Bags of every style, from messenger and shoulder bags to anti-theft and laptop carriers.
The Targus 15-inch Newport Backpack retails for S$199, part of the refreshed Newport Collection announced in May 2021 alongside totes, sleeves, and pouches. The bag is made from water-repellent twill nylon and weighs a manageable amount.
Targus also sent me the Cypress EcoSmart 15.6-inch Slim Backpack, retailing for S$119 in Black and Navy. Made from 20 recycled PET bottles, it has three external pockets, including expandable side pockets.
The Gaston Luga Splash is my second backpack from the Stockholm-based Swedish brand, after the Praper. Known for Scandinavian minimalism with a touch of elegance, the Splash launched in June 2020 and retails for S$149.
During Timbuk2's end-of-season sale of up to 50% off, I bought the Showdown Laptop Backpack for US$44, while Li Xiang grabbed the Tuck Pack and Heist Briefcase. The promo code PLUS15 knocked a further 15% off select items.
During a Munich trip for the Huawei Mate 9 launch, Senatus founder Kien Lee recommended the Pacsafe Venturesafe 325 GII Anti-Theft Cross Body Pack. I wasn't bag-shopping then, using my Crumpler sling, but sling bags can get cumbersome.
The Adidas Originals x PORTER 2 Way Waist/Shoulder Bag retails for S$259 at Dover Street Market Singapore, S$10 more than the matching NMD C1 shoes. My brother bought me both, and this is my second waist bag.
Gaston Luga is a Swedish backpack maker from Stockholm, founded by Carl Sundqvist on a vision of Scandinavian minimalism with elegance. It offers two men's lines, Classic at S$319 and Praper at S$349. This review covers the Praper backpack.
The Magnat Carrier Bag holds the Magnat Board plus pockets for other gadgets and a 13-inch laptop. Weighing about 800g, it comes in seven two-tone colours and retails for US$79.90, including two Magnat stickers for you to personalise it.
The Creative Sound Blaster Roar carry-bag retails for S$19, exclusive to Creative Stores. I got mine free with the Sound Blaster Roar I bought at Sitex 2014. I'm not impressed with its quality, as the fabric mesh shed loose threads.
With Timbuk2 running 25% off all backpacks, including custom ones, I couldn't resist and grabbed a Custom Swig Laptop Backpack, having none. Originally US$124, it dropped to US$93 after the discount, plus US$35 shipping via UPS International Expedited.
Fabrix has launched its new Laptop Carrier Bag, retailing for US$70. It comes in five designs, Classic Plaid, Midnight Herringbone, Neo Plaid, Tiger Camo, and Whiskey Herringbone, each in a 13-inch or 15-inch size. I'm torn between Midnight and Whiskey.
I received the Crumpler Bell - Action iPad Pouch (S$95) as a 30th birthday present from my brother Leroy and his fiancee Huimin. Part of the Crumpler Bell range launched in Singapore in March 2014, it's heavier than the Milonas.
Li Xiang gave me the Crumpler Bag - Milonas (S$45) for Valentine's Day. I love bags, so a Crumpler or Timbuk2 never disappoints. The Milonas fits any generation of iPad in its main slot, plus a Bluetooth keyboard.
The Timbuk2 Catapult Cycling Messenger Bag retails for S$69, though after a 30% media discount I paid S$48.30. It comes in two sizes, medium and large, with five designs available in medium and three in large.
I bought the Timbuk2 Phoenix Cycling Backpack alongside the Catapult Messenger Bag at the Timbuk2 Singapore Store, using a one-time 30% discount. The Phoenix retails for S$169, so after the discount I paid S$118.30. It comes in one size, medium.
I got a free Timbuk2 Custom Bag at the launch of the new Timbuk2 Singapore Store. Already owning a Custom Laptop Messenger, I chose the Custom Classic Messenger in Extra Small, which fits an iPad.
Timbuk2 has opened its first in-store customisation outside the United States, here in Singapore. The Timbuk2 Singapore store officially opened on 31st October 2013 at #03-26A Bugis Junction, open 10.30am to 10pm daily. The 280-square-foot store carries the full range.
During BHG's bi-annual super sale, Li Xiang bought me the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag in Small for just S$69 from the Bugis outlet. The Extra Small version and an iPad sleeve were also on sale, at S$59.90 and S$25 respectively.
I bought the Timbuk2 Custom Laptop Messenger Bag from timbuk2.com during a 20% off custom bag sale in early March 2013. I paid US$119.20, plus US$15 for the Navy Custom Strap Pad, with UPS Worldwide Expedited shipping.
I bought the Timbuk2 Command Messenger Bag, in black oxford nylon and medium size, while in San Francisco in December 2011. It cost US$130, or US$141.38 after California's 8.75% tax. The bag is TSA-friendly in the US.
My brother gave me the Timbuk2 Freestyle Messenger Bag for iPad, then around US$89. It's now on offer at timbuk2.com for US$54. Despite being an iPad bag, its main compartment fits a 13-inch MacBook Air.
I bought the Cote&Ciel Spree Messenger Bag in Grey Melange from city'super at Harbour City in Hong Kong for HK$1,250, about S$200. The medium size fits up to a 13-inch laptop. I'm now a Cote&Ciel fan, their designs are unique.