Somewhat professional bag thats not $500???

[Brad31]

I need a bag for school. However, Im done school in a year so I would like the bag to be usable after school. So I don't want a Jansport bag. I would prefer the 1 strap over the shoulder type of bag. I carry a decent amount of stuff and occasionally a laptop. The laptop messenger bags are usually too small. But I don't want to lug around an overnight bag everyday either. So something big enough for 1-2 decent size binders, some papers, keys, cell phone, pens, etc. I would prefer one without zippers as the zippers broke on my last 2 bags.....hence the search for a new one. I like the buckle fastenings.

I've searched the forum and seen some really nice bags suggested however I can't afford a $500 bag. Im not quite sure on a price but its nowhere near $500 lol. So what stores, websites, or companies offer a durable, professional bag that won't break the bank?

Thanks guys!

 

[Shane]

This Hlaska Caliper Briefbag is a smart choice for $325: http://www.hlaska.com/mens_bag_CaliperBriefbag?sc=13&category=4272&colorItem=5.

 

[Obsessed]

I get the sense that a lot of stuff is on sale; you might as well check out some of the higher-end places like Tumi and see if you can get a good deal on something.

 

[Austin]

Samsonite actually makes decent bags for reasonable coin. You can usually find them deeply discounted. I have a bag that is about 15 years old and still looks good.

http://shop.samsonite.com/storefront/business-computer/cC30-p0.html

 

[Legion]

Crumpler make good quality bags. They are a little on the expensive side but not too bad and will last an age.

 

[Seattle Diver]

OK, I know they are more than want to spend but I have this bag and I'm convinced I'll never need to buy another one. Best of all it gets better looking with age. Maybe stretch a bit now and you won't need to pay later.....

http://store.saddlebackleather.com/categories/79-Briefcase/products/1655-Leather-Briefcase-Chestnut

 

[Fnord5]

Timbuk2 makes some nice stuff.
No personal experience, but everyone that I have talked to with one, loves it.
Might not be the most professional looking though.
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/laptop/laptop-messenger-style/

 

[LittleJon]

I have the Coach Transatlantic but it's 500 as well. There's some others here: http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/-men_messengerbags-10551-10051-86-en?t1Id=82&t2Id=86&tier=2

 

[Stubblefield]

Filson Padded Briefcase ( Style #257 - Rugged Twill Padded Briefcase/Computer Bag). They can be had new for around $200 off eBay, and will last you forever. They do come with a bridle leather strap so you can sling it over your shoulder. Tons of room. Made in the US. The zipper on the bag is indestructible, and should you need repairs, you can send the bag back to Filson and they will repair it in-house.

If you need leather look for a Mulholland Bros. bag on closeout.

 

[Corey]

What are you looking for in a bag besides the ability to carry a laptop? What is your upper limit in terms of price? What material are you looking for? What size are you shooting for? Might help to narrow down your search.

Edited to add:

200.00-ish and nice looking. If you're going cheaper, you can get really nice canvas messenger bags and a neoprene sleeve for your laptop for considerably less that still looks really nice, something like this.

 

[DS/B MCS]

Timbuk2 makes some nice stuff.
No personal experience, but everyone that I have talked to with one, loves it.
Might not be the most professional looking though.
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/laptop/laptop-messenger-style/

+1

We have a couple of Timbuk2 bags and have been very impressed.

 

[Walter Sobchak]

Perhaps something here:

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/st...=676&catalogId=1&storeId=1&langId=-1&nav=gnro

The Black Sportsman's Deluxe is a really nice bag at a really cheap price, and the Leather Maine Guide Briefcase in Black is sharp and a great bag, too. I've looked at bags of similar quality for much more $.

I have been using these in one form or another for 12 years or so. I've never had one wear out, but I have upgraded as my needs have changed. The one I currently use, I have been using every day since '04 and it looks nearly new. It's the old version of the Sportsman's Deluxe, so it's not leather, but it looks good.

Great bags at a great price point. No questions asked return policy, so if your laptop doesn't fit, or you just plain don't like it, no probs.