Need a backpack for the working man

[pete6032]

I take public transportation to work every day and trudge about a mile through rain, sleet, snow, below zero in the winter and 90+ during the summer. My work is strictly business professional attire. I need a backpack to carry my work shoes, lunch, work papers, etc. in. My college backpack doesn't seem to fit the professional attire that the office has. Can anyone recommend an affordable bag with professional style?

I know I'm not the only working slug on this board taking the subway every day.

 

[Platypus]

I use trains but I don't need a 'professional' bag (whatever that means...) in my line of work luckily. I use a timbuk2 messenger bag. http://www.rei.com/media/dd/81d5643c-e907-49e4-a4eb-40a007402ccf.jpg

The make them in all black which might fly for you.. otherwise keneth cole reaction has some cheap leatherish type cases. I don't know if you're going to find a professional backpack.

My timbuk2 has lasted 13 years without any noticeable sign of wear/tear so I feel confident recommending them. I have the laptop version which has a nice little sleeve for a laptop and tablet. It's also big enough for a lot of camera gear/lenses so you should be able to get shoes and whatever else into one.

 

[Carson Dyle]

Timbuk2 is a good start, but if he wants a backpack here's a 30 liter bag. They also have other sizes.

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/uptown-tsa-friendly-laptop-backpack

 

[Ns1]

I rock this guy; would recommend.

http://www.amazon.com/Samsonite-Xeno...ggage+backpack

 

[gotsmack]

I use trains but I don't need a 'professional' bag (whatever that means...) in my line of work luckily. I use a timbuk2 messenger bag. http://www.rei.com/media/dd/81d5643c-e907-49e4-a4eb-40a007402ccf.jpg

The make them in all black which might fly for you.. otherwise keneth cole reaction has some cheap leatherish type cases. I don't know if you're going to find a professional backpack.

My timbuk2 has lasted 13 years without any noticeable sign of wear/tear so I feel confident recommending them. I have the laptop version which has a nice little sleeve for a laptop and tablet. It's also big enough for a lot of camera gear/lenses so you should be able to get shoes and whatever else into one.

i have a very similar bag made by the same company. I hope you don't like your pants because that nylon is going to make your pants pill like crazy, in that one spot it always rests on.

Go with a backpack.

 

[IronWing]

 

[Capt Caveman]

i have a very similar bag made by the same company. I hope you don't like your pants because that nylon is going to make your pants pill like crazy, in that one spot it always rests on.

Go with a backpack.

I have a custom made one that I take to work via bus or when I bike. I wear mine diagonally across my back, kind of like wearing a backpack on one shoulder but more secure since have the bag strap across my chest diagonally. It's never touching my pants.

Like this:

Note, with custom made one's you can select different colors of faux leather but the nice thing is that you still have a waterproof liner inside to protect a laptop/tablet if you ever got caught in the rain.

 

[Ns1]

Like this:

nice, a chrome bag to carry all your PBR in =P

 

[Platypus]

i have a very similar bag made by the same company. I hope you don't like your pants because that nylon is going to make your pants pill like crazy, in that one spot it always rests on.

Go with a backpack.

never, ever had that problem personally.

 

[Mai72]

 

[Imp]

Backpack + professional attire just don't match. I've seen people in wear backpacks in suits, and no matter how nice the bag is, they either look like they're about to rob a bank...

Oversized messenger bag, leather duffle bag, or briefcase are what I'd look at. However, they will feel nowhere near as comfortable as a backpack.

 

[The_Dude8]

here yall go $35:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/focused...e=1&siteId=lw9MynSeamY-qZYWVmqTiIg1wjeImEwquA

timbuk2 messenger/ backpack for $68, free shipping from nordy:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/timbuk2...m_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_A

timbuk2 has lifetime warranty on all their bags.

 

[twinrider1]

Is your situation such that you could leave a few pair of dress shoes at work?

 

[William Gaatjes]

Maybe something like this ?

http://shop.samsonite.com/Samsonite...archPage=1&searchRank=salesrank&searchSize=12

 

[xSauronx]

another vote for timbuk2. they have messengers and backpacks. Ive abused the 2 i have and they are still in damn decent shape. you can get them half price pretty easy if you look around, but even the retail price is hard to argue with considering the way they are put together, imo.

 

[coolpurplefan]

Obus Forme. I would look for their 35 liter capacity ones for a decent amount of space inside. I also own a smaller one for times I don't need to haul that much.

For whatever reason, they seem to have unlisted models in certain stores. So you have to look around to find out what they really offer.

 

[routerguy]

I have a custom made one that I take to work via bus or when I bike. I wear mine diagonally across my back, kind of like wearing a backpack on one shoulder but more secure since have the bag strap across my chest diagonally. It's never touching my pants.

Like this:

Note, with custom made one's you can select different colors of faux leather but the nice thing is that you still have a waterproof liner inside to protect a laptop/tablet if you ever got caught in the rain.

I heard that wearing the pack diagonally like that messes up your back.

 

[Kaido]

I have an Ogio Metro backpack (a zillion pockets + padded laptop section) that works great for me at work. I don't know if they make it anymore, but here's their current product line:

http://ogio.com/backpacks

I've seen a huge shift from messenger bags to nice-looking backpacks in the workplace, lots of business professionals are switching to them for strain relief. Thank goodness. My shoulder was killing me before!

 

[phucheneh]

The Samsonite ones looks like about the best you're gonna get. I was going to mock it, 'cause I thought it was made of leather at first. But it looks very functional and discreet.

I'd still rather have a messenger bag, though. Especially on public transport. Easy to fuck with a bag on somebody's back.

 

[Imp]

I heard that wearing the pack diagonally like that messes up your back.

Not sure about that, but when I see people wearing messenger bags like that, I wonder why they didn't just get a backpack or an actual sling bag.

 

[phucheneh]

I'll do that temporarily so the bag doesn't hit stuff. But not walk around that way.

That's why I like messenger bags. Can be smoothly manipulated for optimum maneuvering and/or not getting shit stolen out of it. Eff taking a backpack on and off.

 

[killster1]

That lady looks anything bur professional. .. get a briefcase backpack anf carry it by its handle when u get to work... how am i only one to say this? Thrre is thousand diff ones im not gunna search for you

 

[dbk]

http://www.amazon.com/SwissGear-Comp...dp/B0019M9EPK/

 

[Ksyder]

I use this currently:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834991535

It very large, holds a ton of stuff and includes a rain cover. Also has a small zip bag that fits inside which I use to hold toiletries, but its meant for small electronics/cables, etc. Kinda pricey but I like it. Not crazy about the orange interior but it is meant to be contrast-y so you can easily find items.

edit- sorry I see OP wanted affordable, I don't think that this is, but I justified mine because I use my bag every day for usually a few years at least so I think it is worth it over time.

 

[Imp]

I'll do that temporarily so the bag doesn't hit stuff. But not walk around that way.

That's why I like messenger bags. Can be smoothly manipulated for optimum maneuvering and/or not getting shit stolen out of it. Eff taking a backpack on and off.

I agree. I usually keep my bag on my right side and keep my hand on it to maneuver it through a crowd or tight spaces. Putting it behind me results in constantly bumping into the bag unless I pull it high enough, like in the picture, so it functions more like a backpack. The weight imbalance and strap across the chest are annoying though, so I prefer not to carry anything. Nowadays, my messenger only comes out during the summer when I don't have to wrangle the strap around my coat.