I’ve always had an obsession with bags, partly because I needed something to transport all my stuff, but also because carrying a bag is an opportunity to express yourself—and to learn about beauty, form, and function. At some point during my college career, I said goodbye to my backpack and chose a tote bag as my daily driver. It was an attempt to appear more mature, to appear more like a real adult heading to important destinations in the big city than a college kid heading off to class.
For years, this was my daily driver LL Bean Boat and Tote. (Large size, long handles, zipper top, natural color — but who’s asking?) It’s served me well, accumulating what we’ll call a “tasty” patina and some light wear as I wandered the streets of New York City. On international flights and to the beach. It’s the perfect handbag, and certainly a treasured possession, but its single open compartment, tendency to get dirty, and lack of a shoulder strap sometimes left me wanting more. Then I found out Topo Designs Mountain Gear Bag: The absolute workhorse of a bag that holds everything I could want and more.
Let’s talk function
Although they also come in a variety of fun, multi-colored options, I opted for all-black, which looks streamlined, understated (rage and rage against the death of the sock) and maybe even tactical. I brought it with me on a trip to Florida for Thanksgiving, and it did not disappoint.
First and foremost, the bag is a great size, much larger than your average bag, but not too big to be unwieldy or too heavy. At 48 litres, it falls between a large and extra-large boat and a handbag – meaning it’s large enough to comfortably carry your gym gear, water bottle and laptop around town, but still small enough to take on the subway during a rush hour. An hour without getting any dirty looks. It’s also made from strong and lightweight recycled nylon, making the bag extremely durable. Finally, the daisy chain strap on the front can probably be used to attach all sorts of very necessary accessories, but most of all, it looks great.
My first test of the Mountain Gear bag was using it as my carry-on while moving through the airport. I liked that the handles were short enough to keep them from touching the ground, and long enough to fit over my shoulders—even while wearing a jacket. There is also a removable shoulder strap if you want more mobility or wear the bag cross-body. Next, I brought the bag to Jiu-Jitsu and it had enough room for all my gear; I also took advantage of the expandable external pockets to hold two water bottles. (You really can’t be too wet, folks.) Topo Designs I know that.)
At the beach, this bag performed well too. Again, the large main compartment was a great place for a towel, a book, and a bottle of sunscreen. The outside zippered pocket was great for storing my wallet and keys, and the top zipper closure kept sand on the beach and out of my stuff. What’s more, the interior of the bag has a 10-ounce waterproof liner, which is perfect for stuffing into my wetsuit after an afternoon of catching waves, storing sweaty gear after BJJ, or filling it with ice and a 12-pack.
