nice bag

It's no secret that I'm a giant fan of Billykirk leather goods. My cardholder has been a faithful friend all throughout my trip in China. I think the construction and aesthetic are spot on and will never go out of style. While no one can argue about the craftsmanship or quality, some may have a hard time scrounging up a few hundred bucks for a bag, even though they're totally worth it (I suggest getting into the lucrative game of blogging-we're all millionaires now, right?). Needless to say, I was surprised when I saw this Brothers Bray tote by Billykirk for Urban Outfitters. At $88, you can't really beat it. I kind of wish it dropped before I left for China; it'd be perfect. Get it for yourself or for your girl (I bet if you get it for yourself, she'll 'borrow' it for extended periods of time). Or, tell your sugar momma you really need it.

Brothers Bray for Urban Outfitters

While you're at it, check out the Billykirk site.

my stuff

The other find from the army surplus store. An authentic parachute bag probably from the '60s. The unusual shape makes it stick out from duffles and other bags. Designed to have a parachute stuffed in it, this bag can hold a ton of crap.

I'd like to think that when I first saw the rain flap I thought about how practical it would be as an extra layer of protection against precipitation. But really, I just thought how cool the metal snaps look. Although it's nice to know your bag is rated for jungle warfare and high altitude conditions. You never know...

It's like a mega tote. I al ways look for bags that have handles/straps like this one. The handle itself wraps around the entire bag, which I think better distributes the weight. I'm a chronic over-stuffer: my slr, the point+shoot, a magazine or two, notebooks, my computer, etc., etc. so I need reinforced handles. I'm not advocating a bag this size for everyday use (although I could see girls rocking this-the straps would be big enough to throw over a shoulder), but I do see using it for traveling. Or stuffing it with treasures when I go shopping instead of collecting fancy paper bags.

my stuff

They say the first step is admitting you have a problem. Here's exhibit A:

This is the bag that started it all. If it looks tiny, it is. This is my backpack from when I was very young. From around 1st grade through 5th. It was a quiver for my home made arrows, a game bag for when my buddies and I caught frogs and toads, and also my briefcase for school work. I quite like the maharishi style pattern. I wore this backpack everywhere. Ask my parents. 

I used this bag almost all through undergrad. The plaid is a bit much, I admit, but I still like it a lot. If you look closely, you'll see a bottle opener at  the bottom of the flap. Since it's made of wool, corduroy, and leather, it's a pretty sturdy bag. A good, medium sized bag for carrying all the crap I don't really need. 

This is my newest acquisition. I picked it up at an Army Surplus in northern Michigan. I think it's Swiss or German. Lately, I've been toying with the idea of making a pannier out of it. I really like the metal and leather hardware.  

I love the bottom of the bag. The metal feet are a great detail. Why don't more bags have feet like this? Think about all the gross places your favorite bag has been. 

So there you have it. A quick, cursory glance of some of the things that hold my other things. More to come in exhibit B. 

nice bag

My family used to tease me that I had way too many sweaters and bags for my own good. Perusing my stash, yes, they are right. How I know I have a problem? I know I have too many and I still want more. The guys over at H(y)r Collective aren't making things any easier. Although ryan has been a little coy with us, from what I can glean, THE collection by (y) is looking like a heater. Their first preview is this duffel. Sourced almost entirely in Vancouver, the duffel is hand made by Tannis Hegan with 10 oz. canvas, brass hardware, and leather straps. Available at a who's who of men's boutiques: roden gray, nom de guerre, nomad, and tres bien. At $290, I guarantee it goes quickly.

The one thing that is readily apparent about the h(y)r crew is their good taste and demand for strong construction and quality materials. If I got one bag for traveling, this would be it. Perfect for carry-on, ideal for those top secret documents you romanced away from that kgb agent.

nice bags

Everyone needs a good bag. Canvas is probably the best natural material ever. Many thanks to A Continuous Lean for pointing out Beckel Canvas Products. Based out of Portland, Oregon Beckel makes really cool stuff. Everything from tents to tote bags and all of it at really reasonable prices. I think as bloggers we can get desensitized to price points, but really you can't beat a tote bag for twenty bucks. Especially 100% American made-buy one and help the economy! 

I see a lot of dudes rocking totes on the old interwebs. But I bet your girl would like it a whole lot too. All you diy-ers could go to town on the blank canvas. 

Every guy needs a good duffel. Great for a weekend getaway or smuggling top secret codes on the Orient Express. 

This is my favorite of the bunch. Called the 'briefcase' I like that it zips closed, that way I don't have to worry about rain or pickpockets. 

nice bags

Everyone needs something to lug all their stuff around in. In university, I could get away with a small shoulder bag; as a religious studies major most of my books were small and I always used notebooks without spiral binding (I'm left handed). Then I went to law school. Those books are huge. Unless I'm riding a bike or camping, wearing a backpack just sort of reminds me of when I was eleven. So I got a few solid messenger bags to lug the notebooks and supplements and had to carry the tomes of knowledge in my hands. Now, I don't really need a bag except when I'm traveling. So I don't really co-sign small bags for guys. It's just that whenever I need a bag, I need something to carry more than just a small camera.


Everyone knows head porter makes nice bags. Their collaborations are always well done and unique. I want this head porter-x-base control bag. The Harris Tweed is such a nice touch. Plus it's big enough to carry your laptop and that copy of hnyee magazine. Get it at the head porter store.


This Fox wool messenger bag is nice as well, although a bit smaller. It comes with a laptop drop sleeve and is capable of being completely unfolded and then wrapped around whatever you are trying to carry. A really great idea in a great form. Get it at charles&marie.