The Manliest Man Bag Ever

In the 90's, the world of man was rocked by the introduction of the "man bag" or the "man purse". The first time I saw it was on NBC's must-see-TV show Friends. Joey, "the ladies man" chose to don the bag and then faced ridicule from the rest of the group. Some might call Joey a pioneer. Although, his pioneering went too far with the unwatchable spin-off, Joey, after the cancellation of Friends.

Ten years later, I want one. I am not briefcase guy. I am not backpack guy. But am I man bag guy?

They are the perfect size for my Bible, Moleskine journal, MacBook Pro, latest book I'm reading and Wired & Fast Company magazines.

Several guys I know, who have made the man bag move, took the Timbuk2 route. I like them but hesitate dropping $75-$125 on one. Plus in the pioneering spirit of Joey I'd like to blaze my own trail in some regards.

Then I saw the man bag I had to have on an episode of 24. If Jack Bauer, can shoot the bad guys, rescue the president, and save the world while wearing THIS man bag...it is good enough for me! And for only $20 it was a no brainer.

Comments

[mikejack]

What logo (if any) did choose? Have you ever looked at the euopean school bag? Similer configuration, wider strap, fewer color choices, free ruler.

[Matt Mehaffey]

No, I just got the plain one. I am a simple guy.

[Joey Quinton]

Welcome to the world of the murse my friend. I have carried one for twelve years and find it indispensible. You picked out a good one. Here is the one I currently carry: http://www.luggage.com/David-King-199X-XB1022.html

[Robert]

Have you looked at Landsend?
They have several types.
This is the one I have.
Simple canvas. They have a slightly more expensive one to carry a laptop. But I don't generally do so.

http://www.landsend.com/pp/CottonCanvasClassicAttache-66255_144890_-1.html?CM_MERCH=SRCH

[Scott]

Matt,

Thanks for the heads up on this. Found you through Armand Frasco's blogs. My cheapie Wal-Mart murse is about to bite the dust and I did not want to spend a ton on a new bag like the ones you mentioned. This will work perfect.

How do you like yours? Did you order the plain black one for $21.99. I'm thinking that's the one I want!

[Ann]

I actually have a tool bag that I bought a couple of years ago at Tractor Supply. I didn't use it for a long while, but this vacation I used it as a carry-on bag. It was amazing. It held a lot to begin with, but then when my suitcase was overweight, I crammed in even more, and it still fit under the seat in front. And now I use it daily to carry books, etc. It's my new briefcase. Several people have admired it and are amazed when I tell them it's actually a tool bag from TSC. And I'm a woman! Everyone should carry bags, whatever the gender, whatever the preferred style!

[Fred Kiesche]

I think the Israeli paratrooper version is the one that Banana Republic sold way back when, before they were owned by The Gap (when they sold cheap stuff that would last forever). I used that thing until the bottom wore out.

[Jonathan Korman]

Jack Bauer has nothing on MacGyver.

I remember being a kid, watching the pilot episode, with him about to break into a Secret Military Lab with a canvas bag slung over his shoulder. One of the army guys says to him, "you're not going to be able to get through the security with the contents of that little bag."

MacGyver says, "Oh, the bag's not for what I bring with me; it's for what I find on the way."

[Denise Bags]

A very funny post. My spouse has similar reservations about manbags as well, preferring instead the universal appeal of a backpack instead to carry his books and work, etc.