I can’t tell you how difficult it is to find the right messenger bag for the right price. But the makers of the often imitated never duplicated little black notebook that the creatives of the world can’t seem to live without (myself included), have recently made a sleek and simple bag that looks great and does so without breaking the bank. The bag is inspired by what else, the notebook, that’s made Moleskine so popular. A band around the body of the bag as well as the off-white lining, both reminiscent of that book in my current messenger bag, that is just one rip from retirement. More interesting is the cover flap which has a fold out lining to accommodate a newspaper, umbrella or anything of the like that may need toting along the side of your bag.  Measuring in at 16.5 x 11.75 x 3.25 inches, the messenger bag is capable of holding a laptop of up to 15″ and should have plenty of room for your daily items and more. Click through the link up top and check out the Moleskine US website for more info and to see a video of how the idea for the entire Moleskine Travel Collection came to life.

Why would you buy three different bags when there is one out there that can be all three at the same time? You wouldn’t, exactly. The designers at Hard Graft finally have their much anticipated 3Fold Multi-Use Bag for sale after announcing it quite some time ago. Just like their already popular 2Fold bag the 3Fold does exactly as its name suggests and folds strategically to offer you three equally attractive and practical bags; a laptop bag, a weekender, and a portfolio. The bag is made from premium Florentine vegetable tanned leather and is available in Grey (shown above) and Tan. This bag is sick, I want one. If it’s not blowing your mind that this thing folds into 3 different bags then you need to stare at the picture until it does.

Back when I used to work retail one of the biggest brands I was selling during Back to School time and Winter Vacations was The North Face.  After about three years of carrying hundreds of boxes, unpacking, stocking, and selling The North Face backpacks I was adamant about never looking at any of there backpacks ever again. Obviously that wasn’t going to happen since in college almost half of the student population has a backpack from The North Face. Needless to say I have come to terms with the fact that I will be around them for a while so as they say “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”  I came across the new Recon SE this past weekend and for the first time in years I had found a North Face backpack that I didn’t hate, actually I have to admit that this one of pretty freaking cool. It comes with everything you expect from a North Face backpack: mesh pockets, compartments, a laptop sleeve, media pockets, and a very comfortable fit on the back and shoulders.  The kicker that makes this bag so cool is the eco-friendly special edition gray felt finish.  It really covers all the bases, it’s unique, cool, perfect material for fall/ winter (and honestly can be pulled off in the Spring/ Summer too) and it’s a Special Edition. Better hurry, the limited locations on the web (Urban Outfitters, eBags, etc.) carrying this bag are already selling out.

Sometimes, a trip doesn’t demand a checked bag. In fact, with most airlines charging for each and every bag placed under the plane, carrying your luggage on is a great way to save both time and money. But, like everything else, carrying on must be done with style. Monocle Magazine, in collaboration, with Head Porter out of Japan, may have a solution to this carry-on conundrum, with their Boston Bag, names after the address of the Magazine’s London Headquarters. The bag, measuring 50 cm long by 40 cm wide, with a height of 35 cm, is the perfect size for a 3 to 5 day trip, and includes a laundry bag, a dopp kit, and some accessory bags to keep your clothes and gear organized inside. It’s pricey, coming in at 250 pounds sterling, or about 400 dollars, but is definitely a piece you’ll hold on to for long while. Check it out before your next check in, and hit us up at @inside_thread to let us know what you think.

Many of us I’m sure are using these early Spring months to get to the gym and prepare for beach season.  Well, the other day in Lululemon I found the perfect gym bag.  It’s a backpack/duffel hybrid.  The bag has the capacity of a duffel but also has shoulder straps that tuck away for a quick “Switch Up”.  Aside from being insanely functional it looks really cool and is ideal for hitting the gym after class or work.  The bag has designated pockets for your water bottle, ID, phone, iPod, and a fully padded laptop pocket. It’s made with heavy duty handles and zippers and is tested to hold up to 50 lbs.  If you’re looking for a do it all bag that is good looking and versatile head over to a lululemon retail location.

*For those of you thinking “my girlfriend wears lululemon”, yeah she probably does and you should too. They have some of the best athletic gear for a number of activities and their clothes are more comfortable than any other leading athletic wear brand.  And don’t worry, if you feel compelled to try yoga after being in the store just go with it, it’s good for you and you know you’ve been wanting to try it.