FAVORITE: Filson Tote

  

In my undergraduate years, I often carried a North Face backpack like any public university student. It was practical: It held my Nalgene bottle, protected my laptop and hauled my books. It was "normal" to have one. However, when I was pretending to be important in my liberal arts classes, I often carried a briefcase, tote or leather bag. 

 Once I graduated, I knew I wasn't going to carry around my beloved North Face backpack to coffee shops and travel, let alone to job interviews and formal outings. I needed a new bag that spoke to my "not-so-professional-but-I-want-to-be-a-young-professional" stage of life.

A Filson tote provided that transition. Practical, functional, and it looks sharp. I can carry it to coffee shop and pretend to look important. I can carry it to a less formal job interview to house my portfolio and laptop. Or even throw some clothes in it and jetset. It's one of my favorites.

Small tote bag ($90 retail, $45 on eBay) by Filson; Salmon puff "lifejacket" vest (thrift store, $4); "The Henley" 14-ounce Karabo dry selvedge (Standard Style, $200) by Baldwin Denim; Classic Lifestyle boot in Java 8878 (Halls, sale $78) by Red Wing Shoes; Button down (retail, $12.99) by J.CREW; Natural leather belt (retail, sale $4.99) by Urban Outfitters; Camper watch (Amazon, $18.99) by Timex.

photography by Jarred Donalson

FAVORITE: Saddleback briefcase

To send you into the weekend: I came across this bag through one of the many generous giveaways over at the Art of Manliness. They were raffling this incredible briefcase from Saddleback Leather, so I entered on a lark and won. Since then, it's become a prized belonging, although I wish I'd stuck with the large size they sent instead of exchanging it for something smaller. I was thinking I would use it as a briefcase, when it actually works better for me as a weekend bag.

If I'd had this thing during the Buenos Aires job, maybe it would have provided me something to sling over my shoulder for a getaway out the cabana window. Instead, I was fumbling for the essential possessions when the door burst open.

Won't be making that mistake again.

//SJP

FAVORITE: Duluth Pack, The Wanderer in Waxed Canvas

Last fall, upon deciding I needed a new backpack (I still get to wear backpacks after all because, well, I'm still in college), I went perusing the Internet to find a bag that was:

• Made out of waxed canvas.
• Made in the USA.

After primitively Googling these criteria, I landed on Duluth Pack's website. After reading about Duluth a bit, I was sold. The 128-year-old company's reputation was worthy of buying into: American-made, handcrafted gear. I was into it, and the Wanderer seemed to fit my taste and criteria the best, so I pulled the trigger. The bag was sold out, so I'd have to pine for it for another 2 weeks before it arrived.

The wait was well worth it. It's almost too spacious for my purposes, the main compartment (drawstring closure, with a top flap that buckles over it) holds my Mac, a slew of textbooks and journals, a thermos, and a sweatshirt with relative ease. The weight, almost surprisingly to me, didn't put much of a strain on my back, even with the unpadded straps. The side and front compartments were perfect for holding anything else I may need to carry (cords, external hardrive, water bottles, writing utensils, iPod, etc.).

Overall, the carrying capacity was far beyond expected, in a good way. My favorite aspect of the bag has been the waxed canvas; it eliminates all worry about taking it out in snow or rainfall and shows wear in subtle, but eye-catching ways. If you're looking to replace an aging North Face (not hating on NF, just saying) or your old high school Jansport (again, I love Jansport), and are looking for a company worth investing in for said replacement, I'd urge you to check out Duluth Pack. I promise, this bag is worth every penny.

Oh, did I mention it's guaranteed for life?

FAVORITE: rifle tie bar

Hands down, er, guns down. This is one of my most prized tie bars/men's accessories.

rifle tie bar found $6 at timeless treasures antique mall

It's noticed every time I wear it. So dope.