You can't possibly be serious. I for one, could care less what anyone calls my bag, or thinks of what I carry in it. Some people really need more important things to think about, I guess.

I've been carrying a shoulder bag since my school days, when it started out with the ubiquitous "Danish School Bag", and I haven't lost the habit. Being as high school was 1.5 hours away by way of a bus and three subway trains, plus a walk, I tended to carry around a lot of stuff, since going back home was *not* an option.

These days, I have a terrible reputation as a bag ho. My wife is constantly up in arms about the number of bags of various sizes and types I have around, especially when I come home with a new one!

My main bag as of the moment is a Tenba Computer Traveller briefcase. I've been using a Tenba as my main briefcase for probably about ten years now. It's similar in design to my old Danish bag. Incidentally, if anyone knows of a source for Dainsh School Bags, I'd like to know. My original one was purchased back in the mid-80s at a store called Chocolate Soup on the Upper West Side. It survived high school, college, being dropped off the back of my motorcycle, etc. I think I finally retired it some time in the mid-90s.

My next bag is probably going to be a Filson Medium Carry-On, which will enter service as a diaper bag, thanks to the birth of my first baby on June 3. I'm also looking at an Ellington Cargo Tote, since they are much cheaper, and quite nice. I also have plans to replace my Lowe Alpine expedition pack with a Duluth Pack Monarch. Just don't tell my wife...

14 to 25, eh? Well, THAT age group is in my rearview mirror. What do men 40 and over carry? I'm 44, if you're curious.

-- Craig

Well, I'm going to be 37 this year...so I'm way past the 14-25 group myself. However, for the younger set, may I suggest the Yak Pak line? Their Flapdoozy is a particular favorite of Piro of Magatokyo fame...

For those of us slightly older, I would recommend something a bit more professional looking. There are lots of nice camera bags out there from Tenba, Tamrac, Lowe, and Domke that will give you that international corespondent flair. A Filson bag seems like a good choice for the rugged look. And if status is your thing, I'm sure Louis Vuitton would be happy to sell you a nice Epi Leather bag!

amper

The Louis Vuitton store is just down the road on the Champs Elysees, from where I work, if I told my wife that I was just going in for a bag, either she'd have to come with me and I agree to pay for everything she chooses or I get turned into so much confetti. Not an option really. <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I opted for the L.L. Bean Navy/Tan Sportsman's Field Bag for about $70. It's a great bag. Comfortable to wear. Can stuff lots into it. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

My wife says it looks very classy. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Strange thing is, right after I received mine, L.L.Bean decided not to offer it any more. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I emailed them to ask why, but I guess it's just one of those things. <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

-- Craig

Just down the Champs Elysees, huh? Sounds terrible. All that French food, wine, and whatnot...;)

Here in Philadelphia, we have to drive 25 miles outside the city to get to the Vuitton store, since they decided to move to a suburban mall. But it's funny, my wife seems to have the same idea--there's no way I'm getting anything from LV without spending even more on her!

C'est la vie. I'll just have to pop open a bottle of Veuve Cliquot and dream...

Well being as I'm 40 myself I haven't had any problem ,but my shoulder bad is a Maxpedition. I think it would be ok for any hip oldser.

My little sister (who is 32 herself and a supermom) says I'm so square I'm cool. Then she grins.

Amper -

Congratulations on the birth of your first child! You must be very proud!

I had to laugh at your "bag ho" line. I'm the same way; though I don't think I own that many bags, it is a constant battle to refrain from purchasing more. I have an appreciation for them the way other women have for shoes.

The great thing about "diaper bags" nowadays is they come in all sorts of different materials and styles and don't "look" like diaper bags anymore.

Thanks for the kind wishes!

Incidentally, I did a search the other day, and found my Danish School Bag. Apparently, the bags are made by a Danish company called Sabroe & Stephenson, and are called the "Globetrot". There are several different models, but the one that is familiar to me is the Model #1233.

You can see it here:

http://www.sabroe-stephensen.dk/introgb.html

Now I just have to find a retailer where I can get a new one!