Temple Bags Laptop Briefcase Giveaway

by Brett & Kate McKay on April 11, 2011 · 4,110 comments

For a long time, if a man wanted to buy himself a handsome laptop bag, his choices were pretty limited. Boring, black nylon Dilbert-esque bags dominated the market. They seemed designed to make you depressed about your job before you even got to work.

Thankfully, several entrepreneurial men have stepped in to fill the need for a bag that’s not only functional, but handsomely rugged as well. Erwin McManus, founder of Temple Bags, is one of these fellows.

Temple Bag’s products are inspired by the heroism of the brave men who fought during WWII. The guys at Temple Bags scour dusty old warehouses around the country to find vintage WWII-era canvas and use this incomparably sturdy and manly material to craft their awesome laptop briefcases. The vintage canvas gives their laptop briefcase a nice worn, weathered look and a subtle military character. And because the canvas doesn’t come from a single source, each bag will have unique coloring, markings, and weathering. Each bag is literally one of a kind! The briefcases are also made with real leather and other reclaimed materials like vintage Italian RiRi zippers. And the laptop briefcase, like all of Temple Bags’ products, are handcrafted right here in the good old U.S. of A.

The Temple laptop briefcase doesn’t just look good. It’s also incredibly functional. A lot of thought was put into making the bag as useful as possible.

On the front of the bag you have two big pockets that have smaller pockets for your pens, your iPhone, and a pocket notebook. The main pocket of the bag fits a 15″ laptop and has a zippered opening not only on the top of the bag, but on the bottom as well, so you can access your laptop without undoing the buckle in the front. This bag will let you breeze through airport security like a pro.

You also have another nice big pocket to store books and documents. Within that large pocket is a sewed-in pocket for an iPad or Kindle that’s accessible from the outside.

Here. Watch this. You have to see this bag in action to really appreciate how functional it is:

Pretty cool, right? Wanna get your hands on one of these awesome bags? Then read on.

The Temple Bags Laptop Briefcase Giveaway

were kind enough to offer one of their handsome laptop briefcases as a prize to one lucky AoM reader (a $478 value!). Here’s how to enter to win:

Leave a comment below answering this question:

If you could be carrying this briefcase into your first day at any job in the world, what job would that be?

Deadline to enter is April 18, 2011 11:59 PM CDT. At the end of the giveaway, we’ll select one comment at random and that lucky man will win a Temple Laptop Briefcase.

Looking forward to reading your comments!

Contest is over. We’ll be announcing the winner on our sideblog The Trunk shortly.

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3801 W.D.G. April 17, 2011 at 2:27 pm: I’d carry a couple bottles of wine and some nice cheeses to the opening of my own restaurant.
3802 Ted J. April 17, 2011 at 2:39 pm: This would be great when I work with the State Attorney’s Office this summer (one year left of law school). I’m in dire need of a new brief case.
3803 Etherel15 April 17, 2011 at 2:46 pm: I would use this bag to house my plans, designs, and schematics, for my latest steampunk inspired piece of machinery I would create at my first day working in a new workshop creating simplistic, reliable, and durable answers to problems overcomplicated by modern–often fragile–technology. Knowing I have a bag that meets my own design standards would push me to greater efforts.
3804 Ben April 17, 2011 at 2:51 pm: Packed with a new laptop, en route to my first day of work for my own software company.
3805 Justin April 17, 2011 at 2:54 pm: Clearly this bag could be an anthropology professor’s best friend. Would contain a a book and a laptop with great battery life for field work.
3806 Mark A April 17, 2011 at 3:39 pm: I would carry this bag with pride on my first day of work at the grand opening of a brand new denim only store for men who don’t muck around when look for quality denim products such as jeans and jackets.
3807 Wes April 17, 2011 at 3:42 pm: Definatly would be a great addition to my new job as an event planner! Has room for the laptop and everything else I need!
3808 Micah W April 17, 2011 at 3:55 pm: I’d prefer to bring it to workshop, where I work on hobbies and inventions.
3809 Mike T. April 17, 2011 at 3:57 pm: Book publishing. Which is funny, because until I saw this bag, I wouldn’t have ever thought about going into book publishing. I work in IT for a major oil company today – wouldn’t be a bad place for this bag, actually – and my passion outside of my job is food. I don’t know that I’d take this bag into a professional kitchen, although it could certainly handle it.

No, I’d go into book publishing. Specifically books on food and cooking. Things that aren’t just collections of recipes, but actually teach fundamental techniques. See, it’s not whether you know how to make (say) steak frites, it’s that you know how to sear meats, how to get a good sear and then finish to medium rare if that’s your taste, how to build pan sauces, how to double-fry your french fries – and why that works, and so on. If you know recipes, then you know how to make steak frites. If you know the techniques, then you can do a pan-seared chicken breast with sweet potato fries, or pork chops and purple potato fries – and that’s just from this one set of techniques.

Hm. Here’s hoping I can start that new career, now!
3810 Nic April 17, 2011 at 4:01 pm: Would be a great way to carry notes, recipes, et cetera for a brewmaster.
3811 Mike April 17, 2011 at 4:04 pm: I would use it for many years of work.
3812 Michael April 17, 2011 at 4:16 pm: I would take this bag to my first day writing and performing for Saturday Night Live. Packed with a laptop, notepad and pens, and a couple of munchables, this bag shows how much I want to continue to bring class and quality to the pinnacle of television comedy, continue to pull it back into excellence after some years in early 2000 when it was sorely lacking.
3813 Casey Goodman April 17, 2011 at 4:20 pm: The cool of Miles Davis and the rough of Jeremiah Johnson. LOVE THIS BAG.
3814 Tyler Wayne Bardwell April 17, 2011 at 4:22 pm: As a construction project manager, this bag would fit perfectly in my current daily affairs as it is rugged enough for a construction worker, yet refined enough for a professional. I am often required to bring my laptop and files out to my job sites and currently I am using the “free” laptop bag that was provided to me by my employer…

However

If I could be carrying this into my first day of ANY job in the world, it would most certainly be my first day as History Professor at Stanford University. History is my passion and one of the few hobbies I enjoy that would also offer a great and satisfying career. I would love to live my days educating the next generation about our worlds magnificent history. Interestingly enough, this bag also holds a bit of its own history, being made of vintage military canvas, it would complement my newly found profession deeply.

Cheers to the winner, I am sure the bag will be enjoyed!
3815 Brendan holmes April 17, 2011 at 4:23 pm: This would be great for a business development specialist. It show respect to the past and a bold statement about the future! Saying I know where we all came from but this is where we go to move forward.
3816 a hardcastle April 17, 2011 at 4:44 pm: Impressive to tote my laptop as I investigate fraud for the World Bank.
3817 Michael Yutzy April 17, 2011 at 4:58 pm: I would carry it to my first day as Indiana Jones’ 21st century replacement. That bag could handle the rigors of adventure archaeologist’s daily work.
3818 Imani D. April 17, 2011 at 5:02 pm: I would were this bag on my first day as owner of a foundation that helps homeless families that need support and drug users quit using drugs and turn their lives around.
3819 Nate Tanner April 17, 2011 at 5:06 pm: My first day of work at an environmental engineering firm. I’m only a sophomore in college, so that day is a long way off, but I can’t wait for the excitement and pride I’ll have on that first day starting my career.
3820 C Johnston April 17, 2011 at 5:11 pm: Music Director for a Medium Market Radio Station. (coincedently, that is actually my current job, and I have no desire to change). This bag would make a wonderful replacement for my current Samsonite… Yes, I said Samsonite, It was a gift from my wife…… So I can’t really replace it without some help…. Hint Hint…..
3821 CrashTheAndys April 17, 2011 at 5:48 pm: I would carry this bag into my first day of unlimited budget studio recording sessions for my new album.
3822 Jay Green April 17, 2011 at 5:49 pm: Cool bag…totally need it!
3823 Gregg Collins April 17, 2011 at 6:13 pm: Im a Gas Controller and this bag would make the company president envious
3824 vstarmc April 17, 2011 at 6:18 pm: First day of work in my second career after retirement, whatever that is…
3825 Ed April 17, 2011 at 6:30 pm: First day as the general manager of a big league baseball team.
3826 R J Vincent April 17, 2011 at 6:31 pm: After finishing my training, software testing.
3827 HM April 17, 2011 at 7:03 pm: working in footwear development (at nike/adidas/similar company)
3828 Jim McNamara April 17, 2011 at 7:12 pm: The job I have had for the last 20 years. I work for the State of Georgia Environmental Protection Division in the Hazardous Waste Management Branch. I am their mercury guy, their recycling guy, their reuse guy, and, generally, their go-to guy. If it needs to get done, they give it to me, on accounta I get it done.This is the piece that I want to pull my laptop out of for TSA, EPA HQ, and polluter weinies. On a separate note, I am seriously old school; I drink Schlitz kingers and the occasional shot of Rumpleminz
3829 Becca April 17, 2011 at 7:52 pm: A tenured professor!
3830 Nathan Carson April 17, 2011 at 8:16 pm: I would walk into the U.S. Capitol Building for my first day as a Congressman carrying this briefcase.
3831 David April 17, 2011 at 8:19 pm: I would love to carry this bag on my first day of work as Han Solo. That would be the best thing ever. Realistically, though, I will carry that bad boy to work on my first day as English professor. But, seriously, who doesn’t want to be Han Solo when they grow up?
3832 Joe Clauss April 17, 2011 at 8:57 pm: I’d love to bring my laptop and medical files in to the office as a veterinarian.
3833 Steve Germany April 17, 2011 at 9:24 pm: I’d carry it into my day job as a church music director and afterward to an upstart nanobrewery.
3834 Brandon Soares April 17, 2011 at 9:25 pm: I would bring that bag into my first day into a high end bar as the new bartender.
3835 ryan April 17, 2011 at 9:29 pm: I would use it to carry my books and notes to class as a professor of kinesiology.
3836 Chris Spong April 17, 2011 at 10:00 pm: Perfect briefcase for the first day of the PR secretary to the president of the world.
3837 John C. Prager April 17, 2011 at 10:06 pm: This bag would be great for carrying the materials that help me deal with the Japanese rock bands I work with every year.
3838 Joshua Stigen April 17, 2011 at 10:09 pm: That would be a great bag to carry a new super laptop that would help me take over the world.
3839 JE April 17, 2011 at 10:14 pm: Skidding slightly on the gravel as I bring my 1965 AC Cobra Roadster (red, of course) to a stop at the entrance of Castle Howard, I’d throw a quick glance at my reflection in the rearview mirror to ensure the wind hadn’t completely disheveled my hair. Then, reaching toward the passenger seat at my left, I’d grab the handle of my Temple briefcase, whisking it from its soft leather resting place as I exit the car and bound up the entryway steps into the manor. Navigating my way through grand halls and sumptuous galleries, I’d find my journey halted by a pair of gilded French doors. Extending my hand toward the ornate brass handle of one, I’d pause for just an instant to gain my composure. Then, in one swift motion, I’d throw open the heavy door. As my foot crossed the threshold of an oak-paneled study, I’d hear the words, “Ah, right on time! Gentlemen, please allow me to introduce Mr. ———, the man chosen to lead the Royal Geographical Society’s last great hunt for the fabled City of Z.”
3840 Brock April 17, 2011 at 10:19 pm: I’d walk into the classroom on the first day of school, with my Temple Bag in hand. For the first time, though, I wouldn’t be the student. As the students stream in, I would stand at the podium. “Welcome to Public Speech 101″
3841 Russell April 17, 2011 at 10:29 pm: If I could choose any job to bring this to it would be a travel columnist. Getting paid to travel would be fairly awesome.
3842 Kris Estep April 17, 2011 at 10:29 pm: I would carry it on my first day opening my reformed theology bookstore and reading room.
3843 SteveD April 17, 2011 at 10:42 pm: adventurepreneur
3844 Jon April 17, 2011 at 11:05 pm: I’d carry this in on my first day of work as a lion tamer. Looks pretty sturdy.
3845 Kevin April 17, 2011 at 11:34 pm: As I walk into the UN’s main assembly, the member nations would suddenly gaze upon my manly briefcase and for a brief moment, forget that they asked me there to solve the world’s hunger crisis and dispel with poverty once and for all.
3846 Mr.H April 17, 2011 at 11:53 pm: I would take it to my job teaching middle school, just like now, but with a really large raise.
3847 Onesimus April 18, 2011 at 12:05 am: I would take this to my own job, with my own company, in a small office, with a small team of people who share the same creative vision.
3848 Danjio April 18, 2011 at 12:12 am: if i could carry this bag into any job in the world. I would take it with me to google with my labtop, drawing book, and my tobacco pipe(with W.O. Larsen tobacco)
3849 Brian Newlin April 18, 2011 at 12:26 am: This laptop would carry my laptop, which would be holding my screenplay for the first feature film I get greenlit. It better be durable, because we’ll be shooting in some pretty bleak locations around the southwest.
3850 Chris April 18, 2011 at 12:30 am: I would take it to my first day as head architect in my grandfathers architecture company. I would love to use a briefcase that shares not only the time period but the history of my grandfathers generation. To bring that connection from the past and merge it toward the future would truly be an honor. It would be an everyday reminder that not everything needs to be modern and sleek to stand out. My grandfathers, fathers and myself believe that history and quality will always win out.
3851 Wes J. April 18, 2011 at 12:37 am: CIO (Chief Information Officer) at Cabela’s.. I don’t think it could get a whole lot better than that.
3852 Dan April 18, 2011 at 12:44 am: I could carry my laptop to my 1L classes in style next year with this briefcase!
3853 Alex James April 18, 2011 at 12:49 am: I would carry my plans with me to my own engineering firm where we would bottle stars and also build flying motorcycles.
3854 Alex April 18, 2011 at 12:58 am: I would use this bag for my first day of treasure hunting in the amazon :D
3855 AlexC April 18, 2011 at 1:02 am: He walks into the Intensive Care Unit, white coat rustling with hurried steps. Out comes the notebook computer, used to quickly cross reference patient histories, prescriptions, and care plans. Suddenly, a patient begins coding. Out flies the stethoscope and physicians pen-light, as staff starts CPR. The doctor begins issuing orders for medications. Slowly, the patient’s heart falls back into a stable rhythm. Crisis averted, the new intensivist pulls his mobile from the outer pocket and consults the patient’s primary care doctor. After the consultation, a trauma page is sounded. The briefcase goes back over the shoulder, along with his diagnostic set. In the ER, the docs decide to send the patient straight to surgery after CT. Back in the ICU, the patients are sitting in critical but stable condition. The doctor takes the opportunity to take notes in the moleskine notebook in his bag. After a few hours, time has come to hand off to the night physician. After work, he heads home, pocketing his Rx pad and pens. Along the way, Dr. C picks up a a book of guitar music from his med school band mate. At home, he reviews his patients from the day, pulling out the notebook and the moleskine. A few hours left, he unwinds with the family, then goes to bed to start the whole thing again, tomorrow.
AlexC-a med student.
3856 C4C Christensen April 18, 2011 at 1:06 am: I would use this bag for the most important job a man can have- being a father. Carrying my child’s toys, my son’s fishing gear, a camera to my daughter’s wedding…This is the bag for the job.
3857 Jeremiah Johnson April 18, 2011 at 1:14 am: I would be the new Artistic Director at a theater somewhere in Colorado or Rhode Island. If not one of those places, some small city in the mountains or near the water. Shoot Michigan might even be nice..
3858 travis April 18, 2011 at 2:16 am: I would carry it with me to my first day on the job as a stunt pilot.
3859 J.Michael.Cline April 18, 2011 at 2:40 am: I would carry this bag on my first day as a door to door door salesman. bettering the world one entryway at a time.
3860 Kurt Rebiger April 18, 2011 at 3:20 am: I would carry this bag into a job, any job really, so long as I knew I was going to make a meaningful, positive impact in someones life that day and every day there after.
3861 Tong Yan April 18, 2011 at 3:53 am: That job would be as a physician. In it, I would hold my moleskine, my laptop, and any other trinkets I might need on the job.
3862 Daniel Kwok April 18, 2011 at 5:12 am: I’d carry this bag on the first day as an archaeologist. Breeze through airport security, and once I arrive at my dig site, it’s rugged and sturdy enough to put up with whatever may come.
3863 Mark April 18, 2011 at 5:18 am: This bag would be my ideal bag to use for my first meeting as a graphic designer. The style and elegance would show anyone I work with that I have class and style.
3864 Laurence April 18, 2011 at 5:40 am: Philosophy professor.
3865 Paul April 18, 2011 at 5:43 am: I would carry this baller briefcase on my first day at my new job as a member of the Mary Cariola Children’s Center Agency Advancement department. Not only would it woo all the ladies, but it’d also be a magnet for donations. ;P
3866 Chris April 18, 2011 at 6:22 am: I think I would like to carry the bag to an interview at a American military meseum. I think it would be a good conversation starter.
3867 Nick April 18, 2011 at 6:37 am: …In his timely odyssey as a corporate downsizer and consummate modern business traveler who, after years of staying airborne, suddenly realizes that he has never found an efficient container or receptacle in which to carry his belongings.
He has long been contented with his unencumbered lifestyle lived out across America in airports, hotels and rental cars. He has been carrying all he needs in an old, torn, satchel, borrowed from his brother in fact. Living a fast life, he never finds the time for a subsequent change, either in career, or a rucksack. Yet as he realizes that youth will never be recaptured, he hopes that he receives a bag that suits his lifestyle. A bag that reminds him that not all aspects of life should be a challenge to set in order.
So in each “first” day of the job as that corporate downsizer and bussinessman, whether it be in a corporation in Dallas, Texas one day, or a firm in Chicago, Illinois the next, at least one aspect of his life is not chaotic: his temple briefcase.
3868 Rob April 18, 2011 at 7:02 am: I would carry this bag into my first day of being a stay at home dad and part time scooter mechanic
3869 Anthony McKechnie April 18, 2011 at 7:06 am: I would carry this bag into my day job as an MP (Member of Parliament). After being elected solely because voters appreciate an excellent bag I would use the bag to carry my MacBook, Moleskine, and papers whilst making the lengthy commute from Liverpool to London.
3870 Trent April 18, 2011 at 7:17 am: Engineer at a wind farm facility. Most of those sites are in pretty rugged parts of the country and I would need a rugged laptop bag that could handle the environment.
3871 Carey Murdock April 18, 2011 at 7:35 am: The bag would accompany me on the first (and following) day(s) of stepping into the recording studio to knock out my next album.

Holding my lyrics, pads, and macbook stylishly- with pens, harmonicas, picks, capo – no problem.
3872 Mike Baker April 18, 2011 at 7:36 am: I would carry this bag into the Oval office when I met with the President to discuss ways he can balance the budget, make the world safe for humanity and share the secret of ending the United States dependence on fossil fuel.
3873 Ted April 18, 2011 at 7:44 am: I would carry this bag to my first day as an Executive Coach, helping leaders of non-profit organizations be more efficient and effective so that their organizations have a bigger impact on the world.
3874 Nerestro April 18, 2011 at 8:04 am: I would carry this bag into my office as an journalist for the AoM-Magazine!
3875 Dan April 18, 2011 at 8:26 am: I would carry this bag with me on my first day as an engineer in the Amazon.
3876 Eric Freadhoff April 18, 2011 at 8:27 am: I would carry this bag into the Executive Chef office (which is mine) pull out a laptop which contains all the recipes I’ve worked on over the years, my iPhone in the inner pocket (as chef pants are way to baggy to keep things in the pockets of your pants) and a note pad to jot notes of the day’s work. Such as income statements, covers, transfers between bar / restaurant ect.

At the end of the day I could simply pack it all into one bag and carry on!
3877 Ryan April 18, 2011 at 8:52 am: I don’t know what job I would use this bag at, but while carrying it, in order to complete the look, I would be wearing a bowler and sporting a fine set of mutton chops.
3878 Michael Lyons April 18, 2011 at 9:01 am: This Temple bag would make for a mighty fine companion as I take on the task of taste testing the food stalls through Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong.
3879 Rachel E April 18, 2011 at 9:25 am: I would carry it to work as an art appraiser!
3880 Arge19 April 18, 2011 at 9:45 am: I would use this bag to carry the top-secret military briefs, cold-steel handguns, and loosely-rolled Cubans that I would need as a special-ops commander in some south-east Asian or Latin American country. Behind my desk I would be so shrouded in darkness that anyone who stepped into my office would see only this: a dim desk-light that illuminates a slowly spinning fan, a few documents laid out, and cigar smoke drifting from out of the shadows, accompanied, of course, by an impressively professional, classy laptop bag.
3881 Brittan April 18, 2011 at 9:47 am: That’s easy — carrying my equipment and paperwork for my first day at Trapeze School! I bet it even looks good upside-down.
3882 Greg April 18, 2011 at 10:07 am: I would like to enter an office where an applicant is waiting to be interviewed by me. After a question and answer period, during which time I occasionally go to my Temple Laptop Briefcase for papers or even to pull out a laptop, and after having determined that this person is the one for the position…. i would wrap up the interview and present the Temple Laptop Briefcase, laptop and all the contents to the “new hire”, and congratulate them on a great interview.
3883 T. E. Hill April 18, 2011 at 10:19 am: I would bring this bag with me into the conflicts of the world as a Journalist.
3884 Tom MacAlester April 18, 2011 at 10:19 am: I would carry it into my first day on the job as a music producer!
3885 Chad B April 18, 2011 at 10:20 am: I would carry the bag to work as a Financial Analyst for a Tobacco Company.
3886 Brandon April 18, 2011 at 10:28 am: I would take it with me to my first day of “work” as I planned an elaborate heist of a major European bank, “Oceans” style… It seems like it would be the perfect size for carrying jewels or large bills.
3887 Brian Cromeens April 18, 2011 at 10:32 am: I am almost afraid to enter some of these giveaways. I like to think of myself as having some relative intelligence, but I am not much in the creative department. But then again, I am very dedicated to the pursuit of my future profession. I am about to wrap up my law school career and at least be given the opportunity to be a licensed attorney in the State of Texas.I would like nothing better to walk into some County Courthouse, in some town in Texas, for my first hearing, my first trial, or just to meet with my first client, carrying the tools of my trade in this good looking bag. Such an implement would be as perfect for a young, lawyer as it would be for any other young individual setting out to make their mark.
3888 JP April 18, 2011 at 10:51 am: I’d carry it into my cabin on the first day of my job as a sleep-away camp counselor.
3889 Michael April 18, 2011 at 11:01 am: Finally, organization for the mobile desk I’ve always imagined.

I must say, I am not really thrilled about the expansion ability. That looks like a tempting failure in waiting.
3890 Jeff EC April 18, 2011 at 11:13 am: I’d carry it into my as-yet-unfunded multi-million dollar philanthropic organization helping people start their own businesses…
3891 Elliot April 18, 2011 at 11:47 am: I would carry it into my first day of work at a company where I design games that help people to reduce their energy consumption.
3892 ephraim April 18, 2011 at 12:03 pm: I’d use this as my rope bag for outdoor rigging work.
3893 Brian Lundberg April 18, 2011 at 12:05 pm: I would bring to my job as the Chief Culture Officer.
3894 OldPathsFarm April 18, 2011 at 12:06 pm: For years, I’ve wished to leave “Corporate America” and come home to run our family farm full-time. So, I’d love more than anything to get up in the morning, get dressed in my farm clothes, and head to my office in the barn with this beautiful, American-made bag.
3895 Chris April 18, 2011 at 12:24 pm: I would carry that bag into my new job as Bruce Springsteen’s new guitar player in the E Street Band.
3896 Timothy Lee April 18, 2011 at 12:24 pm: I am a pastor/church planter which I believe is the greatest job a person can have. I am not a great preacher or evangelist. I am just trying to be obedient to God even though it has been a great struggle at times. I would use this bag with pride to carry the plans I am given in influencing the world for Christ as I start churches, teach the Word, andcoach and counsel people.
3897 Orlando Rainey April 18, 2011 at 12:33 pm: I would carry this bag to my new job as Chief Technology Officer for a Fortune 50 company.
3898 Bill Horn April 18, 2011 at 12:34 pm: I would carry this bag into my first day as a staff writer with a major song publisher.
3899 Brian April 18, 2011 at 12:50 pm: I’d use it for the first day of my giving out of Hello’s.
3900 Ryan April 18, 2011 at 12:53 pm: I would walk into my start-up which in this situation is nicely established and into my office as VP of Product Development. Take out my laptop and start plugging away on all the additional work that needs to be done in order to sell it in 5 years.

Oh, not to mention work on my idea after that. :-)

Ryan

Temple Bags Laptop Briefcase Giveaway

The Temple Bags Laptop Briefcase Giveaway

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