Backpacks or Brief Case?

backpacks are becoming more common, but I personally hate that look.

I'm working in LA, but I bring a messenger bag to work. I don't think I'm ballin enough to carry around a briefcase. I'd want to get this eventually, http://www.filson.com/original-briefcase-1.html, but don't really see the need for it right now.

I also don't carry much. Just a few documents and a couple pens. (Don't bring my laptop since there's really no need unless I know I'm going out of the office - which is something I usually plan for in advance since I'm not that high up).

I used a random Swiss Army laptop bag I bought at Target the night before work for a year and a half then upgraded to the Filson bag above after that.

Filson satchel for carrying stuff to and from work. It's large enough to carry my gym gear (shoes left at the gym). No one cares about what you lug into and out of work, as long as you don't look like a complete goose.

Black leather wallet thing for taking docs to/from external meetings, sized a few inches larger than a letter page.

I think a backpack looks completely stupid when wearing a suit

My firm is business casual. So I believe I can pull off a backpack... I do agree tho, a backpack with a suit does look weird.

It's a good thing you decided to get an updated opinion on this because the backpack to work look has come back with a vengeance. Check out Jansport for an understated look or if you have a few bonuses under your belt the L.L. Bean monogrammed edition has a nice aesthetic.

Personally, I use a Kipling book bag with the dangling monkey attached. I've received a number of compliments.

Hope this helps

Absolutely do not go with a backpack, you goober, regardless of if it's leather or not. Either get a messenger bag, a computer bag, or a soft briefcase like the Filson one linked above.

Backpacks are everywhere now. I don't necessarily like it, but I would wager at least 40% of he people who bring in bags, especially people who commute a decent ways, have backpacks. I used to be vehemently against them but I now bring my notebook, Kindle, homemade protein shake for after I work out, and umbrella every day. I also sometimes bring lunch because it's much easier to cut for the summer when you make your own food. I started carrying an all black tumi one because my tumi messenger bag was having a hard time fitting all of it.

I would say, try for messenger bag, but if you are lugging a lot of stuff around, you might have to make the plunge.

Edit to add, you have to go one shoulder, though. Don't you dare put that over both shoulders.

both shoulders looks fucking ridiculous lol

Messenger bag. I use a backpack when I have a ton of docs to bring with me. My mediocre messenger bags take a beating and rip when I stuff them.

Also, if it is hot, that backpack will give you major back sweat if you walk.

I have a nice leather backpack myself. Had a shoulder bag....which was great until I had such a severe neck sprain I dislocated my first rib. So, backpack it is for day to day! Nice shoulder bag for meetings (which I carry around my wrists as is has those handles as well).

Only way is with a LV and only one shoulder!

Hire somebody to carry all your shit for you.

Tumi Alpha Backpack with the matching black luggage set. One stop Shop.

Currently using a backpack because I am lugging CFA books and gym clothes back and forth to work. Since I am one of the cool kids I obviously one strap it. Oh and its company branded, so everyone knows the awesome BB I work for. I do prefer the small duffle bag I got when I started here, I will go back to that shortly.

Used to carry a backpack but just switched to a messenger bag. Felt a little weird at first but I think I might stick with it. Definitely recommend though if you use a backpack to one strap it like others have said. There's people at my office that two strap it and they look dumb.

Leather rucksack would get roundly destroyed at my place

http://www.selfcare4rsi.com/first-rib.html

I have a leather satchel I designed and had made in Asia while I was there. It normally fits like a messenger bag, but I had them add a discreet D-ring so I can also wear it like a backpack while walking long distances by clipping the shoulder strap to the additional ring. It looks less professional as a backpack than a satchel, but the conversion takes about ten seconds, so I can have it looking analyst-esque before I hit my building's block. Being a custom leather design, it looks .01% better than just a generic Jansport, but a backpack is really always going to be a backpack at its core.

Honestly, though, it's not that big of a deal. One of my team's directors uses one of his son's old backpacks and the MD had a spell where he used one of those canvas bag give-aways conferences always have. (The silkscreen said something along the lines of eco-friendly finance. I never did understand that one.) As long as you don't wear a neon yellow flashing bag with little cymbals that crash every time you take a step, they won't even notice it. Because you'll be in before them and out after them almost every day, right? [insert defeated expression here]

Couldn't pay me a million dollars to carry one of those messenger bags/ man purse around. I'll wear my Dakine backpack till I die.

It's all about the banker duffel, preferably from scarborough & tweed (they lay claim to making the OG "canvas deal bag")

Wear whatever the fuck you want...

Something like this is pretty cool: http://www.coteetciel.com/en-US/isar-backpack-alias-agathe-black-laptop…

Black J-Sport. Carries all the essentials. I have a TUMI shoulder bag, but the underpart of the shoulder part is frayed and leaves black bits of fabric on my shirt. Backpack can easily carry my lunch, papers, CFA Books (and formerly grad school books). Function over form. Seriously could not care less how I look.

Don't wear a backpack, it will wear your suit down.

Buy a soft briefcase or a duffel.

yea i don't think I am baller enough for a brief case... guess it's between a messenger or a good ol backpack.

Banker bag or duffel bag for me.

Briefcase all day. I think a backpack looks weird for anyone in a professional environment, even if you're hauling around a Tumi. If you're young, a backpack is even worse because people outside the office may mistake you for a student... plus have you ever tried throwing on a backpack while wearing a blazer/suit jacket? You aren't pledging a fraternity, you are going to work.

"My MD has a bookbag..."

"My MD only has a timex watch and drives an accord..."

in 3..2..1..

The Tumi backpack look is getting serious traction.

Whatever it is just make sure it's stylish and nice. I work at a bb bank and have a back pack and messenger bag type of thing. I've been leaning towards the backpack more recently. It's a nice leather backpack. Nobody cares though what you bring to the office.

Backpacks are totally common among those under the age of 50. I use the same backpack I used in college that I got off Amazon for $19.95. I take my laptop, chargers, and food with me, so I need more space. I do see guys around here wearing tennis shoes with their suits 2-3 times a week, so I'm not that bad.

Plastic bag.