The Bag Decision Framework
Five questions. One bag type.
Most bag regret comes from picking the wrong type, not the wrong brand. Answer honestly for a normal week, not your busiest day.
How the framework works
Each answer pushes you toward one or more bag types. The type with the most weight wins. The logic is simple:
- Long walks, transit or cycling favor bags worn on the body: messengers and backpacks.
- A laptop every day favors briefcases and messengers with padded sleeves.
- Formal work favors structured briefcases.
- Mixed, bulky loads favor totes and backpacks.
- Mostly trips means a duffle.
Once you know the type, choose the size with our sizing guide, the leather with full grain vs genuine, and check construction with what makes a bag durable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bag Decision Framework?
A five-question method for choosing a bag type based on how you commute, what you carry, how formal your day is, whether you need your hands free and how much weight you can live with. Bag type first, then leather and brand.
Why choose the bag type before the brand?
Most bag regret comes from the wrong type, not the wrong brand. A beautiful briefcase is a poor choice for a cyclist no matter who made it.