Where to get a good bag these days
Bags for spring that are perfect for your next hike or as your office daily, sharing my favorite bag focused brands, and more.
It’s been almost exactly a year since our last bag report—which feels crazy because I swear I just wrote that yesterday. Anyway, we’re back with another bag letter that’s aimed to have you ready for anything life throws at you.
In today’s letter, we’ll take a look at what bags I’m geeking on right now, we’ll check out some of my favorite brands, premium options for those who want to invest in something more luxurious, and budget friendly bags that are perfect for the office and city exploration.
Bags are a funny thing. They’re multi-purpose but different styles are better for specific moments in life. As I got older I started understanding the importance of having a good rotation of bags; I have options for work and everyday living, I got my grocery bags, different options for traveling, and that one off bag that’s ready for the rain.
Today’s list of recommendations touches upon all of these categories and some. Since bags are such a personal item, I figured it would be best to showcase a lot of styles from different brands just to get ideas flowing.
F/CE
This Japanese brand is great for those looking for more technical focused bag. Think ripstop and other water-repellent fabrics that come with a lot of storage and hidden compartments.
What I like about F/CE is the price and their vast selection that—I wrote about them in a past letter where I got a chance to really deep dive into the brand and their bags are some of their strongest products.
With a brand like F/CE you really have to take the time and explore what they offer. There are a lot of hidden details, sizes, material variety, styles, and good quality hardware to choose from. I do believe that the price they set these bags at reflects the quality that you get in return—it’s one of those things that is noticable the moment you see these in person. They’re great.
Shop F/CE directly on their website here. They do offer international shipping, but if you happen to be in Japan soon, then I recommend visiting their Tokyo flagship.
HOBO
I know, they have a very interesting name but the stuff is too good to ignore. It’s one of those IYKYK brands. Out of Japan, Hobo has been specializing in bags for a long time now, and they’ve even dabbled in some great footwear, but that’s not why we’re here.
The only place that I know you can get Hobo in North America is at Haven, but the stock is running low. If you’re not afraid of doing some international shipping then Coverchord will be a great place to get some of their stuff right now. I’m personally really feeling their Azuma Shoulder Bag in either pig skin leather or the nylon version which is a bit cheaper.
The bags are big, which I like a lot. Obviously pig skin leather is the obvious choice here, and for under $250 you get a bag of high quality that you’ll actually enjoy.