Wednesday 23 February 2011

I'm a man, bag





AS an addition to the To Ki range,which Barbour has rolled out so successfully this spring, let's face it, who saw that one coming.

The camel rucksack, which is a lovely piece, is a 10oz waxed bag, with three pockets and two netting pockets (outside) allowing for full 'map' newspaper or whatever carrying.

I can not imagine many of these will be making the transfer form the city to the countryside, so more than likely a copy of your favourite penguin paperback more like.

The buckle fastening has a magnetic clasp to ensure ease of access and security, along with an adjustable inner zipped pocket.

A useful rear handle a draw string closure of the main bag body make this remain on the useful but also very stylish tip for Barbour.

A real stand out piece for me and one that I may well be investing in ova the coming weeks.

Not quite in the 'man bag' arena, the rucksack is a stand alone when is come to the remaining range on offer, which are right on the money for smart, useful attire around town, be it under arm, over shoulder or slung over your back.

The style of bag has become a mainstay for summer, with the likes of Beckham and Brad Pitt seen adding a dash of bag to their outfits.

With an adjustable shoulder strap, the buckle fastener, which boasts two front pockets. The Union Flag donned on the front and back panel, which denotes the Heritage touch for the collection. A more flagrant usage of the national flag come sin the form of the two buckle fastened dry fly bag, which is made entirely of the flag print in waxed cotton. Two from pockets, with leather adjustable straps make this a more classic line than the black Union Flag bag.

'enjoying life beyond the city' is how Barbour describe themselves and their bag ranges, but the waxed leather olive Tarras bag is pure man about town, with two bellows pockets on the front, this rounded edged bag is refined and understated with a waxed leather lid providing a dull quality finish, just right me thinks. Once inside, the tartan lining might cause a stir though, you have been warned.

The last of the MB range comes in the shape of the Thomproof Tarras waxed bag, remain along the lines of the 'classic shoulder bag' the 10oz waxed canvas bag with brass buckles, two outside bellow pockets, with stud fastenings.The Thomproof is more workman like than the other bags, with the water resistant outer proving this.The olive colouring has amore workman like feel to it as well, so if you like your bags authentic, this may be the perfect choice.

You can see this bag being carried down the gang plank of a ship or thrown into a helicopter before a period of RnR, the classic 'holdall' bag is a rarely seen, but pure design bag.

Waxed cotton, leather tom bag with two handles and a two-way zip along the length of the bag has a base b word and studs for extra sturdiness and sadly does come with a detachable shoulder strap, I say sadly, because I feel you should be made to carry a bag like this in the same way it was originally designed, but that's just me being a purest. This bag is a definite head turner and deservedly so.

The wheelie holdall bag is more your 'standard' travel bag, with some nice finishes, such as the two tone colouring, which highlights the leather straps against the bags olive finish.

The 10oz cotton bag is fitted with wheels and a retractable handle with large front pockets and two interior lined ones as well. It also comes with a webbing shoulder strap. The 'wheelie' is the top of the range price wise and really is a lot more bag for your money, it is a bag designed for the job, whereas the others in the range serve both as a great addition to a look along with practicality, with the wheelie the practical side comes first.