A most universal daypack/computer briefcase - the Briggs & Riley BB107 – by OBOW uberposter Till
Inspired by my recent purchase of a Briggs and Riley BR235x carry-on bag, and fueled by my desire for a carry-everywhere bag, I scoured the web. I looked near and far, and certainly checked out half a dozen models (out of 50), before I decided. I ended up with what - I think - is about the most universally usable bag out there. But to put things into context, let me first say which other similar bags I own and who the runner-ups were.
I already have the wonderful Tenba Small Messenger Satchel. It is a perfect casual everyday bag and great as a daypack and personal item when traveling. I should write a review about it, too. What I miss in it, is a certain stylishness or elegance. It is not a bag that would go with a suit. It simply has a very laid back student or reporter look to it. It also works as a camera bag, and as such is very inconspicuous. It is incredibly practical and lightweight, too. Unfortunately, I find it not elegant enough and perhaps a tad too big for certain situations. It also doesn’t stand up well on its own without the photo insert.
Moreover, I have the Tumi 26141 expandable briefcase. I find it is the perfect briefcase/gadget case. I just love that thing. But it looks, well, just like a briefcase. And it is 35 linear inches big, just like the Tenba.
The idea was to have a case that I can take with me to an art opening at a museum or a fancy dinner party with friends, be it at their house or a restaurant. In a way, I was looking for a “man bag”. A bag where I could put a camera, a note block, pens, some tech gadgets, some cigar or pipe accessories and other items a man needs. If I put this stuff into my trousers and jacket pockets, I look like the Marshmallow man. Hardly a much better option compared to the man bag guys. The usual men’s handbag is really not my cup of tea. It might be supremely practical but the kind of guy I associate with this kind of handbag makes me shudder. I am too vain.
This little man’s tote would also be too small for my needs. So, I needed something a bit bigger. The messenger/satchel style was not really a consideration because a) it was too informal, b) I already had such a bag and c) the access was not quick enough because I would have to open the flap. The Tenba is different in that regard because it has a flap and a zipper but it isn’t formal enough. So I looked at Rick Steve’s stuff, Eagle Creek, Bagallini, Pacsafe and Tumi. The Tumi Medium Travel Tote looked like it would fit the bill perfectly in terms of size. It would fit my 13” Macbook if necessary, it would fit an ordinary sheet of paper or magazine without folding it. Bags in this size yet less than 35” linear are really rare. The Tumi also had carry handles and a shoulder strap, which I liked. Some smaller daypacks didn’t have the handles. Those were out right away. Access was good, too, with all pockets accessible by zip from the exterior. The problem was that at $195 I found it really a bit pricey. The even smaller Travel Tote is the same price, by the way. Tandi makes a knock-off in leather and one in ballistic nylon that is very nice and cheaper than the Tumi. Still, the design was a bit too “man-baggy” for me.
But then I found the BB107 Vertical Organizer/Briefcase, online for $160 shipped. I will take the cons out right away. At 34” linear it is basically just as big as my Tumi and Tenba bags. It is also quite heavy because it is so well structured. It weighs 5lb but that includes the computer sleeve, the backpack straps and the excellent shoulder strap. I weighed all the items except for the bag itself. The backpack straps weigh only 130g; the shoulder strap weighs 230g and the computer sleeve 400g. That means you can easily subtract a pound or more if you don’t carry all these items at the same time. Given the extraordinarily luxurious and well thought out build of this bag, 4lb doesn’t seem bad at all.
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May 7, 2009 
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