What kind of bags do men use?
There are several types of bags that men typically use, including:
- A man bag
- A messenger bag
- A laptop bag
- A briefcase
- A backpack
- A gym bag
- A travel bag
- A duffel bag
- A tote bag
- A camera bag
Whichever type you choose, we'll give you the description and recommend styles for each.
1. Man Bag
This is generally something portable, like a lady’s handbag/purse, designed to be carried most days for work and/or pleasure activities.
Men’s bags often start out as practical items for carrying computers or cameras, but are modified to carry more items for use during the day.
If you’re looking for a new bag, you’ll need to decide exactly what you want to use it for, whether it needs to be waterproof, how many compartments you want, and so on.
Fastenings also vary a great deal; you could opt for discreet magnetic closures, or brass buckles, or noisy zippers and Velcro.
Read more: Our article discussing what a man bag actually is.
2. Messenger bag
Featured product: No.1 Men's Leather Briefcase (link)
The messenger bag is designed to be slung over the shoulder – across the body – and originally date back to the New York messenger services of the 1950s.
They are often quite slim, and so not suited for bulky items, like large cameras.
These bags should be tough and water-resistant and are often made from plastic. More expensive, style-conscious bags are made from leather.
3. Laptop bag
Featured product: City Leather Laptop Bag (link)
Laptop bags are originally built to carry a computer, but usually, have more space to carry other items.
As laptops can be relatively heavy to carry for long periods, the bags are designed to be fairly lightweight.
The laptop bag should be able to survive a rain shower, and the bottom of the bag should have some padding.
These bags usually have a shoulder strap as well as the handles. Most are made from plastic, but some are made from canvas or leather.
4. Briefcase
Featured product: Executive Men's Leather Briefcase from Von Baer
The name comes from the legal profession; it’s a hard-sided container, with handles, for transporting documents safely.
Most people would tend to use a laptop bag these days. Equally, a “briefcase” could probably work well as a laptop bag.
Traditionally, these would have only had normal handles, but some may now have an optional shoulder strap. They are considered to be the best men's business bag (shop examples here).
Briefcases tend to be heavier, and made out of metal, hard plastic, or thick leather. Von Baer briefcases are all handmade from full-grain vegetable-tanned Italian leather (shop them here)
5. Backpack / Rucksack
Featured product: 10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag (link)
These are usually designed for walking and hiking. Small backpacks are commonly used by everyone from children to office workers.
They fit conveniently out of the way on your back and are very versatile.
There are many types; some have many divisions and pockets, while others have a big main compartment and just a few pockets.
It can be useful if they have carrying handles, for use over short distances. These bags are expected to be waterproof and resist being ripped by thorns.
They are usually made from plastic, but there are some better leather options available (see here).
6. Gym Bag
This type of bag usually has one main large compartment for holding clothes and shoes, plus a few smaller compartments.
There is often a place for keeping wet items separate from other things, and some have a place to keep your shoes separate.
These are commonly made out of light plastic material, and probably not tough enough for outdoor use, or for airline baggage.
Go for a leather one if you want your gym bag to last (the Weekender or Grand is a good option). Moreover, it will also protect your valuable items.
7. Travel Bag
Featured product: Voyager Leather Carry-on Bag with Wheels from Von Baer
The classic travel luggage is the “Gladstone bag”, which has often been incorrectly copied, and was the forerunner of the suitcase.
These days, travel bags are often more like a gym bag. It should be robust and be resistant to rough handling, as well as rain.
They are usually intended to carry a small amount of items, so would be used as hand-luggage/carry-on, or for a weekend trip.
The construction is often thick flexible plastic or leather.
Related article: How to Reform a Leather Bag
8. Duffel Weekender Bag
Featured Product: Weekender Men's Tan Leather Weekend Bag (link)
The duffel bag was just a cylindrical bag with a drawstring at the top, for carrying luggage or equipment. Sailors and Marines would refer to these as “seabags”.
The word comes from the town of Duffel in Belgium, where the cloth for the bags was made.
These days, it’s used to describe many bags which could also be called travel bags. These include Weekender bags, which have a similar design to the Duffel, but are much smarter, and often made from leather.
These are sometimes called a Holdall (you can buy them here).
9. Tote Bag
A tote bag might simply be called a shopping bag by many people.
The word “tote” just means “carry”, and bags of this style became popular in the 1940s.
Normally, it’s an open-topped bag with long handles, capable of being carried on the shoulder. They can be made in a variety of materials.
Tote bags are more typically worn by women (you can shop totes for travel here).
10. Camera Bag
Camera bags usually have many compartments to hold camera bodies, lenses, batteries, and other bits and pieces.
There are very small versions that can hang on your belt for holding compact cameras. If the internal layout of the bags can be altered easily, then a camera bag can be useful for other things.
They usually come with padded sections, should resist ripping, and be waterproof.
Need a new leather bag? You can shop Von Baer bags here.
Also learn about the leather tanning process here.
FAQ's
What are Small Bags for Men Called?
A small bag that a man carries to work is typically called a briefcase. A smaller pouch style bag is often called a man purse or a man bag.
Why Should Men Carry a Bag?
Men should carry bags to carry things that they can't fit in their pockets, or where carrying them in their pockets would cause an unattractive bulging look, and risk tearing their pants.
There are many benefits to carrying a bag, one being looking far more professional when turning up to business meetings, with all of your essentials organised into a smart looking bag instead of being carried in hand.
What is a Side Bag Called?
A side bag is also known as a courier bag, a shoulder bag, or a messenger bag. It typically is just a normal bag or briefcase with a shoulder strap attached, which allows the wearer to keep their hands free while carrying a bag, whilst still looking more professional than a backpack.
What is Another Name for a Man Purse?
Another name for a man purse is a pouch or man bag. They are typically square shaped bags that go with sports clothing for a more casual look.
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