I usually wear nice slacks to work and attend a lot of management meetings so an EDC clip knife or clip flashlight protruding from my pocket isn’t going to work for me. Nor do I think will letting it rest in the bottom of the pocket or hanging down deeper using one of those sling clips (mainly because the fabric is so loose it becomes bothersome to me).
I’d like to find a soft sided ‘tactical’ fabric style bag with some nice inner pockets and/or slots so I can still bring some EDC tools with me to work. They come in handy so having them with me is desired, they just may need to reside in my bag/office if I’m wearing nicer slacks. Other days with khakis or casual slacks I can carry.
You have tons of options depending on your budget and how “tactical” you want it to look on the exterior.
On the more “tactical” side, there are brands like Maxpedition, 5.11, Hazard 4, Spec Ops, all which have pretty decent quality and are priced in the middle-range of the scale.
I love the subtle yet military-esque looks and build of bags from Killspencer and Defy Bags. They’re pricey, but seem to be made very well.
If you’re into leather, check out Saddleback Leather for briefcases that will last a lifetime. But they’re very spendy!
Yes, those are all good ideas. Thanks guys! Also going to read up a bit on those websites mentioned.
Probably need it big enough to slip in my small laptop. This can likely be a bag for my manly toys when I travel. I like to take some ’toys’along when I visit her family because I get bored and like to fidget around with some of my hobby stuff like lights, knives, etc.
I have found the bags made by Tom Bihn out of Seattle, WA, to be extremely well designed and made. Their prices have gone up quite a bit since I started buying from them 10-12 years ago. But they are great bags and would fit your needs well. Check out their briefcase section and see if you like any. See their forum postings too. People on the forums are quite helpful with specific questions.
MosesM - spot on recommendations! I’ve been devouring those names and searching for a good hour. Out of all of them I think I like the 5.11 Rush Delivery best, but wish I could find something very about 2/3 the size and 2/3 the features.
That said, I’m gonna keep looking and possibly join up at edcforums as they have a bag subforum. Also still liking some of the other recommendations like the Bucket Boss and of course those stylish Tom Bihn bags!
You may wish to have a look at some of the offerings from Voodoo Tactical. I have been pleased with the quality of all of the products I've purchased from them so far.
that VooDoo Laptop Pack looks interesting. wish they had more photos. hard to tell how it looks from top down (the way I imagine I would be accessing the contents rather than opening up all the way to expose laptop )