Patagonia Critical Mass laptop commuter bag

 
 I love bags. Always have. But I have never been able to find one that combines function, style, volume and durability until I came across the Patagonia Critical Mass laptop commuter.

The first thing this bag has going for it is it's lineage. I used to think Patagonia products were needlessly expensive. But then, about 12 years ago, I purchased my first Synchilla Snap T fleece and I began to understand. The simple, clean lines of Patagonia products - which make them seem somehow less rugged or adventure worthy than those made by competitors like The North Face - speak to the company's philosophy, which is in effect: Make quality products that stand the rigors of use without needless frills.

 After the Synchilla, I bought some Capilene base-layers and have slowly grown my collection over time. The pieces I own with Patagonia's distinctive ridge line label on them have all held up. Once, I had a problem with a zipper on a vest, called customer service and had a replacement sent to me no questions asked.

So, the company is one I respect. But I am not a single brand man, never have been. I like variety. And it had never occurred to me to think Patagonia when trying different bags. And I have had a lot of them. In part, it's because I tend to carry a lot of stuff. A quick inventory of what I carried home with me from work today:

1. 15" MacBook Pro and charger
2. 3 Moleskine notebooks of various sizes
3. A copy of the current edition of AFAR magazine
4. 7 pens and 3 pencils
5. Apple iPod Nano, headphones
6. Sony digital voice recorder
7. Today's New York Times
8. Checkbook
9. Passport
10. A copy of Bill Bryson's "Complete Notes"
11. Three file folders

So, I carry a lot of stuff. I've tried to reduce the amount I carry, but I am a creature of habits. And I've tried to find the right bag that speaks to my simple, pseudo-outdoorsy traveler style, contains all my stuff, holds up against the rigors of a daily commute and sporadic travel and still be professional enough to carry into a meeting. I've tried bags from L.L. Bean, commuter bags, backpacks and, recently, a leather satchel case. 

I liked all these, but none satisfied all my needs. I was cruising Amazon one night looking for another one to try when I came across the Critical Mass. It was retailing for around $120, which seemed like a lot, but I had a gift card and decided to give it a try. It took about three minutes after I received the Critical Mass, I knew it was the answer to what I ha been looking for.

Style

Signature Patagonia. Classic. Simple. The very definition of elegant and outdoorsy. It comes in four colors: black, henna brown, fusion sunset (red) and gecko green (pictured).

Quality Construction

Made of recycled plastics, this bag carries the Patagonia tradition of quality construction and sustainable materials.

High Volume

2,136 cubic inches. It is 20 x 14 x 6.5 and has a built-in 15.5 x 11.5 x 1.5 laptop sleeve.

If you're like me, you love bags and you carry a lot of stuff. I can't guarantee that the Critical Mass will be perfect for you, but it has worked out very well for me and that's saying a lot.