June 23, 2013
Tote It, Carry It, Pack It :: The Season's Best Bags
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 6 MIN.
In May's issue, I showed you how to pack your carry-on perfectly, giving you a single stylish suggestion for a cool bag and what best to put in it.
Now that the year's official travel season is upon us, it's time to expand upon that idea and upgrade what we carry.
This is the definitive guide to luggage, carryalls, messenger bags and even backpacks all "Marcellas approved."
Backpacks
Once supplanted by the messenger bag, the backpack had been relegated to high school students and gym bound jocks. Well it's back in chic versions that look cool and grown up with jeans or even a suit.
Splurge:
Mismo Canvas Backpack - This Italian canvas backpack by the Danish brand is a cult fave of those in the know. $525 to $550
Stylish Buy:
G-Star Matt Backpack - Super style in an amazing color at a great price! $100
Messenger Bags
No longer the provenance of bike messengers, messenger bags are the modern alternative to a briefcase for the hip and young. They're also the easiest way to stylishly tote your computer and paperwork to and from work.
Splurge:
Frank Clegg Courier Messenger Bag - A unisex bag in shrunken leather that bridges the gap between messenger and briefcase. $875
Stylish Buy:
Jack Spade Foundation Canvas Field Messenger - This messenger has space for everything with an interior tablet pocket and exterior magazine pocket. $175
Suitcases
As a traveler the suitcase is your most important accessory. Rolling luggage, hard sided, nylon high tech... It's all about choice and style. If you want to get in and out of the airport fast, you need to be able to quickly pick your bags out of the carousel melee!
Splurge:
Globe-Trotter Stabilist Suitcases -
Stylishly handcrafted in the U.K. from vulcanized fiberboard with box grain leather trim & chrome locks. $1350 - $7550
Stylish Buy:
Muji Hard Carry Travel Suitcase - Emphasizing design and durability, Muji is a cool Japanese brand with stores in N.Y. and S.F. $219.50
Carryalls
Sometimes called weekenders, carryalls are the easy, modern way to tote everything.
Splurge:
Wood & Faulk Northwesterner 20" - Made in Portland, Oregon these bags are hand-built for craftsmen yet make a chic carry all. $249
Stylish Buy:
Herschel Harvest Tote - A high-style minimalist tote with a fleece-lined padded laptop sleeve inside. $69.99
Dopp Kits
Dopp kits are an absolute necessity for travel since you need a place to put your toiletries that's waterproof, secure and discreet.
Splurge:
Jack Spade Swedish Cordura Dipped Kit - Made from extra-tough Cordura with a camouflage pattern trimmed in black or orange leather. $165
Stylish Buy:
Matt Singer Shave Kit - Matt began his hip, utilitarian and tightly curated line for men and women in 2009. $90
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
