Ask Engadget: Forget the man bag, how about a gadget purse?

It's Ask Engadget time once again: you provide the questions (send 'em in to ask at engadget dawt com), you provide the answers (in the comments), and we provide the drinks! Well, actually, not really -- we're just here to watch. Yesterday we were looking at camcorders with Clancy, and now we've got Lisa looking for a gadget friendly purse to carry her gadget stash with style:

"I've been trying to find a good solution to carry all of my gadgets around, keep them safe, and keep them organized for years. I'm not talking about a laptop case here -- I'm looking for a purse. I'm looking for a bag that looks at least halfway decent and can handle my iPod, PDA, Nintendo DS, cell phone, eReader, and digital camera (and anything else that I "need" to have with me at any given time), and ideally give me relatively quick access to all of them. Oh, and I'd really like to not have to pay much more than $100 for it. Am I asking for too much? You guys covered a man-bag for a question similar to mine, but I'm really looking for a more feminine option."

We did indeed talk about man bags a couple of years ago, and while we'd love to hear your more recent favorites on that topic as well, let's help out the ladies in the audience in need of some gadget transport that doesn't involve a fashion dive.

[Brandon West @ May 3rd 2007 6:31PM]

While the fashion is questionable and the price is too high, I immediately thought of the Sakku. http://www.sakku.ch/en/home.html

Now if only someone could make it cheaper and look better, we'd be set.

It sounds to me though that with all those gadgets and the desire to access them easily, you should go with something more like a messenger bag than a purse - more compartments to keep all your accessories in order and all your gadgets in their home.

[Jessica @ May 3rd 2007 6:35PM]

Big bags are being frowned upon by many doctors these days. Many women put way too many things in there and stress out their backs.

Smaller is better, in my opinion. Messenger style bags should only be used if you're going to actually use them to the full extent, and carry them properly so the weight is distrubuted properly

I personally don't like messenger bags as purses. Too big, too bulky, and not stylish enough for me.

[Jessica @ May 3rd 2007 6:31PM]

I carry my gadgets around (iPod, DS, DS games, and Cell) in a Puma puse. Stylish and roomie! I love Puma's style though, very sleek and comfy at that! They all stay safe inside.

But seriously any purse that fits your style would work, not so sure about what camera she has, but yeah. Best to keep that in another bag (Mine is a Canon DR XT so much too big to put in a purse.)

Also, having a seperate PDA/Cellphone is SOOOOO years ago. ;]

[zkv @ May 3rd 2007 6:44PM]

I have pinched nerves in my back an I use a large Western Pack Fanny Pack. $17 in black. Room for everything listed plus a Fujitsu P1610

[jollyllama @ May 3rd 2007 7:03PM]

I gotta give big props to reload bags, there's one in Philly and one in Seattle, they make all their stuff locally, and they'll ship it to you. They do custom bags, and they're super rad. I have the Lorax on mine, and it's dope.

[James @ May 3rd 2007 7:08PM]

I use a Chrome Mini Metro from http://chromebags.com when I travel, it's not much for internal organization but it's not bulky, doesn't look girly, is waterproof, and after 2 years of heavy use it still looks brand new.

[Stan-O @ May 3rd 2007 7:13PM]

Well, if you're after quality over looks, check out the Thermite, Fatboy and Jumbo (depending on what do you want to lug around) Versipacks: http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=4
Tons of pockets, pouches, compartments for organizing (not just tossing everything into one large pouch) your gadgets. There's also a "lefties" version available.

And if you're feeling patriotic, you might want to pick a camo one, over a plain black one. :)

[Steve @ May 3rd 2007 7:31PM]

http://www.eholster.com/!

[Henry @ May 3rd 2007 7:39PM]

Simple answer: Jack Bauer Action Hour Bag: http://www.24fanclub.com/productDetails.do?productID=732&categoryID=2

Same bag used in 24. two spacious fron pockets, two long side pockets, one mini zipper pouch in side a much larger space.

Add the CTU seal, and you're all set.

[jesusbomb @ May 3rd 2007 7:40PM]

If you want something that looks different and, like, total styleeee, check out Artizan Hemp Shoulder bags (http://www.artisangear.com/omni.html). I've had two over the last ten years (the first I accidentally 'misplaced' during a night out) to haul all manner of personal electronic devices and small notebooks (of the pen and paper type), etc. Doesn't offer much in terms of padding, but I keep my devices in their own protective gear anyway. Many pockets, three zippered enclosures, your choice of colours, and cheap, too.

[jgreen @ May 3rd 2007 7:40PM]

Craftsman tool bag works for me. I don't use this exact one, but close.

http://www.tylertool.com/cr9matotobag.html

[nicholas @ May 3rd 2007 7:41PM]

My Coach messenger bag is about 8 or nine years old, and gets compliments all of the time. Sure they’re $600 bucks, but I was bound to have several other bags that wouldn’t make it a couple of years of heavy lifting let alone a lifetime. I carried a PowerBook and an Inspiron in it for a while, when such things held consequences for the back. Thank you Parallels! Supposedly, they still rebuild them when the leather finally gives.

[mars @ May 3rd 2007 7:46PM]

This is a Laptop bag, by design, but freatures about a illion pockets for all your other accessories too. http://booqbags.com/s.nl/it.A/id.252/.f

[PCA @ May 3rd 2007 7:52PM]

manbag/womanbag - it all depends on your sense of style or not. These are pretty useful as either...
http://www.crumplerbags.com/

[deety @ May 3rd 2007 8:09PM]

For a feminine bag big enough for gadgets, take a look at knitting bags. They usually have plenty of pockets (and sometimes seperate sections).

Jordana Paige (http://www.jordanapaige.com) makes a few nice ones in both messenger bag and purse styles. Lexie Barnes (http://www.lexiebarnes.com) has several sizes and styles of funky knitting bags as well as diaper bags and other purses.

[phoomp @ May 3rd 2007 8:14PM]

The men's bags at Mexx do a nice gadget bag job without costing too much or looking too feminine.

[walter @ May 3rd 2007 8:17PM]

I'll second the Maxpedition Fatboy recommendation. I use one as a camera bag.

Here's a couple other favorites (not maxpedition):
http://countycomm.com/minebag.htm
http://countycomm.com/BAILOUTBAGGEN5.htm

[walter @ May 3rd 2007 8:21PM]

oops, ignore what I posted. I got confused with the link to the man-purse entry. None of the stuff I mentioned is even remotely feminine (though my wife does use a maxpedition fatboy).

[Otsego_Undead @ May 3rd 2007 8:48PM]

How about getting rid of a few of these gadgets with the iPhone when it comes out? PDA, Cell, iPod, eReader & Digital Camera. Then all you ahve to deal with is your DS. No man bag neccisary.

[seamus d dog @ May 3rd 2007 8:56PM]

Very easy: http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/catalog.htm?categoryId=83&skusetId=33

The other ones mentioned are way too big . . this is a great gadget bag . . .

[Cameron Baker @ May 4th 2007 4:45PM]

I agree with the timbuk2 votes...I have three of the bags :D My favorite one right now is the commute (http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/catalog.htm?categoryId=85&skusetId=29) which carries my MBP and a ton of other stuff and it's still small enough that it doesn't bother me. These bags are a little pricey but they are well worth it.

[Lee Gibson @ May 3rd 2007 9:14PM]

This bag was designed by geniuses:

http://www.keenfootwear.com/pdp_page.cfm?productID=248

I played with one at REI last night. VERY well thought out bag. The internal flashlight is stupendous.

[hokies4life @ May 3rd 2007 9:43PM]

I just use a backpack for all my stuff, I think its from the Eddie Bauer store. It has a special compartment for my notebook; Fujitsu T4215. I put my DS, Archos 604wifi, Sansa E280, calculator (I'm a student), and anything else I use day to day in the smaller compartments. If I'm flying, I pile in the bag that houses my bose headphones and stuff other things in there like usb cables and the like.

[Suzanne Shea @ May 3rd 2007 9:49PM]

I've been using various Waterfield bags for years. sfbags.com
They are tough as nails but look nice, and are also pretty lightweight. I've used the Vertigo
(http://www.sfbags.com/products/vertigo/vertigo.htm) as a purse, especially on travel. I just looked and they have a new bag called the Sling that might also fit the bill well. (http://www.sfbags.com/products/slingbag/sling.htm)

[Galley @ May 4th 2007 7:42AM]

Another vote for WaterField Designs gear. I have a VertiGo for my MacBook, and an iPod Gear Pouch for the accessories. I also have a smaller pouch for a portable hard drive.

[Gross Greg @ May 3rd 2007 9:58PM]

seamus d dog - you beat me to it!! Timbuk2 makes tough, great-looking bags in a huge variety of styles and colors. If you get lucky, you can snag one on closeout from Sierra Trading Post (www.sierratradingpost.com). If you're lucky and smart, you can look up a free shipping code and save a boatload of money.

...and no, I don't work for either company.

[austin @ May 3rd 2007 10:14PM]

If I were xx, I'd check at acmemade.com and matramba.com.br

The latter is kind of a hip bag (NOT a fanny pack) that looks pretty functional. The site is in Portugese, so you'll just have to guess & click.

[PEZ @ May 3rd 2007 10:17PM]

What I suggest all you manBorads to do is, go buy a nice expensive camera bag. Something from Sony or Canon, and use that for your frigging purse.

I DO IT!

[Sean @ May 3rd 2007 10:24PM]

The MetroSafe 300 or the smaller MetroSafe 200 might fit your bill both from http://www.pacsafe.com

[jptech @ May 3rd 2007 10:25PM]

wear some cargo pants nancy!

[Jabagi Kok @ May 4th 2007 2:04AM]

Can't believe nobody mentioned:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/bags/9190/
&
http://www.thinkgeek.com/apparel/hoodies/9031/ (this one is prohibitively expensive though..)

[Dustin @ May 4th 2007 3:39AM]

I'd have to second the recommendation on Timbuk2 bags, great bag co. out of San Francisco. But, instead of the "metro" they have another great one called the "blogger" (very appropriate, no?)

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/catalog.htm?categoryId=85&skusetId=157

[gadjitfreek @ May 4th 2007 4:44AM]

I use a Victorinox Travel Companion 2-Way Carry Horizontal Tote. It can hold my notebook (OQO 02), Treo 700p and Garmin GPS60CS in the main compartment, my Canon SD700IS digcam, Sanyo Xacti C6 SD camcorder, Kestrel 4000 weather meter, 3 SD cards, spare batteries for the Treo and Sanyo cam, an SD USB card reader, earbuds and iPod Nano in the second compartment, Tic Tacs, my pill case, retractable USB and Treo cables, retractable Treo earbuds in the front compartment. It can be worn over the shoulder or on the waist...it has a ratcheting system that allows for many angles of carry. I reviewed it at
http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/review/victorinox_travel_companion_2_way_carry_horizontal_tote

[Remko @ May 4th 2007 5:17AM]

In my experience, Crumpler (http://www.crumplerbags.com/) builds pretty decent bags. They are a bit expensive but the quality and the 'feel' of the used materials is very good. I personally use a small bag for my digital camera, but when I'm in need for a new bag I will almost certainly buy one from these guys...

[Andy Polaine @ May 4th 2007 5:19AM]

Simple Shoes do nice and sustainable stuff too: http://www.simpleshoes.com/bagLanding.aspx?g=bags

[JaRoy Gilmer @ May 4th 2007 6:35AM]

I would have to go with the bags from Jack Spade, by Andy Spade, married to Kate Spade.

I went with the 10" vertical messenger bag
http://www.jackspade.com/shop/product.php?productid=19609&cat=254&sku=CH9616764A201

Holds the Casio cam, nano 1g, cell, and enough sharpies to not be dangerous. Gave the GB Micro to some random kid though, this was before the bag and my pockets were full. His mother thought it was stolen, and sold my palm to some guy I work with T|X for 50 bucks.

I HAVE A BAG NOW I WANT MY CRAP BACK!!!

[Harry @ May 4th 2007 9:14AM]

Look at some of the bags made by Tumi

[Jess @ May 4th 2007 10:46AM]

You might try looking at Nine West bags. Many of their purses have lots of organizational pockets to fit your gear, and they are well-made and stylish to boot. You can find them at a significant discount at Ross or TJMaxx (usually about $20-30 per bag instead of $50-100) or you can find them at a Nine West store or department store. I have also had good luck with Kathy Van Zeeland as well. I use a tote bag of hers to carry around my laptop and other stuff for work.

I struggle all the time with finding feminine looking cases and bags to tote around all my stuff--a 12" G4 iBook, Nintendo DS, PDA phone, iPod, chargers, and now my new analog hobby, knitting. :-) I may definitely have to check out those Jordana Paige bags...they are super cute!

[Brad @ May 4th 2007 10:47AM]

Sorry, I don't have a website to promote.. :-)

[Bazza @ May 4th 2007 11:44AM]

Try this http://www.greatpockets.com/index.php , they have a great selection for a person of your luggage. Affordable prices and i think they give you a cool free gift with your first purchase.

You will like it.

[Jonathan @ May 4th 2007 1:37PM]

WaterField Designs are hands-down the best of the best.

You won't find better quality, customer service or style anywhere. I have several of their bags--love every one of them. The Cargo is my all time favorite:

http://www.sfbags.com/products/cargo/cargo.htm . Unbelievably cool.

Here's a good thread on the man-bag topic. It's the thread that first sent me in the direction of Gary WaterField's bags. http://ganley.org/bags/bags.html

[dakry @ May 4th 2007 3:14PM]

I use a black version of the "jack bauer bag."

Has enough room for my cell, ipod, digital camera, glasses and lunch with enough room for a laptop if I wanted it.

You can find it for around $16 on ebay or amazon

http://thesatchelpages.com/where-to-buy-jack-bauers-24-hour-messenger-bag/

[schuyler @ May 4th 2007 7:37PM]

I have a wii bag (I dont use it for a wii) that I carry all my stuff in. It has enough room to hold my ds, psp, gba, camera, phone, chargers, a controller and a few game cases. It is also padded so none of my stuff gets screwed up.

[Diddle @ May 7th 2007 3:51AM]

Been using this for a couple of years, perfect for all my gadgets and only $21!
http://tinyurl.com/3y37ht

Mountain Equipment Co-Op strikes again! :)

[Alexcat @ May 7th 2007 10:07PM]

Made in the USA- San Francisco to be exact

www.sfbags.com

protective laptop sleeves for all models and a I found a stylin DS lite case.

A+ customer service. a rarity online (and offline) these days.

Cheers on your bag search!