What's the Holy Grail bag for City Commuters?

[Kbryan3]

i use marc jacobs large tate bag. it pretty much fits everything for school and it can handle some weight! i worry about my bags when i throw a few textbooks in there but this bag holds up! and it has side pockets and it has a magnetic clasp (i believe?) for added protection

 

[jayls]

Thanks everyone for your responses - I see Balenciaga has received a few votes and that's one I didn't even consider. I actually checked out the Velo bag this past weekend since I wanted to see how it looks IRL. Given the size and convenience with all those carrying options (from shoulder to hand to crossbody) I might just have to add it to my shopping list.

 

[shoe gal]

Yay! I love Bals. I just bought a part time for the same purpose (though my commute isn't as long, I live in the city I work in). The Velo is great because it can be worn cross body, as others have said. The part time fits a lot in, but it looks quite different - more east west, and the shoulder strap is a bit shorter so it might not be as easy to wear cross body, depending on your height. It depends on how you like to carry your bags!

 

[JuzOneMore]

Looks like room and weight are major factors considered for bags to commute in. My two cents' worth - My Balenciaga Velo is The Choice for my daily train commute to work. It's roomy enough to fill with a cardigan, book, tumbler and other essentials. But yet, it isn't clumsily huge. *thumbs up*

I used to carry the Balenciaga Work but its rather long east-west style means it gets bumped into a lot.

 

[Nanciii]

Louis Vuitton Brea MM EPI. This bag is strong and absolutely beautiful

OR Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere

I wouldn't recommend Balenciaga bags though, cos you need to be very cautious about the corners, no matter how careful you are, they tend to wore off the first. And the leather cannot resist rain and sunshine. But I agree B bags are very edgy and comfortable to wear, I personally own 3.

 

[babysunshine]

I will say any good quality designer coated canvas tote for easy getting things from the bag, also coated canvas are more durable and less need to baby than leather.

 

[jyyanks]

I'm also a NYC commuter. I use the LV Neverfull GM because it's lightweight, rainproof and holds everything. Maybe I'm naive but I never worry about the open top. My wallet just sits somewhere on the bottom of the bag and I've never had an instance where I felt like someone would take it. I know it's better safe than sorry but I feel safe in NYC, maybe it's because I lived here my whole life. I don't even pull the sides closed. When I used to carry a backpack, people on the subway would always tap me on the shoulder to let me know if I accidentally left it open (which was often!)

The other option is to carry 2 bags --a longchamp lepliage plus my bag of the moment which is currently a Hermes halzan.

 

[ap.]

Timbuk2 medium messenger bag: great organization, lightweight, waterproof.