Note: this item was provided for review.
I wanted to give you a quick preview at another fantastic bag that Bleu de Chauffe sent over for me to look at. This is the Business Musette Bag in khaki bm. I’ve not had this bag long, but I can already tell that this is one of those items I am going to get a lot of use out of.
Initial Impressions
There’s a lot to like about this bag, and a lot of inspiration drawn on the design of this from other classic bags. Some impressions so far:
- It’s a really nice size for this type of bag and should be able to fit 15/16” sized laptops without issue. Certainly 13”.
- This has an open top inner felt sleeve for holding your device of choice, but this can also be snapped out when not needing to carry a device.
- The lightly waxed twill feels as though it is a single layer, which has the practical effect of making this bag feel much softer right out of the box. It’s pliable, but durable feeling. It also helps to keep the bag from looking visually large since it doesn’t maintain an overly stout t structure.
- The leather trimming is very supple which fits nicely with how soft the twill feels.
- The rest of the leather is stout, and ready to slowly break in over time. It’s not something you need to worry about loading with weight.
- The two hand straps can be fastened together at the top, and offer a really comfortable carrying position. They do block access to the bag unless they are undone. Because they pull evenly from the bottom of the bag upwards at both the back and the front, there’s no awkward tilt when carrying the bag via the handles. This is refreshing, as far too many shoulder bags compromise on this.
- The shoulder strap attaches with the lovely looking, and completely overdone (in a good way), leather buckling system. This setup maintains the silent aspect of the straps that I love — I don’t like metal jingles when I use a bag.
- The bag is trapezoidal, and thus larger at the base and tapers up to the top. This keeps the bag tidy, as it can mostly stand up on its own as long as there is a touch of weight in the bottom. It is also less prone to having items spill out.
- The top flap is patterned such that it’s a full lid to the bag, and not merely a flap. This further helps secure your goods inside the bag. While the lid is still soft enough you can easily sneak your hand up and under the side of it.
- The top flap fastens with a single brass push button closure. You can close it with one hand and open it with one hand. There’s very little fuss. The bag also keeps its composure when on your shoulder if you don’t fasten the latch, making it great for someone wanting to carry a camera at the ready. It is easy to walk with the top undone and grab whatever you need in and out of the bag.
- Aside from the main compartment there’s two front pockets with open tops and the same trapezoidal shaping. One flat pocket at the rear with a single magnetic closure. And inside the bag is the signature zippered pocket, signed and dated by the person who made your bag.
At about 16L in capacity, this bag hits that sweet spot. It’s enough for the office, enough for exploring a city on foot, while never being so large that it feels like a burden to carry. The only issue I have with this bag is I cannot decide between carrying this and the Business Woody I previously reviewed from the brand.
This is a deceptively simple bag, which is going to easily win people over with how well executed each element is.