Recommendations - Men's Messenger Bag or Satchel

illogicalerror on 06/09/2024 - 11:15

So it's ended up that I'm carrying handfuls of stuff around and I need a manbag. I looked around and am kind of at an impasse as to what is representing quality and value in the available range and what represents high google ad expenditure and fashion label profits.

This looks alright for a leather bag
https://www.greenwoodleather.com.au/products/smart-messenger…
But I was unable to really tell about the product. They should have kept padding their reviews rather than stopped, it's a bad look all around

Cheaper canvas bag satchel looks like less expectations, potentially less disappointment
https://www.armyandoutdoors.com.au/products/vintage-one-pock…

This is going for a great price, but I'm not sure if this is too large. Maybe I should be grabbing it while I can?
https://www.phonebot.com.au/dbramante-messenger-bag-14-inch-…

Anyone got suggestions about a good mens bag or satchel? Maybe done this same journey and have some advice?

Thanks

Fashion & Apparel Sling Bag

Comments

  • Namtrac on 06/09/2024 - 11:23
    +6

    Any Crumpler bag. I've had a messenger bag for years and love it, takes my laptop and everything else I need.

    • Presence on 06/09/2024 - 12:23

      I've been using the same Crumpler backpack daily since 2014, (and even on a bike through Winter for 5 years) and is still in great condition.

      I dunno what the fabric they use is, but its extremely hard wearing.

    • Halo375 on 06/09/2024 - 12:46

      Agreed - Crumpler messenger bags are a great choice.

  • Duckie2hh on 06/09/2024 - 11:40

    Depends if you like to carry the bag by hand, over the shoulder or backpack style?

    • illogicalerror on 06/09/2024 - 11:50

      By hand and/or over the shoulder. I already have a backpack if I need to go that big. I just need something to carry my planner, phone, wallet, vape, glasses, keys, etc. so I don't have my hands full going to and from work and places.

  • freefall101 on 06/09/2024 - 12:08

    I bought my partner a greenwood bag for her birthday. Shipped very quickly (received 2 days after ordering) and the quality is good. So much marketing fluff though, got a few emails about doing instagram pics with the bag, requests for reviews, etc though.

    Personally I just use cheap little backpacks. But then my last job I carried around two laptops (one a workstation one) so I got very used to my cheap Vaupan bag off Amazon and my leather messenger bag stayed in the closet. It has held up like a champ despite the abuse I give it.

  • skinner on 06/09/2024 - 12:17
    +1

    Not a fan of leather bags so canvas gets my vote. I used a cheap one from eBay that lasted years. Looked similar to this: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/186092591751.

  • jv on 06/09/2024 - 13:28
    -4

    Men's Messenger Bag or Satchel

    👜

  • rumblytangara on 06/09/2024 - 13:35

    Pedant alert- neither of those leather options are messenger bags. Messenger bags are designed for bike couriers, and if you do the straps up properly you can carry a lot of the weight on your lower back. Those shoulder bags will only load one shoulder- personally I find this causes a fair bit of discomfort if worn heavy and for any decent length of time.

    I use a Timbuktu messenger bag, similar design to Crumpler.

  • Dlw on 06/09/2024 - 16:57

    Just buy pants that have more pockets.

  • AustriaBargain on 06/09/2024 - 17:50
    +1

    Out of those, the leather one, but in "sandal" colour. Though for a little more money you can get one made of a higher grade of leather than "genuine leather". Thick quality leather should last decades and develop a cool colour over time, the kind of thing you'd expect Indiana Jones to wear.

  • bmxr on 06/09/2024 - 17:53

    I bought a lifetime supply (x4 - hoping they last me 5 years each with every work day use) of this satchel - https://www.statusanxiety.com.au/products/risking-all-black?…

  • gakko on 06/09/2024 - 22:13

    Crumpler for the win. Melbourne invention and superior besides.

  • BigBirdy on 07/09/2024 - 09:16

    For smaller sized shoulder bag, suitable for phone, wallet, book, maybe an iPad Mini, I have a nice secure one I bought at Aldi 3-4 years ago. I use it motorcycling. I don’t think Aldi sell them anymore, but Google shows some nice looking ones from Temu. AliExpress probably have similar

  • bbinc on 07/09/2024 - 09:48

    I’ve had a Mandarina Duck smallish over the shoulder bag for 20yrs or so for the same purpose as you. It does fit an iPad mini. Can’t tell it’s not still brand new. I did buy it in Italy where they have a wider range of men’s bags, but I found this in Sydney https://www.sydneyluggage.com.au/products/mandarina-duck-war…
    They aren’t cheap, but are light, stylish and well made.

  • illogicalerror on 07/09/2024 - 18:03

    Thanks for your responses everyone. I appreciate it.

    It seemed like a pretty popular option so I grabbed a Crumpler bag.

    • Equus on 10/11/2024 - 16:37

      Which Crumpler bag did you end up getting? I am in a similar situation.

      • illogicalerror on 11/11/2024 - 09:57

        Comfort Zone (small). It's big enough to put all the junk I was sick of carrying around with plenty of room to spare. Noticeably high quality, I was really impressed from the moment I saw it. One of those times where I feel like the price was justified.

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