Help me pick my Chapman!

**eliev** · 08-29-2011, 10:49 AM

I am about to buy this bag. I wanted something that could carry my laptop plus a few extras. Should I go with khaki or brown?

The khaki looks very English and refreshing, but the brown is more understated. I have a larger Chapman bag in the brown and I find it quite nice.

It is mainly for casual use, but I go to business school so people tend to judge you by what you are wearing...

Any thoughts?

http://www.chapmanbags.com/ChapmanBa...uct/NSLV18.htm

**Blix** · 08-29-2011, 10:52 AM

I'd take the khaki.

**eliev** · 08-29-2011, 10:54 AM

Oh, and by the way I do not like olive at all.

**devorenm** · 08-29-2011, 01:51 PM

I have a large bag in Khaki and find it ideal - I've gotten tons of compliments on it.

**maxman** · 08-29-2011, 02:00 PM

Looks just like the Hardy bags.
http://fly.hardyfishing.com/en-us/pr.../carryall-bag/
My dad has one. It's very well made.

**galopede** · 08-29-2011, 03:42 PM

I've had a Chapman Troutbeck 14 fishing bag as a "man bag" for several years. Mine is in the khaki.

Troutbeck 14

Smaller than the one you are looking at but it is perfect for all the junk I need every day, including my lunch! Excellent long last, well built bag. Last a lifetime.

Gareeth

**Alacrity59** · 08-31-2011, 07:29 PM

Hang in here. Is this not about a bag you would carry fish you just caught in?

**eliev** · 09-02-2011, 03:50 AM

OK I went with the khaki, except that I got the Livingstone instead, which is a more "modern" version http://www.chapmanbags.com/ChapmanBa...duct/NLV18.htm

**Dpflaum** · 09-02-2011, 03:42 PM

Very nice. I looked at Chapman before buying my Filson duffle. It was a very close race.

**eliev** · 09-03-2011, 10:30 AM

I like Filson a lot too. Unfortunately, it's much more expensive and harder to find here in France.

**legrandfromage** · 09-04-2011, 12:19 PM

The first bag that you were looking at is very similar to a Billingham camera bag that I have. If you are familiar with the Billingham bags, can you tell me how Chapman stacks up in terms of quality?

**eliev** · 09-05-2011, 03:49 AM

I have the Billingham Hadley Pro which I use as a camera bag and briefcase. I also have a Chapman bag which I use for travel. In terms of quality, both are the same. Chapman is slightly less expensive. Billingham is great if you need a camera bag. They make excellent foam inserts (removable). If you just need a regular bag I would go with Chapman.

Both companies use the same fabric: two layers of canvas with a layer of rubber in between. The Chapman canvas is slightly thicker but the Billingham canvas is softer.

Both have excellent customer support.

Chapman has an excellent bespoke service, but Billingham carries more colors for certain models.

**legrandfromage** · 09-05-2011, 06:47 AM

I also have a Hadley Pro that I use as a camera bag. I'll keep Chapman in mind for the future (non-photo use); will have to look to see if they are sold in the Colonies and what prices are. Thanks.