10 Of The Most Versatile Men's Bag

The key to buying a good bag is knowing exactly what you want it to do in the first place. Need something to get your laptop to meetings in one piece? You’ll need a leather briefcase. Need something to cart your sweat gym gear home? A nylon or cotton barrel bag’s your best bet.

But what if you want your bag to do more? What if – having discovered that neon camo drawstring bag isn’t exactly what you’d call a ‘hit’ at boardroom meetings – you need a bag that works everywhere? Or at least for more than just stowing a pair of swimshorts in?

To save you dropping wads on bags that won’t pull their weight, we rounded up some of the best styles to take you from work to workout and more.

Mi-Pac Classic Backpack

A backpack isn’t just for high school – it’s for life. Especially if you’d rather not spend a chunk of yours hunched over in a chiropractor’s waiting room.

This one, from British brand Mi-Pac, comes in brown and navy, AKA the ultimate smart-casual colour combo. Wear it to the office (yes, it’s got a dedicated laptop compartment), or for a weekend getaway.

Available at Mi-Pac

Ralph Lauren Polo Sport Nylon Duffle Bag

Versatile needn’t mean black or brown leather. This dome-shaped duffle, made from durable nylon, makes perfect sense if your style skews more athleisure than actuary. Plus, bonus points for its bang-on-trend quilting.

Available at Ralph Lauren

Harvest Label Brick Urban Sling Pack

Like those cross body bags you’ve seen every grime fan sporting, but want something that reads less ‘roadman’? Check this ‘sling pack’ from Japanese brand Harvest Label – a smart blend of everything’s that good about a messenger, backpack and cross body rolled into one.

With three interior pockets in addition to its three zipped main zipped compartments, it’s got plenty of stashing space.

Available at Urban Outfitters

R.M. Williams RMW City Medium Overnight Bag

With almost a century’s experience in built-to-last footwear, Australian brand R.M. Williams has set its sights on the leather accessories market, launching a collection that combines tough-as-nails construction with a luxury finish.

This overnighter – crafted from pebbled cowhide leather, and featuring a contrast suede lining – is a stand-out. Subtle, sturdy and supremely finished, it’ll take you pretty much everywhere in style.

Available at R.M.Williams

Graf Lantz 1951 Carrier

LA duo Graf Lantz’s extra-large tote lets you carry a lot in its roomy 15″W x 17″H x 6″D interior, including a little piece of history: the bag itself is made from rare 6″ military webbing that dates all the way back to 27 February, 1951.

Available at Graf Lantz

ASOS Barrel Bag

More than just somewhere to chuck your trainers, a low-profile barrel bag – like this one from ASOS – makes a solid, sportier alternative to the classic leather holdall.

Available at ASOS

Want Les Essentiels Kastrup Backpack

Constructed using premium leather and breathable mesh, American brand Want Les Essentiels de la Vie’s backpack can take a beating.

Not that the Kastrup looks rough – in fact its bias-cut front pocket and subtle stitched leather logo give its utilitarian shape a sleek and sophisticated edge that makes it ideal for wearing with smarter looks.

Available at Want Les Essentiels

Cambridge Satchel Company Classic Batchel

Gimmicky portmanteau names aside, the Cambridge Satchel Company’s batchel is an all-time classic.

Handmade in Britain, it’s got all the hallmarks of a bag that’s built to last – from its goes-with-everything deep damson colour to a 100 per cent leather and brass construction.

Available at Cambridge Satchel

Ted Baker Small Clipper Holdall

Not every business trip needs a roller bag. Ted Baker’s Clipper holdall combines travel-friendly capacity with a design that’s every inch the suited professional – from its leather-style handles to a fabric body that takes its cue from the brand’s tailoring collection.

What’s more, its convenient size and comfortable double top handles mean you won’t feel like you’re carting a cadaver around.

Available at Harvey Nichols

Nudie Jeans Mattsson Patched Denim Tote

Swedish jeans authority Nudie knows denim doesn’t just mean trousers. Alongside its ever-expanding roster of skinny, slim and straight-leg fits, you’ll find pieces like this 100 per cent organic denim bag too.

Quite possibly menswear’s toughest tote.

Available at Nudie Jeans

Credit: Cillian O'Connor

What Makes a Bag a Perfect Everyday Carry?

Some style choices require more careful deliberation than others. Just like shorts and bow ties, backpacks should be approached with some degree of consideration. Opting for a bag that suggests classroom rather than boardroom can throw off an otherwise confident look. For a distinct, grown-up pack, go with a classic design kitted out with premium materials. Functional and stylish, here's why the this is the perfect everyday carry.

It goes with everything

Versatility is key. Being your everyday carry bag of choice means the ability to pair it with almost any outfit, from shearling to short sleeves, patterns to perfectly worn denim.

It's the right size

Too big and a backpack will look like a it wandered off the Appalachian Trail; too small and it'll look like it escaped from a field trip. At nearly 12 inches wide and almost 20 inches high, this one presents enough cargo space for busy modern lives without looking overstuffed or losing its shape. Throw in all your daily essentials, from a laptop to gym gear, and still have room to spare.

It has a smart shape

Before zipper-top designs became the norm, backpacks opened from the top with a buckled flap covering the opening. One part classic styling, one part considered proportions, the bag features a versatile rectangular main shape with outdoor-inspired symmetrical side pockets.

It's durable

In addition to the sturdy fabric interior, the exterior is the mark of a backpack that has school in its rearview mirror. Glove-tanned leather that's durable yet buttery smooth is an indicator of the craftsmanship and quality. Over time, it will age uniquely, telling a story all its own.

It has style chops

Classic pieces are best when there are a few fresh aesthetic details thrown in. The Gotham takes the right amount of risk, offering a hint of contrasting color on the straps and stitching. The variation sets off the rich texture of the leather and makes for an eye-catching, modern accessory.

It has handy outside pockets

On the Gotham, the main compartment includes includes a laptop sleeve, a zippered section perfect for chargers, and a crucial key clip. But it's the exterior pockets that are really great when you need something in a pinch. Magnetic button closures offer quick access while keeping the classic styling in check.

It doubles as a briefcase

There are plenty of times a backpack won't be worn on your back. Whether you're in a crowded subway or elevator, or just accessing the pockets, a sturdy handle is essential. The Gotham's thick leather handle makes carrying the bag as comfortable as wearing it.

It doesn't skimp on the details

Craftsmanship aficionados know that the best pieces set themselves apart in the details. Between heavy contrast stitching and sturdy metal hardware, the Gotham shows its premium character in every detail.

Credit: Esquire for Coach 1941

Top 5 Bag Styles for Men

Choosing men bags can be confusing and intimidating.

As with any element of style, the bag you carry should be functional and appropriate for your lifestyle and fit comfortably and naturally within your personal style.

Here, I broke down my five favorite styles of bags for men, in no particular order.

1. The Briefcase

If your lifestyle calls for you to carry a computer and/or documents, this is your best friend.

For a casual business outfit I like a more rugged canvas briefcase. It looks just as good with a shirt and tie as it does with a sweater and jeans. The alternative is a messenger bag, which in my opinion is less convenient and looks more feminine.

If your day-to-day is a little more corporate, go with a sharp leather briefcase that can keep up with your power suits. Like this one:

2. The Medium-Sized Duffle

For the gym-gooers to keep their gear.

For the light packers who only carry-on.

For anyone, like me, who lives in a big city and gets around all day without a car. It’s the trunk for us on the subway.

 

3. The Tote

For those who are hauling supplies – books, notepads, art stuff, camera equipment, ipods, lunch, etc.

This style looks the most feminine of the bunch (especially in a smaller size) so I recommend sticking with a rugged fabric and wearing it in.

I find myself grabbing this tote often because it’s so easy – I can throw anything and everything in one big compartment but keep items that need easy-access separate in the front pockets.

It’s also nice that the handles are long enough to wear over the shoulder, as shown here:

4. The Backpack

For the casual guys, for the students, for the bike riders.

Hands free, no fuss.

5. The Carry-On

For the travelers.

There is plenty of variety here. As with any style selection, you should find what works best for you.

We are men. We are practicality-oriented and have specific preferences, especially when we travel.

The most practical (and durable) luggage is a wheeled hardcase (like a classic Globe-Trotter, for example). It protects the shape of your merchandise and lightens the burden of carrying.

I don’t know what it is, but I’ve never been a wheeled luggage guy. Maybe it’s because I’m a notoriously light packer (believe it or not), or maybe it’s from hauling so many bails of hay on the farm as a kid, or maybe it’s because I studied psychology… There is something much more optimistic and satisfying about packing only what I need and carrying it with me rather than packing everything I want and dragging it behind me.

Nevertheless, this is about the biggest big I carry. I could pack for 2 weeks in this thing (it’s all about versatility), and any longer than that I would find a laundromat.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Credit: Dan Trepanier