Bags - An Unusual Obsession
Indulge me on this one. Lately, I find myself getting excited about - of all things - bags. To be more specific, I am interested in wallets, bags, rucksacks, keyfolds, dopp kits, and any means of carrying stuff.
It started with my search for a new wallet. I have never been satisfied with the bulky billfold wallet that seems so prevalent these days. I don't like the look, the protrusion from my backside, the wear it causes in my jeans, or the curvature of my spine for which it is responsible. My search led me to a variety of companies that have quietly been developing an incredibly interesting and diverse array of styles to suit tastes and needs.
From there, I began exploring and discovering a huge assortment of backpacks, suitcases, dufflebags, messenger bags and briefcases.
I recognize that this is a strange interest to cultivate, which led me to question the source of this interest. What is it about bags, beyond the esthetic and visual appeal, that makes them interesting to me?
I realize now that bags represent adventure. It's an odd statement, but the more I think about it, the more it rings true. When at home, there is no need to carry anything - it is all within reach and where it should be. That changes as soon as we step out the front door. We created bags to carry the essentials when we leave our homes. From the simplest excursions to the most exciting journeys, we have needs, supplies, and equipment that we require.
The wallet is where we keep the items that fulfill the most basic needs - money, credit cards, identification, and pictures of loved ones (aside: though the smartphone is increasingly replacing the photo the wallet, I think it's a nice touch). With the wallet, you are prepared for most eventualities.
In the business world, the briefcase is the transporter of important documents and tools. It is loosing importance in our world of electronic transfer of information (and in some cases has become a glorified lunch box), but I defy anyone to tell me they don't feel more important carrying a briefcase and wearing their best suit.
Think of any hobby or sport, and it undoubtedly requires a bag to carry equipment and apparel. SCUBA divers know the importance of a bag the same as rock climbers, as do soccer and tennis players. Can you imagine camping without a backpack?
Once or twice a year many people spend a good chunk of their savings on a plane ticket and a stay at a hotel. The time leading up to the departure is often the most exciting time, and revolves, to a great extent, around packing a suitcase with all those things a person cannot live without.
I realized that most exciting things I have done in life have involved bags! Traveling through strange countries for months at a time, my backpack was my home. It contained my clothes, my passport, my contact lenses (without which I'd be stuck wandering through the jungle right now). When sailing, packing a waterproof bag with only a couple of items was essential given the lack of space on a sailboat. I spent an unreasonable amount of time trying to decide what was the best bag for my camera.
When I look at a bag, it triggers my imagination - I have flashes of fun, danger, excitement and discovery. A bag will keep safe your most important possessions and accompany you on your wildest adventures. There is a bag for every occasion and for every taste.
Now that you've read my arguably ridiculous perspective on bags, here are some of the more interesting examples I've found.
The wallet I settled on was made by Bellroy. I have to say these are my favorite wallets, as they are simple, elegant, and have very slim lines. I keep the "Very Protective Wallet".
I also discovered an Italian shop on Esty called L'Angolo Del Cuoio run by a great guy named Valerio Saini who makes handmade leather goods, including this do-it-yourself wallet (mine is in the mail - UPDATE - the wallet arrived and is of fantastic quality and craftsmanship). From my correspondence with Valerio, he is someone who takes great pride in his work and pays a ton of attention to detail and quality.
I've never been a huge fan of suitcases, as I see hordes of tourists rolling along the same one. American Tourister has done a great job of leading the market on this one, but it doesn't speak to me. It is worth the inconvenience, in my view, to carry something that I like.
I prefer to travel with something a little out of the ordinary. For short trips, I use a waterproof sailing bag made by SailRacing.
For longer trips, a good friend of mine (check out his blog) got me into this rather loud Henri Lloyd sailing bag.
I love being able to take my camera everywhere with me. But, it being a fragile thing, a case is key. I have my eye on this leather cover that combines protection and looks.
The point of all this is that a bag is more than just a piece of fabric or plastic to carry your junk from one place to another. It can be evocative, protective, comforting and it will undoubtedly be with you during some of the most interesting parts of your life. I had never thought of the significance of bags until recently. Perhaps I am looking too deeply into something that doesn't merit it, but this helps to explain my unusual obsession.
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