Briefcases, Bags, and the Murse

[The Monkey]

This F. Rock company seems to make some pretty nice looking bags. Heavily customizable on the outside. No real pics of the insides.

F. Rock Bags | Sustainable Carryalls for Men

I found a lot of cool sites that I'll post when I have a chance.

[The Monkey]

...and I am sending back the Tom Bihn stuff. The Hlaska Caliper Briefbag (or Thiefbag) should arrive on Friday:

Caliper Briefbag - Hlaska

[tyrion]

I like both bags. Which Bihn bag did you have?

[The Monkey]

I had the ID and the Zephyr. Both very well made and look like they would last forever. Just not quite the look I was going for. But I was impressed by the quality.

[tyrion]

My Bihn Ristretto arrived. I think I may prefer it to the Booq. While it's larger, it seems to wear lighter than the Booq and I guess due to it's larger size is not as bulky as the Booq. It is large enough to hold my 13" MBP, which I thought was a worthwhile option. My only complaint is the strap could be longer. I like to wear messenger bags at least part below my waist which I am able to do with the strap at it's longest setting. I am going to contact Bihn to see if they have a longer strap option.

Edited May 21, 2010 by tyrion

[The Monkey]

These look pretty cool: Lexdray - The Classified Collection

[tyrion]

I like the Manhattan Messenger. I can't find on the site where to purchase or even the price.

[The Monkey]

The site says they'll be available starting in September.

Mike, how does the iPad fit in the Bihn bag? Is the bag too big (i.e., would the iPad-specific Ristretto be a better option)?

[tyrion]

I just saw the available in September. The iPad fits fine, it just doesn't fill the compartment which is fine. I like having the option for my MBP and the extra room for other gear. I think this is going to be a keeper for now.

Update: I think the Ristretto is saying. I carried it with me during lunch and it's comfortable and carries everything I need. I think it would carry my MBP and iPad if needed.

Edited May 21, 2010 by tyrion

[VPI]

I got a new murse today. This one was specifically to allow me to carry some camera gear with the iPad.

I was surprised to be able to fit: 50d Body, 5d Body w/ 70-200 F2.8 attached, 24/70 f2.8, 17/40 f4, 50 f1.8, 580ex II, iPad, Compact Flash wallet, Canon SX210 IS P&S and some cables. Carries everything very comfortably.

Retrospective

[Iron_Dreamer]

I got a new murse today. This one was specifically to allow me to carry some camera gear with the iPad.

I was surprised to be able to fit: 50d Body, 5d Body w/ 70-200 F2.8 attached, 24/70 f2.8, 17/40 f4, 50 f1.8, 580ex II, iPad, Compact Flash wallet, Canon SX210 IS P&S and some cables. Carries everything very comfortably.

Retrospective

I'm not surprised. ThinkTank bags are deceptively roomy compared to their exterior dimensions. I've had the Urban Disguise for nearly a year, and couldn't be more pleased with it. Room enough to fit a 14" laptop, pro body, 5-6 lenses, flash, cleaning supplies, filters, CF cards, and still have room left for a water bottle and portable audio rig. I don't usually take that much stuff, but for times when I do (like plane trips), it handles it with aplomb.

[swt61]

No more smartass murse comments from me. I'd imagine there's also plenty of room for a 9mm eh Jeff?

[VPI]

If I was really desperate I might carry a 9mm in there. Usually I would just put a real gun in there.

[The Monkey]

[VPI]

I'm not surprised. ThinkTank bags are deceptively roomy compared to their exterior dimensions. I've had the Urban Disguise for nearly a year, and couldn't be more pleased with it. Room enough to fit a 14" laptop, pro body, 5-6 lenses, flash, cleaning supplies, filters, CF cards, and still have room left for a water bottle and portable audio rig. I don't usually take that much stuff, but for times when I do (like plane trips), it handles it with aplomb.

Yeah I looked at that one as well at Adorama. I got the little one for daily carry but might end up with one like yours for travel.

[shellylh]

I was looking at the Think Tank website and found this. Maybe Colin should get one for carrying around his Thunderpants.

[The Monkey]

That would be awesome.

[shellylh]

@Jeff: How is the Retro 20 holding up. I just ordered one in black. Would have liked the 10 but, after reading some reviews, I thought the 20 would be a better for the ipad. I am hoping that this bag is softer and more form fitting than the Crumpler bags.

[VPI]

Much softer than the Crumplers with a significantly better strap. I have no complaints as it carries an amazing amount of camera gear for a smaller bag. The inside is nicer than my old Crumpler as well with better fittings.

I got it for the camera case aspect more than the iPad carrying aspect so I am not sure what you might be looking for in a bag.

[shellylh]

Sounds good. I was looking for a soft bag that wasn't too bulky, could carry a modest amount of camera gear, plus wallet, ipod/jh13, phone, sunglasses, ipad. This should work out pretty well I think.

[The Monkey]

Bumping this thread. Now I want carry-on recommendations. Thinking about the Tom Bihn Tri-Star. What are you fine folks using?

The Red Oxx looks good too.

[morphsci]

I use the Red Oxx Airboss and Gator. It was a ninja recommendation, and a damn fine one at that.

[grawk]

That Air Boss looks awesome

[The Monkey]

It does, in fact, look boss. Jim, how much stuff can you fit in it? And is it good in an overhead compartment?

[Driftwood]

Sounds like it may be bigger than what you are looking for but I recently purchased a Tom Bihn Aeronaut and it has been great. The build quality is fantastic which I would assume would carry over to the tri-star.