A Thorough Comparison of Work Bags

For working men, a bag for the job
is like a partner fighting alongside you every day.

While caring about how well it matches your work attire, you also want to know whether it's a suitable weight for commuting,
and whether it has enough storage capacity for the things you always carry with you.

Of course, when a man chooses a work bag for himself,
and also when a woman is choosing a bag as a gift for a man who works hard,
deciding what kind of design to choose
can be a real head-scratcher, can't it?

This time, we'll take a look at three brands
and introduce some checkpoints for choosing a work bag.

There are various perspectives to check
when choosing a bag, but when comparing several bags,
here are the key points you'll want to check first.

1: Design and Material

Leather, canvas, nylon, and other materials are
an important point that affects both the look and functionality of a bag.
For instance, leather pairs well with suits and gives a smart appearance,
but it's weak against water, making it unsuitable for rainy days—
each material has its own characteristics.

2: Weight

For a bag you carry every day, "weight" is also worth checking.
Think about whether you'd prioritize design even if it means some added weight,
or whether you'd rather prioritize lightness so you can move comfortably even when your load increases.
It's worth considering carefully.
If you have a bag you currently use, comparing it with others
can make things easier to understand.

3: Storage Capacity

For men in sales roles, we recommend checking whether A4-size documents and envelopes
can be stored without folding, whether the laptop you normally use
will fit, and whether the items you always carry can be properly stored.
It's a good idea to check these points.

4: The Handle

This is a point that's surprisingly easy to overlook, but it's worth taking a close look
at the material and shape of the handle that touches your hand.

5: Whether It Comes with a Shoulder Strap

Even with a simple handbag-style bag,
it's convenient to be able to attach a shoulder strap
and carry it over the shoulder, especially for longer trips.

The first brand we'll introduce is LEON FLAM, born in France.

Founded in 1924, LEON FLAM has been
handmaking bags in Paris designed for "travel,"
and they were apparently favored by aviators of the era.
Thanks to their high quality, outstanding functionality, and design, they became essential items for flying men,
and the brand has continued making bags for the crew of the aéropostale (airmail service).
That's the kind of brand it is.

The combination of high-density wax-coated canvas and cowhide
is the appeal of the "PORTE DOCUMENT Gris/Grey."
 

◇ Body size: Height 32 × Width 40 × Depth 5 (cm)
◇ Weight: 1.4kg
◇ Material: Cowhide leather (vegetable tanned)  
High-density wax-coated canvas

・commute or go out wearing a suit
・prioritize design and durability even if the bag is a bit heavy
・want to enjoy the way the bag ages over time

The color scheme, evocative of France, is lovely,
with the calm gray being a key point you'll want to coordinate with a suit.
At 1.4kg, the weight is a bit on the heavier side,
but both the sides and bottom have cushioning material
built into the inside of the fabric, making it perfect for carrying a laptop.

The inner lining also uses red canvas fabric for added strength,
and the stylish colored fabric gives off a fashionable French atmosphere.

Because cushioning material is included,
the interior storage space may feel a bit narrow,
but rest assured that it can comfortably fit a laptop along with documents, a paperback book, and a wallet.

The handle is a somewhat thick, round leather type,
giving you a firm, solid grip.
Being able to feel the leather age over time as you use it
is another benefit unique to a leather handle.

It's a 2-way type with both a handle and a shoulder strap,
and the shoulder strap is removable, which is convenient.  

The second brand we'll introduce is the "BRIEFCASE"
from ARTS&CRAFTS.

With the concept of "things and stories that last 100 years," ARTS&CRAFTS is
a Japanese brand devoted to craftsmanship.
As you can tell from their philosophy of connecting the thoughts of the designer, the maker, and the user,
creating things that can be used for a long, long time, and continuing stories that get passed down through generations,
this is a brand that doesn't assert itself through design more than necessary,
allowing you to feel the quality of craftsmanship made by skilled artisans.

The photo shows the "BRIEFCASE/TAN."
The handle and beige leather,
along with the sturdy canvas construction, catch the eye.

◇ Size: Width 42 × Depth 7 × Height 30 (cm)
◇ Weight: approx. 800g
◇ Material: vegetable-tanned dyed canvas, Chromexcel leather

・want a "bag" that also suits casual work outfits
like a jacket-and-pants style, or jeans
・care about material and design, but are also concerned about weight
・want to enjoy the way the bag ages over time

The canvas used for the body
is No. 6 canvas dyed with vegetable tannin
extracted from chestnut and mimosa.
Canvas that develops character the more you use it is
a piece we'd especially recommend for a grown man who knows the true value of many things
—truly an exceptional item.

With ordinary canvas bags, you can enjoy the way the material ages over time, but
as the material softens, it tends to lose its original shape,
which may give some people the impression that it's not suited for business settings. However,
this BRIEFCASE has its canvas bordered with leather,
and since the handle is also leather, there's no need to worry about that.

The part of the shoulder strap that touches your shoulder features cushioning, and
recycled felt is used to prevent color transfer—a testament to the careful attention to detail.
It supports heavy loads reliably, making it a dependable companion for any businessman. 

The last brand we'd like to introduce is the Swiss-born
"QWSTION."

Founded in 2006, it's a relatively new brand.
QWSTION set out to bridge the gap between function-focused sports bags and elegant fashion bags,
researching standards of functionality and structure to develop bags that work
whether you're riding a bicycle or heading into a business meeting.
The brand name QWSTION comes from the idea of
turning the "Question" of a user's needs into a "Solution."
Their bags have won European design awards,
and beyond offering multiple ways to use them, QWSTION is committed to using
natural materials for the base fabric and straps, making them a great companion for the long haul.

The photo shows the "Office Bag (Organic Navy)."

◇Size: Width 43 × Depth 12 × Height 30 (cm)
◇Weight: approx. 1.2kg
◇Materials: organic cotton canvas, vegetable-tanned leather 
Strap: rayon

・Those who prioritize storage capacity
・Those who travel or go on business trips often, and whose belongings tend to increase due to their work
・Those who like gadgets such as PCs and tablets and carry them around often

At first glance, it looks like a typical rectangular business bag, but
the Office Bag's greatest feature is that its shape can be changed in four different ways. 
※The photo shows the "Office Bag Jet Black."

1. Use the leather handle as is, carrying it horizontally by hand 
2. A simple handle is attached on one side, so it can also be used as a vertical bag 
3. Swap in the included shoulder strap to transform it into a shoulder bag 
4. Use the included shoulder straps to transform it into a backpack 

Since the straps can be easily rearranged,
you could wear it as a backpack on a morning when you commute by bicycle,
and then use it as a hand-carried bag when moving by train...
allowing you to adapt it to suit each situation.

The Office Bag isn't just about its changeable shape—plenty of thought has gone into its interior as well.
The wide-opening laptop compartment can hold notebook computers up to 17 inches,
and there's even a cover at the top of the pocket to prevent the laptop from shifting.
The interior has a cushioned construction that absorbs impact, giving you peace of mind. 
The main compartment can hold large notebooks and documents, and
there are also numerous pockets of various sizes.
Small items like pens, a wallet, phone, charging cables, a paperback book, or a folding umbrella—
it has outstanding storage capacity that can hold everything a business professional needs. 

When it comes to bags, the ideal shape differs
depending on who chooses it and who uses it.
We hope you'll find a favorite piece of your own and
step out confidently into the city with your bag by your side.