What does your laptop bag say about you?

From left, the Belkin backpack, Ally Capellino Mac bag and Muji messenger bag

Are you a messenger man or a backpack boy? The bag that you choose to carry your clobber around in says more about you that you might think. I have been cycling into work for the last few year or so and was happily using a beaten up old messenger bag. Crucially, I didn't have a laptop and just chucked my things in at the beginning and end of the day.

But now I have a shiny (and heavy) new Hewlett Parkard laptop and my old bag simply won't take the weight. So I began shopping around and realised that the laptop carry case world divides into those who carry messenger bags and those who opt for backpacks.

The benefits of backpacks are obvious. They are practical, distributing the weight around your shoulders evenly and keep your stuff firmly in place. They are very safe and a bit nerdy. They make you look like a daytripper and they make your back sweat. In fact, when I see the hordes of cyclists in their nylon and space race helmets charging across Tower Bridge, their backpacks bulging with kit and that day's work shirt, a part of me is appalled.

So I should go for a messenger bag, right? Well, no. Because messenger bags are, well, for messangers. They don't really scream executive, do they? They imply a laid-back attitude that might seem out of place in the boardroom. Are older men who use messenger bags simply trying to cling onto their youth? In fact, I wonder if there is a cut-off age at which men should no longer be allowed to use messenger bags? Should it be 40? - in which case I am already too old. In practical terms too, messenger bags can be a pain. Perhaps it is just the way I cycle but I seem to have to keep shoving it back into place on my back when it slips to the side. It is either too loose or too tight.

Perhaps it is simply a matter of finding the right bag. One of the sexiest around is from a new range by Ally Capellino for Apple. The wide despatch bag, price £119.95 from www.apple.com/uk, is stylish and beautifully-made. Strangely, the rucksack version in khaki (£124.95) does not look nearly as good.

Belkin, the connectivity company, has introduced a new "lifestyle" range of accessories for laptops and its new Belkin Backpack is slim and good-looking (£34.95). There is also the Ceylon Messenger Bag which is extra light and boasts a concealed holder for your "umbrella or water bottle".

Perhaps in the end I should choose a bag that says as little as possible about me. Muji do a plain black messenger bag for £39. It has pockets and compartments. 'Nuff said.

Comments

[Dan]

Did you get paid to write that?

[Phil]

Take a look at bags by Crumpler. I bought mine 5 years and it has lasted well.

The messenger bags have an extra strap that goes under your arm to stop the bag slipping round.

Don't be put off by the admittedly zany website or product specs!

[Andy]

Personally, I like Crumpler's Boomer XL messenger laptop bag. It's plain yet stylish and I don't feel like I'm about to be robbed when walking about in London.

[Bill Glanvill]

To be honest, who gives a flying F what anyone has for their laptop and or sandwiches? For years I went without a single comment using my various executive Sainsburys carrier bags.
Some people really need to 'get a life' as my granddaughter would say!
BG

[Rooney]

I prefer the Targus backpack - it not only hold my laptop and accessories, but it also has a document pocket, which is divided into three and makes it ideal for carrying everything I need in my job as an IT Analyst!

[Martin]

Backpacks? Messenger bags? I have a man to carry my Gucci flight case containing my laptop, a business folder, a small jar of caviar, a silver spoon, some fresh toast, a crystal flute and half a bottle of chilled vintage Dom in a cooler bag.

Sadly, current economic events mean that I have had to downsize from a large jar and a full bottle.

[d]

tumi anyone?

[Jon Moss]

Has to be a Tom Bihn Empire Builder for me - I've tried the lot, believe me. Tom Bihn have great features at a good price. Their Brain Cell is particular good - a specific case to put the laptop in, which then goes in the other bag.

Tumi - awesome quality and service / guarantee, but slightly old fashioned.