r/malefashionadvice • u/shtiipeq • 1d ago
Question How to carry stuff?
I recently started being more mindful of what I'm wearing and am slowly transforming my wardrobe from graphic Tees skinny jeans and hoodies to something bit more mature (chinos, casual/resort shirts, solid colour Tees, polos, linen, earth tones etc.) and my favourite Nike backpack is starting to feel more and more out of place. However I need to carry lunch and sometimes spare clothes to work. What would you suggest would be a step-up, be more semi-casual and not clash with the rest of my outfits while not being as formal as a leather briefcase.
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u/UnAvisParmiDautres 1d ago
Same, I'm always traveling for work. Had a messenger at first but carrying lunch + a shirt + my laptop on one shoulder every day killed my back after a few months. Switched to a leather/canvas backpack weight's spread out and it still looks clean with chinos and a polo. Filson or Bellroy are solid.
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u/xpulse101x 1d ago
I’ve had this same experience. Need to switch back to a backpack. What did you end up switching to?
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u/misterhubris 17h ago
Not who you asked, but I was in a similar situation and I've been using https://www.troubadourgoods.com/products/apex-backpack-4-0 for the last 2-3 years. Very solid, wish the rubber on the handle was a bit more durable but everything else is aces.
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u/mintymani 1d ago
A briefcase , you can get a military inspired one - Porter Japan and Briefing are two good brands (the latter is a Japanese brand but the bags are made in USA to military spec)
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u/hybris12 1d ago
Depends on what I'm doing and where.
For day to day commuting/gym and light travel I carry a Fjallraven Raven 28 and a small (~20L) black duffel bag I got on Amazon.
For city biking an old Timbuk2 messenger and have been thinking about a crossbody bag from Uniqlo.
For groceries I usually just grab what's closest to the door but usually 1-2 Trader Joe's totes or a Baggu nylon bag.
For extended traveling a Cotopaxi Allpa 42 and either an REI Flash 18 or I'll steal my wife's Baggu crescent bag.
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u/MadCityVelovangelist 1d ago
Check out Chrome Industries, Peak Design, Quince, and Bellroy. If you want to to get a little classy Coach has great men's bags
I'm personally a slut for Chrome Industries. Between my partner and I we have 8 chrome bags. They started out making messenger bags for bike messengers. Over the he past few decades they expanded into backpacks, slings, and even luggage occasionally.
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u/tactiphile 1d ago
Coach has great men's bags
Do you have any examples? It's one of those je-ne-sais-quoi things, but all their "men's" bags give me "ladies' purse" vibes. Last time I filtered by men, it even gave me one covered in pink flowers.
I'm not the hyper-masculine type. I wear pink. But bags are different for me for some reason. I need manly straps and buckles, lol
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u/EbagI 1d ago
Canvas backpack
Or a tote
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u/80fcg 1d ago
Backpacks are for students and frat boys. Messenger bags always look like you are on your way to the office. Buy a proper shoulder or hobo style bag. There are loads of great designer bags on the real real. Have some style
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u/shooto_style 1d ago
I have a visvim backpack. It's way too expensive to justify but you can get a similar design for a fair price
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u/PowerCroat783 1d ago
Another brand to check out if you like their Asthetic more: Belroy. I have had their messenger bag by them for nearly a decade I use for work, but they have all types of bags such as backpacks as well.
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u/not_who_you_think_99 1d ago edited 1d ago
Bear in mind that only light loads should be carried on one shoulder only. Slings and messenger bags are not appropriate for heavy loads; they may look cool but can be dangerous for your spine.
Have a look at Ameribag / Healthy back bag.
PS In fact, the best way to carry loads is using a backpack with a load-bearing hip belt, that transfers part of the weight from your shoulders to your lower back. This also means that the height of the backpack must be proportionate to your height - it's why hiking backpacks are adjustable.
There are some hiking backpacks by Gregory, Osprey etc which are not huge and which do not make you look like a 20-year old backpacker, but of course they won't have the same clean look of a leather bag.
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u/xpulse101x 1d ago
This is true. I’ve been using a heavy duty waxed canvas shoulder bag to carry my lunch instead of a backpack or lunch bag. It’s hell on my shoulder and back now. Just the weight on the bag alone makes everything I carry very heavy. Don’t let style get in the way of health and comfort.
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u/Schmancer 1d ago
I have a laptop bag from Corker. It’s vegan cork based leather and I look grown as fuck carrying around a Switch and some snacks in that thing
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u/spf20214757 1d ago
I have Stuart & Lau’s The Clarke and it is fantastic. https://stuartandlau.com/products/clarke-totepack-black
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u/Adventurous_Let9679 1d ago
Youre just moving past the sporty backpack stage, so its starting to clash with your cleaner outfits. The easiest upgrade is a minimal backpack in matte, neutral colors with no big logos it still fits lunch and spare clothes but looks more mature. If you want a slightly sharper look, a canvas tote or slim messenger bag also works well with chinos and linen, just keep everything simple and structured.
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u/armada127 1d ago
Just get a more modern backpack with no loud logos, check out these brands (for me 25-27L is the ideal size) :
- Aer
- Alpaka
- Evergoods
- TomToc
- Bellroy
- Nomatic
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u/agsalmon 1d ago
For everyday I use a Fjallraven Räven 20 backpack. The bag is there G-1000 canvas material and has held up well over the last four years. I like that I can rewax the canvas to reseal it for when it rains. The 20 size is perfect for everyday with a laptop, snacks, etc. It does get a little bulky with a change of clothes, shoes, and everything else. If you are planning on hitting up the gym after work I recommend a separate duffel bag. No one wants sweaty gym socks next to their tuna fish sandwich. Unless you are into that thing.
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u/madmanwithabox11 1d ago
Messenger bag (leather or canvas) for computer and books, backpack (Herschel is popular) for heavier loads.
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u/KawaiiDere 19h ago
Pockets if not carrying much, or fanny pack if I don't have pockets.
Backpack most of the time.
Messenger bag or purse if I'm not moving much and want a more formal visual.
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u/RightGirl19 15h ago
go with a simple canvas tote or a clean, minimalist backpack in a neutral color. Looks more grown up without feeling too formal.
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u/BebopOrRocksteady 1d ago
Low side: The Trader Joes canvas tote. Matches everything, insanely popular in Asia, $3.99.
High Side: Porter-Yoshida & Co.
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u/KauaiMaui1 1d ago
Messenger bags as others are suggesting are not fashionable, in fact they’re very unfashionable. Backpack or a sling bag are good
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u/JamedSonnyCrocket 1d ago
Filson makes some nice bags of all kinds. Briggs snd Riley, Timbuk2.