ISO a commuting bag

[arivecchi]

I am looking for a messenger style bag that will be zippered so I guard my valuables during my train commute. I want something plain and practical that does not attract much attention.

Any recs?

[arivecchi]

Would it be crazy to use this for my commute?

http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Studio-Diaper-Black/dp/B001LF3X66

[WatchingThemGrow]

sounds perfect to me!

[mommylamb]

I think it's cute.

[DrSally]

Tumi makes some nice ones that are pretty low key.

[DrSally]

I like the skip hop bag. When I was commuting, I used a black/gray cross body nylong bag. I love that it had a flap and a zipper with computer compartment. It was just big enough to fit my computer and files with a compartment in the top flap for bus/metra pass/billfold and some side pockets for phone/etc.

[bubbaray]

I have an LLB messenger from last year, IIRC it was the Carryall Messenger? They don't sell it anymore.

I like this one: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/64790?from=SR&feat=sr

I have also used various Timbuk2 bags. They are indestructible.

How many files (if any) do you carry home and do you have security requirements? We have pretty strict security and even our personal briefcases or messenger bags must be locked with a padlock (which my 4yo could pick but whatever). The LLB messenger I have from last year has 2 zipper pulls that I can lock, so I like that.

[bubbaray]

If I were buying one tonight and didn't need a zipper for the main compartment, I'd probably go with the T2 Commute Medium: http://www.rei.com/product/789263

The T2 Commute style is a different size than the T2 Classic Messenger -- the Small is about the same size as the one above. The T2 Classic Messenger in the Medium is HUGE and IME unwieldy when packed. I used to joke on the diaper bag forum here that my baby could fit in it -- actually, I'm pretty sure that my 4yo could still fit in it.

You can go to the T2 site and custom make any of their bags, which is neat. We had a co op here years ago, which is where I bought my Classic messenger in small (I already owned the Medium and then later purchased a Metro Mini, which has been renamed as the extra small).

If you prefer a tote style, they also make a T2 tote, which is nice. I prefer 1 strap, not 2. http://www.rei.com/product/803782 I like that they are zippered. I'm actually considering getting that particular tote for myself.

If you like totes, you could also look at the LE totes. Too bad you missed the clearance of their Lighthouse totes before Christmas, the zippered version would have worked nicely for commuting (I have one and have used it for that) if you don't have to carry files or a laptop (ie., just lunch, a change of shoes, etc).

I also kinda like this one: http://www.rei.com/product/805250

[kwc]

Would also recommend TUMI.
FIL bought me a TUMI (women's) messenger >10 years ago as a splurge Christmas gift... I was appalled as I am pretty cheap... but I have used it daily and it still looks new (as does the one he bought DH). And the nylon is relatively smooth so it did not cause my clothing/ sweaters/ jackets to pill. So thumbs up (this time) to my status-conscious FIL!

I still buy my luggage at Tuesday Morning or Overstock, though.

[TwoBees]

I like the Studio Tote, but not sure I would use it to commute.

How big do you need it? Also, do you need a messenger, or will a zippered tote work? Baggallini has some nice totes:
http://www.ebags.com/product/baggallini/town-tote/143945?productid=10001560
http://www.ebags.com/product/baggallini/a-la-carte-bagg-medium-crinkle-nylon/107617?productid=1283452
http://www.ebags.com/product/baggallini/around-town-bagg-crinkle-nylon/113065?productid=1298468

And LLBean always has great totes and messengers. Here are two totes:
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/59206?feat=677-GN1
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/53792?feat=677-GN1

[arivecchi]

Thanks. I ordered the Skip Hop black one last night. I don't usually carry work home so I just needed something non-descript and cheap for the commute home. I just don't want to use my flashy bags on the subway train now that I take it every day. It feels like I am inviting creeps to mug me.

[nupe]

Would also recommend TUMI.


Voice of dissent here. I think Tumi quality has gone downhill. I have three Tumi items. The first one (rollaboard) had a zipper break, teeth are smushed. THe second one, a small shoulder bag is fine. The third item, a computer bag, had the shoulder strap break on me as I was crossing a busy street! The metal pieces where it attached at the side of the bag came apart. Which means I can use it only with the little handle, and that is not what I intended for a laptop bag.

It's too expensive to repair so I'm no longer a Tumi fan.