I rarely buy bags. I only have a handful, and bags - whether you’re referring to backpacks, briefcases, luggage, or whatever - are a “buy it forever” category for me, meaning that I tend to buy good bags and keep them until they fall apart. In terms of daily carry, I own two briefcases, a Filson Original and a leather Lambertson Truex that’s no longer made, a single backpack (a North Face Surge), and a handful of tote bags in various sizes. Over the past few years, the versatile tote bag has become my new favorite product category. My current lineup includes an early version of the Baron Fig “Roamer” bag, as well a recent addition, the Filson Zippered Tote, which is the first bag I’ve purchased in three years.
The Filson Zippered Tote was my "I-don’t-need-fewer-notebooks-I-need-a-bigger-briefcase” purchase. This thing absolutely swallows notebooks, pen cases, legal files, and even a 16-inch laptop if necessary. While it won’t serve as my primary everyday carry bag, it will see plenty of use on days when I need to lug a bunch of stuff to work, and certainly when I travel.
Since I’m still on the road (and can’t wait to get home tonight), I thought it might be fun to do this short post on travel carry. Pics shown here have been taken in real time, and accurately reflect what I’ve been using for the past week-plus. Links below. Enjoy!
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Filson Original Briefcase (via Filson). I have the original twill in “Otter Green”, and it’s lasted me well over five years. While not a fancy backpack, Filsons are essentially indestructible, have three compartments for files, a laptop, iPad, etc., and a few pen slots.
Filson Zippered Tote Bag (via Filson). As discussed above, this Filson twill tote is extremely versatile. In the short time I’ve owned it, it’s been used for everything from an overnight carry-on to a larger briefcase.
North Face Surge Backpack (via North Face). Though I don’t carry a backpack that often - typically only when I’m flying or at a pen show where I need something more ergonomic than a shoulder bag - I’ve loved this older version of the Surge, a classic North Face backpack that has three versatile compartments and can hold multiple laptops, sometimes a necessity for work trips.
BaronFig Tote Bag (via BaronFig). My first “grown up” tote bag that I purchased after they were first released by BaronFig several years ago. A great basic tote for the grocery store, library, and sometimes work. It’s also my “pen club” bag when I’m carting pens, paper, and products for local delivery.
Traveler’s Notebook Standard Size. My go-to work notebook, and overall my favorite notebook system that I appreciate for its customization options. I have the blue, and you can see exactly how I’ve customized my notebook with my most-used refills and accessories in this post from last year.
Lochby Field Journal. The rugged Lochby series of notebook covers and cases serves as the perfect complement to my Filson gear when traveling. The Field Journal notebook cover holds as many as six A5 notebooks (depending on thickness, of course). For maximum capacity opt for the Lochby refills, which come in a variety of rulings and feature exceptional Tomoe River 68gsm paper.
Lochby Tool Roll. While it’s currently sold out (more on the way!) the Lochby Tool Roll made it’s debut as my primary pen show travel case, and I don’t see it being dethroned anytime soon. The Tool Roll holds at least a dozen pens, plus it has additional pockets to stow notecards, post-its, and more.
Lochby Pocket Journal. Another excellent Lochby item that I carried at the Baltimore Pen Show this past weekend and used to test pens and nibs. In addition to holding two regular-size pocket notebooks (or a notebook plus passport), the Lochby Pocket Journal has an exterior pen slot for a larger fountain pen, plus smaller items like cards. You could easily use the Pocket Journal as a larger wallet.