A man wants a good bag for work, another one for play, and another for those weekend escapades. In the spirit of adventure and travel, be it merely crossing the city or spreading your wings further afield, here is a selection of classic “man bags” to suit all manner of tastes and excursions.
Ghurka‘s “Vintage Express” Bag is one of the brand’s first ever designs, as used by British officers of the Ghurka Rifles regiment during the Second World War. A timeless classic, it has room for plenty of clothes, a wash bag, even a polo helmet if one is inclined to enjoy the chukker. The size meets most airlines standards as a carry-on, but somehow this bag seems best suited to a train journey, along with an old spy novel by John Buchan. $1,995.00 at The Plaza, One West 58th Street, New York.
This simple, highly functional offering from Billykirk is modeled on a WWII Belgian map case for that extra bit of military macho. Big enough for books or an iPad or, if you’re bent on authenticity, a map. Available in four different leather tones. $325 at Sydney’s, 795 Queen Street W.
Abingdon’s collection of sturdy weekenders are inspired by vintage hunting gear (surprise, surprise!) and made from quality hard-wearing canvas and burnished leather trim. Designed to take a real beating, whether it’s in the wild or in the boardroom. $268 (for this garment bag; other styles available) at J Crew.
The Roeg bag by The Madly is inspired by film director Nicholas Roeg’s 1971 Australian outback adventure film Walkabout and is big enough to hold food and water for a week; perfect for the coming apocalypse. (Just kidding, everything’s fine!) $499 at Buckler, 700 Queen St. W, Toronto.
The British brand of Swaine Adeney Brigg makes classic luggage, used by royals, ambassadors, writers and spies. Also known as the Gladstone bag, after former British PM William Gladstone, this iconic kit bag has been privy to the vacation accoutrements of both Oscar Wilde and J. D. Salinger. It’s meticulously constructed from the finest English bridle leather in the labels’ UK workshop, making it the only travel bag you’ll ever need; at least, at this price, one should hope so. $4,058.00 at J Crew.
The Deckard is an attractive reworked saddlebag-style tote, with sturdy handles and straps, available in waxed canvas with leather trim, or completely in leather as shown here. Another fine creation by The Madly, this all-purpose companion is inspired by the sci-fi detective Deckard, played by Harrison Ford in Ridley Scott’s 1982 film Bladerunner. Will probably last until Replicants become a reality. $450 (canvas) and $530 (leather) at Buckler, 700 Queen St. West, Toronto.
The classic Cotton Canvas Tarras, made by Barbour, comes in all sorts of fabrics these days—from tartan to thorn-proof to waxed cotton and leather—but this one’s the original. Also known as the poacher’s bag, it comes with an optional removable and washable rubberized interior lining. $140 from Stollery’s, 1 Bloor Street W.
Taking inspiration from old images of classic mountaineering, this updated back-country pack by Herschel Supply Co. fits the shoulders well when hiking, but is ideal for climbing elevators, too. Comes in a number of colours. $84.99 from the Herschel Supply Co.
From local favourite Krane comes this cool take on the messenger, made fresh and sturdy in olive waxed cotton with a leather strap. The “Heinkel,” as it’s called, is made in Canada and prepped for even our harshest climes. $480 at KraneDesign.com.
