Need help picking a messenger bag

[DH sucker]

Reaching out to the wonderful H aficionados whose collective knowledge on here has been so helpful over the years.

I’m considering getting a messenger bag to hold some large files. While I like the Steve, I don’t think it’ll be able to hold the voluminous docs/files that I typically carry around. I’m hoping to get some suggestions, as I’m not terribly familiar with the range of models past and present. I’m definitely open to buying pre-loved, and I’m open to leather and non-leather options. Size/volume is the biggest factor. Prefer messenger and cross-body bags. Not interested in backpacks.

Thanks in advance for your help!!!

 

[WhiteBus]

From the way you describe your requirements, the original Steve presents itself as the obvious choice.
I repeat, that is the original version, not the smaller Steve Caporal or the current incarnation.

 

[FreddieMac]

You may also wish to look at the Etrivere II 38 - there's a version with shoulder strap which is otherwise fairly slim, so if you only really want to house files without having a huge bag, it may work.

Otherwise, as WhiteBus said, the Original Steve in 35 or 38 (those these are pretty deep and bulky but have lots of compartments inside!) and also the Citynews 39 could be an option, which is a little more corporate.

The Citynews is the only model that is current, so likely to have more colour options to chose from, although as from the mens range, not the most rock'n'roll of colours!

 

[DH sucker]

From the way you describe your requirements, the original Steve presents itself as the obvious choice.
I repeat, that is the original version, not the smaller Steve Caporal or the current incarnation.

Thank you WhiteBus for your detailed PMs! Holy cow - you gave me so much info, and now I have hours of homework to do. It’s folks like you that make this community so amazing and invaluable.

 

[DH sucker]

You may also wish to look at the Etrivere II 38 - there's a version with shoulder strap which is otherwise fairly slim, so if you only really want to house files without having a huge bag, it may work.

Otherwise, as WhiteBus said, the Original Steve in 35 or 38 (those these are pretty deep and bulky but have lots of compartments inside!) and also the Citynews 39 could be an option, which is a little more corporate.

The Citynews is the only model that is current, so likely to have more colour options to chose from, although as from the mens range, not the most rock'n'roll of colours!
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Thanks, FreddieMac! I just googled the City News, and it looks like the depth is 3.5 inches. Per Google, the Steve is 4 inches deep. Too bad the City News isn’t the bigger of the two, as this tells me I might have to go the reseller route (and I would have preferred to buy new at the boutique). Sigh.

 

[FreddieMac]

Thanks, FreddieMac! I just googled the City News, and it looks like the depth is 3.5 inches. Per Google, the Steve is 4 inches deep. Too bad the City News isn’t the bigger of the two, as this tells me I might have to go the reseller route (and I would have preferred to buy new at the boutique). Sigh.

No trouble! It’s worth remembering the Steve’s depth includes a front pocket which is roomy, but won’t take A4/files and the compartment for that is also split with an iPad/notebook sun-compartment.

Might still be worth checking out the News in store to see how it works.

I’ll also see if I can dig out some pictures of the inside of my old Steve.

 

[FreddieMac]

Found my old Steve pics! Hopefully these help you get a better feel for the space inside - lots of handy compartments but none super roomy. A4 paper/files fit in the main compartment.

From front of bag to back, it has: large front pocket, zipper pocket within main compartment, main compartment, iPad/Notebook patch pocket within main compartment, slip pocket against back on bag.

 

[navicular]

Found my old Steve pics! Hopefully these help you get a better feel for the space inside - lots of handy compartments but none super roomy. A4 paper/files fit in the main compartment.

From front of bag to back, it has: large front pocket, zipper pocket within main compartment, main compartment, iPad/Notebook patch pocket within main compartment, slip pocket against back on bag.
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such a beautiful bag! what leather is that?

 

[FreddieMac]

such a beautiful bag! what leather is that?

Thanks! It's Taurillon Cristobal in Tourbe. A really beautiful, silky smooth skin.

 

[WhiteBus]

Although I now have no reasonable need for one, this discussion and the pictures tempt me to go on the hunt too.
A Steve has got to be a good choice for DH.

 

[DH sucker]

Although I now have no reasonable need for one, this discussion and the pictures tempt me to go on the hunt too.
A Steve has got to be a good choice for DH.

Indeed, I do like the Steve. In fact, I want FreddieMac’s Steve!

 

[FreddieMac]

Indeed, I do like the Steve. In fact, I want FreddieMac’s Steve!

Why thank you! I'm afraid he's no longer my Steve... let him go last year in favour of my Steve Caporal and Sac Flash backpack combo.

I found this mid-size crossbody was served by the other bags and with a heavy heart wished him well!

 

[WhiteBus]

I always thought that a dream messenger would be a barenia Steve Caporal lined with midnight blue.
However I don't think the Caporal was ever offered in barenia.

And back to the original question, I wouldn't consider a Jypsiere. Although the base is quite large the sides cinch together making them narrow at the top.

 

[navicular]

I always thought that a dream messenger would be a barenia Steve Caporal lined with midnight blue.
However I don't think the Caporal was ever offered in barenia.

you could always request one through Horizons

 

[WhiteBus]

Thank you That is true. In a way that boat has sailed and I do have a Yohji that fills that need.