It can be a bit of a minefield, finding exactly the right bag for what you need. Get it wrong and you're awkwardly making-do for the foreseeable future. Alternatively, get it right and you've got something to help you stay on top of your game for years to come.
At Number Six, we're interested in good-looking functionality. Each brand we mention is great aesthetic-wise, so it's up to you to choose what you need it for. Whether it's the gym or the commute, we like to think we can help you get at least one step closer to figuring it all out.
Design Icon: Sandqvist
If you're looking for an instantly recognisable brand silhouette, look no further than anything Sandqvist. These Scandinavian design experts are best known for their backpacks. The Hege backpack speaks for itself. It's refined, with a surprising selection of inner pockets to help keep you organised. If your work life and personal life demand a lot of you, there's a chance you need the versatility only Sandqvist can provide. With its simple, external buckle closure, 2 inner pouch pockets, and side zip fastening, you've got practicality intertwined with a classic silhouette. Not to mention that it's constructed with heavyweight 18oz cotton and premium vegetable dyed leather.
Waterproof Utility: Rains
For those of us living in the rainier climes (rainforests, England...), Danish brand Rains specialise in making everything 100% waterproof. They're built to be adaptable and highly functional, so we're looking to Rains for gym purposes. You never know when having a waterproof bag might save you: leaking water bottles, water from the showers being trailed around, etc... Our personal recommendation is the duffle-style Weekend Bag. You can fit everything you'd need in them: practical in the extreme and will make sure you look great on the daily. It's a no-brainer.
Lasting You A Lifetime: Filson
If you weren't already aware, American brand Filson provide a lifetime guarantee for each and every one of their bags. Something wears out? They'll replace it. Something snaps? They'll repair it. Something falls off? They'll sort it. It's arguably what makes them the most dependable and durable option available. If your lifestyle involves a lot of heavy-duty requirements, you're gonna need a bag that can keep up with you.
The Ranger Backpack is the perfect example, it's constructed from a 22oz cotton twill and premium leather buckle straps. It's one of those pieces which will go with anything, so that's never a worry. It's typical of Filson's high-quality methods, as soon as you feel the weight of it, it's undeniable.
Something That'll Keep Getting Better? Winter Session
Having grown out of an American couple's vision, Winter Session are currently in the process of building a legacy. We'll try and keep it short and sweet, but we've got a lot of love for these guys here at Number Six, if they're piquing your interest too, you can read more about them here on our blog.
They're experts in making incredibly well-designed pieces, with the ideology that they'll be with you for decades to come. They source materials from some of the longest-standing factories in America, high-end leathers, suedes, and canvas means the products have a tendency to age very well. Winter Session fit the bill for those of us against everything fast fashion. They hand craft everything, so by choosing them you're investing in time honoured tradition. We'd find it hard to recommend one particular piece, but the Large Zip Top Tote gives you additional Farmer's Market vibes. Classic.
If all of this has still not got you any closer to figuring it out, first off nice one for making it all the way through the post. But more importantly, you can help yourself by avoiding a couple things. If you're a hoarder, try to opt for a bag that's got more compartments rather than one large area. You'll find you stop having to wade through endless receipts and other things you've been saying you'll "clear out tomorrow". As well as this, think practically about the way it's carried and how heavy its likely to be too, you don't really want to damage yourself or the bag. Good luck.
