Best bags for men
IT’S easy to overlook bags. While the rest of your look might get all the attention it deserves, bags often play second fiddle. Perhaps it’s because they might not be used everyday, or maybe it’s because they’re required to be functional first and foremost.
But not investing in quality luggage can let down an entire wardrobe. Cheap out on a poorly designed backpack and whatever you choose to wear with it will suffer.
Planning a weekend away or even an extensive road trip? You need a bag that will perform but also look the part. The good news is you’re in the right place. From the best leather backpacks to the most stylish canvas duffels, these are the best bags for men.
Best bags for men at a glance:
- Best rugged bag: WindTook
- Best military style bag: Byeon
- Best duffell bag: Nubily
- Best bag for the gym: Daygos
- Best holdall: Sid and Vain
WindTook canvas backpack
- WindTook canvas backpack, £42.99 – buy here
Made from a scratch resistant, water-repellent black canvas, this WindTook backpack will see you through all manner of scenarios.
It comes with a multitude of pockets including a compartment for a 15.4 inch laptop inside, so not only will it work for an overnight stay, it’s also ideal for taking to work.
Byeon leather and canvas backpack
- Byeon leather and canvas backpack, £38.11 – buy here
For a backpack that has more of an explorer feel, but with the practicalities of something modern, this Byeon take is well worth a look.
Made from a durable waxed cotton canvas and coming with hard-wearing, rust-resistant alloy hardware, it features an array of compartments and comes with a drawstring top reminiscent of classic military-issued backpacks.
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Nubily duffel bag
There will be times when you need something larger, though. Which is where this Nubily duffel bag comes in.
Made from a familiar canvas and leather combo, it has a classic look and one that will age beautifully the more it’s used.
Use the main compartment or make use of the exterior zip pocket for quick access to your essentials.
Daygos duffel bag
- DAYGOS Gym Sports Duffle Bag, £21.99 – buy here
If you’re in the market for a gym-friendly, lightweight bag, you need something like this.
Made from water-resistant polyester, it’s perfect for carrying your workout essentials, yet it looks smart enough should you need something for a weekend away.
A back-to-basics design with a handy exterior zip pocket, a shoe compartment and even a suitcase loop, it’s surprisingly versatile.
KomalC leather briefcase
- KomalC leather briefcase, £78.99 – buy here
For an adaptable leather bag you can take to work or use for travelling, this KomalC design is difficult to beat.
It’s made from beautiful soft buffalo leather and comes complete with reliable YKK zips, so you can be sure it’s made to last.
The classic, soft construction makes it ideal for carrying documents and a laptop, while its suitcase loop means it’s the ideal carry-on for trips away, whether for work or play.
Sid & Vain leather duffel bag
- Sid & Vain leather duffel bag, £144.90 – buy here
Sometimes only a full leather holdall will do. This one boasts a vintage-inspired look with a number of zipped pockets and buckled compartments to store your travel essentials. Made from naturally tanned calf leather, it’ll take on an aged patina the more it’s used, becoming unique to you.
Away tote bag
- Away tote bag, £71 – buy here
Away started out making high-quality suitcases, before branching out into other, equally stylish luggage options.
This tote demonstrates what the brand is all about. Made from a super-light polyester fabric, it’s water resistant and incredibly durable, meaning whatever you store inside it will remain safe and secure, regardless of whether you’re heading to the gym or the pool.
Bennett Winch backpack
- Bennett Winch backpack, £625 – buy here
For an everyday carry you can take to work, the gym, out for a day trip or even a weekend away, the Bennett Winch backpack is as good as it gets.
Made from 24oz waterproof cotton canvas, and with full-grain leather trim, it’s a contemporary update on more traditional military-style packs.
Other details include an interior laptop pocket, a detachable gym compartment and solid brass hardware, which is among the best quality you’ll find anywhere.
Arket crossbody bag
- Arket Crossbody Bag, £35 – buy here
While they might not be for everyone, there’s no denying the cross-body bag’s functionality.
This small style is ideal for days out and can carry everything from your phone and wallet to a camera and water bottle.
This particular design by Arket is made from recycled polyester and has three handy compartments, so it can carry far more than you might first think.
Brunello Cucinelli calfskin backpack
- Brunello Cucinelli calfskin backpack, £2,270 – buy here
When it comes to all-out luxury, and the finest craftsmanship you’ll find anywhere, Brunello Cucinelli is the answer.
The Italian brand has its own factory in Solomeo, where it produces all of its knitwear and tailoring to the highest specifications.
The brand’s range of bags boasts similar attention to detail, with this particular backpack being hand-made from the finest-grained calfskin.
With a simple look and plenty of handy pockets, it represents the ultimate in refined luxury.
Things to consider when buying a bag
Style
Hands down the most important thing to consider when buying a new bag is what you’re going to use it for. This will then dictate which style you go for. If you’re after an everyday carry you can take to work or use on the weekend, a backpack might be for you.
Need a bag to hold important documents or a laptop? You might consider a briefcase or satchel. Looking for something to accommodate you overnight? You’ll need something larger, like a duffel.
Every style has its pros and cons from a functional perspective, but they also change the overall feel of an outfit too. Rucksacks are, for example, generally far more casual than briefcases, so you may wish to consider where you’ll use them, too.
Materials
Once you’ve decided what kind of bag style you want, it’s time to consider what materials you want them to be made from. This will largely depend on personal preference and the kind of bag you’re looking for.
If you’re seeking something more technical and performance focussed, then nylon or polyester are your friends. But if you want something more luxurious, you’ll no doubt stumble across leather variations, made from durable yet luxurious cow hides, which will instantly add a more sophisticated feel to an outfit.
For a good in-between fabric, and one that is neither too smart nor casual, you might want to think about canvas. This durable yet stylish fabric gives a vintage look to bags and will age gracefully the more you use it.
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