Women carry stuff in purses. Guys carry stuff in their pockets, but sometimes need omething that can hold more than a cell phone and a wallet [other than the backseats of their cars]. What we mean is a briefcase, messenger bag, or portfolio. We don't mean a clunky, stuffy, pleather one like our dads had (no knock on your briefcase, Dad, it was the times). We don't mean a "man bag" either, which is a purse. And we don't mean a backpack (that's for hikers and junior high school kids) or a plastic Foot Locker bag.  You can get away with nylon or canvas bags, but we recommend you select one in full-grain leather with brass hardware and strong locks. A functional briefcase or bag is slim but expandable, with useful compartments that can hold pens, notebook, business cards, glasses, folders, calculator, checkbook, this month's Playboy, and possibly a laptop. Like your wallet, a bag or briefcase that's bursting at the seams is sloppy, so keep it neat. Didn't know you had so much "stuff" did you?
Briefcases are the most durable types of cases or bags, with metal skeletons, hinges, inside padding, and rigid construction. The advantages are their strength and hard casing, which keep the contents from bending, folding or being punctured. Disadvantages are their inability to collapse in tight spaces, such as on a plane, and the lack of a shoulder strap.
Messenger Bags are the bag of choice for younger guys. Granted, messenger bags may be less appropriate if you work in a more conservative environment such as a law firm, but if you can pull off a shoulder bag, then we recommend them. Messenger bags can hold your laptop and some files without being bulky and are less uptight than the ordinary computer bag or brief case.
Portfolios are an alternative to the briefcase and messenger bag. It's a cross between a messenger bag and an attaché and has a shoulder strap to free your hands to hold your woman. Portfolios aren't stuffy and are expandable for the days when you have to transport lunch or small children.
Standard computer bags are useful, but lack any style. They're geeky — no two ways about it. Just give it back to the IT staff, get a padded sleeve from a computer store, slide your laptop in it, and carry your stuff either in your briefcase or messenger bag. Be sure the strap of your bag is strong....
David once had a bag that he overstuffed with, among other things, a laptop from work. While walking home from the train, the strap suddenly blew, causing David to fumble the bag as it fell into a puddle and crashed on the pavement. End of the laptop. His office was thrilled the next day when he returned the remains in a plastic baggie. |
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