8 must-have bags for designers
Carry your design essentials around in style with one of these gorgeous bags.
Creatives have a number of essential items; a great notepad, the best pencils, efficient laptop, to name but a few. So a sturdy and secure bag to carry it all around in is vital. But, while a bag is a must-have item for a designer, finding and purchasing one is not necessarily something that might fill you with excitement.
To help you out, we've found a gorgeous selection of accessories that might just make you feel differently...
01. Bellroy designer bags
Luxury lifestyle brand Bellroy has launched a new series of six beautiful bags, all of which will suit designers down to the ground. From a backpack that doubles as a tote, to a weatherproof work bag with expandable sides or a classic daypack with surprising detail on the inside, Bellroy’s range will help you carry your world around with greater ease and simplicity.
With their slim and thoughtfully designed formats, you might find it hard to choose between the options in Bellroy’s beautiful new range.
If you had to twist our arm, we’d have to go with its new slim backpack (pictured), priced at £149. Smart yet simple, formal yet relaxed, it will let you take everything you need yet nothing more. It's perfect for urban creatives who like things smart and streamlined.
02. Jimbag
The clue is in the name. Created specifically for busy, active people, Jimbag has a selection of beautiful bag designs.
This rucksack, priced at £49.99, is our favourite. A briefcase, handbag, holdall and duffel all rolled into one, this rucksack makes the perfect 'studio-gym bag', holding both a laptop and gym kit comfortably – and doing so in serious style.
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03. Alban bike bag
If your bike is your favourite mode of transport, then this is the bag for you. The stylish navy blue foldover Alban tote pannier, priced at $99.75 or £75, features a zip closure, deep main compartment for all of your everyday essentials and an internal slip pocket.
Made from heavy-duty, water-resistant material, the tote comes with an adjustable shoulder strap so it can be worn across your body, carried or attached to a rear cycle rack.
04. Porcupine tote
Simple tote bags are great for holding everything that a designer needs. But that doesn't mean they have to be boring. This adorable 'Nice Hair' design is one of many by Lyndsey Green featuring woodland creatures.
A high quality, 100 per cent cotton tote bag with long handles, the illustration is applied with a heat press to give a professional and vibrant finish. Plus, it only costs $9.76, or £7.
05. Brown paper bag
A designer's got to eat right? Keep your brain fuelled, energy levels up and your food fresh with this fun brown paper lunch bag, costing £12.95.
It's made from a tear-proof, leak-resistant, tough and insulating material called Tyvek, which means that unlike actual paper ones, this bag won't split in the rain or let its contents fall out of the bottom – winner!
06. Ortlieb messenger bag
The Ortlieb messenger bag offers a huge 30 litres of secure waterproof storage in a stable and durable format, for around £100.
The backpack features a roll-top with Velcro so you can vary the pack height depending on the heft of your belongings, and can easily fit an A4 folder in there. Plus it comes in various bright colours so you’ll be seen even as the winter gloom takes hold.
07. Waxed canvas backpack
Backpacks are back in fashion – and this waxed leather design, priced at $229, is one of the most attractive backpacks we've seen.
Handmade and fully lined with a blue cotton fabric, this backpack will fit in all of your essential design items and make you look good at the same time. The design also comes in a variety of colours to choose from.
08. Booq Cobra brief
This lightweight and luxurious laptop bag, Cobra brief by Booq, provides ultimate protection and style for design professionals who navigate airports as often as offices. Priced at €295, it features a quilted laptop compartment, a water-repellent coating on its nylon outer layer and even a weather-proof zip.
Related articles:
- Read our selection of the finest free ebooks for designers
- The designer's guide to working from home
- The designer's guide to how to start a blog
Six must-have tools for creatives
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Kerrie Hughes is a frequent contributor to Creative Bloq, and was once its editor. One of the original CB crew, Kerrie joined the team back in 2013 after moving from her role as staff writer on 3D World. Since then she's written regularly for other creative publications such as ImagineFX, Computer Arts and Digital Camera World. After a stint working for the police, Kerrie is back reviewing creative tech for creative professionals.