Vagabondish is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Read our disclosure.
Life on the road can be quite tough on one’s gear. Having burned through three laptop bags in as many years, I recently took a closer look at the available, high quality replacement options.
Like many modern travelers, my requirements were straightforward: it must be extremely durable; feature a reasonable number of pockets and dividers; be large enough to store a 17″ laptop; and, quite simply, it must look good.
I recently took a shine to Malcolm Fontier’s line of sexy bags. So when they offered to send a review sample of the largest of their laptop bag lineup – The Diplomat 17 – I was eager to take a closer look.
The Skinny
In Malcolm Fontier’s own words, The Diplomat 17 is:
“Cavernous”- This bag will swallow a massive 17“ laptop and still leave room for a change of clothes and all the other gadgets you might carry. Along with all that space you also get the great organizers and features that define the Diplomat series.
- Fits a laptop up to 17″
- Soft, and durable PU coated canvas
- Natural linen lining
- Neoprene electronics pockets
- Built-in wallet/cardholder
- Passport Pocket
- Padded laptop protection
- Dual metal buckle flap closure
- Quick access magazine and boarding pass pockets
- Rugged, padded handle
In Detail
With a tidy, minimalist design, The Diplomat is a looker right out of the box. Accents include high quality zippers, brushed nickel flap closures and an off-color stitching that all contribute to a sleek, understated look. It exudes a confident style without an overt sense of flashiness.
Although leather is a great material, it’s simply not rugged enough to survive the daily beating of perpetual travel. Which is why the first thing that I fell in love with about The Diplomat is the choice of construction materials. Crafted from PU coated canvas, it boasts an extremely tough exterior with a surprisingly supple feel akin to ultra soft rubber.
The interior is smartly constructed of an off-white, natural linen lining that makes finding your goods just a little bit easier, particularly in low-light situations.
One issue with some travel bags is not too few pockets, but too many. I don’t relish having to look through twenty six pockets trying to remember which one I put my passport or my headphones in. The Diplomat offers just the right amount of storage, all neatly tucked away behind a variety of magnetic snaps and pockets.
Pricing & Availability
The Diplomat 17 is available now in Black or Brown for $260 USD.
Malcolm Fontier bags are available from a number of select, independent retailers around the U.S. But I recommend visiting MalcolmFontier.com directly, if only to check out their Pay What It’s Worth program. It works just like you would imagine – no, seriously. As MF claim, it’s their “answer to a problem that many companies deal with, but few would dare solve this way. We feel that it is the best solution to clear our older inventory- for both us, and you.” Clever.
Also, don’t miss their recently released line of stylish carry-on travel bags, including The Getway, The Negotiator and The New Yorker.
Bottom Line
With a rugged but sexy exterior and a number of smartly designed features, this may be the last travel/laptop bag you buy for a long, long time. Highly recommended.