Feature: It's All in the Bag
Not so long ago, if you needed to travel with a notebook, you bought a notebook bag. And if you carried a PDA or cell phone, you slipped them into their own cases.
While bags designed to hold a specific device are still plentiful, a new breed is emerging. Versatile, multipurpose bags, briefcases, and backpacks can accommodate a notebook, PDA, mobile phone, MP3 player, and all of the above. Or they can be used to transport a few articles of clothing, magazines, wallet, keys, water bottles, peppermint tins, a turkey sandwich (hold the mayo), and other essentials.
Here's a look at three multipurpose bags that I tested and recommend: a wheeled carry-on from Tumi, a backpack from Briggs & Riley, and a messenger bag from WaterField. (For notebook bags designed especially for women, see this issue's "Notebooks & Accessories" section.)
Tumi's Wheel-A-Way Boarding Tote
- Price: $395
- Returns: 30 days
- Warranty: Covers defects in materials or workmanship, but not damage from abuse or mishandling.
It's difficult to find a good all-purpose bag that can (a) handle your notebook, PDA, cell phone, a change of clothes, pens, paper, files, and toiletries; (b) roll down the average airplane aisle easily; and (c) fit under most airplane seats.
Measuring 14 by 12.75 by 8.5 inches, Tumi's Wheel-A-Way Boarding Tote (in black ballistic nylon) handles all of the above with style and aplomb. The bag also has a zippered sleeve on the back, so it can be slipped over the telescoping handle of another wheeled bag. But the notebook compartment is smallish, and I'd love to see a water-bottle compartment--and a smaller price tag.
Bonus points: Tumi's Web site provides a list of notebooks the bag can accommodate and an image of the bag that you can rotate.
I own several Tumi pieces. So far, I've had nothing but positive experiences with them. So, if you're a style-conscious business professional who needs a wheeled, versatile notebook bag, look no further.
Briggs & Riley Transcend Backpack
- Price: $124
- Returns: Briggs & Riley doesn't sell online, so it depends on the retailer.
- Warranty: The most generous in the luggage industry. "If your Briggs & Riley bag is ever broken or damaged, even if it was caused by an airline, we will repair it free of charge," according to its Web site. I've used Briggs & Riley's repair service and can vouch for the accuracy of the company's claims.
Along with Tumi, Briggs & Riley is one of my favorite luggage makers. Both produce stylish, rugged, dependable bags with well-thought-out designs.
This new water-repellant backpack is one of Briggs & Riley's more versatile products. You can use it for hiking, going to the beach, or for carrying your gear on a trip. An unusual and ingenious removable, zip-out, neoprene sleeve protects your notebook inside. (The sleeve isn't large enough for bulky desktop replacement models, however.) Neoprene pockets also hold your CD or MP3 player; there's a CD wallet pocket; and you can thread your headphone cord (for listening to said portable music device) through a waterproof eyelet.
The backpack's front pocket includes a fleece-lined slip pocket for eyewear or a cell phone, and another pocket for keys. On either side of the backpack are water-bottle pockets. And here's one of my favorite touches: A rear pocket lets you slide the backpack over a wheeled bag's telescoping handle, for those times when you'd rather not carry the bag on your back.
The backpack measures 16 by 12.5 by 8.5 inches and comes in three colors. I'd prefer a solid black model, which isn't available, but the midnight blue color is nice. Also, the backpack may be a bit too casual to take to a business meeting. All that aside, the Transcend backpack is, well, transcendent.
WaterField Cargo Bag
- Price: $169 to $209, depending on size
- Returns: 30 days
- Warranty: "Limited warranty covers defects encountered in the normal use of the product and does not apply if the product is damaged due to physical abuse, mishandling, accident, animal attack, or negligence, or if the product is altered or modified by the Purchaser in any way. This warranty does not cover the natural breakdown of materials which may occur after extended use of the product."
WaterField's messenger-style Cargo Bags stand out for their airplane seat buckles, a tongue-in-cheek touch sure to appeal to fashionistas. But I also appreciate the bag's versatility. By itself, a WaterField Cargo Bag is a convenient, stylish tote for your cell phone, keys, newspapers, documents, and other stuff.
You can also purchase WaterField notebook sleeves, made of neoprene wrapped in a ballistic shell; various sized pouches for storing cables, discs, and other clutter; and even a case for your Apple IPod. The pouches and cases resemble the Cargo Bag's look and are designed to fit inside easily. The end result: Your Cargo Bag can serve as an urban messenger bag one day and a notebook bag full of gear the next.
Truth be told, though, I wouldn't buy a Cargo Bag or any other messenger bag for carrying a notebook. In my experience, hauling equipment around in a shoulder bag is simply too hard on your body. A wheeled bag is my preference and, if that's not possible or desirable, a backpack. Also, the airplane seat buckle, while a fun touch, also adds some weight to the bag. Still, if you're looking for a stylish messenger bag that can also hold your notebook, check out WaterField's collection.
Your Favorite Multipurpose Bag
Does your notebook bag do double duty as a suitcase, backpack, or briefcase? If so, tell me about your bag, with make and model information if possible.
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