<p>I’m hoping the collective wisdom of CC can help me find a bag that would fit my needs. More often than not, I find myself schlepping heaps of printed material and books around town. I’m seriously thinking about getting a roller briefcase/tote to take the 20±lb load off my shoulders, but after spending a day browsing eBags and Amazon and Bergman etc., I’m completely lost - there is nothing among the stuff they sell that would work for me. It is either pure ugliness or something that looks like a piece of luggage. So, here is my wishlist of parameters:</p>
<p>-weight under 8 lb, ideally, 6 lb max;
-has to look like absolutely professional (briefcase or tote in solid, dark color, i.e., no Vera Bradley knockoffs or backpacks) - the weight limit takes leather out of the running;
-has to fit 20 lb of printed material (Surface can go into my purse);
-has to be reasonably water resistant (it is Seattle, after all!);
-can be easily taken on public transport;
-eBags does NOT carry anything like that.</p>
<p>Does such thing exist or am I looking for a unicorn here? CCers, help! TIA!</p>
<p>You don’t like the McKlein vertical style rolling briefcases? I realize it is 3 oz over the limit, but my wife loves hers, though it may be what you termed “pure ugliness”:</p>
<p>Thanks! I already mentioned that nothing sold at eBags matches my needs. I looked at all of their 400+ rollers. </p>
<p>I’m keeping my fingers crossed that someone on CC knows a magical place where such bags could be sold (like the shoe brand I’ve never heard of, posted by Bromfield).</p>
<p>Magnetron, that bag is ok, but product specs say it is over 8 lb. A bit too heavy for my liking. :(</p>
<p>Thanks, Singersmom. Will take a look at the link from my computer since it completely crashes my 5 (see the Apple thread - this is one more reason why I’m not a fan!). Unfortunately, I have a suspicion that a shopper might not do.</p>
<p>I have no idea why the multitudes of bags on eBags did not suit your needs, but how about Mandarina Duck? They have well-priced stylish bags. Haven’t seen this one in person but it might meet your needs:</p>
<p>I had a Mandarina Duck rolling duffle (large) a number of years ago. It was really expensive but lasted a long time and took a pretty good beating since I traveled a lot. I think we finally ditched it, unless my son still has it. We called it “the duck”, as in “Are we taking the duck?” I haven’t heard about those bags in years!</p>
<p>Nottelling, I am not trying to imply that any brand that eBags sells is not to my standards. All I said is that among the 400+ rollers they list, none fit the criteria. There could be some other products by these brands that are not on eBags. That’s why Im asking. </p>
<p>Singersmom, that Hedgren bag looks promising! Wow, it is almost what I am looking for. </p>
<p>abasket and nottelling, thank you for the links. This is the problem with most rollers: they are designed for overnight travelers and have compartments to hold toiletries etc. This adds to the weight and limits space inside. I am not going to use this for travel, this is strictly for business. </p>
<p>Bunsen burner – sorry, I did not mean to suggest that there was anything wrong with not finding something on eBags. I just meant that it is hard to suggest alternatives without knowing what was wrong with the options that you had already seen</p>
<p>What about Briggs & Riley or Tumi? My luggage is all B&R and it has held up beautifully for the past 10 years.
Does Tom Binh have anything or is that all messenger bag-ish?</p>
<p>Huge fan of Briggs and Riley. My BR computer bag is also 10+ years old and held up very well other than a broken zipper - which they fixed for free under their lifetime warranty… </p>
<p>I have found my Tumi luggage and briefcases to wear very well. They vary in weight, but some are both light and durable. I have yet to check out the rolling briefcase options. </p>
I looked at all of their 400+ rollers. </p>