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Whats in the bag, Dad?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 21 2015 10:37 AM

What do you guys carry to work? In today's space-age world I rarely need to bring work to work, unless I'm traveling, but do need to stash glasses, a wallet, a pad & pen, bizcards, a phone, a paper or something to read, etc -- and lunch, just about everyday. I "brown bag" it everyday -- Most days, taking three or four plastic containers for a salad, cut fruit, grapes, oranges, etc -- and I've been customarily shoving it all into one of those Manhattan brand canvasy messenger/briefcase hybrid bags, even though that's not the ideal thing to carry that shit. Sometimes it makes a mess, sometimes it just gets all lumpy. That bag is getting old and somewhat raggedy anyway, and this week the shoulder strap broke so I'm looking to replace it but don't know with what. A lunchbox thingy with room for the extra shit? A "classy" small duffle or gym bag? A briefcase with a lunch compartment? When I bike in I have one of those Ortlieb pannier bags that convert to a carrier and I like that. But my regular-ass train commute requires something new. What do you take in and why?

Benjamin Grimm Aug 21 2015 10:41 AM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

I only go to the office two days a week. I carry a laptop because my computer has to go back and forth with me since I telecommute the other three days. The laptop bag has paper in it, with the notes I've been scribbling over the last few days. I also always have a book and a newspaper on my car's passenger seat for lunch-hour reading. I rarely bring food with me; I usually buy a bagel or a salad or something like that for lunch.

Edgy MD Aug 21 2015 10:47 AM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

Wow, a Woody Woodpecker reference. I typically forgot something for the longest time. And then I realized that memory works in all things like it works in phone numbers — that it's easiest to remember things in threes. So I carry: [list:7hcfqr0o][*:7hcfqr0o]Three things above my waste: [list:7hcfqr0o][*:7hcfqr0o]Reading glasses[/*:m:7hcfqr0o] [*:7hcfqr0o]Sunglasses[/*:m:7hcfqr0o] [*:7hcfqr0o]ID badge[/*:m:7hcfqr0o][/list:u:7hcfqr0o][/*:m:7hcfqr0o] [*:7hcfqr0o]Three things below my waste: [list:7hcfqr0o]Wallet [*:7hcfqr0o]Cell phone[/*:m:7hcfqr0o] [*:7hcfqr0o]Keys[/*:m:7hcfqr0o][/list:u:7hcfqr0o][/*:m:7hcfqr0o] [*:7hcfqr0o]Three things in my bag: [list:7hcfqr0o][*:7hcfqr0o]Laptop[/*:m:7hcfqr0o] [*:7hcfqr0o]Power cable[/*:m:7hcfqr0o] [*:7hcfqr0o]Lunch[/*:m:7hcfqr0o][/list:u:7hcfqr0o][/*:m:7hcfqr0o][/list:u:7hcfqr0o] I just bought a second power cable so I have room in my bag for one more thing!

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 21 2015 10:49 AM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

What kinda bag is it though?

Frayed Knot Aug 21 2015 11:01 AM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

Three things below my waste: Wallet Cell phone Keys After carrying those things below your waste, do you really want to use them afterward?

Edgy MD Aug 21 2015 11:03 AM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

A cloth briefcase-sized thingie designed to hold my fifteen inch lappie. Royal blue with a little orange lining at the zipper. Gorgeous. You can see all the girlies turn their heads.

themetfairy Aug 21 2015 11:35 AM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

I bring in my water and coffee cups each week and bring them home each weekend.

Ceetar Aug 21 2015 12:03 PM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

I've got a black and red messenger over the head messenger bag thingy that I used to use commuting to the city. Allowed me to carry a book (now my kindle) some paper, and whatever knick knacks I wanted. Allowed me some storage if I purchased anything (I hate walking and carrying anything, which is why the hands-free bag works so well for me) Also rotating it into my lap when I'm sitting provided the perfect height for my book. Now I commute by car. I bring my lunch maybe 20% of the time when I actually get around to preparing it, usually in a plastic bag. a water glass (a plastic souvenir Mets cup obviously) that I take home every week. Occasionally my travel mug.

Edgy MD Aug 21 2015 12:51 PM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

Edgy MD wrote: A cloth briefcase-sized thingie designed to hold my fifteen inch lappie. Royal blue with a little orange lining at the zipper. Gorgeous. You can see all the girlies turn their heads. Would you look at this captain of industry? [fimg=440]https://metsinpeace.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/photo-on-8-21-15-at-1-01-pm-3.jpg[/fimg] [fimg=440]https://metsinpeace.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/photo-on-8-21-15-at-1-01-pm.jpg[/fimg]

dgwphotography Aug 21 2015 01:08 PM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

I swear by my Timbuk2 bag. I bought my first one almost 15 years ago, and I'm currently on my third one. Customizable, rugged, and just very well made. I no longer brown bag it as my office has a free cafeteria, but I was able to fit my laptop, lunch, and other odds and ends into it when I was training it every day. http://www.timbuk2.com/messenger-bags

seawolf17 Aug 21 2015 01:10 PM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

I have a schlumpy laptop bag. Carries my laptop, a portfolio with a bunch of papers, a handful of pens, and (currently) three Start-O-Matic team sets, a folder full of Strat charts, and a baggie with Strat dice and pitcher hitting cards. (BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW.)

Edgy MD Aug 21 2015 01:27 PM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

Old adventures in work bags.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 21 2015 01:58 PM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

Edgy MD wrote: Old adventures in work bags. Good stuff in that thread. How I neglected to tell the story of the time I rode in an elevator with "Jud" from MTV's The Real World I'll never know. BTW, DG -- that's the kida advice I was hoping to see in this thread. I need a new bag!

Edgy MD Aug 21 2015 07:26 PM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

Mine is from incase. Here's a Padres version of my Metly beauty. Looks like a makeup bag in this color. My only problem is that it's too water resistant. I threw my travel mug in there once, and it leaked cold tea. Rather than soaking through the bag, it was fully contained, and the laptop took an extensive bath. Laptop still works but its peripheral ports are all wonky. I was mad at the bag, but it was just doing its job. [fimg=600]https://d2t66p9ub1hqfk.cloudfront.net/media/CACHE/images/products/city-collection-15brief-dark-khaki-1/64cf97e9b8c6b817b3a3240d50696cb9.jpg[/fimg]

Fman99 Aug 21 2015 08:34 PM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

I have a backpack for my laptop and peripherals that was supplied to me by work, that I just keep my laptop stuff in and nothing else. I have a gym bag that stays in my ride all day but contains my post-work workout gear - running sneakers, gym clothes, nipple tape, and so on. Then I have an insulated lunch bag that I pack the night before (for non-refrigerated goods) and the morning of (for the cold stuff) each work day. Typical contents include a piece of fresh fruit, a Chobani, two sodas, two ice packs, a sandwich, a salad and dressing, and some canned fruit in a small plastic container. That's on the inside. The outside has a pocket also where I keep croutons for salads and a small box of raisins, as well as my work badge that gets me in and out of the office. I also keep snacks in my desk each week (pretzels and peanuts, usually) as well as iced tea in the work fridge. Those I generally only bring in on Mondays, to stock up for the week. I won't put any food of my own in the work fridges, because they are nasty, so I only use them for my beverages. Lastly, I carry in a 32 oz insulated cup of coffee each morning that I drink between 7 and 8:30 each morning. That's it for me for coffee for the day -- if I only drink my own coffee from home and not the work coffee (which is sludge), then I also don't have to make refills of coffee for others at work. As you can guess, my hands are full getting out of the house every morning.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 21 2015 10:29 PM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

Slate grey and neon yellow North Face Recon backpack with knife roll, because I'm working in the culinary field these days, and I'm 13.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 22 2015 05:32 AM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Slate grey and neon yellow North Face Recon backpack with knife roll, because I'm working in the culinary field these days, and I'm 13. LWFS, please pack your knives and go.

cooby Aug 22 2015 08:39 AM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

I have a thirty-one laptop case in ditzy print. They don't make them any more! But that's fine cos I don't work anyway :)

batmagadanleadoff Aug 23 2015 12:56 AM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

seawolf17 wrote: I have a schlumpy laptop bag. Carries my laptop, a portfolio with a bunch of papers, a handful of pens, and (currently) three Start-O-Matic team sets, a folder full of Strat charts, and a baggie with Strat dice and pitcher hitting cards. (BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW.) I got nuthin' to add here, not that I won't put my two or three cents in anyways. I was thinking to myself a coupl'a posts in that this is gonna be a waste of a thread unless you people start posting pictures of your bags. And I was gonna write that but then I came across Edgy's post and DG's link. That's more like it. Keep those pics comin'. I like pictures. They're easier to read. But seawolf's S-O-M league .. that got my interest. So seawolf, how do you play? How is that game played these days? Do you solitaire? Do you play against opponents face to face, rolling real dice? Or is it all online now? Bring me up to S-O-M speed, 21st century style. Thank you very much.

d'Kong76 Aug 23 2015 02:09 PM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

I have a Wenger (of Swiss Army Knife fame) laptop bag that has so many zippers and pockets I could leave home with it. I don't leave home much work-wise these days... but when I do, current inventory is a clipboard with my business notepaper, business cards, two legal size pads that rarely see action, more writing implements than I'll ever use, bunch of cabling-type stuff, a usb numbers-pad thing (I'm an accountant, and to not have one would be kinda, like, gay that way; nttawwt), Fed-ex and UPS crap, 3-ring notebook (with calendars, resumes, 1099's etc.), gum, chapstick, and a 1973 Topps Tug McGraw card. Like they say, ya gotta believe.

Rockin' Doc Aug 23 2015 06:58 PM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

I have a black cloth bag that resembles a briefcase. It contains my Nook, a few pens, and occassionally paperwork from the office. My insulated Tervis cup for coffee accompanies to and from the office each day. On days I plan to go to the gym following work I will also have a simple cloth bag with my running shoes, socks, running shorts, shirt, and sports drink. I very rarely pack a lunch for work since my office is just over 2 miles from home, so I generally go home for lunch or meet my wife for lunch since her office is less than a mile from mine.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 24 2015 08:37 AM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

LOVE Tervis cups. Two winters ago, while heading out to the car after an evening wintry-mix storm, I slipped at the top of our 15-foot non-salted front stoop, and-- because of my bootheel catching-- tipped forward, headed for the pavement nogginfirst. Because of the angle at which I was falling, my Mr. Met Tervis was the only thing I had in hand that could hit before my skull did. It did, and took enough weight that I only took a glancing blow to the side of the head/shoulder. Tervis literally saved my life. Entirely American-made, to boot.

metsmarathon Aug 24 2015 11:54 AM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

i have pockets on my pants which carry my phone, wallet, and car keys. i have a lunch bag that i frequently forget to bring home; it's a black neoprene dealie with a vibrant turqoise inner lining. when i forget to bring it back home after work, i just lug my lunch in by hand. and i have a sweet asics ING NYC marathon bag from 2008 i think, to carry my running junk. on the rare instances where i feel that i must bring my laptop home with me, i do so in a boring dell laptop bag.

d'Kong76 Aug 24 2015 12:25 PM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

"What's in the bag, Pop?" "That's Mommy's medical marijuana, son."

Lefty Specialist Aug 24 2015 01:58 PM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

Black laptop bag in which I rarely carry a laptop. I use my work one at work and use a VPN to work from home on my home laptop. Work has a cafeteria, so I never bring lunch. I carry a tablet, pens, business cards, a cheap $3 street corner umbrella, spare pair of glasses, and varying amounts of paperwork. And I carry refreshments in a little cooler bag that I can freeze overnight which fits perfectly inside. Got it at Duane Reade for a buck like 5 years ago- best dollar I ever spent.

sharpie Aug 24 2015 02:09 PM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

Black leather shoulder bag. Carry stuff to read, distance glasses, mints, headphones sometimes work. Never take my lunch, buy it every day tho' often from the company cafeteria.

Fman99 Aug 24 2015 07:28 PM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

Can't a day go by without someone clamoring for a photo of my bag?

MFS62 Aug 25 2015 09:39 PM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

The title of this thread sounds like the punch line to an Andrew Dice Clay joke. Later

Farmer Ted Aug 28 2015 10:39 AM Re: Whats in the bag, Dad?

Backpack and I carry it two-strap style like all the cool college kids. Notebook binder, writing utensils, glasses, Mets cap, umbrella, and tons of freaking cash! If it's a rainy forecast, spare socks (can't make that up). I carry my lunch in there, too, with an insulated lunch bag, usually containing an assortment of shat jammed into a plastic twist cap container. Maybe a ziplock bag of peanuts and chocolate chips if I'm lucky.