Initially, for my daily commute, I was satisfied with storing the iPad in my usual shoulder bag or Arc’teryx backpack. But such bags could easily hold half a dozen iPads, or more — I needed to downsize my bag as I did with my mobile computer.

So the other day I visited a popular bag shop and picked up a Porter Freestyle shoulder bag.

The bag is made from high density canvas that has been processed with a polyurethane film. This creates a weather-proof exterior that is similar in feel to leather, yet is lightweight and requires very little maintenance.

Critically, for my use, the bag is just large enough to store an iPad in a SwitchEasy Nude case, a Micro Four Thirds camera, and regular items such as a wallet and iPhone. Because I tend to overpack, I made sure to get something that would hold only the essentials, thus forcing me to travel light.

The bag features three zippered compartments, each containing several sub-compartments, that are easily accessible when the bag is being worn. I’ve learnt from owning other bags that capacity without accessibility is highly annoying; I always seem to be reaching for my gadgets, money, or other stuff almost compulsively!

In conclusion, I am quite satisfied with this Porter Freestyle shoulder bag. Although the color was not my first choice, the brown finish contrasts nicely with the metal zippers. Overall, the bag looks conservatively styled with its boxy look conveying a feeling of utility.

On the practical side, the main compartment not only stores my iPad, but also allows quick access to my camera — important for candid street shots. The other pockets are similarly well designed and help to organize my growing collection of smaller gadgets and personal items.

Porter has long been one of the most popular bag brands among Japanese men. Although their products are not so easy to acquire outside of Japan, you can search through their product catalog here and perhaps find an international reseller online.

Here’s a shot of the Porter Freestyle shoulder bag taken with my phone. The bag’s dimensions just fit the iPad, but there is ample girth to hold the Panasonic GH1 camera with extra lenses as well.

Each and every time I cut through town or ride a train, I end up seeing a lot of interesting gear. It always gets me wondering: what does a bag say about its owner?

This guy is dressed neatly, but rather subdued. His bag, on the other hand, is a sure magnet for attention. I wonder if he chose the plain color of his clothes just to create this contrast. Even the way he holds his bag is as if to show it off.

The guy on the left has a large kit bag, probably filled with lenses, filters and other expensive goodies that only a camera geek could appreciate. Comparatively, his friend with the popped collar is probably packing some shrimp flavored crackers and a Nintendo DSi XL for when his friend’s hobby starts to wear on his nerves.

This guy is wearing a cheaper looking shoulder bag. Shoulder bags of the larger ‘messenger’ style have fallen a bit out of fashion here in Osaka. But this one looks pretty comfortable, and the horizontal stabilizer across his lower torso is probably a great idea. However, it’s just not something that most people would wear as a fashion accessory. But this guy has probably got waaay too much date-simulator gaming to do on his weekends than to worry about looking hip!

This guy, from head to toe, has put a lot of thought into what he’s wearing. His mini bag perfectly matches his outfit, but I think that makes the ensemble a bit obvious and overdone. Which means it’s totally fine and not overdone. Because he’s in Osaka.

This is a cool backpack made by Porter, a well known bag and accessories company based in Tokyo. I love the big metal zipper. Also, the dark fabric looks sporty and lightweight.

You don’t see many backpacks these days in any city, but they still make the most sense for transporting heavy loads. This guy is a salary man, so I’m guessing he has at least a laptop tucked in there with probably some fresh porn manga for the train ride home.

Finally we have the no-bag guy. This man is clearly dressed for comfort, sporting loose fitting clothing that is actually quite ideal for battling summertime humidity. It looks like he just brought his cellphone with him. I’m guessing he’s talking on it right now, asking his wife where the hell his bag is at!?

Okay, one last photo.

Here we have a typical school girl’s bag that’s decorated with at least a half dozen Disney characters. Sadly, this could just as easily belong to a man twice her age. I’ve seen it.

The Japanese are infatuated with their bags. Everywhere you go, you’ll see Japanese of every class, occupation and gender with stylish bags in their hands and on their shoulders. Having some of the best and most used public transit systems at their disposal, Japanese bag culture grew out of the need to lug around the day’s items in lieu of driving a car. Whether commuting to work or out for shopping, virtually everyone is a pedestrian in Japan’s urban centers and having suitable luggage for such occasions is a must. Dingy backpacks and overburdened plastics bags are a definite faux pas on an island where Louis Vuitton handbags are as common as Nike runners are in the States.

One particular bag that caught my attention was from the 02 series by Japanese luggage specialist Hergopoch. The 02-BRF is a pleated leather (soft) briefcase that is handmade in Japan. The striped look of the body is eye-catching and unique, and the zippers offer bold highlights with good practicality; but it’s the studded, overlapping leather handle really puts this piece in a class of its own. And if you’re more of a shoulder bag kind of guy, Hergopoch also brings this pleated look to a few more gorgeous items in their lineup.

Trust your masculinity? Then it’s time to consider a man-bag! This classy Boston-style bag from Boycott resembles more of a stylish gym bag than a ‘handbag’, as some people might stubbornly call it. With the usual attention to details, like side pockets for your gadgets and a large zipper for easy access to your stuff, this bag is not only meant to compliment your savvy looks but also be highly functional. The carryall is made of cotton, comes in three colors and is purportedly quite durable.

But unless you’re situated right near a major fashion center, you may want to consider topping off your man-luggage with a couple copies of Maxim, a 6-pack of beer and a some random construction tools. For you never know what your jealous co-workers might say if they caught you pulling out a battery powered hair dryer and some Biore zit strips – keep that stuff on the freakin’ down-low!

Accessories for men need to be taken seriously; you shouldn’t have to act all awkward and uncomfortable when another man asks to check out your goods. Instead, you should confidently make your way from the showers to the locker room and proudly show off your man-bag. Masculinity secured!