Top ten - What a carry on
  1. Briefcases: they are not what they used to be. Case in point: this laptop-lugging vessel. Near scientific in its pursuit of style, its black and steel grey tonals and flashes of colour are reserved, refined and as close to sporty as a working bag can get. With its techy credentials assured thanks to its protective interior pocket, the look and function is contemporary and creative. Just like you, right?
  2. Few bags of this size boast so much detail. Reminiscent of a classic military day pack, its historic union of grosgrain and leather straps plus the hardwearing canvas body and press studs is best worn with heavy textures, like a beautiful wool cable knit, thick denims and leather boots. Apparently it's mountain brown. We didn't know mountains were brown. But we love it anyway.
  3. Allergic to unnecessary detailing? Then go for Fred Perry's Indigo overnight bag. Its clean lined and ergonomic design describes a sleek and sporty look which will appeal to your inner minimalist. The black tipping and straps are offset by the polished silver of the zip and hardware, and while the indigo body recalls the dry denims of jeans purists, the overall effect is nearer to space-age than historic.
  4. If you want the antidote to that ubiquitous and rugged outdoorsy look, then look no further. In neon yellow snakeskin it's not one for the shy but if you want a quality city-ready tote that will announce your arrival then Marc by Marc Jacobs is your go-to. We love the slightly washed down colour of the body set against the super juicy straps. Big, bold and beautiful, it closes with a brand tab and modernises any man. Stand out and stand tall.
  5. And the award for best new rucksack goes to... well, how can we decide that when there are so many good ones? The point is this is the summer of the backpack. For an enduring classic, try the Barbour Beacon. It's got pockets on its pockets (literally - there are mesh envelopes on the front pockets) yet swerves the fussy look of lesser bags. Detail without the dizziness, that's what we like.
  1. Designed by a duo of Scandinavian brothers who ski-hike, this is a bag with real function in its straps. Its marriage of internal envelope pocket, rope style drawstring and flap top is ideal to stow your laptop and your overnight gear. As founder Anton Sandqvist says: a bag should not be for either city or country, it should - like this one - be for both. Crampons not required, then.
  2. After three generations and over 100 years of design expertise, William Fox & Sons has distilled the sports bag into a covetable look. Now, whether you are commuting or climbing, the small scale practicality of the tear drop backpack will serve you well - check out the two tier inner, with a zip round internal divider.
  3. As an army duffle made in a soft cotton canvas body with light leather straps, Paul Smith's big and squashy backpack has got holiday written all over it, and for once, it's the sort of hand luggage you want to be seen with on the 'plane. Though the light blue and white stripes have the look of surplus prison garb (think Paul Newman's Cool Hand Luke jeans) there's a sun drenched traveller feel to this cool cotton pack that will go perfectly with your tailored shorts, T-shirt and espadrilles.
  4. Somewhere between the briefcase and the backpack, lays the messenger bag. Originally a working item used by the Pony Express's high-speed hoofers, it has been refined into a way more versatile vehicle for the working man. Cultivate your inner gentleman with this simple, flat fronted version in rustic leather. Thanks Chapman. And thanks for signing each bag individually, that's some sort of devotion...
  5. City life has got bike friendly and for most chaps that means using two hands to steer. Net result? You need two straps and a sleek backpack to take care of the essentials. Take the advice of Sandqvist and haul on this compact marvel. And though it's specifically designed with the cyclist in mind, you don't really have to pedal to enjoy this Swedish mix of sturdy canvas, rope drawstring and leather buckles.