|
|
Post by matt on Apr 24, 2015 11:36:34 GMT -6
Keeping this separate from the duffle bag discussion. Thinking about work bag options. I've been focusing between Filson's Original Tin Cloth briefcase option to pair up with my G duffle for work travel, but also intrigued by the Ernest Alexander Walker or Crosby British Tan messenger bag options. Any other brands anyone can recommend? I could go the cheaper route of JCrew's offering, but after seeing the higher end options, I'm thinking the extra expense may be worthwhile. |
|
|
|
Post by matt on Apr 27, 2015 9:28:32 GMT -6
Maybe I'll sit tight on this and see when Gustin drops the olive brief case. It's bound to follow.
|
|
|
|
Post by matt on Jun 7, 2015 17:13:12 GMT -6
In light of this wildly popular post  - I figured I would provide a follow-up as my girlfriend was generous enough to buy me two of the bags on my wishlist for my birthday and let me choose which one worked best. My choices - Ona Brixton bag in smoke, and the Ernest Alexander Walker in British tan waxed twill.Images of both can be found here. Ona:
Pros - Love the smoke color paired with the near cordovan-colored strap and leather accents. - I like the "tarnished" gold clips and buckles - it gives the piece a nice aged look. - Option to reconfigure the interior to better support whatever you plan to transfer. - Water-resistant waxed canvas provides a nice add. But, I live in the desert, so rain is not an issue. The perk - the waxed canvas will support the indigo that is bound to rub off from my denim. - Exterior pocket for my water bottle, keys, phone, etc. Cons - Manufactured in the Dominican Republic - The "laptop sleeve" isn't wide enough for my 13" laptop (granted, it's not a new laptop and my transition to a Macbook air or thinner PC would help, but regardless, I would be relegated to the internal main pocket for the laptop. - The interior feels like one big "catch all" and not really someplace that would be optimal for organization EA Walker:Pros - Designed in NY, made in the US - My laptop fits in the designated space! - The options for organization - various pockets and spots for keys, iPad, phone, etc. - Water-resistant waxed twill a nice add that will undoubtedly see a lot of indigo on the backside. - The flap cover actually looks like it will keep any water from getting inside. I couldn't say the same for the Ona. - Sleeker profile (more narrow) Cons - No exterior pocket (not a deal breaker for me) - While I like the leather strap, I think an option similar to Ona's (see pics) would hold up better over time. Maybe I can swap the strap with my G duffel. My gratitude again to my girlfriend for tracking down the Walker bag (no longer in stock at Ernest Alexander). That bag ended up being the winning selection - I like the ability to organize it a little better, while also maintaining a sleek profile and looking great paired up with my olive waxed canvas G duffel when I travel. I think the Ona bag is great for a photographer or for a Mac/iPad-only user. Or perhaps a larger option from Ona, like the Union Street or Astoria, would be a nice option. |
|
|
|
Post by whiskeyriver on Jun 11, 2015 12:41:11 GMT -6
I've had my army green Chrome messenger bag for 13 years and it's still going strong. Can't say enough about it.
|
|
|
|
Post by bugula on Jun 11, 2015 14:05:01 GMT -6
I've had my army green Chrome messenger bag for 13 years and it's still going strong. Can't say enough about it. i'll say something about it... ...they don't make 'em like they used to. |
|
|
|
Post by bentin on Jun 11, 2015 14:09:22 GMT -6
I've had my army green Chrome messenger bag for 13 years and it's still going strong. Can't say enough about it. i'll say something about it... ...they don't make 'em like they used to. Chrome? Mine's about ten years old, also green, with red. Most of the cool folks from Chrome just went across the street to Mission Workshop, if you're looking for top notch quality. |
|
|
|
Post by whiskeyriver on Jun 11, 2015 14:37:13 GMT -6
I've had my army green Chrome messenger bag for 13 years and it's still going strong. Can't say enough about it. i'll say something about it... ...they don't make 'em like they used to. Really? Is that so? Ugh what a bummer. |
|
|
|
Post by exophobe on Jun 11, 2015 14:46:56 GMT -6
I've had my army green Chrome messenger bag for 13 years and it's still going strong. Can't say enough about it. That'd be a good reason to go with Mission Workshop, since that's where the guys that built your Chrome bag are now. |
|
|
|
Post by bugula on Jun 11, 2015 15:17:53 GMT -6
I've had my army green Chrome messenger bag for 13 years and it's still going strong. Can't say enough about it. That'd be a good reason to go with Mission Workshop, since that's where the guys that built your Chrome bag are now. exactly. everyone i know who bikes has switched over to them. i bought my first (and last) chrome bag around three years ago and it was toast six months in. |
|
|
|
Post by bentin on Jun 11, 2015 15:22:08 GMT -6
That'd be a good reason to go with Mission Workshop, since that's where the guys that built your Chrome bag are now. exactly. everyone i know who bikes has switched over to them. i bought my first (and last) chrome bag around three years ago and it was toast six months in. Yikes. Mine has been to about a dozen countries, carried hundreds of bottles of beer and groceries and had every buckle crushed and replaced a number of times. But if it ever dies, it's coming back as a Mission. Unless they go somewhere new. Reminds me a little of the Litespeed -> Merlin -> Lynskey progression. |
|
|
|
Post by whiskeyriver on Jun 11, 2015 16:53:53 GMT -6
exactly. everyone i know who bikes has switched over to them. i bought my first (and last) chrome bag around three years ago and it was toast six months in. Yikes. Mine has been to about a dozen countries, carried hundreds of bottles of beer and groceries and had every buckle crushed and replaced a number of times. But if it ever dies, it's coming back as a Mission. Unless they go somewhere new. Reminds me a little of the Litespeed -> Merlin -> Lynskey progression. Same. Mine's been everywhere and carried everything. Good to know the same people are still making bags. If the Mission people are the ones that made this bag, that's what I'd get next. IF this thing dies. But it doesn't show any signs of doing so anytime soon. |
|
|
|
Post by whiskeyriver on Jun 17, 2015 23:25:21 GMT -6
Before...  After Otter Wax and Obenauf oil...  |
|
|
|
Post by whiskeyriver on Jun 23, 2015 9:43:23 GMT -6
The wax has fully cured and the bag is now in use.  |
|
|
|
Post by metals37 on Jun 23, 2015 20:42:15 GMT -6
The wax has fully cured and the bag is now in use. That looks nice. It should wear in and get even better with use too. |
|
|
|
Post by whiskeyriver on Jun 24, 2015 12:35:21 GMT -6
The wax has fully cured and the bag is now in use. That looks nice. It should wear in and get even better with use too. Thanks! I hope so! |
|
|
|
Post by matt on Jun 25, 2015 20:31:48 GMT -6
That looks nice. It should wear in and get even better with use too. Thanks! I hope so! Did the bag have any indigo discoloring (denim bleed) on it? If so, how did you address that before waxing? I'm debating adding a layer of wax to my Ernest Alexander. |
|
|
|
Post by whiskeyriver on Jun 25, 2015 20:33:51 GMT -6
Did the bag have any indigo discoloring (denim bleed) on it? If so, how did you address that before waxing? I'm debating adding a layer of wax to my Ernest Alexander. Nah, it didn't. The bag doesn't pick up much staining. But even if it did, I'd have kept it and just waxed over it. I like all the stains and dings and discoloring. I'd just wax over it. |
|
|
|
Post by benjaminpersitz on Jul 22, 2015 14:19:56 GMT -6
Can anyone recommend a good all leather briefcase or messenger bag for a laptop? I like the style whiskey river posted, but want all leather.
|
|
|
|
Post by bentin on Jul 22, 2015 14:33:53 GMT -6
Can anyone recommend a good all leather briefcase or messenger bag for a laptop? I like the style whiskey river posted, but want all leather. Made of money, Frank Clegg? Hellbrand makes a pretty cool one too. |
|
|
|
Post by Mowgli on Jul 22, 2015 14:42:45 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by benjaminpersitz on Jul 22, 2015 14:48:23 GMT -6
Can anyone recommend a good all leather briefcase or messenger bag for a laptop? I like the style whiskey river posted, but want all leather. Made of money, Frank Clegg? Hellbrand makes a pretty cool one too. I'd prefer to stay around $300. There are some decent options floating around Etsy that are veg tanned leather and handmade, but they're pretty basic and you never know what you're going to get. |
|
|
|
Post by exophobe on Jul 22, 2015 15:52:56 GMT -6
Made of money, Frank Clegg? Hellbrand makes a pretty cool one too. I'd prefer to stay around $300. There are some decent options floating around Etsy that are veg tanned leather and handmade, but they're pretty basic and you never know what you're going to get. Well, you can wait and see where @stevekas prices his, but at $300 you're going to have a hard time finding anything USA made (and his should probably be priced above that). Take a look at the companies out of Austin, Kendall and Hyde and Satchel and Page. They'll get close to your price-point, but you'll still end up exceeding it by $100 or more. |
|
|
|
Post by benjaminpersitz on Jul 22, 2015 17:22:13 GMT -6
Wow those Kendall and Hyde bags are incredible. That classic satchel and the front pocket messenger look great. Anyone own one?
|
|
|
|
Post by benjaminpersitz on Aug 10, 2015 23:07:01 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by bugula on Aug 11, 2015 6:16:26 GMT -6
thanks for bumping - forgot about this thread and just started looking for a new bag.  considering a teranishi pack vs. a bag/satchel. really like the filson briefcase but it's just too dang bulky for what i need but the look is there. |
|
- I figured I would provide a follow-up as my girlfriend was generous enough to buy me two of the bags on my wishlist for my birthday and let me choose which one worked best. My choices - Ona Brixton bag in smoke, and the Ernest Alexander Walker in British tan waxed twill.
