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Whether you head back to school invigorated after a summer relaxing or cursing like the rest of us, these bags – from retro satchels to high-tech computer knapsacks – should carry you through the fall.
1 , Man, this backpack by Triple Five Soul ( Change Room , (425 Queen West, 416-977-0088, $155) makes waiting for the bus almost as equipment-heavy as portaging. Get ready for the features: detachable chair, zip-down shoe compartment, slash pocket at bag bottom, compression straps and an exchangeable buddy pocket, among others.
2 , The medium-size messenger bag from American Eagle Outfitters (218 Yonge, 416-204-9557) was only $19.95! And it’s all you really need in a bag. You know, pockets, straps a place for your books.
3 , Levi’s Red Tab double-pocket tote ( Urban Outfitters , 235 Yonge, 416-214-1466, $44), has the crafty style of a DIY job (and in Burnt Sienna corduroy – come on!) but with modern manufactured touches like the smart elasticized backing on the pocket snaps.
4 , Pretty slick for a sport bag, huh? This hot little canvas number from Puma ( Pull , 435 Queen West, 416-593-5598, $59) has sturdy handles long enough to moonlight as a shoulder bag.
5 , Could those rainbow straps be cuter? And pockets, for, like, stuff ‘n’ stuff ( Old Navy , 260 Yonge, 416-593-0065, $22.50).
6 , Paul Frank’s Italian Scout bag ( Pull , $89) with trademark Julius-the-monkey print and full Euro style reminds one of a simpler time, when Italian Scout bags were called satchels, logo prints were reserved for interlocking initials and a notebook was something that contained paper.
7 , Made from hard-wearing ballistic nylon, this knapsack ( Bentley , Eaton Centre, 220 Yonge, 416-593-0022, and others, $69.99) has pockets for all your techie goodies – your phone, palm, laptop – and it even has a cord pass-through grommet so you can stay connected while in motion.
8 , All day I dream about bright yellow Super Star duffle bags by Adidas ( Te Koop , 421 Queen West, 416-348-9485, $69).
9 , Planning on skipping class? This daily messenger bag by Parcel ( Urban Outfitters , $59) is ideal for truancy. The coated canvas stays dry even when you’re getting drenched, and the compact size holds one binder – all you really need when you’re lying about missing your paper deadlines. And, hey, in that sizzler of a colour, you’ll look hot while explaining to your T.A.
10 , If you want something built to last, this tan leather briefcase ( Roots , 220 Yonge, 416-593-9640, $298) will wear in and look even better with age.
11 , This System Pack bag by Blurr ( Mountain Equipment Co-op , 400 King West, 416-340-2667, $139) will treat you right in both urban and outdoor settings. Its tuck-away straps can carry rope, snowboard clothing and even a Sector 9 long board. Interior pockets have a place for everything, even an exit port for earphones.
12 , This messenger bag by homegrown label Modrobes (239 Queen West, 416-597-9560, $55) has loads of pockets, even built into the shoulder strap.
13 , If the theory of evolution accounts for its name, this Darwin DayPack ( Mountain Equipment Co-op , $56) made from highly reflective 3M Scotchlite should keep you from getting run down in the street and thereby bypassing natural selection.
14 , Relive your grade 6 graffiti days with this sweet olive shoulder bag from Parcel ( Te Koop , $49).
15 , Push the envelope with this quality Canadian-made Metro messenger bag ( Urbane Cyclist , 180 John, 416-979-9733, $160). It’s the brand of choice among couriers, thanks to its solid construction, reflective tape and accommodating size.
