Ask Engadget: What's the best gadget bag?
posted Sep 23rd 2004 5:16PM
There must be a lot more trouble in gadgetland than we had ever imagined, we received more than enough readers questions for Ask Engadget to keep us all busy for the next year or so, but we settled on one from reader Cody H., who asks:
I'm in desperate need of a new gadget bag/man purse. I'm looking for something that is small enough that I can carry it all the time, but big enough that I can fit my iPod, a book or two, a small camera and lunch. I don't carry a laptop. It doesn't need to look like a NASCAR jacket or be covered with leather and metal studs, but it should be sufficiently sized and styled to exude a distinct aura of non-threatening-geeky-but-all-man manliness. I'd also like it if it was under $100, preferably under $50. Any ideas?
We'll use one of the slightly techier questions we got next week, but you have any suggestions for him?
Tote - only way to go...
Get something from here:
http://www.timbuk2.com/
I like the Trogdor Bag from HomestarRunner.com.
http://store.yahoo.com/homestarrunner/trmebag.html
Not a very techie bag, but it's big enough to hold all the stuff you described. And if your a Homestar fan, that's an added plus. It's not to small, but I'm thinking about one of my lunches. :P
I just got the Google bag from the google store. May be a bit too big for what you want, but it's easy to carry, padded back, and has pockets for most of your tech toys.
http://www.sfbags.com/
I use the mini metro bag from Chrome. Great quality and easy to carry. Plus the buckle is kick ass!
http://www.chromebags.com/Messengerbags.html
I can fit my powerbook, ipod, change of clothes, camera, and paperback book. I guess a lunch would fit too if the container was low profile.
Hope this helps.
At 8"x10"x4", this one is on the smallish side. Priced nicely at $29.95 most places. I find I can put a Cappuccinno mini-computer and its power supply in the Guide Bag and also have room for a Rio Nitrus, Palm Tunsgen E, glasses and a few other small odds-n-ends.
If you are looking for durable, and if leather is your idea of manly, then take a look at Bohemian Traders:
http://www.bohemianbag.com/
If you want something more flexible (literally) go for canvas messenger bags. Look for smaller ones that are often hawked as fashionable school bags or purses in such catalogues as Delia’s ( http://www.delias.com/browse.do?categoryID=416 ). Plan on getting a bag that is the same dimensions as the largest item you regularly carry. This will help fill out the bag, if it’s non-rigid, and make your other items fit more snugly. good luck.
I really like Spire bags:
http://www.spire.com
I have the Endo and love it.
Banana Republic sells nice lycra bags, around 11x5x2 HWD in proportion, with a shoulder strap. While I personally wouldnt be caught dead strutting in the street with one of these, I use it when I travel for quick access to my iPod, travel tickets, passport, and perhaps a paperback novel.
Oh, and I bought two of them around 4 years ago. No idea if they still carry anything similar.
I second the SFbags recommendation. I'm a also a huge Tumi fan. They don't meet your price recommendation, but they're badass. Made to withstand anything, and each bag has a trackable barcode:
http://www.tumi.com/products/index.cfm?ModelID=15391&bb_id=c14522&sub_site_id=9&TMI_PL_9_Link=Details
I second the SFbags recommendation. I'm a also a huge Tumi fan. They don't meet your price recommendation, but they're badass. Made to withstand anything, and each bag has a trackable barcode:
http://www.tumi.com/products/index.cfm?ModelID=15391&bb_id=c14522&sub_site_id=9&TMI_PL_9_Link=Details
I second the SFbags recommendation. I'm a also a huge Tumi fan. They don't meet your price recommendation, but they're badass. Made to withstand anything, and each bag has a trackable barcode:
http://www.tumi.com/products/index.cfm?ModelID=15391&bb_id=c14522&sub_site_id=9&TMI_PL_9_Link=Details
Best bag I've ever owned. Lots of room for everything, my 15" PowerBook, iPod, Nikon camera, Z600, books. It's my second InCase bag and I couldn't be happier with them.
Banana Republic sells nice lycra bags, around 11x5x2 HWD in proportion, with a shoulder strap. While I personally wouldnt be caught dead strutting in the street with one of these, I use it when I travel for quick access to my iPod, travel tickets, passport, and perhaps a paperback novel.
Oh, and I bought two of them around 4 years ago. No idea if they still carry anything similar.
I really like the Baggallini Messenger bag:
http://www.baggallini.com/product.asp?category=1&product=132&mode=price
'Tis true, I'm a girl, but I think this looks non-girly as long as you don't get it in some frou-frou color. I sure wouldn't.
Very nice, manageable, medium size -- big enough for a couple of books, but wouldn't fit a laptop, for example.
Maxpedition makes some nice albeit over-engineered gear. I have been using the "fatboy" for tradeshows and love it.
http://maxpedition.com/catalog/full_jpg/cat_page_12.htm
I carry this http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PRODUCT&PROD_ID=679637&cid=52961&fp=F to work.
Hard to scuff, has a lock on it, fits my laptop and other goodies... plus it's flashy enough to get some attention without being gaudy.
http://www.crumplerusa.com/
I have the very busy man bag...best bag Ive ever owned. Very good quality.
I carry this http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PRODUCT&PROD_ID=679637&cid=52961&fp=F to work.
Hard to scuff, has a lock on it, fits my laptop and other goodies... plus it's flashy enough to get some attention without being gaudy.
I second the Timbuk 2 comment. Strong, durable, custom-made, and good-looking.
Another vote for Timbuk2 from a very satisfied customer.
I'd suggest the Metro:
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/catalog/categories.t2?categoryId=11
or, if you need a bit more room, the Classic:
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/catalog/categories.t2?categoryId=6
And if you don't like the colours on offer, you can even design your own. Top stuff.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8001&catalogId=40000008001&productId=47844792&parent_category_rn=22000113&vcat=OUTLET_SEARCH
Here's one on sale at REI.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47641631&parent_category_rn=4500631&vcat=REI_SEARCH
Here's another, not on sale, different style. This is the one I own, and I've been beating the hell out of it for almost 10 years.
I'm also a big fan of the Timbuk2 bags mentioned earlier. They've got a more urban thang goin' on, if that's what you want.
Timbuk2 makes some of the nicest messenger bags, with waterproofing, burly fabrics, and nice style. I've had mine for more than 6 years of everyday use.
http://www.timbuk2.com/
Try MEC http://www.mec.ca or REI http://www.rei.com
I've found that you really can't do better than the outdoor co-ops for selection with this sort of thing. I recently bought http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=676033&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=13975&bmUID=1095975986463 primarily as a hiking bag, but it turns out to be great for carting my photo gear around town as well.
I agree Tumi is great - but if you want some more flash than just a briefcase looking thing, I say get the new sling back thing:
http://www.tumi.com/products/index.cfm?ModelID=41711&bb_id=c21939&sub_site_id=9&TMI_PL_9_Link=Details
...or you could just make your own like I did years before Tumi came out with theirs. Go to an outdoor store and get a reinforced external pocket for a backpack - they're usually the size of a small baguette. Then get some 2-inch webbing and a couple of clips, and you have something identical in utility to the Tumi sling but for only about $20. Perfect for an iPod, PDA, book cell phone and lunch. And not girly like some of those other bags out there (Timbuk2? ICK!) :)
Crumpler ( http://www.crumplerusa.com ) makes some great bags (check out the "crippy duck") that sound like what you're looking for. While messenger bags are pretty functional and definitely pass the y-chromosome test, sometimes the classic messenger bag shape isn't ideal if you're not bent over a bike. Timbuk2 ( http://www.timbuk2.com ) also makes a variety of bags that are probably a little more up your alley.
I have a couple of small gadget bags by Coach. Rather than the all-leather ones, I have one in neoprene and one in twill, both all black with leather trim. They're each about 2" X 8" X 10", and very low key - no crazy trim or big seatbelt-style buckles. They're 3-4 gadget sized (phone + ipod + gameboy + camera). I paid about $100 each for them, so they're likely at the top of the price range and the bottom of the size range.
I have a Tumi twill "envelope" which has more space. While the Tumi bags are indestructable, they're also expensive -- even more than Coach.
If you want a messenger bag, J Crew generally uses interesting materials (e.g. waxed cotton, rubber-impregnated fabric...). Not my style, but they are pretty manly. Also, check out the purse section at Target or Fossil -- they have the occasional manly-looking bag. Generally, they're on clearance, because most women don't wan't a masculine bag for some reason.
The Banana Republic Messenger bags are not available online, but you might find them in the retail locations.
For similar items, try these:
http://luggageonline.com/product.cfm?productID=3271&catID=0&brandID=0&tab=0
http://luggageonline.com/product.cfm?productID=1651&C=OTC-PRICEG
http://www.wilsonsleather.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1832536
I use a Gravis Sidearm.
http://www.burton.com/Gravis/FW04/gear/products.asp?productID=6053&shortMaterialNumber=G5628302
It was cool untill i got another cellphone. It sucks if you have more than one cellphone.
Bogen Imaging has a line of bags called KATA. I like the s-308. It is a sling bag that is the base for an expandable system. You be able to order it for less than $50. It is kind of like the "fatboy" but doesn't always have to be so big.
http://www.bogenimaging.us/
I really like the Tom Bihn bags ( http://www.tombihn.com ). They come in a variety of styles and colors, are comfortable to carry and have several slots for handy retrieval. I now use the medium messenger bag for all my daily hauling and it works great.
I third the sfbags.com (actually called Waterfield Designs) recommendations. They make great stuff at decent prices and are really nice folks, to boot. I have long used their PowerBook sleeves, whcih have detachable shoulder straps and a clip on piggyback accesory bag. They make a few smaller pouches, ostensibly for iPods and accessories, but you can really use them for anything. Check out the one made for the iPod inMotion system -- it's the perfect size for most paperbacks along with other stuff.
Tom Bihn (tombihn.com) also makes a wide range of great stuff. Many of their bags also feature a little tag that decries (in French), Our President is an Idiot, it's Not our Fault, We Didn't Vote for Him. Gotta love that.
For $20 at Filene's last week.
It's a messenger bag with a pouch on the strap for a phone and I attach my MP3 to the strap as well.
2 large inside pouches and a smaller outside for things like a CD player, pens, etc. Well designed and only a very small logo.
VERY SOLID CONSTRUCTION!
RED!
This one from REI may fit your needs
http://www.rei.com/product/47814909.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_TRAVEL_TOC
The Best:
http://www.jandd.com/search_results.asp?txtsearchParamTxt=&txtsearchParamCat=4&txtsearchParamType=ALL&txtsearchParamMan=ALL&txtsearchParamVen=ALL&txtFromSearch=fromSearch&iLevel=2&subcat=20
I want to say that I have struggled with the same problem and here are some suggestions for things I use and really like:
1: Banana Republic does make some good smaller messenger briefcase style bags and wait till the end of the season and get one at a huge discount, I would never pay full price.
2: I use a manhattan portage DJ bag, there are a lot of variations of these bags and the size I think is perfect. http://www.manhattanportage.com/
3: Timbuk2 and Crumpler are both great especially the smaller bags they carry.
4: For a really nice and stylish bag, I also recommend Jack Spade. I think those bags are classy and come in great sizes. www.jackspade.com
Hope this helps.
Freitag from Switzerland!
They are cool bags cut from recycled truck tarps and seatbelts! Each one is unique.
They come in many sizes and you could even design your own.
http://www.freitag.ch
I want to say that I have struggled with the same problem and here are some suggestions for things I use and really like:
1: Banana Republic does make some good smaller messenger briefcase style bags and wait till the end of the season and get one at a huge discount, I would never pay full price.
2: I use a manhattan portage DJ bag, there are a lot of variations of these bags and the size I think is perfect. http://www.manhattanportage.com/
3: Timbuk2 and Crumpler are both great especially the smaller bags they carry.
4: For a really nice and stylish bag, I also recommend Jack Spade. I think those bags are classy and come in great sizes. www.jackspade.com
Hope this helps.
I've used Danish bookbags for everything for years. They are strong, waterproof, and take tons of abuse. You can find them at www.danishbookbag.com
I found these last summer in Montreal, but there is probably a dealer near you. They're cheap, durable, padded, just the right size and have perfectly sized pockets in pockets in pockets, making it easy to organize and segment cables, etc. so well you may lose them forever! This is the one I bought, on their inscrutable Website: http://www.karst-outdoor.com/cgi-bin/productfn/pdt_detail_lst.pl?ProdID=31
Classic messenger bag. For carrying an ipod, there's a purpose-built ipod case that goes on the strap (or it can fit into one of the interior pockets). Highly recommended.
http://www.crumplerusa.com/
I have the very busy man bag...best bag Ive ever owned. Very good quality.
I found these last summer in Montreal, but there is probably a dealer near you. They're cheap, durable, padded, just the right size and have perfectly sized pockets in pockets in pockets, making it easy to organize and segment cables, etc. so well you may lose them forever! This is the one I bought, on their inscrutable Website: http://www.karst-outdoor.com/cgi-bin/productfn/pdt_detail_lst.pl?ProdID=31
First, ditch the iPod, the books, the camera and the lunch. And if you are a manly man, you will have a mobile phone. Ditch it.
Replace all of the above w/ a Treo 600 on an Orange (UK) contract (or similar), which will cost you nothing beyond your normal phone charges, which, you were paying anyway.
That takes care of the camera. Add PocketTunes ($15) for MP3; Palm Reader (FREE) and 1,085 Books - Classic Collection ($27) from Handango for reading; Avantgo (FREE) for a great variety of news and entertainment for even more reading after you've read 1,085 books; and finally, stick a Jordon's Health Bar in your pocket for lunch ($1). Total cost = $43.
Now, not are you only well under budget but you have email, a web browser, games, and because your such a manly man - especially considering that you're not carrying around a geeky bag (because any bag is geeky to a manly man) - you can use the calendar and contact apps to keep track of all the girls that can't keep away from your manly manliness.
Wait a few months and spend a bit more and increase your manly meter rating by acquiring the Treo 650.
Finally, if you want all this and still want to be a manly man, unless you're helping an old lady cross the street (an honorable manly endeavor) NEVER EVER think of carrying a bag again. It just aint manly.
I am a physician and I got (as a gift) a nylon medical bag that that has a bazillion compartments inside. It has about 8 pockets on the sides of the main compartment that are secured with velcro. Additionally, it has several zipper compartments on both sides and two on the inside top cover. I never used for a medical bag but it has so many compartments, it is perfect for my Ipod, Altec Lansing speakers, Palm, Canon digital camera, all the AC adapters and chargers plus space for papers and books.
-Regards
I am a physician and I got (as a gift) a nylon medical bag that that has a bazillion compartments inside. It has about 8 pockets on the sides of the main compartment that are secured with velcro. Additionally, it has several zipper compartments on both sides and two on the inside top cover. I never used for a medical bag but it has so many compartments, it is perfect for my Ipod, Altec Lansing speakers, Palm, Canon digital camera, all the AC adapters and chargers plus space for papers and books.
-Regards
What about this one, new from Tumi?
http://www.tumi.com/products/index.cfm?ModelID=41710&bb_id=c21939&sub_site_id=9&TMI_PL_9_Link=Details
g
I use a Tumi expandable messenger bag for this purpose. Expensive but very versatile:
http://www.tumi.com/products/index.cfm?ModelID=15391&bb_id=c13017&sub_site_id=3&TMI_PL_3_Link=Details
Otherwise, Briggs & Riley make a good line of luggage, with unconditional lifetime guarantees:
http://www.briggsriley.com/
Patagonia makes a great bag called Atom. It is a minimalist bag, and will hold the gear you want. Clip on a couple of carabiners and you've definetely got that "non-threatening-geeky-but-all-man manliness" going on.
http://www.patagonia.com/za/PDC?OPTION=PRODUCT&merchant_rn=7385&cgrfnbr=366058&sku=48256&ws=false&promo_cat=&promo_cat_id=
http://www.scottevest.com/
now with cargo pants!
http://www.scottevest.com/
now with cargo pants!
its a camera bag but you cant tell by looking at it.
sized just perfectly to fit everything short of a laptop. and the best part is the logo is hidden under the flap.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=16034&is=REG&si=spec#goto_itemInfo
Bogen Imaging has a line of bags called KATA. I like the s-308. It is a sling bag that is the base for an expandable system. You be able to order it for less than $50. It is kind of like the "fatboy" but doesn't always have to be so big.
http://www.bogenimaging.us/
May be a bit too pricy for what you're looking for, but I love my Tumi bag:
http://www.tumi.com/search/index.cfm?fuseaction=searching&itemsperpage=12&search=category&categoryid=13017&sub_site_id=3&PerPage_Link=12
-k
I really like my chocolate-brown Mandarina Duck leather shoulder bag. It has enough compartments for my Powerbook, iPod, sunglasses, books, a seperate zipper for keys/passes, an inside compartment for storing business cards, my assortment of band-aids, did I mention it has lots of zippers? Unfortunately, it's not cheap and might be difficult to obtain.
Definitely a timbuk2 bag. I have a Commute bag right now, and carried it around with me when I went on vacation to France. Carried a digital camera, a couple books (one travel book, one large novel) and a digital video camera in it.
I definitely recommend getting the shoulder pad if you get one though, as the standard strap gets a bit uncomfortable after a while.
This is the best one!! super durable, holds lots of toys...
http://www.maxpedition.com/catalog/product_vp_fatboy.htm
Bogen Imaging has a line of bags called KATA. I like the s-308. It is a sling bag that is the base for an expandable system. You be able to order it for less than $50. It is kind of like the "fatboy" but doesn't always have to be so big.
http://www.bogenimaging.us/
Along the messenger bag line, check out Reload bags in Philadelphia:
http://www.reloadbags.com/
They can add custom sized/shaped/placed pockets to most of their bags. They do generally come in around or above the $100 mark for a custom bag, though...
Along the messenger bag line, check out Reload bags in Philadelphia:
http://www.reloadbags.com/
They can add custom sized/shaped/placed pockets to most of their bags. They do generally come in around or above the $100 mark for a custom bag, though...
This is the best one!! super durable, holds lots of toys...
http://www.maxpedition.com/catalog/product_vp_fatboy.htm
I assume you've checked out the original Man Bag? http://www.manbag.com/
Personally, I like small messengers or vertical messengers. Wilson's Leather sells them from time to time - they always sell out and remove from the website so you gotta check periodically.
My two favorite bags are small canvas vertical messengers that I got from old navy and gap. Old navy has some now, but I'm not a big fan of olive green - waiting for them to come out with a black or tan colored one (those are the ones I own).
In hong kong I saw a beautiful Kenneth Cole vertical messenger - not sold here.
Also check out bags by Jack Spade - go to ebay or google it.
Looked for six months before settling on this murse. Right sized for all you're carrying, ratcheting strap so you can carry it different ways, expandable bottle holder for the nalgene.
I guess the Swiss Army logo also implies that you could use it for defending home and country, skinning buffalo, filing your nails, etc. - just haven't figured out how yet.
http://www.swissarmytravelgear.com/webstore/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=3189&category=59
How about one for $9? I got this from a vendor at Seattle's Pike Place market for around $12. I've had to replace it once after a couple years of abuse, but I was glad to for that price!
http://everestbags.com/evlarmesbag.html
I carry my iRiver H140 , cell phone, digi camera, wallet usual stuff and, instead of a book or two, my Fujitsu P2000 laptop actually fits in there! It is a smallish comfortable bag to boot. People are always amazed at the number of gadgets I can pull out of it. Especially the Fuji ;-)
i'll put in another vote for Timbuk2, i just ordered a commute and got it yesterday, i LOVE it, it is made with extreme quality and a lot of thought put into it, it has tons of pockets and pouches, and is extremely durable.
I haven't been this happy with a purchase in a while.
another timbuk2 vote - i love my bag - has a separate pocket for gadgets, totally customizable. very durable, and waterproof inside so you can use it as a cooler for picnics and beach trips.
Boblbee has some nice hard- and softshell rucksacks and bags. I have a peoples delight and love it. The site sucks somewhat, though. http://www.boblbee.com
Tenba started by making good solid camera bags. They come in all colors, as long as it's black.
http://www.tenbagear.com/
I agree with the folks who have said that messenger bags are good, but I've had Timbuk2 bags and I like the ones from Courierware much more:
http://www.courierwareusa.com/
Kipling bags (www.kipling.com) are extraordinarily durable. Some of their collections verge on either ugly or metrosexual, but they've had some good stuff. They had a line called "Hacker" back in the 90s - I got one of the backpacks from that collection, and it has made it through 5 years of hard abuse through college, work, etc. And actually, it looks brand new. And this bag has been beaten on. Good stuff.
I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Roadwired (http://www.roadwired.com). While I don't have one, I spent hours pouring over the Pod and Podzilla earlier this year.
http://www.spireusa.com/products/EN3.html
I've had a spire messenger laptop bag for three years now. My bro in law has the backpack. They are great well made products. Can't recommend them enough.
I bought a Pod, then switched to the larger Podzilla when I bought a larger digital camera.
http://www.roadwired.com/store/Product.cfm?categoryid=5&Productid=75
I love this bag. It has room in the main compartment for my Canon Digital Rebel, and room in the side compartments for everything else: PDA, phone, iPod, memory cards, gum, tools, pens, extra batteries, you name it.
I got the Incase Moya at the Apple Store - Michigan Ave for my 12" PowerBook. It also holds my iPod, Sony CLIE UX-50, Extra memory cards, some cords, iSight, phone, some paper
Here is a link
http://www.goincase.com/prod_laptop/prod_lt_moyaDlux.php
Another vote here for Crumpler. Can't go wrong.
On a related note, I was watching 'Star Wars' last night. I got to thinking: anyone know where I can buy a kick ass utility belt? One where I could put my ipod, cell phone, money clip, sunglasses, lightsaber, etc. Seriously though, if I could find one I'd totally sport it.
Definitely the Fatboy!
http://countycomm.com/Fatboy.htm
If that's not big enough, try the Proteus:
http://countycomm.com/proteus.htm
Or if you really have a lot of gear, the Nucleus:
http://countycomm.com/maxpeditionbailoutbag.htm
My favorite is the tough looking Mountainsmith Swift - small at 325 cu in3. Link: http://snipurl.com/9ar0
I feel I must fly the NZ flag - Kathmandu has some nice gear, I use the 'Urban Brief' as a work bag and find it great.
http://www.kathmandu.co.nz
Try Maxpedition for more manpurse and batbelt like stuff:
http://www.maxpedition.com/catalog/catalog_versipack.htm
Of course, it's all in ballistic nylon, so you can't have worries about breaking it.
I don't have one (I usually just need to carry around a laptop), but they are really good if you have a lot of small, miscellaneous gadgets.
Other than that, I have a spire backback, and I love it.
http://www.spireusa.com/
i just got a groom bag and i love it.
http://www.normthompson.com/images/product/another_view/15276.jpg
http://www.normthompson.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=4772&itemType=PRODUCT
its not as girly as it looks in the ad, and worn on the shoulder with the strap short it looks more like seashell or a holster. i like wearing backwards, on my chest.
the bag i had before was a mandarina duck 'task bag', which has been mentioned by someone above.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=15661&item=8128591020&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=63852&item=6706154000&rd=1
task bags are a now discontinued line, but you can find then on ebay once in while, at about 1/5 of the price they originally cost. they're rubberized and waterproof and fits againsts the curve of your side better than a sling pack and doesn't puff out like a messenger bag. i like having my hands free :)
i also like kata sling carriers, which have also been mentioned above. they look a little too much like hiking gear for my taste though.
http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=228&cid=58&perentId=4&ProdLine=4
http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=227&cid=58&perentId=4&ProdLine=4
http://www.burton.com/Gravis/FW04/gear/products.asp?productID=6083
buy two and become batman
McBain's Love child Bag Funny site also
http://www.crumplernyc.com
already been said, but i can definitely second reload bags.
100% custom made,
http://www.reloadbags.com/
i gots meself the messenger size [big enough to hold 2 bags of groceries] and its got all the room you could ever need. of course, they sell smaller bags, too. porbably the most rugged waterproof thing you could store your geekstuffs in, all made exactly to your order.
FWIW, I went trough all the comments, and posted a summary http://o-n-a.blogspot.com/2004/09/best-gadget-bag-for-men.html at my own blog http://o-n-a.blogspot.com.
Try this,
http://ganley.org/bags/bags.html
i like the manbag.com axible, i could fit it in my big backpack when i go to school, or take it alone when i don't need to carry extra stuff!!
I find STM bags have some of the best bags around. They do make a smaller bag for your gadgets called the drift:
http://www.standardtm.com.au/special_cases_drift.cfm
Check out the bags you can get in your local skate shop, I got an Adio and it's the best bag I've ever used.
They've loads of compartments and a little fleece-lined pocket in the top thats got a holes for your earbuds so you don't need to worry about getting the cords tangled up.
I got it for about €40.
I prefer messenger bags from BREE. The larger one has a dedicated slot for a normal notebook. They withstand rain without any problem...
I got this one (European brand): http://www.hedgren.com/modules/collections/product.php?cid=12&iid=281
It holds my cellphone, wallet, mp3 player, camera and PDA. Excellent man purse :)
Gap has a whole line of bags right now, the messenger style selling for under $35 bucks. I also picked up an Ipod case which they just put on clearance for under $4. They have peripherals for the bag for laptops, cell phones, etc that actually clip to the bag in complimentary colors, in addition the bags have a little headphone slot on the front so that you can keep you Mp3 player or PDA inside and still listen to music. Check it out on their website.
I've been carrying a PURSE (just say it guys) for a decade and Timbuk2 is the best that I've ever come across. Lots of good suggestions here, but the Timbuk2 Metro can be had for $50 and it's waterproof and indestructible.
How about the Boblbee 'SAM' Hip bag?
It's 11x12x5 inches and $99.
Comes with a detachable tool/gadget box and has lots of storage possibilities.
Image:
http://www.boblbee.com/img/product/040422171544.jpg
..or perhaps the 'Scorpia EXO'. It's a Backpack / shoulder bag convertible model. A little bigger, 13x9x4 inches, but the same price.
Image:
http://www.boblbee.com/img/product/020819151853.jpg
I just got an acme bag for my new powerbook. Its small, strong and durable. This bags are incredible.
http://acmemade.com
I swear by my REI Vertical Brief. And they're on closeout, now, too:
http://www.rei.com/product/47631078.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_TRAVEL_TOC
Current contents: a copy of Stephenson's "The Confusion", 12" iBook, a copy of the latest issue of Rock & Ice, a GBA SP and three games, sketchpad, pens, pencils, etc., cellphone, umbrella, iPod, housekeys, etc.
Not even 3/4ths full yet.
I've used these for the past six years. It fits a laptop in case you need it and the vertical design makes it easy to carrry around. It takes a VERY GOOD BEATING and still stays together. I bought two extra ones: a replacement and a "manbag" version.
http://www.kensington.com/html/4730.html
I don't like the "shiny new" look so I usually beat them up before I use them.
I got the commuter. padded back, water proof, I take it everywhere.
Been looking for a good multipurpose tech/stuff/man bag for ages and found a corker in GAP
Load of 'pockets within pockets'
A padded pocket at the front to give protection to a Mp3/CD player (with small opening for headphone cable).
Large net pocket on back for magazines.
Load of rings& clips for attaching other bits
(they even sell an add-on iPod case)
Sits nicely at your side, not getting in your way, and the strap gives good support. You can really forget you're carrying stuff (ideal).
Been using it everyday for about 2 months now. Goes out whenever I do, even if I haven't got much to carry. You can forget about it and have it to hand for those impusle buys we all love to make!
Basic Black, so goes with everything, and is ripe for 'customisation'
and only $26.99 BARGAIN!!!
http://www.gap.com/asp/Product.asp?wdid=105010&wpid=253939
Thanks for your suggestions, everyone. I'm in the process of wading through all the options you've presented. I'm planning on making a decision in the next week or so. I'll report back.