For 10 years I have been a fervent defender of a particular bag format for everyday use: the 24h.
It is carried by hand, has a removable shoulder strap, a large central pocket and one or two additional pockets at the front. Its capacity is around 12/13 liters.
An emblematic model in this category is the Filson original briefcase :
A beautiful object!
I'm surprised to see few men carrying such bags in the street. However, I think it has many advantages.
Why I love 24h bags
1. Its size is ideal
The capacity of a 24h corresponds perfectly to what I need on a daily basis. I can store:
- A computer
- A water bottle
- One or two items of clothing if the weather cools down a little: a scarf and/or a small knit
- A wallet
- Some other little things
In short, everything I need.
The space available in a Filson 24h bag. Neither too big nor too small
I've heard before that this storage space is too big.
This is something I completely understand. However, I still think it is a good format:
- It is better to have a little larger than what you usually need because this space can prove useful in certain situations, for storing purchases or a parcel that you have collected for example and avoid having several bags on self
- A bag not completely filled is not really a problem . The 24-hour format is suitable for urban use, so even if it's not full, it won't be shocking.
2. By hand or on the shoulder: it is practical
What I really appreciate about the 24h is the possibility of carrying the bag by hand but also on the shoulder thanks to the integrated shoulder strap.
I mostly carry my bag in my hand, but I sometimes put it on my shoulder when I need to have both hands available: in transport for example, or if I have a package to carry.
3. It’s versatile and stylish
I think that the choice of a bag must support a style approach , and not just a utilitarian aspect. If you have a more formal style, you should not wear a bag that is too casual like a backpack for example, even if it is an easy, practical choice.
Many people appreciate the casual chic style and I think the 24h bag is perfect in this style register.
It is more elegant than the backpack because it is carried by hand.
It is more casual than the leather briefcase due to its material, mostly cotton, and its shape, often a little busier than that of very refined briefcases.
You can also modulate your style.
It can be a little more chic:
Chic but not too much. Sandqvist
It can also be more workwear:
This Bleu de Chauffe bag clearly leans towards workwear with the use of thick green cotton with a patinated appearance.
From a style point of view, I find that the 24h bag goes with everything: jeans, chinos, cargo, sweatshirts, sneakers, derbies, blazer, parka, etc. It has a Swiss army knife look that I like.
What I criticize about other bag formats
I regularly look at bag brands, to answer your questions but also on a personal basis.
I sometimes want to be tempted by something other than a 24-hour bag, but there is always something that blocks me, in the use, the capacity, the style.
1. The backpack
I don't deny the functional aspect of the backpack, but I find some flaws that are quite annoying for my daily use.
First, it can ruin the shoulders of your tops . Worn too regularly, or with too heavy a weight, it shines the wool of your coat, distorts the shoulders of your blazer or holes your fine knits.
And it turns out I wear a lot of wool coats, blazers and fine knits.
And it's a bit of a nightmare for me to see clothing damaged by a backpack.
The shoulder construction and fabric of your favorite blazer frown on backpacking. BonneGueule Jacket
Next, it's something I see a lot, but I find the backpack + blazer or backpack + wool coat combo unattractive .
The contrast in style is a bit strong. The backpack is often too casual compared to the dressier coat or blazer.
I am very rarely convinced by this kind of association. Photo credit: Luza studios for Getty Images
Finally, the backpack makes your back sweat in summer .
No thanks. Source: Wikipedia
2. The tote bag / helmet bag
I'm not talking about soft cotton tote bags here but rather more rigid bags, with a more square tote bag shape.
It's an object that I find rather aesthetic and which tempts me well... but it doesn't often have a shoulder strap , which means that it can only be carried by hand.
But sometimes I need to free both hands. Not having a shoulder strap is annoying for me.
Very pretty but no shoulder strap. Disqualified. Brut Clothing
Very pretty and with a shoulder strap. This interests me, but there are no more in stock. Brut Clothing
3. The shoulder, shoulder or messenger bag
With the messenger bag, I have the opposite problem compared to the tote bag : it often only has a strap to be worn on the shoulder and no handle to be carried by hand.
I can't imagine carrying a bag only on the shoulder: all the weight of the bag and all the friction are distributed over one shoulder. Not terrible.
Nice but not for me. Heating Blue
4. The weekend bag
Unless you need to carry a lot of stuff, the weekender bag is too big for everyday use . As its name suggests, its format is more suitable for travel.
An underfilled weekend bag is more shocking than an underfilled 24-hour bag.
Too big. Faguo
5. The fanny pack, or sling bag
I completely agree with the opinion of Benoît who devoted a section to the sling bag in this video:
My recommended pieces for this summer – LET’S TALK CLOTHES #27
The sling bag, or fanny pack, goes very well with casual/streetwear outfits:
But if you have a more chic style like me, such a bag will not fit very well into your outfits:
I would add one element: the size of the fanny pack is too small to carry a bottle of water . It's a bit of a shame because I always have one with me.
Brand recommendations for a 24-hour bag
Entry level
- Sandqvist , Emil model in particular, shown earlier in the article
- Faguo , computer bags
- Billy Belt , computer bags
Midrange
- Qwstion Office Bag model, which has the advantage of being able to be carried by hand, over the shoulder and on the back
- the Longthorpe model
- Ateliers Auguste , Montorgueuil model
Maximum versatility for this Qwstion bag
Top of the line
- Leon Flam , Aviso model
- Ruitertassen , Brief Detective model
- Mismo , a Danish brand offering beautiful bags with a clean look
- Army workshop , Messenger models
- Bleu de Chauffe , including the Business Remix model
- Filson which offers many bags in this format
- Bennett Winch , an English brand offering very beautiful luggage. The "The Brief" model corresponds well to the 24-hour format
Chic in form, refined, and the colors chosen, dark. Casual in the main material chosen, nylon. Mismo
