Welcome to The Hunt. In this new, recurring series from GQ Recommends, one writer reveals the research-heavy, budget-straining, life-affirming journey they recently went on to fill a gap in their wardrobe. Expect to hear about every opened browser tab and covert store visit—and to see all of the not-quite-right options picked up and put down along the way.
I’ve had the same work bag for the last six or seven years. It’s been a workhorse. A heavy duty black nylon tote bag that has carried my laptop and notebook everywhere they’ve needed to go, it’s been my carry-on for flights, and a vehicle for gym kit, food shops and pretty much everything in between.
But this summer, something snapped. I don’t know what changed—maybe it was something to do with also getting married and moving into a new life stage at the time—but I suddenly became repulsed by the thought of carrying this same bag everyday, forever and ever. The bag hadn’t done anything wrong, it still did everything I needed it to do, but it was simply time for a change. That said, finding that bag originally hadn’t been an easy process. Deep down, I knew that an intense period of research was just beginning.
At the start of my hunt, I only knew that I wanted something that would be an upgrade to my reliable and durable bag, something a little bit more luxury and, dare I say it, a little more fashion. My first decision was whether I should stick with a tote bag, or twist and try something new altogether.
I briefly considered a messenger bag. A black Our Legacy Swing Bag was one option, but seemed too small, and a sling bag from ARCS was an early frontrunner, but ultimately didn’t suit me. Next, I turned my thoughts to backpacks. I’ve long admired Porter’s Tanker backpacks, and I love the technical Treck backpack from A.P.C.. But I’d also decided aged 14 that backpacks weren’t really for me, and ultimately, it wasn’t the time to go back on statement. The tote bag had won again.
Having settled on the style, it then came down to colour, shape and material. As my tote research (outlined below) got going, I began to hone in on what I was actually looking for. After thirteen close calls, I found it: A “rock” colored tote bag in Nappa suede, made by the Copenhagen label Berner Kühl. By that time, untold stores had been searched, websites trawled, and bags picked up, tried out and, sheepishly, put back. Here’s how it all went down.
The Runners-Up
DB Journey Entour Shell Tote
DB Journey
Entour Shell Tote Bag
The first thing I liked about this DB tote was its shape, but it also had some good functional elements: it was roomy, and it had a zip closure. I even liked the carabiner that comes with it. In the end though, it helped me realize that I wanted something less technical. It was time to move on.
