not too full. Fits easily in the overhead. My wife and I usually travel with a suitcase and a backpack each with us in the cabin, so good for some but not us.

 

[snfuod]

I use a black leather briefcase. More specifically this one: https://www.saddler.com/p/vadstena-computer-bag-black

Backpacks never cut it for me. It looks to… juvenile. I get the ergonomic argument however and respect other people’s choices.

 

[mksilk2]

I use a black leather briefcase. More specifically this one: https://www.saddler.com/p/vadstena-computer-bag-black

Backpacks never cut it for me. It looks to… juvenile. I get the ergonomic argument however and respect other people’s choices.

That's what I like about the Mystery Ranch, it can easily convert to a backpack when travelling, but then looks like a case when in 'work mode'.

 

[mcogilvie]

That's what I like about the Mystery Ranch, it can easily convert to a backpack when travelling, but then looks like a case when in 'work mode'.

I’ve had convertibles in the past, but they don’t fit either my work or pleasure travel profile anymore. Your particular convertible is 18 liters, but my Briggs and Riley carry-on is 39 liters (and expands to 52 but then it’s not carry-on). We can live out of these indefinitely for international travel. Our carry-on backpacks are mostly electronics now. When we’re flying to a hiking destination, we add a checked Patagonia duffle for hiking packs and trekking poles (not carry on). There are lots of good choices, but you do need to understand what you need.