Ask Engadget: What's the best gadget bag?

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?

[Richard Phillips @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Tote - only way to go...

[snarkey @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Get something from here:

http://www.timbuk2.com/

[Steven Schrab @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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

[KingBoo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[Evan M. Gillman @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

http://www.sfbags.com/

[Chrome Fan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[bob murphy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[John @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[iluxa @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I really like Spire bags:

http://www.spire.com

I have the Endo and love it.

[Iceberg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[Dave @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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

[Dave @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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

[Dave @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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

[CapitolK @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[Iceberg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[Argotnaut @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[Rorschach @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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

[Aaron de Zeeuw @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[Zarufa @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

http://www.crumplerusa.com/

I have the very busy man bag...best bag Ive ever owned. Very good quality.

[Aaron de Zeeuw @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[dj @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I second the Timbuk 2 comment. Strong, durable, custom-made, and good-looking.

[matsimpsk @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[Lee Gibson @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[Scorchedwings @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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/

[Sfred @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[Bill @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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!) :)

[keville @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[saleh @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[Iceberg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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

[MCM @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[jonathan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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/

[Karan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[Noah @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[Henry Zone @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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!

[Efren @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

This one from REI may fit your needs

http://www.rei.com/product/47814909.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_TRAVEL_TOC

[Foo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

The Best:

http://www.jandd.com/search_results.asp?txtsearchParamTxt=&txtsearchParamCat=4&txtsearchParamType=ALL&txtsearchParamMan=ALL&txtsearchParamVen=ALL&txtFromSearch=fromSearch&iLevel=2&subcat=20

[Manhattanite @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[Cy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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

[Manhattanite @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[B. Aguirre @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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

[Brian Benz @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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

[Eion @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[Zarufa @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

http://www.crumplerusa.com/

I have the very busy man bag...best bag Ive ever owned. Very good quality.

[Brian Benz @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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

[Michael Schaefer @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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.

[Doc @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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

[Doc @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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

[Gabe @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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

[Fazal Majid @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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/

[heybales @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

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=