Help me find a tool messanger bag or tool backpack

[NCCheesehead]

My job requires me to do building (home, commercial, and very large factory) inspections and sampling and bagging small amounts of materials. Sampling requires a few basic hand tools like hammers, chisels, scrapers, screwdrivers, small cordless drill and flashlights, nothing too major. Often times I'm required to document the sample location and description so i need my hands to be free to write and carry a ladder.

I'm searching for a quality jobsite tough "messanger bag" or backpack. I would like to store a clipboard and documnets in the bag while walking around jobsites but don't want a huge bulky overkill bag.

Any suggestions?

 

[BBQ&Love]

Budget?

 

[brucercolbert]

I need one too, for hammer and chisels (stone carving) when
I ride the motorcycle to on site work.

Budget ? 75 bux

[email protected]

 

[BBQ&Love]

Here's an idea. A bit more than 75 bucks.

http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/...enger-bag-37515.aspx?ev3=recommended_products

Poke around their site. You might find what you are looking for.

 

[Zrexxer]

http://www.google.com/search?q=tool+backpack&tbs=shop:1&hl=en&aq=f

 

[MoToys]

I like the deluth products. This bag may hold up better.
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/product/leather-plumbers-bag-58007.aspx?ev3=recommended_products

 

[Stuey]

I'm quite fond of Timbuk2, but their bags might not be a good fit for you.

How about Bucket Boss's contractor briefcase?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002243H/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[domain]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DYVCY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Worked Side by side with a guy who swore by this. You can carry your tools on your back, not shoulder and have both hands free to use. It would work for your description AND budget.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I have a Bucket Boss messenger bag that works pretty well. It has a shoulder strap, plus there's a second strap you can fasten around your waist if necessary. It's like this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220537323505#ht_2716wt_1141

 

[NCCheesehead]

I really don't have a budget, but I was thinking $75-125 for something of decent quality. From the looks of it the Bucket Boss Briefcase appears to be pretty close. I would love to see the inside of the Duluth bag, because I have always had good luck with thier products in the past.

Stuart does your bag have pockets for tools, or is it a typical messanger bag? I ask because I can't find that bag anywhere else online. What is the quality on the Bucket Boss stuff, I hope it is better then their website.

 

[dwiggins]

you might also check out conterra.

they make stuff for first responders - police/fire/ems. you might find something there that can hold your tools and keep all your samples organized, and be comfortable to carry all over a big factory.

bonus - it's all made here in the USA.

I have on of their radio harnesses for when I work at the race track. it's built really well and super handy and comfortable.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Here's a couple photos of the courier bag. It has a bunch of pockets and compartments, probably meant more for office equipment - papers, calculators, pens, manuals, that sort of thing - but you could carry tools in it if you wanted to. I think their briefcase has more pockets inside, it's designed for use on construction sites. My brother has one of those.

Bucket Boss used to be based here in Minnesota (my brother's wife was one of their product designers.) They were bought out by Fiskars some years ago and moved overseas; I think they're still decent quality but probably not as good as they used to be.

They also have some nice gatemouth tool bags (they look kind of like old fashioned doctor's bags) that are real nice, although they don't come with shoulder straps.

 

[WNYflyer]

I am looking for something similar also. Light in color for working in dimly lit areas. Velcro closure for quick closing and a shoulder strap.

To the OP, be careful of bags and such that would go on your back if you are going to be getting close to any machinery. They don't seem safe to me in that type of environment.

 

[bart1]

Filson would last forever. There are ways to get them for less than retail.

 

[richfinn]

http://www.sparcousa.com/sportswear_bags.asp

 

[fireguy]

http://www.vetopropac.com/

 

[blue dog]

I have 2 of these, well over 10 years old, still going strong.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00093D66I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I as well have 2 of these, love them

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OOSBBM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And lastly, if i could afford it.

http://www.bestbelt.com/product/belts-accessories/3000_dr_wood_toolbag.html

 

[993James993]

Filson would last forever. There are ways to get them for less than retail.

How do you get them for less than retail?

 

[zer01]

Look at paintball/tactical bags on ebay. My wife actually bought one for her purse because she wanted something more like a tool bag. These things have a lot of compartments for organization and are very durable. Link below is just one I found doing a quick search, I have no affiliation with this seller. Just a bag that looks like a easy to carry tool bag. It is a foreign seller but these bags are all over ebay under Molle, Tactical, or Paintball Bags.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1000D-Molle...Hunting_ShootingSports_ET&hash=item3366174818

 

[t100]

I would get a Professional photographer's camera bag, either Lowepro or Tamrac.

you can configure the compartment yourself and they are Snap On of durable backpacks. you rarely see those actually got worn out.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lowepro-Com...3?pt=US_Camera_Cases_Bags&hash=item25675db991

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tamrac-Back...2?pt=US_Camera_Cases_Bags&hash=item3f0dad7790

 

[ncfh]

How do you get them for less than retail?

Yes, yes! Do tell!

 

[bart1]

993 brother and ncfh:

You find Cranes Country Outfitters and call them.

 

[Rickster]

Harry's Army Surplus. I've been shopping there for more years than I can count. My Dad was a carpenter and he used to take me there when I was a little kid anytime he bought an army belt for his tool belt or any other work wear. I took my kids there for their school backpacks since they were little guys.

http://www.harrysarmysurplus.net/bags-packs.html

 

[crewchief888]

may not serve your purpose, but a (gun) range bag comes to mind


mines so old the manufacturers tag is long gone.