Last month I tried out a new concept that I only considered due to my heavy traveling (flying almost every week now): using a man-bag. For my virgin man-bag experience I chose the Samsonite Should Bag. In short, I wish I thought of this earlier!
Why use a man-bag?
As many of you know, I carry a lot of gadgets, hence the name. But these days, I don’t think much more than the modern dayy business traveler. Two of my must have gadgets that I need to have access at all times are my iPhone 5S and my iPad Mini. Since I’m flying basically every week now, I also need access to my passport too. You can imagine how much of a hassle it is to have to reach for the iPad Mini from
above the overhead locker once the seat-belt sign goes off. Having all these gadgets in one place and easily accessible makes my travels just that little bit more efficient.
Why the Samsonite Shoulder Bag?
I chose the Samsonite Shoulder Bag because as you can see by some of my previous posts, I’m a huge Samsonite fan. I believe they make the best value luggage on the planet (this is not a sponsored post btw). Another reason why I chose the Samsonite Shoulder Bag was it’s stylish and practical design.
First of all it’s made from genuine quality leather. Being a leather case designer myself, I know how to spot a great leather product and the Samsonite Shoulder Bag is definitely that. The leather is soft and light but thick enough to product everything within. Samsonite use a thicker and stronger leather to hold the shoulder strap in place. It’s broke up into three main sections.
Front outer pocket
In the front pocket you’ll find a section to holder credit cards or business cards and also two pen holders. I put things in here like my Raybans, Jawbone bluetooth headset and pen.
Middle main pocket
This main compartment of the bag has more pockets than a kangaroo on steroids, but each of these have been thought out quite well. In this section, this is where I keep things that need a little bit more security – takes 2 zippers to get to, which means a pick pocket will have to do double time to pull a shifty on me. My passport and foreign currencies are stored in the middle pocket which is further secure by a button closing strap.
I also store my iPad Mini in here – it fits perfectly even with Zagg Bluetooth iPad Mini Keyboard attached.
Back out pocket
The last main pocket features a magenetic closing system. I store gadgets that I need quick access too and that have a thin profile so it doesn’t poke my side when I’m wearing the bag. Gadgets like earphones and USB charge cables have found their home here.
The adjustable shoulder strap is nice and thick which also gives it a nice manly distinction from a woman’s shoulder bag. *Grunt*
Things I like about the Samsonite Shoulder Bag:
- Very practical design
- Fits the iPad Mini perfectly
- Dark brown leather and thick shoulder strap give it a macho feel
- Holds all my must-access gadgets well
- Extra zipped and strapped up pocket in main section for passport and money
- Stylish look and feel
- Lightweight
- Tough quality stitching
Ways I would improve the Samsonite shoulder bag:
– Use a little tougher leather as this one can be scratched if not careful
– Have a magnetic closure pocket on the front instead of zipper to make it even easier to get to regulary used gadgets
Great work Samsonite into putting such a useful and chic man-bag together! I highly recommend this to other gadget toting guys who want a practical way to carry their must have gadgets, especially business travelers!
For those who don’t use man-bags yet, what do you think?