This F. Rock company seems to make some pretty nice looking bags. Heavily customizable on the outside. No real pics of the insides.

F. Rock Bags | Sustainable Carryalls for Men

I found a lot of cool sites that I'll post when I have a chance.

...and I am sending back the Tom Bihn stuff. The Hlaska Caliper Briefbag (or Thiefbag) should arrive on Friday:

Caliper Briefbag - Hlaska

I like both bags. Which Bihn bag did you have?

I had the ID and the Zephyr. Both very well made and look like they would last forever. Just not quite the look I was going for. But I was impressed by the quality.

My Bihn Ristretto arrived. I think I may prefer it to the Booq. While it's larger, it seems to wear lighter than the Booq and I guess due to it's larger size is not as bulky as the Booq. It is large enough to hold my 13" MBP, which I thought was a worthwhile option. My only complaint is the strap could be longer. I like to wear messenger bags at least part below my waist which I am able to do with the strap at it's longest setting. I am going to contact Bihn to see if they have a longer strap option.

Edited May 21, 201016 yr by tyrion

These look pretty cool: Lexdray - The Classified Collection

I like the Manhattan Messenger. I can't find on the site where to purchase or even the price.

The site says they'll be available starting in September.

Mike, how does the iPad fit in the Bihn bag? Is the bag too big (i.e., would the iPad-specific Ristretto be a better option)?

I just saw the available in September. The iPad fits fine, it just doesn't fill the compartment which is fine. I like having the option for my MBP and the extra room for other gear. I think this is going to be a keeper for now.

Update: I think the Ristretto is saying. I carried it with me during lunch and it's comfortable and carries everything I need. I think it would carry my MBP and iPad if needed.

Edited May 21, 201016 yr by tyrion

I got a new murse today. This one was specifically to allow me to carry some camera gear with the iPad.

I was surprised to be able to fit: 50d Body, 5d Body w/ 70-200 F2.8 attached, 24/70 f2.8, 17/40 f4, 50 f1.8, 580ex II, iPad, Compact Flash wallet, Canon SX210 IS P&S and some cables. Carries everything very comfortably.

Retrospective

I got a new murse today. This one was specifically to allow me to carry some camera gear with the iPad.

I was surprised to be able to fit: 50d Body, 5d Body w/ 70-200 F2.8 attached, 24/70 f2.8, 17/40 f4, 50 f1.8, 580ex II, iPad, Compact Flash wallet, Canon SX210 IS P&S and some cables. Carries everything very comfortably.

Retrospective

I'm not surprised. ThinkTank bags are deceptively roomy compared to their exterior dimensions. I've had the Urban Disguise for nearly a year, and couldn't be more pleased with it. Room enough to fit a 14" laptop, pro body, 5-6 lenses, flash, cleaning supplies, filters, CF cards, and still have room left for a water bottle and portable audio rig. I don't usually take that much stuff, but for times when I do (like plane trips), it handles it with aplomb.

No more smartass murse comments from me. I'd imagine there's also plenty of room for a 9mm eh Jeff?

If I was really desperate I might carry a 9mm in there. Usually I would just put a real gun in there.

I'm not surprised. ThinkTank bags are deceptively roomy compared to their exterior dimensions. I've had the Urban Disguise for nearly a year, and couldn't be more pleased with it. Room enough to fit a 14" laptop, pro body, 5-6 lenses, flash, cleaning supplies, filters, CF cards, and still have room left for a water bottle and portable audio rig. I don't usually take that much stuff, but for times when I do (like plane trips), it handles it with aplomb.

Yeah I looked at that one as well at Adorama. I got the little one for daily carry but might end up with one like yours for travel.

I was looking at the Think Tank website and found this. Maybe Colin should get one for carrying around his Thunderpants.

That would be awesome.

@Jeff: How is the Retro 20 holding up. I just ordered one in black. Would have liked the 10 but, after reading some reviews, I thought the 20 would be a better for the ipad. I am hoping that this bag is softer and more form fitting than the Crumpler bags.

Much softer than the Crumplers with a significantly better strap. I have no complaints as it carries an amazing amount of camera gear for a smaller bag. The inside is nicer than my old Crumpler as well with better fittings.

I got it for the camera case aspect more than the iPad carrying aspect so I am not sure what you might be looking for in a bag.

Sounds good. I was looking for a soft bag that wasn't too bulky, could carry a modest amount of camera gear, plus wallet, ipod/jh13, phone, sunglasses, ipad. This should work out pretty well I think.

Bumping this thread. Now I want carry-on recommendations. Thinking about the Tom Bihn Tri-Star. What are you fine folks using?

The Red Oxx looks good too.

I use the Red Oxx Airboss and Gator. It was a ninja recommendation, and a damn fine one at that.

That Air Boss looks awesome

It does, in fact, look boss. Jim, how much stuff can you fit in it? And is it good in an overhead compartment?

Sounds like it may be bigger than what you are looking for but I recently purchased a Tom Bihn Aeronaut and it has been great. The build quality is fantastic which I would assume would carry over to the tri-star.