Edition 4: Does a Perfect Work Bag Even Exist?

Plus picture frames, candle lighters and an unusual tea

Greetings, friends! And welcome to Caroline Finds It: my new weekly newsletter where I reply to submissions from YOU for objects and products you need recommendations for.

Before I dive into it, I would like to announce that as it is National Letter Writing Month (a.k.a. the month where I try to use up all my stationery), next week’s edition will be STATIONERY THEMED. To those of you who have submitted relevant submissions in the past few weeks: I have not been ignoring you! I will many of them next Friday! Want to add a request? Follow the link at the bottom of this email.

This week, I’m answering a request from Jackie in NYC:

“I need to find a work bag that is lightweight/durable and can fit A LOT of stuff (laptop, iPad, notebooks, sewing + studio pouch kit, misc.) but still looks polished for work / comfortable. I’ve been using a giant canvas tote but my shoulders are very unhappy.”

Dear Jackie,

I’m fairly certain that 90% of us reading this post have had the same dilemma. You and I are both people who leave the house each day for work, but I can also imagine that those working a hybrid schedule also have to bring their laptop and work stuff to and from the office. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of options here and I firmly believe that your best option is a good, lightweight backpack. You are never too old to carry a backpack! Let’s normalize this! Bros with boring Tumi backpacks know what they’re doing! You’re right — tote bags are NOT your friend, even though I’m sure that you, like me, own far too many of them.

I own many backpacks, dating back to the battered LeSportsac I carried in high school. As a bike commuter who packs her lunch each day, I have to schlep a lot of stuff, almost always in a backpack. Currently, I’m carrying my tried-and-true black Kipling to and from jury duty each day, packed comfortably with the following items:

13” Laptop, thermos, water bottle, lunch container, toiletry pouch, stationery pouch, wallet, headphones, phone

Disclosure: I know Jackie very well, and can say that she is extremely stylish and has extremely discerning taste. So, I have some bad news: Jackie, stick to brands that specialize in utility bags, not fashion brands that also do bags. The most important thing is the material it’s made of, the quality of the construction, and the functionality of the design. The biggest mistake I’ve seen with “cool” bags I’ve tried is that the materials used are unnecessarily heavy without providing any additional durability. You know, the classic problem of form over function.

That said: I have no doubt that there are plenty of gorgeous designer backpacks (vintage Prada nylon, perhaps?!) out there that will do the job, I just don’t think they’re your best option here.

Let’s break down the alternatives:

Types of work bags that will be easier on your back

1. Backpack (better than a tote bag, still not great is you’re carrying lots of weight)

2. Wheelie bag (super uncool, but the best option if you have lots and lots to transport— most of the suggested brands below have wheelie options)

3. A straight up carry-on suitcase (wheeling around this compact aluminum Rimowa would be a serious power move!)

Choosing a work bag is much like choosing a favorite pen or pencil: it’s a highly personal choice, that is dependent on exactly what your needs are, and what belongings you deem essential. My ideal bag isn’t going to Jackie’s ideal bag, nor is it probably going to be yours. When I did some googling to supplement my research, I kept coming across this article from The Strategist, which includes a wide array of options, most of which are recommended by people who apparently don’t need to carry much stuff each day (A flimsy and overpriced Goyard tote? Really?). All of this considered, here are four brands of bags that I have personally used and can attest to the quality of:

LeSportsac: I carried an amazing psychedelic floral model all through high school and most of college, and it mostly held up. They have some extra spacious options, have great pockets and are super lightweight. The one thing I will note is: if you’re carrying more than 20 or 30lbs of stuff, the bottom of the straps will eventually begin to tear away from the body of the bag. This bag is aptly named the Functional Backpack ($140), and seems to best fit your requirements:

Topo Designs: These bags are AWESOME and though they have a serious mountaincore vibe, they at least come in a wide variety of colors and styles. I am certain that you can find a comfortable and functional bag here. Bonus points for excellent manufacturing ethics. One of the most popular models is the Rover Pack ($99) which has many pockets and laptop sleeve.

Manhattan Portage: I dare you to name a more iconic New York bag maker. They’ve been using “New York Tough” as their tagline for many decades before Cuomo coined it. These bags were designed for bike messengers, so you know they’re durable! I like this Downtown Roll-N Backpack ($55) but there are so many options!

Kipling: The Kipling City Pack in Medium (on sale for $74.99) is the bag I carry every day. It holds up well in the rain, is super light and easy to wash, and has enough pockets without being so many that you forget where your stuff is. The texture of the nylon and chunkiness of the zippers is proprietary to Kipling and feels so very 90s.

Note: You can find Manhattan Portage, Kipling and many other great brands of bags at Altman Luggage on Orchard Street, which is (in my biased opinion) the BEST shop in NYC for luggage and functional bags. They also have a surprisingly selection of fancy pens!

Before I move on, can I admit something? I’ve been really wanting an old-school monogrammed L.L. Bean backpack — one that’s all tricked out with a collection of patches and novelty key chains on the zipper pulls. Who wants to join me in bringing these back?

Jackie - I really hope you find what you’re looking for and that this is all of some use. There’s no shame in looking like you’re on your way to 11th grade, especially when you’re hand-free and have even posture.

QUICK ANSWERS

Vita in Woodside needs a “Lighter or long matches for candles!” 🔥🕯🤗 - I would first like to share with you that the best matches are Ohio Blue Tip matches. I am not saying this because I am from Ohio, but because they are easy to strike, have great packaging design, and are made in the US. The original company is defunct but great matches under the same name are now made by Diamond. Side note: Wadsworth, Ohio (Former home of the Ohio Match Company) hosts an annual Blue Tip Festival, during which The World’s Largest Match is lit!! But alas, I have not yet answered your question because these are not even long matches. Your best bet is a big ol’ lighter. Recently, I was at a friend’s apartment and she whipped out this bad boy to light her candles. It’s a USB re-chargeable electric lighter which works beautifully, seems safer than a butane lighter, and doesn’t need to be refilled.

Joe in Nashville wants: “Quality desktop, tabletop picture frames that are reasonably priced but still attractive and interesting” - Why are these so hard to find?!?! Honestly, vintage is probably the way to go because the stuff that you find now is either $$$ or total garbage. I love this two-tone wicker one I found on eBay. There’s a brand called Two’s Company that can frequently be found in independent decor stores, or gift shops. They have a whole bunch of unique styles that are good quality, like this funky green bamboo set. Want something super colorful and modern? These are so fun. Another idea: you can find picture frame easel backs online in a variety of sizes, which you can pop into a normal wall frame.

FAVORITE PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

In the past few weeks I’ve been trying really hard to drink less coffee because it’s been hurting my stomach. I love coffee, but I love tea more and have been enjoying drinking more of it. A new favorite is one that I picked out of curiosity at Kalustyan’s* a few months ago. It’s Purple Tea from Kenya, which is a relatively new varietal (first planted in 2011!). The leaves have a purple-y tone and the tea brews into a pretty pink-ish. It has a similar flavor profile to oolong, is not at all bitter and has a very slightly sweet finish. According to the label, it’s also high in anthocyanins, which are antioxidants found in purple and purple skinned plants. (Photo from Lake Missoula Tea Company, another excellent source for this very special tea)

*If you live in the New York City area and have never been to Kalustyan’s, please go on a field trip to shop for spices, specialty food items, SO many teas, and basically any hard-to-find ingredient your heart desires. It’s a real treasure of a place.

CALL FOR HELP!

I need your assistance finding the right thing for Michelle in Alabama who is looking for:

“I am on the hunt for a nice looking iPhone/Apple watch/air pods charging station (or even something that accommodates two out of three). For months I've searched for something aesthetically pleasing and functional because this charging station will sit on either my nightstand, dresser, or desk and it is something I will see often. As silly as it sounds, I don't like to purchase anything for my home that I don't enjoy seeing. (I once spent two weeks searching for a good looking can opener.)”

I am not an iPhone/Apple watch/air pods user (I know, controversial), and cannot in good faith make a recommendation. Do you have an idea for Michelle? Drop it in the comments!

Is there a product you’re looking for? Submit your request here. See you next Friday for fresh recommendations! xo Caroline