what is the perfect law school bag? Forum

[lightbulb1986]

.

[RUQRU]

...

[findlayswimmer28]

I have a Tom Bihn, Empire Builder, with their absolute strap. It is amazing!! The bag holds WAY more than I ever need to carry and the strap disperses the weight so it doesn't seem as heavy. Very pricey, but totally worth it!!

[lawschoolgiant]

http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/product.a ... &pid=46357

used this bag for travel at work, a little bit older model.

Think it would be perfect for law school, especially for men.

It looks great and has a lot of room, very comfortable.

price tag is a lot.

[Duralex]

The Binh bag mentioned above is awesome if you want something modern. Otherwise, I favor this:
--ImageRemoved--

or else the simple NF backpack.
--ImageRemoved--

Those convertible panniers looked cool too, although I can't imagine I'll ever be tough enough to ride to school and back.

[Other25BeforeYou]

No love for the classic L.L. Bean?

This is the exact bag I use in law school, except it has my initials on it and not somebody else's. And it's kind of gross because I've had it since eighth grade.

But it works as well as any other backpack. Also, every time I see a fellow first-year with a briefcase-type bag who isn't going to an interview, I giggle. Can't help it.

[atlantalaw]

No love for the classic L.L. Bean?

This is the exact bag I use in law school, except it has my initials on it and not somebody else's. And it's kind of gross because I've had it since eighth grade.

But it works as well as any other backpack. Also, every time I see a fellow first-year with a briefcase-type bag who isn't going to an interview, I giggle. Can't help it.

agreed. 99% of people at my ls wear a backpack, not a briefcase. a briefcase makes you look like you are overdoing it, similar to wearing a suit to class.

[Mr. Matlock]

I have a Coach leather briefcase with a padded insert sewn in for laptop storage, very similar to this:

--ImageRemoved--

I've used it for the past 5 years for my job and it has held up INCREDIBLY. Hell, it's just now broken in. You get what you pay for.

That said, I have this as well that I've basically used as my carry-on bag for traveling and imagine it will be what I use most considering how many books a day I'll be lugging around:

--ImageRemoved--

[OperaSoprano]

This does not fit in my budget, but I submit the Valentino petale tote:

--ImageRemoved--

and lovely for off duty, too:

[GATORTIM]

[RUQRU]

99% of people at my ls wear a backpack, not a briefcase. a briefcase makes you look like you are overdoing it, similar to wearing a suit to class.

Why are people so concerned? If you want to carry a briefcase, so what? Who cares if some no class, no fashion 22 year-old disapproves of your carry? Be a man, carry a briefcase! Project confidence. Backpacks make you look like some elementary school kid with a packed lunch.

It is amazing how law students are so conformist.

McKleinUSA also makes this beauty:

HARRISON #83384
Leather 17" Partner Laptop Brief

--ImageRemoved--
--ImageRemoved--
--ImageRemoved--

[ChewbaccaDefense]

I use the Kelty Redwing 3100 cubic inch pack for EVERYTHING. Definitely the most versatile bag I've owned. For work, I just use the compression straps, so even though it looks bulky in the picture, it packs way down. Plenty of room in there for all the books you'll need and a separate compartment for a laptop. Also, I can use this for week-long vacations/trips when it's fully expanded, yet it still fits in the overhead compartments on planes. Also, the shoulder straps are the most comfortable I've had.

I know some people suggest the rolling suitcase things, but I personally think that, save for some existing back condition, law students should probably get all the exercise they can get, including lugging pounds of stuff on their backs.

[SaintClarence27]

.

[blue5385]

I'm planning on using a Longchamp tote in the biggest size since I don't like backpacks (and hopefully the fact that I get a locker for 1L means I don't have to carry tons of huge books around all the time). If my back/shoulders start to hurt, I'll probably revert to my old North Face backpack. No briefcase for me though, now or ever (imo, it looks weird when women carry them).

edit: the Valentino bag above is gorgeous, wish I could afford it!

[op-ti]

I'm planning on using a Longchamp tote in the biggest size since I don't like backpacks (and hopefully the fact that I get a locker for 1L means I don't have to carry tons of huge books around all the time). If my back/shoulders start to hurt, I'll probably revert to my old North Face backpack. No briefcase for me though, now or ever (imo, it looks weird when women carry them).

edit: the Valentino bag above is gorgeous, wish I could afford it!

THIS.

Longchamp tote FTW for women!

Or

LV Neverfull GM (the large one).

[blue5385]

I'm planning on using a Longchamp tote in the biggest size since I don't like backpacks (and hopefully the fact that I get a locker for 1L means I don't have to carry tons of huge books around all the time). If my back/shoulders start to hurt, I'll probably revert to my old North Face backpack. No briefcase for me though, now or ever (imo, it looks weird when women carry them).

edit: the Valentino bag above is gorgeous, wish I could afford it!

THIS.

Longchamp tote FTW for women!

Or

LV Neverfull GM (the large one).

The Neverfull is cute, but iirc it's open top, and I'm worried about open top bags in the rain and snow. I like that the Longchamp is durable & has a top zipper.

[op-ti]

I'm planning on using a Longchamp tote in the biggest size since I don't like backpacks (and hopefully the fact that I get a locker for 1L means I don't have to carry tons of huge books around all the time). If my back/shoulders start to hurt, I'll probably revert to my old North Face backpack. No briefcase for me though, now or ever (imo, it looks weird when women carry them).

edit: the Valentino bag above is gorgeous, wish I could afford it!

THIS.

Longchamp tote FTW for women!

Or

LV Neverfull GM (the large one).

The Neverfull is cute, but iirc it's open top, and I'm worried about open top bags in the rain and snow.

True that.

I guess then you gotta have both

[blue5385]

True that.

I guess then you gotta have both

of course!

[daesonesb]

I use this for snowboarding... it has waist and chest straps plus a back pad that I can slip my snowboard through so I don't have to carry it, a water bottle holder, a waterproof camera pouch, and a insulated goggle pouch. It holds 20L (huge) and is amazing for backcountry day trips.

Thing is, while it looks good with my jacket, beanie, and snowpants... It is way too busy to wear to school. I think I'd give people a seizure.

I'd like to find the same bag, but in black.

[OperaSoprano]

I'm planning on using a Longchamp tote in the biggest size since I don't like backpacks (and hopefully the fact that I get a locker for 1L means I don't have to carry tons of huge books around all the time). If my back/shoulders start to hurt, I'll probably revert to my old North Face backpack. No briefcase for me though, now or ever (imo, it looks weird when women carry them).

edit: the Valentino bag above is gorgeous, wish I could afford it!

THIS.

Longchamp tote FTW for women!

Or

LV Neverfull GM (the large one).

Good choices all. The Longchamp tote is very popular at my school. I think it's really well designed, and my understanding is they last forever, which would be good for me, since I am extremely hard on bags. My first law school bag was the one on the left, by Mayle, from Fall 2008. (I got a great deal on it, and so sad she stopped designing!) I do advise against carrying a cloth bag, though. I wore it out.

--ImageRemoved--

[daesonesb]

I'm planning on using a Longchamp tote in the biggest size since I don't like backpacks (and hopefully the fact that I get a locker for 1L means I don't have to carry tons of huge books around all the time). If my back/shoulders start to hurt, I'll probably revert to my old North Face backpack. No briefcase for me though, now or ever (imo, it looks weird when women carry them).

edit: the Valentino bag above is gorgeous, wish I could afford it!

THIS.

Longchamp tote FTW for women!

Or

LV Neverfull GM (the large one).

Good choices all. The Longchamp tote is very popular at my school. I think it's really well designed, and my understanding is they last forever, which would be good for me, since I am extremely hard on bags. My first law school bag was the one on the left, by Mayle, from Fall 2008. (I got a great deal on it, and so sad she stopped designing!) I do advise against carrying a cloth bag, though. I wore it out.

--ImageRemoved--

Doesn't the thin, over the shoulder style throw your back outta whack? Seems like carrying that around all day with 20+ lbs in it would kinda suck.

I guess pain is beauty, or whatever it is people that dress nice say.

[T14_Scholly]

http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/product.a ... &pid=46357

used this bag for travel at work, a little bit older model.

Think it would be perfect for law school, especially for men.

It looks great and has a lot of room, very comfortable.

price tag is a lot.

You'd have to be a tool to buy a $450 bag for law school.

[blue5385]

Good choices all. The Longchamp tote is very popular at my school. I think it's really well designed, and my understanding is they last forever, which would be good for me, since I am extremely hard on bags. My first law school bag was the one on the left, by Mayle, from Fall 2008. (I got a great deal on it, and so sad she stopped designing!) I do advise against carrying a cloth bag, though. I wore it out.

--ImageRemoved--

I've had my Longchamp tote for years and it really does last, and is easy to clean. All the bags you linked are cute, but I especially like the Mayle one. I know where you're coming from on the cloth bags, which sucks because I have a very cute no-label one that is roomy enough for my laptop & a couple big textbooks, but would wear out fast if I used it for school.

[blue5385]

Doesn't the thin, over the shoulder style throw your back outta whack? Seems like carrying that around all day with 20+ lbs in it would kinda suck.

I guess pain is beauty, or whatever it is people that dress nice say.

yes on all counts. I think a backpack looks silly with my favorite coats and outfits, so I'm willing to suffer back pain to look pulled together.

[T14_Scholly]

this one made me lol[/quote]

unnecessary