Laptop / Messenger Bags - Brands?

I interned at a BB a while back and they gave us laptop bags with their corporate logo as parting gifts. I'm looking to buy a new bag (one with a strap, not a backpack). What are the best brands? I have seen Samsonite, Targus, American Tourister...

 

I love my B&R bag, it's served me well for a few years and still looks like new. However, the carabiners have gotten stuck on occasions when I've grabbed it by the shoulder strap in a hurry, and one more than one occasion have released from one of the ends. No damage, since bag sturdy af. Not sure if other bags have this issue, but it is slightly annoying.

EDIT: Just saw this post is from 2010, and I probably picked up my B&R bag after reading the replies here. Circular #REF

2020 Update: recounting my experiences in PE and sharing thoughts on recent deals at https://leverup.substack.com
 

I had started a similar thread a couple of months back. Here’s a link to that discussion in case you want more information.

http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/looking-for-a-laptop-case

Just FYI, I finally bought this business case ( http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Move-Busines… ) from Briggs & Riley. They have a lot of other products in the laptop case(http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/group.aspx?cat=laptop-briefs ) category, if you’re interested.

 

Get a Tumi.

LIBOR said it and I can't believe he's the first. They offer a 5 year wararnty, with an anything-goes policy if it's in the 1st year - ie if it's so much as scratched they'll repair/replace. Lot of great sizes and classic nylon look or leather, both look great and both really stand out.

From the Tumi web site (here: http://www.tumi.com/about/warranty-five-year/): Townhouse, Alpha Leather and Nylon, T3, Voyageur, Villa, LXT, and Theorem

For five (5) years after you purchase a Tumi product from an authorized Tumi store or dealer, you will be covered by our Limited Warranty.

First Year of Ownership: Worry Free With limited exceptions, if your Tumi product is damaged during the first twelve (12) months you own it - including damage caused by wear and tear, airlines, or other transit damage - Tumi will cover all repair expenses, including shipping costs to and from our repair facility. If we determine that the product is damaged beyond repair, we will replace it. If we determine that a replacement product is not available, we will provide you with a product of comparable value. Damages not covered are damage resulting from abuse, cosmetic damage (such as scratched leather or stained fabrics), and incidental or consequential damages, such as damage to or loss of the contents of a bag, loss of use, loss of time, or similar expenses.

Years Two through Five: You're Covered for Defects From the second through the fifth year you own your Tumi product, Tumi will repair any items that are defective in materials or workmanship, (for a nominal processing fee), including any structural defects (such as defective handles, zippers, or locks). For years two through five, however, we will not cover damage resulting from wear and tear that is not the result of defects in materials or workmanship. We also will not cover damage caused by airlines or other transit damage. Damage claims in transit cases should be filed against the carrier. Other damages not covered are damage resulting from abuse, cosmetic damage (such as scratched leather or stained fabrics) and incidental or consequential damages, such as damage to or loss of the contents of a bag, loss of use, loss of time, or similar expenses.

 

Is this just a carrying case for your work laptop? Papers only? Or both?

Both = Tumi Laptop = Tom Bihn Papers only = LOT of quality choices...almost any decent leather products company will have a solution

 

I use a brown leather Fossil Bag bought a long time ago. Loyal companion for years, enduring abuse at many airports, meetings and trips. Good purchase at a nice price.

For light client meetings and office (documents, note pad, business cards) I have a brown leather portefuille from the bridge, very convenient for its size.

If possible avoid looking like a consultant clone (black synthetic laptop bag, with strap etc) , and depending on where you have to travel any flashy brand items, for fashion and security reasons.

 
Macro <span class=keyword_link><a href=/resources/skills/trading-investing/arbitrage target=_blank>Arbitrage</a></span>:
It certainly has to match the color of your bra.

Hah!

Under my tutelage, you will grow from boys to men. From men into gladiators. And from gladiators into SWANSONS.
 

Samsonite, though not a leather bag, is a beast. I've been using it for over 3 years now.

I more frequently bring my Picard black leather to work now though. It was my father's old bag. So yes, it's a beast too.

Fortes fortuna adiuvat.
 

cargo shorts ftw, no bag necessary.

heard good things about herschel. couple buddies in bigger cities love them. a bit hipster for me (still use my college backpack because it's more functional and plain), but check them out.

also check this out: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/matador-military-inspired-briefcases… this is a company @"TheKing" started

 
Best Response

Indeed. A bag can certainly help you in your internship, especially when carrying things. Bags are excellent spaces to store a wide variety of transportable goods and provide a particularly useful handle which contributes immeasurably to the carrying process. The fact that most laptop bags also come equipped with luxurious padding and a state of the art zip will undoubtedly keep things safe and secure, as you rightly noted above. Furthermore, the aforementioned handle (sometimes paired with a comfortable shoulder strap) ensure ease of handling for the lifetime of the unit. I believe the poster above has provided some essential bag related information and it is my absolute pleasure to supplement that post with some musings of my own in the hope that it contributes to your success in the financial services industry.

 

I would actually avoid leather if I was you. It is much heavier and when you're lugging it back and forth everyday the extra weight starts to add up. I use to have leather but switched to a lighter material. You can find something that looks professional that isn't leather.

 

Visit leatherlaptopbackpacks dot com and visit the post leather-briefcases-men-will-kill. This may be the perfect bag for you.

It's a backpack that looks exactly like a regular official leather briefcase / computer bag, but it converts in to a backpack when you want it to. I like the classic look and it's close to the price range you're looking at.

I hope this helps!!

 

Check out the bags by Filson and JW Hume. If you ever get tired of it, you'll be able to sell the bag for at least half of what you paid for it new. You can never go wrong with the American made classics.

 

Though the bag you picked out is nice, I really don't see much of a need for it. Maybe it's because my group is really laid back, but a straight laptop case will work just fine (unless you really think you're going to need the additional storage space, but I don't see why you would). Dropping that much loot on a bag seems unnecessary, though it is a great looking bag. Just my two cents... maybe your group is really into appearances...

 
Proboscis:
Don't a lot of firms provide you with a laptop shoulder bag? At least in consulting, since they give you a laptop and everything. Might be different for IB.
He wants a nice one.
 

I'm partial to Jack Spade. They look slick, they're durable, and get better with age... within reason!

- - - The only limits you have to deal with are those you place on yourself *. Blaze your own trail.
 

idk i think a messenger bag is a must i put random shit in there-keys, papers, random protein bar or something if im bringing it to from work or food if im bringin left overs, you can't roll out of a bank with a plastic bag especially if all your clothes are really nice.

I have a buffalo leather messenger bag by hugo boss- google it. it's black leather and it looks nice as hell-wasn't too expensive i would say around 3-400 bucks. looks exactly like the bag that shia lebouf had in wall street (except his was an LV (too much for me).

 

If you're looking for a perfect vintage leather messenger bag, check out online at Soulful Collection. They have the best leather messenger bags at best possible rates.

 

There will be Fridays where you want to slip out past your staffer at 7PM. If you can look like you're headed to the bathroom/repro/etc. rather than leaving the office you'll fare much better.

 

I'm not exactly sure what you would need to put in it. Maybe use it the first day to bring everything you need to your desk. It's not like you would take work home; you just stay at the office. With both my internships this summer I've been perfectly fine without one.

 

Thoughts? "Absolutely." What else would you be carrying...? No recs from me, men's fashion still has me baffled.

Currently: future neurologist, current psychotherapist Previously: investor relations (top consulting firm), M&A consulting (Big 4), M&A banking (MM)
 

I like using a black bag similar to that because I can use it for both work and school. Personally I prefer bags without that "flap" going over the top as it's easier to access my stuff. After each $25 bag that broke after ~2 weeks, I picked one up at DSW for ~$90. I'm not partial to any brands but I have to say the one I got (Kenneth Cole) is very well-made and will cost me less in the long run due to quality.

 

I never usually carry big books as I get digital copies and put them on my iPad. Or, I usually just rent them out at the library to save myself the hassle.

But thanks for the tip, ill keep that into consideration!

 

Just get a comfortable backpack (Wegner has good ones) unless you are on an urban campus. In that case get an Ogio or Timbuk2 bag. You can always get a nice leather briefcase if and when you need it for work (if your firm doesn't give you a firm branded bag).

 
meabric:
You can always get a nice leather briefcase if and when you need it for work (if your firm doesn't give you a firm branded bag).
Who actually uses firm-branded bags?
Currently: future neurologist, current psychotherapist Previously: investor relations (top consulting firm), M&A consulting (Big 4), M&A banking (MM)
 

yeah, i've heard many banks give them to their SA's as well... im just not going to a bulge, that's all.. its in manhattan but it's a MM so i wasn't sure if they do all the same things as BB (such as giving SA's this stuff, seamless for food, etc)

have people found that they need a messenger bag anyway? do you need to bring stuff back/forth?

 

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