Can you recommend a nice leather messenger bag?

[sundial]

I've searched for a nice leather messenger bag but haven't found many. I've looked at Brooks Barbican (http://www.brooksengland.com/en/Shop_ProductPage.aspx?cat=bags+-+cycle+bags+%26+accoutrements&prod=BARBICAN+Shoulder+Bag) and aside from that I can only find canvas with leather trim type bags. Would like to find one that is not the backpack style. Do any of you have any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

[Blueberry]

This? (http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/accessories/bags/PRDOVR~38119/38119.jsp) or This? (http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/46078?pi=783213&bv=product-_-1138-_-RLP-_-IG91047-_-productname_link&qs=3000086) Or even These? (http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/-men_messengerbags-10551-10051-86-en?t1Id=82&t2Id=86&tier=2)

ETA: Not quite sure what you mean by backpack style - so apologies if these are....

[sundial]

Muirenn, thank you for the links and I have to agree with the second messenger bag--it is a classy, timeless piece. And it looks ready for the outdoors. :cool:

Blueberry, I gave the LL Bean bag a lot of thought and was ready to order one until I read the reviews and there were several complaints about the clasps failing to keep the bag closed. :( So I shelved it until the design is improved. The Coach bags are just downright gorgeous and made me drool.

Levenger (HTTP://www.levenger.com/PAGETEMPLATES/NAVIGATION/Preview.asp?Params=category=11-994-999|level=2-3-4) has several designs and decided to go with the Cambridge bag.

Thank you both for your recommendations. :)

[Blueberry]

Oh Levenger - nice choice! I just drooled all over my keyboard at the Essential Messenger. Lovely!

I'm saving pennies for a Pac Design Bag, though. I have lots of nice "work" bags - what I need is something that I don't have to worry about and can't destroy. One of my favorite wrenches has had one for ~4 years (and uses it - he says - as his "trunk" since he doesn't have a car). It's still in one piece....

[alice]

Like... this (http://www.fossil.com/en_US/shop/men/bags/messenger_bags/max_ew_messenger-mbg1310p.html?parent_category_rn=30011&departmentCategoryId=30001&N=0&Ns=p_msc2%7C0%7C%7Cp_weight%7C0&pn=c&rec=1&imagePath=MBG1310222)?
Or this (http://www.fossil.com/en_US/shop/men/bags/messenger_bags/terrain_ew_messenger-mbg1350p.html?parent_category_rn=30011&departmentCategoryId=30001&N=0&Ns=p_msc2%7C0%7C%7Cp_weight%7C0&pn=c&rec=15&imagePath=MBG1350200)?

They also have some smaller vertical messenger bags, if you look around some.

[sundial]

I received the Cambridge messenger bag and it was sooo nice. The quality and construction is excellent and the experience with the packaging and presentation was almost like that of a new Brooks saddle. :cool:

[herrikwilliam]

If you're looking for a genuine leather messenger bag, check out the entire range of leather messengers from the Soulful Collection. The quality is excellent and the prices are reasonably affordable.

[whateveronfire]

I'm a bit of a bag enthusiast, so I clicked through when I saw the query. Unless your commute ride is short, I'd recommend against a leather messenger bag. It's not going to breathe well. It's going to be heavy. If it isn't heavy, it won't last very long. Brooks bags are gorgeous. I wouldn't want to ride with one for more than a short way.

I'm a big fan of Saddleback bags and use them off the bike a lot. I also have a custom bag from "Don't Mourn, Organize" which is beyond gorgeous. When I commute, though, I use my Crumpler Complete Seed (if I need to bring clothes), my small Vaya (if I don't), or my GoRuck Echo. I also like BaileyWorks a lot for messengers.

Of course, feel free to ignore me and buy any one of the gorgeous bags recommended above. You'll have a great bag at the end.