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Any bag that unfolds into a blanket wins points for versatility, but it also gets a gold star for making it easy to embark upon an adventure at a moment’s notice. Throw the necessary goods in the Yield Picnic Bag and then take off for your destination. One zip and the bag unfolds to a blanket- the perfect thing for a picnic (or a playdate, if kids and toys are involved).
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Messenger bags are okay, but what about one that won’t tip over when you set it down? That problem is solved by Japanese brand Abrasus: a triangular shape keeps the bag upright and allows you a bird’s-eye view of your contents when you unzip, allowing you to find your things efficiently. There are inside movable dividers for organization and an outside vented pocket allows you to see (and hear) smaller items.

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Whoa, it’s about time. If you’re of the female persuasion and you’ve ever searched for an appropriate laptop bag, you know it’s hell. They’re either too ‘office-y’ or way too nice and expensive and not at all utilitarian. The DAAME Leather Laptop Tote has pockets and spaces for your laptop and tech stuff as well as your everyday essentials, and it doesn’t scream ‘HEY I’M CARRYING A LAPTOP! I JUST CAME FROM THE OFFICE!’… and it doesn’t cost over a grand, which is refreshing in the world of ladies’ high quality handbags. Instead, it’s being offered at (an introductory price of) $395, which is a steal considering its elegant appearance and utility.
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This backpack from Ember means business. It’s a 20-liter pack and modular system meant for commute and travel. Add the weather-proof exterior gear pockets on to the minimal pack (padded internal laptop & tablet sleeves) for more room when needed, or leave them off when you’d like a lighter pack. There’s also three styles of external utility straps/handles. Take a look at their Kickstarter page to back the project.
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Indigo, anyone? Yeah, you’ve seen the Safety Orange version, but the Indigo is sooo incognito. Designed by Konstantin Grcic for Maharam, the Frame Bag displays its architecture on its exterior. PVC Webbing creates a sturdy frame while the nylon skin keeps the bag lightweight and soft to the touch.
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Need a gear upgrade? Backpacks aren’t just for school kids, and Incase proves the point with its Campus design. Now, if you don’t mind a pinky-clay color, it’s on sale over at The Ghostly Store ($34.95!), but if you’d prefer another color ($79.95), take a look over at Incase for the full collection.
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OMG, you’re thinking, another bag by Konstantin Grcic? Yep, and this one is the last from his designs for Maharam from 2013, so you can rest easy knowing that there are only the three bags in total (that we know of). Of course, this particular bag, called the Three, has two sizes, so you could count four different bags in total from Grcic to choose from… sound complicated? It’ll be clear when you look at the full collection of bags over at Maharam’s website. (The Scamp Bag from Jasper Morrison is something to consider as well, don’t you think?)
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Another Grcic bag? Aren’t we lucky. Just as the Frame Bag was made of polyurethane and nylon, this satchel’s thin, lightweight construction also takes advantage of the materials’ strength to create room for a laptop and other small essentials without extra bulk. A zip closure keeps the large compartment secure while Velcro does the job for the medium/side pocket.
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Anytime the name of Konstantin Grcic is mentioned, I sit up and take notice. So, yeah, it’s not a surprise that your eyes are landing on this Frame Bag he designed for Maharam. Intended as an exercise for unrestricted expression, Maharam asked a few designers to create a bag suited to their personal needs. Mr. Grcic answered with this carryall that displays its architecture on its exterior; the PVC webbing creates a strong frame while the inner nylon skin is lightweight and soft to the touch.
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This bag toes the line between man-purse and messenger bag, and that’s its exact magic. No need to carry a bag bigger than you need, after all, and you just look like a dork when you stuff too much stuff in your pockets. Just in case you had a fleeting thought that involved a belt bag (a.k.a. fanny pack) as a solution, let’s just clear things up: yes, you will get punched in the face if you wear one of those atrocities. The fist may or may not belong to me. So, solve the issue safely and keep your face intact with the Axial from Modern Industry. It’s handmade in San Francisco, California, using 10.10oz Martexin Original Waxed Canvas.

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You know what’s so special about this backpack? It’s pared down to the absolute essentials- that’s important to those of us that prefer a minimal look- and there’s a few thoughtful design details that makes packing and unpacking a breeze. Sounds good, right? There’s also a feature that hides away the backpack straps for a more professional look so you can go straight from the airport to business meetings. See Minaal’s video below, or visit Kickstarter to learn more and/or back the project.
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A tote that transitions into a messenger bag sounds like a winner. Made from waxed canvas and vegetable tanned leather, Modern Industry’s Faraday Tote will hold all manner of your gear thanks to its generous proportions. The messenger strap stows away when not in use, and in either formats a 15″ laptop easily fits. There looks to be a limited number in each color available, so don’t dawdle around.

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Those of us that prefer to avoid ‘i-am-carrying-a-backpack-and-i-am-SPORTY’ look can now breathe easy for this backpack has the look of a regular bag. A side handle gives an option to carry/hold it in briefcase mode, and a Neoprene protection cover keeps your laptop safe and sound. Take a look at the photos to see how the bag opens up completely.

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If you’re fond of Issey Miyake’s faceted bags or, more specifically, the Geo Pillow by Mika Barr, then you might just want to check out this bag from Kisim. It’s made in collaboration with Barr (hence the name of the bag), so you can have the same 3D fabric functioning as a carry-all for all your essentials.
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If you’re not in need of a some kind of a zipper pouch for travel needs, desk supplies, or to keep your bag organized, then you need to write some kind of book on minimal living. I won’t buy it, of course, because I’m planning on buying a couple of Izola’s zipper pouches to tuck away all manner of miscellany, thus solving any clutter in my bag or suitcase, not to mention my everyday work surface. Also, there are Dopp Kits done in the same color/material with appropriate text if you need to update yours.
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