Few things justify the acquisition of a new bag like the purchase of a laptop––at least for me anyway. It was all the reason I needed to begin the search for a stylish bag with the features best suited for a busy life on the go. After researching many options I eventually found the ideal solution in the form of the Mountain Khakis Field Bag. What I liked most was that it was part of a collection of bags, meaning I could also get the carry-on piece I’ve been wanting, the Cabin Duffle, and have the option to keep expanding my luggage collection.
The Field Bag is a perfect size for daily use and fits a laptop, notepad, files, a few magazines, and anything else I feel the need to toss inside. It’s large enough to hold up to a 15 inch laptop with room to spare, and has thoughtful compartmentalization to keep everything organized. The large main opening offers easy access to the inside and can be closed with a large zipper for security. A padded removable wall adds ample protection for my laptop and a second zippered compartment on the front of the bag is perfect for small accessories and incidentals. The Field Bag has continued to surprise me with how much stuff I can cram into it.
The outside of the bag has a large grab handle as well as a removable shoulder strap. Between the two, I don’t ever feel like I am grabbing at it precariously as the handles and shoulder strap are well placed and give a good, balanced feel. It is comfortable to carry and has the understated styling I was looking for.
I was quickly won over by the little details and finishing touches when I first unzipped both the Field Bag and Cabin Duffel. Inside each bag is a fun topographical map patterned fabric that I love, as well as what Mountain Khakis has called an interior organization panel. In both bags the panel is connected by two buttons so it can be easily removed if need be and is the perfect place for keeping track of the small things I don’t want to have to dig for. The Field Bag also features a generously sized external slip pocket on the back, which is great for items that need to be stashed quickly.
The Cabin Duffle shares many of the features of the Field bag including its own slip pocket on the outside and removable shoulder strap, which makes it easy to carry even while trying to make it to a connecting flight. One of my favorite features is the zippered jaw opening of the main compartment. I don’t know about you, but by the last day of a long trip, I have usually lost my will to fold anything and it all ends up getting stuffed in my bag. The jaw opening makes my life so much easier in this respect, I don’t have to fight to close my bag and the sturdy construction hasn’t worried me with the threat of things busting at the seams. It’s a great bag with a nice mix of form and function.
It’s hard enough to find good bags, so finding bags that last is all the more important. The quality of these two bags suggests I’ll have them around for a long time to come. They‘re made of 20 ounce canvas reinforced with 18 ounce waxed canvas giving them the added benefit of being water-resistant. The Field Bag has leather accents while the Cabin Duffle has a full leather bottom. The Field bag has become all I need for work, and both have a style I love, classy yet rugged. The quality, design, and price have won me over and made these my “go-to” bags.
