laptop bags

Ask the MB: A Leather Laptop Bag That's Suitable for Travel

April 28, 2014

Q: First off - thanks a lot for all the tips!! Great stuff!!

I am out hunting for a great laptop bag in the under-$500 region. I really like the looks of the Billykirk schoolboy satchel, but it doesn't serve my purpose since I fly a lot for work, and the lack of any zippers and additional pockets makes it painful. Could you provide me with a few MB recommendations for a laptop (13 inch laptop and an iPad) bag which is also utility focused (a couple of zippered pockets, no belt buckles - takes too long at the airport, has a strap to attach to a stroller handle). Also I would like it to be sleek (I don't care for laptop padding - don't like the bulk) and would prefer it not being made with nylon. I wear open collar suits to work and am 26, so I would prefer it not being too college like but also not something my dad would use.

I know its a lot of requirements. Is there anything out there?
—TJ

A: If there's one domain where a senseless lack of utility loses a little bit of its gravitational pull on our hearts, it's airports. Translation: Sure, we get that you need fewer buckles and more pockets than the Schoolboy has to offer when, say, you're trying to make a connection at O'Hare.

For business travel luggage, we like Mandarina Duck. Much of its product incorporates nylon and other synthetics — but note that we're talking Italian synthetics here, and "avant-garde" synthetics at that.

For your purposes, we're going to point you toward the Sistema Workbag. A mix of leather, cotton, and polyurethane, it's as functional as it is sleek — lightweight, compact, but spacious enough for your electronics, with a suitably sub-divided main compartment and an exterior pocket as well.

Taking its aesthetic cues from 80s-era post-modern design, it has nary a whiff of the Ivy League or Dad's study about it. But it will continue to deliver timeless on-the-go style in today's airports, tomorrow's airports, and probably in whatever the 22nd century's architects dream up too.

At only $219, it's well under your price range — but that just mean you'll have more to spend on drinks and car service on your next trip.

Earlier: Ask the MB: Leather Bag for 21-Year-Old's Birthday

Ask the MB: 17 Inch Laptop Bag

July 23, 2009

Q: I used to carry my 15 inch laptop in a black leather John Varvatos shoulder bag (pictured) with an added padded sleeve for protection. However due to work reasons I moved up to the 17 inch laptop. The ugly stick smacks incredibly hard on the choices for what to carry around a 17 inch laptop around in, and I dislike wearing backpacks. Any suggestions of what may be acceptable. My only thought is that I may have to go back to the 15 inch laptop for my dignity.
--Bruce

A: Bruce, you're answering your own question. (And, man, we love those types of questions. Ask us another!) The fact that you can't find a stylish bag for a 17" laptop, well, the universe is telling you something. Allow us to translate: The only people who regularly lug around 17-inch laptops are thieves stealing 17-inch laptops. They usually use a burlap sack. We recommend you stick with a 15-inch laptop or smaller, and regain your lost dignity. Not to mention, the bag you already own is fucking gorgeous.

Ask the MB -- Jack Spade Bags

August 28, 2008

Jack Spade Messenger Bag via Barney's Co-Op, $150.00 — Jack Spade Messenger Bag via Barney's Co-Op. $150.00.

Q: What do you think of the Jack Spade bags?
--Bry

A: Hard to argue with the clean lines of Jack Spade bags. We suppose you can cut off that logo, with sharp cuticle scissors and steady hand. Bigger problem is, these things are everywhere, so they don't pass muster on the MB principle of exclusivity/obscurity.

Ask the MB -- Collegiate Messenger Bag

August 19, 2008

XN Vertical Messenger via Flight 001, $72.00 — XN Vertical Messenger via Flight 001. $72.00.

Q: So college starts soon, and I'd like a new bag. I really like messenger bags, but most of them are so UN-magnificent. What should this bastard buy for school? By the way, just discovered this site about a week ago, and it's one of my new favorites!
--John

A: John, normally we would recommend something from Mandarina Duck or Knomo, but since you're in college, we'd rather see you spend your money on beer, grass, and condoms. Not necessarily in that order. For a cool messenger bag on a budget that no one else will own (that also holds a laptop), try this XN Vertical Messenger from one of our favorites, Flight 001. Currently 30% off clearance.

Ask the MB -- Sprucing Up the Boyfriend

June 12, 2008

Y'S MANDARINA BRIEFCASE via Flight 001, $279.99 — Y'S MANDARINA BRIEFCASE via Flight 001. $279.99.

Q: I've been trying to spruce up the boyfriend for a while now, and it's time for a new messenger bag for him. Do you have any suggestions for a good laptop bag? Thanks in advance.
--Lauren

A: Lauren, first of all, congratulations to you. If you're wondering about laptop bags, a lot of quality "sprucing up" has presumably already been successful, like his personal furnishing, grooming, tie knot, and footwear choices.

An entire section of this web site should be devoted to laptop bags, but until then, the first place we always look for something special is Flight 001. Luckily for you (and your even luckier boyfriend) they currently have this Mandarina Duck briefcase, on sale, designed by Yohji Yamamoto. If you've ever been in contact with luggage from Mandarina Duck, you know there's nothing quite like its fit and finish.

Good luck and keep us posted on how the project is coming along.