Whether you call it a body bag, manbag, utility bag or just the best way to carry and access your important gear, one of these bags may just be your new best friend.

The on-the-run bag

Nike Heritage Messenger Bag

When a company that shares its namesake with the Greek goddess of victory gets in on the bag carrying action, then surely lesser mortals have no cause to scoff. Nike’s offering is simple and  straightforward with two compartments and a simple, unpadded strap. It is however, the most cost conscious of the lot, coming in at only R289 from www.zando.co.za. Still on the fence about donning a manbag? Heed Nike’s advice: Just do it.

The Local is Lekker bag

Bergen Messenger

The first point in its favour is that this messenger bag comes out of Dark Horse’s stable, a local company created by interior design and architect duo, Lise du Plessis and Jarrad Nelson, and not to be confused with the comics publishers of the same name. Apart from its proudly South African origins, the bag also looks beautiful, is crafted from genuine leather, and while being compact and slim, can still house up to 13” notebooks. Expect to pay R1 950 from www.dark-horse.co.za.

The money is no object bag

Jekyll & Hyde Oxford Leather Cross-Body Tablet Holder Bag

If your tablet is close to your heart and never leaves your side, and money is no object when it comes to purchases, then the Oxford Leather Cross-Body Tablet Holder Bag might just be up your alley. Owing its premium appearance to hand crafted, full grained leather, the bag boasts three exterior pockets, while the tablet holder compartment is fully protected. R2 890 from www.ibags.co.za.

The toughen up bag

Thule 13” MacBook Pro and iPad attaché

If the only bag likely to cross your body is one dedicated to your MacBook, but you still enjoy a rough and tumble lifestyle, where you are as likely to be meeting deadlines as just trying to stay alive, then consider Thule’s attaché. The semi rigid bag houses up to 13” notebooks, including iPads, and has a dedicated pocket for your smartphone. R1 000, also from www.ibags.co.za

The Travel in style bag

The Bobby Bag

For something a little more capacious, that can carry your gear plus a change of clothes (and still looks the business), the Bobby bag from Freedom of Movement fits the bill. Crafted from leather, it still looks attractive, but has easily accessible side pockets alongside the main one, a leather strap and solid brass buckles. R1 650 from Spree.co.za.

The It’s just business bag

Jekyll & Hide Oxford Leather Business Case

Apparently business bags need not be as staid as they sound, as Jekyll & Hide’s offering for those men who have to contend with the corporate jungle ably proves. The leather notebook bag looks sharp and modern, and blends casual style with a more suitable for business aesthetic. Able to house up to 15” notebooks, it can either be carried by a roomy handle or more casually slung over your shoulder with the removable shoulder strap. It’s not cheap though, at R3 700 from www.ibags.co.za.