The older I get, the more particular I become about the type of bag I require for different occasions. There are so many variables to consider: how far is the destination? How long will I be gone? What season is it? What form of transportation will I be taking? Over the years, I’ve narrowed it down to 5 bags that I would highly recommend. I have others as well, but I figured if you have these 5, you’ll be in great shape to conquer whatever voyage you face. Here’s my list of the top 5 bags every man should own:
1. The Messenger Bag
I’ve had this bag (similar) for about 5 or 6 years now, and have used it basically every day to carry my laptop, a book, my insulated coffee mug (similar), and a few other various items. If you commute to work, you need a messenger bag, and this is my favorite. The waxed canvas is very durable and fades nicely over time like a pair of selvedge denim.
2. The Canvas Tote
This Off-White bag came with each pair of the first release of Virgil Abloh’s “The Ten” sneakers a few years back. A tote comes in handy when you have items that don’t fit into your zip-up messenger bag – items like picture frames, or jackets, or other bulky items. The only issue with a tote is that it doesn’t zip up, so if you’re commuting on a subway, I wouldn’t recommend leaving expensive items exposed in the bag as they’re easy for pickpockets to snag.
3. The Adult Duffle Bag
Last year, I was on a plane flying somewhere for work every other week, and learned very quickly that an adult duffle bag, aka a “carry-all,” was a better strategic choice than a carry-on suitcase. My trips were usually only 2 or 3 nights, so I could stuff everything into a bag like this one – the Ted Baker HANDLR. Most of the planes I flew on were very small, so if you had a carry-on suitcase, they made you check it at the gate. With this duffle, however, you could bring it right on and there was usually room to place it in the overhead bin. If the bins were full, it still fit comfortably underneath the seat in front of me.
4. The Carry-On Suitcase
When my trips were longer than 3 nights, I had to bring a suitcase to fit a few extra changes of clothing. My wife bought the Away carry-on (similar), and I’ve ended up using it more than her! I love the sleek, stylish design, and feel very cool when I bring it to the airport. I actually leave the battery charger at home, as they always drill you about it at the gate and it makes me uncomfortable. I never really need it anyways as my phone is always fully charged when I get to the airport.
5. The Weekender Bag
I have always dreamed that if I actually spent a weekend at some fancy bungalow in the Hamptons, this is the bag I would bring. Don’t get me wrong – I have been to the Hamptons plenty of times, and I did utilize this bag, but it just wasn’t for a weekend getaway. The great thing about the Weekender bag is the more you pack it, the better it looks. My J.Crew bag is almost ten years old and has come in very handy over the years for all kinds of excursions. Find a similar model here.
