Backpack / Satchel Convertible daybag

[Edward]

So, I carry a bag most every day, usually a leather say he, with various papers and my laptop. This is fine when I'm in London and don't, as a rule have far to walk. I have, however, reached a point where it can get uncomfortable carrying my stuff over one shoulder every day when I'm doing my teaching abroad, where I have a daily walk of around two miles each way. Years ago I had a modern nylon back pack of the sort I'll put up with a level of discomfort to avoid having to carry again now, but now being able to distribute the weight evenly over both shoulders would be very welcome. I was looking to see if there's anything akin to the medium-sized Saddleback briefcases that can be used either as a shoulderbag or backpack depending on how you arrange the straps. Anything similar but affordable? Hunting the web it seems that on this front it's either stump up significant cash for something good, or pay buttons for, well, rubbish.

 

[sal]

I really like Timbuktu messenger bags. Can customize them to your liking and lifetime warranty

 

[Short Balding Guy]

Edward; After many false starts I have adapted the daily use of a Tom Bihn Empire Builder as an everyday bag (https://www.tombihn.com/collections/laptop-bags/products/empire-builder ). I need to carry a Macbook, Ipad, paperwork and other stuff everyday. This bag covers me. It has the options of clipping into the bag's suspension a laptop cache. Foolproof and the best protection my laptop could have. As to a backpack I have adapted a Tom Bihn Synapse 19 .

I realize the above are pricey. I justified the costs by the protection and the durability the offer me. I have sued both items for over 7 years with nary any wear showing on the bags. In my past I used leather satchels, leather briefcases, backpacks from various manufacturers and various messenger bags. The above are my choices.

The above are not vintage. Living today has pressed me to these modern well concieved and executed pieces.

I hope this has assisted in offering yet another option.

Best, Eric -

 

[robrinay]

My stepson swears by his XD design backpack), I’m not sure which model but his has got an integral charging port so I suspect it’s the XL),
https://www.xd-design.com/gb-en/about-us
His daily commute to Central London involves a train and a bike journey.

 

[Royohboy]

I had to switch to a backpack a couple of years ago simply because wearing a bag over one shoulder would cause back-pain after a short time.

I found a retro-looking Jansport canvas rucksack that I loved to bits, but of course it doesn't have any compartments and I soon found out It would need to be waterproof. Even if the office is just five minutes from the bus stop a bit of dedicated rain is all it takes to soak papers or electronic gadgets you might be carrying aroud. I'm not quite sure if leather would be the way to go.

The most practical thing I have used to date is a very ugly rucksack my wife got for free at the filling station after filling up there for the umpteenth time in a row. It is waterproof, and the shoulder straps are very good. It's not ugly as in 'covered in flowers and flamingos', but the red/grey/black colour-scheme follows the aesthetics of a 1990s shell suit.

There must shurely be some solution that is not at all pricy, and fairly obvious once you see it.

 

[Edward]

THanks, gents; will follow up on those links. Roy, I know exactly what you mean: I've reached the point of compromise on main luggage for air travel simply because of how poorly baggage handlers treat it (flying business class makes no difference; last year, on a work trip, the airline ended up replacing my suitcase entirely because handlers at Heathrow ripped the handle clean off, leaving a hole in the top of the case. For something I carry where only me will be handling it, though.... Yeah. Leather has done the job fine for me in the past; the climate I'm mostly looking at dealing with here in Beijing in April/May/June, so rain,when it comes, tends to be plenty warned about, heavy, and brief; if we have to travel during that, I'm right into a cab!

 

[Royohboy]

The Fjällräven Foldsack looks like it might be the ticket, at least for my needs:
https://www.fjallraven.com/shop/fjallraven-foldsack-no1-F24210-navy/
It looks very much like your generic 1940s-1960s army haversack, and the big flap and waxed fabric should make it sufficiently waterproof. The more I look at it, though, the more I think it is a bit expensive for what it is, and whether some military surplus haversack with modifications isn't a better deal. I suppose the price is the premium you pay for it not having that army surplus store look and smell.

 

[Edward]

The Fjällräven Foldsack looks like it might be the ticket, at least for my needs:
https://www.fjallraven.com/shop/fjallraven-foldsack-no1-F24210-navy/
It looks very much like your generic 1940s-1960s army haversack, and the big flap and waxed fabric should make it sufficiently waterproof. The more I look at it, though, the more I think it is a bit expensive for what it is, and whether some military surplus haversack with modifications isn't a better deal. I suppose the price is the premium you pay for it not having that army surplus store look and smell.

It's a step further away again from hat I was looking for, but it might be a realistic option for travel purposes. Thanks.

 

[Royohboy]

I admit it's a far cry from the elegance of a leather saddlebag, but I hit a dead end whichever way I think about it.

 

[Ernest P Shackleton]

Depending how important fashion is vs comfort and durability, I would recommend shopping on ebay for Dana Design used backpacks. If I was looking for comfort and durability, I would watch for something with at least a framesheet, and depending on how much weight we're talking maybe even something with a single stay. A Dana Design with framesheet would be plenty for 99% of urban use. If water resistance is also of importance, this is why I'm bringing up these packs. Thick Cordura nylon that is heavily coated on the inside. They aren't waterproof like a drybag would be for kayaking and canoeing, but they'll take some rain with ease.

Dana Design also made large fanny packs that also had single shoulder straps to be converted into urban gear, but it sounds like you already have that covered.

Dana Design became Mystery Ranch. The Bombpack model might be a good size. An old DD pack might run you less than $100, while a new MR version is $350. There are several other models in similar to smaller cubic inch volume as the Bombpack too. For instance, you can buy a Slider model for $50 right now on ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=See-All-Categories&_nkw=dana+design&_sop=15

 

[robrinay]

My son in law recommended (for me with my love of leather and wax cotton), Cotswold Hipster luggage
https://cotswoldhipster.com/

But he bought one of these from Kickstarter
https://www.boundarysupply.com/products/errant-pack-1

 

[Royohboy]

My son in law recommended (for me with my love of leather and wax cotton), Cotswold Hipster luggage
https://cotswoldhipster.com/

Those don't look bad at all! I kind of like the Stanton Heavy Grade backpack, and it's not too expensive, either.

The Fairford leather satchel with backpack attachments https://cotswoldhipster.com/collect...-leather-travel-bag-with-backpack-attachments might fit some of Edward's aesthetic requirements, but for me this would be one of the dead ends I mentioned: Looks great, but as soon as I strap it to my back I'll look just like on my first day in school, or worse yet, like a tragic figure in a 1980s Pink Floyd video clip.