Best Bag for Architects and Architecture Students

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Get Smarter On Architecture and Design

Get the 3-minute weekly newsletter keeping 5K+ designers in the loop.

Enter your Email to Sign up

Side-bar-footer-forum

Architects and designers rely on portable tools such as drafting pencils, notepads, sketchbooks, measuring tape, compact cameras, and so on for their job. As a result, carrying all of these necessary materials in a suitable backpack might be perplexing at times. So, having an easy-to-carry bag containing the other essential tools that an architect must have is important, especially since architects often travel to meetings and construction sites.

The best bag for architects should be able to carry all of the items in a systematic manner, such as a smaller pocket for stationary, a safe pocket for a camera or laptop, a square or rectangular pocket to carry A4 or A3 notepads, and so on. Above all, the bag should be aesthetically pleasing in order to appear graceful and elegant with the personality of a professional.

There are actually a lot of names for this bag—man purse, satchel, messenger bag, and even murse. The best bag for architects we reviewed is the SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Bag. With this bag, you can fit your sketchbook, pens, measuring tape, scale ruler, 12" roll of tracing paper, iPad (or any other gadget you use), and whatever notes and other drawings you need to keep carrying around for a week.

The second-best choice is the NEWHEY Men’s Messenger Bag, which only came in second because it did not have as many compartments as the SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Bag. The third bag for architects we selected is the Cuero DHK Vintage bag, which has a beautiful leather design, making it a stylish yet functional bag for any architect.

Regardless of the product you choose, our five best bags for architects have been tested and proven convenient to carry most of your essential items.

1. SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Bag

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA 17 Laptop Backpack, Sting...
  • Tech Backpack: Pack all your essentials in the 1900 ScanSmart...
  • Secure Storage: This laptop backpack for men and women features...
  • Effortless Organization: Computer bag includes a main compartment...
  • Multiple Pockets: Add-a-bag trolley strap slides over telescopic...
  • Comfortable To Carry: Lay-flat laptop bag includes ergonomically...

SwissGear's 190 Scansmart TSA Bag is a smart investment for architects and architecture students since they will frequently need to carry essential items, need easy organization, and like the look of a more professional case. After using the bag for a while, we found it quite durable and portable.

The SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack's main body was made of 1200D ballistic polyester material. We observed that this fabric felt smoother and of higher quality to the touch than the majority of other backpack fabrics. Another layer of sleek polyester had been added to the interior of the material to create the impression that the contents were more protected.

Image Source: SwissGear.com

This bag was meticulously designed, and that is evident in every detail. We discovered that there were more compartments than we needed to carry everything we needed in one bag. Each compartment's placement makes perfect sense, given how architects access their baggage while on the go. Plus, considering the quality and durability of this bag, the price is quite reasonable.

Pros:

  • Multiple compartments make organizing easy.
  • Shoulder straps sport extra padding for comfort.
  • High-use points are reinforced with stronger materials.
  • Thick metal zippers are designed to last.
  • Thick polyester fabric feels sturdy and protective.
  • Durable bag for architects
  • Has a laptop pocket that fits laptops up to 17 inches.

Cons:

  • heavy for a backpack, even when empty.

2. Men’s Messenger Bag Waterproof Vintage Genuine Leather

Sale
Mens Messenger Bag 15.6 Inch Waterproof Vintage Genuine...
  • DURABLE & WATERPROOF: Men messenger bag is made of superior crazy...
  • PLENTY ROOM FOR ORGANIZING: This leather messenger bag has 9...
  • REMOVABLE & ADJUSTABLE STRAP: Shoulder strap of canvas messenger...
  • CONVENIENT MAGNETIC SNAP & PADDED LAPTOP SLEEVE: Laptop messneger...
  • DIMENSION: The external dimension of this briefcase is 15.1"L *...

The NEWHEY Men’s Messenger Bag is great for architects in business and architecture school. The bag we purchased was made of horse leather with a waterproof and waxed canvas exterior to protect it from damage. The bag also featured excellent storage options for an architect's tools and everything in between. The comfortable and padded backpack straps made it easy to carry around.

Image Source: chesterfieldbags.com

What was most intriguing about this leather bag was that it looked stylish but was also very practical. Again, it had a laptop section that was well padded, meaning we didn't need to carry a separate laptop bag. Plus, the shoulder bag had a decent amount of pockets in various sizes that fit different essential tools. At a very reasonable price, you get a durable and highly functional bag.

Pros:

  • It has strong and well-padded shoulder straps.
  • This bag is very well-made, durable, and comfortable to carry around.
  • It has five outside pockets that are extremely useful for an architect.
  • Looks stylish
  • The ideal bag for an architect
  • Multiple compartments make organizing easy.
  • It is an ideal water-resistant material bag for architects.
  • It is a brilliantly versatile bag for architects.

Cons:

  • Some clients complain that the bag's zippers are not quite good.

3. Cuero DHK 18-Inch Vintage Handmade Leather Crossbody Bag

Cuero DHK 18 Inch Vintage Handmade Leather Travel...
  • FULL GRAIN LEATHER : Our bags are made from full grain leather...
  • DIMENSION : 13 X 18 X 5 (height , width, depth) . Has an outer...
  • STORAGE : With Size 18" width x 13" height x 5" depth ( Fits...
  • COMFORT AND DESIGN : Has an adjustable strap with shoulder pad...
  • PERFECT USE :With a mutlipurpose use and a classy distressed...

The Cuero DHK handmade leather bag is a perfect option for architects and architecture students because of the enormous amount of space; perfect for fitting a laptop, architect tools, school products, and documents. During our tests, we found that this bag had two large compartments on the front and several other pockets on both sides, providing extra storage for different tools.

Image Source: Cuero.com

This bag also features a removable and adjustable shoulder strap, making it convenient to carry around. The bag we purchased was made from full-grain leather and lined with durable canvas fabric, making it super durable. The water-resistant zippers on exterior pockets protect your things.

Pros:

  • Beautiful distressed leather designIt has a waterproof design and a comfortable shoulder strap.
  • Plenty of pockets are secured with buckles and zippers.
  • Can easily fit all the portable equipment an architect needs.
  • Leather quality is premium.
  • The ideal bag to carry a diverse and hefty load
  • Vintage-inspired look

Cons:

  • The handle design is not sturdy enough for the bag.

4. TRANSON Artist Backpack Art Portfolio Bag

TRANSON Art Portfolio Case Artist Backpack Canvas Bag...
  • Heavy duty artist portfolio bag - made of durable canvas,...
  • Versatile art portfolio bag - 1 main bag can fit in size...
  • Quality and Durable art bag - the portfolio bag is made of soft...
  • Simple and practical. This artist backpack can be use as tote bag...
  • Overall dimension: 26”x 19.5”.

If you’re looking for a versatile, durable, and spacious bag for architects, the TRANSON Art Portfolio Case Artist Backpack Canvas Bag is a perfect option. The bag we purchased came with multi-function storage pockets that made it easy to organize and carry all of our supplies. Additionally, it has extra-padded backpack straps that ensure we can carry it around comfortably all day.

Image Source: i.ebayimg.com

With five big storage areas and a multipurpose design, this bag was perfect for carrying all of our essential items. The huge pocket could hold our easel and other minor supplies, while the main part could accommodate 18"x24" pads and panels. The bag also came with a mesh pocket and a separate compartment for books and documents.

What we found more intriguing was that we could carry the Transon Artist Backpack as a tote bag or use it as a backpack. This bag's overall quality and durability make it a great investment for any architect looking for a reliable and spacious backpack.

Pros:

  • Sturdy bag
  • It has extra-padded backpack straps that help relieve carrying stress.
  • Comfortable to carry bag for architects
  • It has quick-access pockets.
  • The bag offers a two-way carry option.
  • Made with heavy-duty canvas material ensures that the bag can withstand wear and tear
  • Multiple pockets allow you to organize your essential items easily.
  • It has a sleek design, looks very professional, and is perfect for everyday use.

Cons:

  • The double-zipper design may be cumbersome for some users.

5. Backpack Men & Women - JOHNNY URBAN Liam

Backpack Men & Women Grey - JOHNNY URBAN"Liam" from...
  • STYLISH ALLROUNDER: The Johnny Urban "Liam" backpack is your...
  • SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL: Both outside & inside material are made...
  • SUBTLE PADDING: Shoulder straps, back & bottom of the bag are...
  • LAPTOP POCKET: The 15.6 inch laptop compartment is fully padded...
  • VOLUME: 13 Litres ; Dimensions: 43 x 28 x 11 cm (17 x 11 x 4.5...

The Johnny Backpack Men and Women's Bag is perfect for architects who carry heavy loads. We tried out this bag for our essential items, and it worked excellently. The bag we got was made from recycled plastic bottles, making it eco-friendly and sustainable without compromising the quality or style.

Image Source: johnny-urban.com

We also noticed that the main compartment inside the environmentally friendly Johnny Urban backpack is composed of light-colored cloth. This allowed us to quickly and easily locate the contents of your backpack. Inside the main storage space is a padded laptop sleeve and a tiny zippered compartment. There are also two extra compartments on the exterior.

We also found that this bag also had the ability to add more space when needed. For architects, the size and flexibility of a bag are the two essential things, considering the necessary materials and tools. The Johnny Urban features a simple, compact, and waterproof bag that is highly durable and stylish.

Pros:

  • The padded straps ensure extra comfort.
  • It is a durable bag for architects.
  • Perfect bag for an architect.
  • This lightweight bag has several pockets for optimum organizing.
  • It has quick-access pockets.
  • Super stylish
  • It is quite durable and water-resistant by nature.
  • A magnetic snap fastener offers easy and quick closure.
  • Very easy and convenient to use.

Cons:

  • The opening of the bag is pretty narrow, making it hard to pack.

Factors to consider while choosing the best bag for architects

Image Source: archisoup.com

1. A comfortable bag

The first thing you should look for when purchasing any kind of bag is comfort. Nobody enjoys having back or shoulder pain from carrying a heavy, unpleasant backpack. You will require a comfortable bag whether you are biking or walking. There are bags with cushioned, adjustable shoulder straps made of soft material that are comfortable for students and architects.

2. Durable

Take durability into consideration while purchasing a bag. You might not notice a bag's longevity in the excitement of shopping for a new one. So it is best to double-check the quality of a bag before purchasing one because you wouldn't want to wind up having to spend more money next month because of ripped-off stitching. Always get strong bags from trustworthy companies that provide you with a warranty of at least one year.

3. Material

When purchasing a bag, it's also important to pay attention to the material. A major error is selecting excellent material backpacks for architecture students without knowing their features. Materials like canvas, nylon, polyester, or leather are typically used to make bags. Every material has distinct characteristics, including waterproofness, sturdiness, and comfort. It's also important to evaluate the quality of a bag's interior lining material to make sure it is soft to the touch and durable. If you are carrying a laptop, electrical gadgets, or portfolios, you must look for a bag made of water-resistant material.

4. Design

Nobody wants to spend money on a bag they don't like. We all adore diverse styles. Selecting a bag design that will inspire you and make you feel good about the bag is a good idea. Look through the many designs when you shop for the bag and pick the one with your preferred design. Remember to have the purpose in mind; for instance, you can't purchase a laptop bag in place of the best bags for architects.

5. Cost

Although purchasing an architect bag is an investment, you should avoid purchasing a pricey one. Keep an eye out for bags that are within your price range and are inexpensive. Examine the costs of the different bags you discover at the bag merchant. Purchase a wallet-friendly bag so you have money left over to run additional errands.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Bags for Architects

Image Source: planndesign.com

1. What is the best bag for architects?

There are different bags you could pick as an architect, making it hard to pick the best from all the above bags, but the SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Bag stands out a little more. This bag's simplistic yet elegant style with maximum functionality has us blown away. Again, it has multiple pockets for optimal item organization.

On top of that, the bag has comfortable straps, making it a perfect bag for carrying around all day long. Plus, this bag is designed with high-quality material that not only makes it sturdy but also makes it super durable.

2. What is the best field bag for architects?

Johnny Urban Liam is the best field bag for architects since it is super light and comfortable to carry. Although the bag comes with multiple pockets, it is constructed with lightweight material, which not only makes it easier to carry but also reduces the risk of injury, making it perfect for the field of all architects.

Additionally, the bag has comfortable and adjustable straps, which makes it one of the most comfortable options to carry your laptop and other essential items around.

3. What is the best laptop bag for architects?

The SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart is the best laptop bag for architects and architecture students due to its high-quality construction and rugged polyester design. Again, the bag is extremely comfortable, with ergonomic, cushioned shoulder straps and an airflow back panel for all-day ventilation.

4. What is the best bag for architecture students?

The best bags for architecture students can vary based on variables like the kind of degree, the student's own style, and the kinds of projects they will be working on. Nevertheless, there are a few bags that are well-liked by students of architecture and might make a wonderful choice for individuals seeking a new bag.

One of the most popular bags for architecture students is the SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart bag since it can carry all of your architecture supplies, such as drawing pads, pens, and a laptop. TRANSON's Artist Backpack Art Portfolio Bag is another excellent option since it can be carried as a tote bag. It is large enough to carry architecture books and other materials but still looks stylish.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Related Articles

Best Long Range Walkie Talkie For Architects In The Field

Many walkie-talkies on the market today are of low quality and have a short transmission range. Weak signals from poorly ...

Best Watch for An Architect to Look More Professional

Best Watch for An Architect to Look More Professional

Despite the emergence of smartphones and other timepieces, classy and fashionable watches have stood the test of time. They are ...

Best Pens for Architects, Designers, and Architectural Students

Architects require a pen for almost everything they do, from sketching to writing. They can transform any basic sketch into ...