I got the manbag blues

You guys have put a bug in my ear now on bags. Looking at the 5.11 Traveler. Might be something you might be interested in. I just got the Rush MOAB 6 and it seems well made. Too small for your purpose, but well made. I need essentially a safe brief case and general carry bag for a laptop and all the laptop junk (charger, cords, memory sticks, pens and pencils, back up hard drive, etc.). The prices are pretty fair.

Added: This bag may be a bit utilitarian for you or perhaps too tactical looking.
 
Last edited:
Timbuk2 has put out a next generation version of their classic messenger bag. You can even customize the colors and features.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
I've been using the Frost River Carrier Brief messenger Bag.
https://www.frostriver.com/shop/carrier-brief-messenger-bag/
Click to expand...
I recently ordered the Premium version of this bag, and I hate to say I'm at least a little disappointed in it.

First, it's much smaller than I expected. In all fairness they provide the dimensions of the bag on the website and they appear accurate. In the photograph on the website however it looks much larger than it realy is. Either there were some photoshop shenanigans involved or they were using a 12 year old to model the pack. Due to the actual size it's to small to carry any laptop, although it will be great for an iPad or other tablet device.

My second issue may be just because I'm a larger than average individual but IMO the shoulder strap is much to short. For cross body carry I'd prefer the strap was at least 12 inches longer. As it is, it rids uncomfortably high under my arm.

All that said, it's a classy looking bag made with obvious quality and will probably last for many, many years.
 
One of the big points for me was the size. I've got several bags, including some almost too big to carry. I wanted a run-around bag for a few gear items and room for lunch and coffee. :)

You must be really big. When I let the strap out, the bag hangs way down. If you like it otherwise, you might be able to get them to put a longer strap on it.
 
I love my rotcho small travel bag.
I have it strapped to my knife bag and keep my sharpening stones in it with other stuff.
It has 2 main compartments, and clip pocket, small zippered pocket and pen slots on the side. It was under $20 if I remember correctly.
20140408_152917_zps668427af.jpg

And just ordered this..
Screenshot_2014-04-08-14-48-17_zps7df3f194.png
 
The 5.11 Traveler bag will handle the 15" laptops. It is almost too large for me, but I like it.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
One of the big points for me was the size. I've got several bags, including some almost too big to carry. I wanted a run-around bag for a few gear items and room for lunch and coffee. :)
Click to expand...
And it's good for that. Honestly, the size is probably good for my EDC use 90%of the time. I was previously using a book bag/day pack that was quite a bit larger so I may just be spoiled for size.

You must be really big. When I let the strap out, the bag hangs way down. If you like it otherwise, you might be able to get them to put a longer strap on it.
Click to expand...
When I carry it over one shoulder with the strap let out all the way, the bag rides about waist level. Carried cross body the bag rests completely above my belt line, which I don't find the most comfortable location.

It may be worth contacting Frost Line to see if they could put a longer strap on my bag. Thanks for the suggestion. :-)
 
Maxpedition still makes the neat freak http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/NEATFREAK-ORGANIZER-26p58.htm and it's a great organizer.

I highly recommend the Maxpedition Mongo Versapack. http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/MONGO-VERSIPACK-40p1332.htm

It's very comfortable, has hook and loop in the front and rear CCW pouch. Has a generous cargo area. The top clam shell pouch perfectly holds a cell phone and wallet for quick access. And the bottle pouch can accommodate a 2 liter soda bottle, one of the large 2 liter gatorade bottles (just barely), and a 64oz Kleen Kanteen steel bottle. Not saying you NEED to carry that much water... but it's nice to have the option. It also has a side slit pouch that is PERFECT for a good sized fixed blade knife. You can nearly conceal something like an ESEE 3 and comfortable carry something with up to a 7" blade without it getting in the way too bad. Mainly the reason I like the Mongo is because it gives you options. I carry a Neat Freak in the main compartment. Keeps all my little things and first aid kit organized but I can pull them out and gain access to them very quickly. And there is still room for my portable hard drive and little odds and ends or a pair of gym shorts or even a light hoodie. Bag sits up on its own and doesn't flop over which is handy. I also keep a simple shoulder strap folded up in the bottom so that if need be and I turn the Neat Freak into a shoulder bag and then fill my main cargo pouch with whatever. One days when I know I will be shopping or picking up lots of mail or paperwork... I'll stuff my EDC Gear Looter in there for a an extra carry option http://www.edcgear.com/index.php?option=com_rokquickcart&view=rokquickcart&Itemid=157 though I think the guy that makes those is taking a break as he got really behind. I waited for my 4 looters for like 8 months.

Check out the Mongo. Like you've I've gone through probably 20 bags that didn't meet my needs. The Mongo is perfect... but I keep coming back to it because it's better than everything else I've tried.

409132613.jpg
 
I was in the same position a few months ago. I was using a Maxpedition Monsoon and it was just too big and didn't offer enough organization for what I needed. I got a sweet deal on a Malaga and that has been pretty much perfect for me. Very compact sling bag that offers a lot of organization. I have an ultraportable laptop that fits perfectly in it, but it'd also be great for an iPad too. it's also completely ambidextrous which made a difference to me since I'm left handed. I would highly recommend it.
 
Steven65 said:
Mark are you looking to carry a laptop or iPad? If not I have been edc'ing a Maxpedition Neatfreak for a number of years now. It is smaller than you are looking for but the clamshell design is brilliant. check it out.
I wish that Maxpedetion would make a bigger version of it which would take an iPad or an iPad mini.
Click to expand...

Me, too. Neatfreak is great.
 
This thread is appreciated, it led me to purchase a Hazard4 Kato, which couldn't be any cooler!!!
P.S. you know you live in a red state when you can't think of a place within 6 hr's drive where you
could safely carry that Beduoin bag :p
 
I picked up the 5.11 MOAB 6 thanks to this thread and I am pretty darn pleased. It holds everything my Sitka did in a much smaller space. Maybe even a bit more. I recommend this bag if you've got the blues...
 
I too recommend Filson bags as they are well made, functional and have a classic style . I quit using Maxpedition, 5.11 and similar bags when I traveled due to the attention they drew from security and LEO and the wasted time that sometimes resulted. The Filson bags only draw compliments. I use a Padded Computer bag #258 as my large laptop bag, a Medium Field Bag #232 as my tablet/EDC bag, a various other bags for optics, luggage, etc. Here is one of my Medium Field bags:

Filson232_zps045af1d3.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top