Bag 'em & Tag 'em

As a supporter of independent American brands, A Continuous Lean throws Estex Manufacturing Company into the ring with other makers of the ubiquitous canvas bag. [ACL]

Like Klein Tools’ no-nonsense products, Estex ranks low on a versatility scale -- from the factory floor to check-in at the Pierre -- but, on the opposite side of the spectrum, so do most of the duffels featured in a recent Upgrader profile. By far, Filson still makes the most versatile bags on the market.

In terms of blue-collar-cred and price, however, Klein and Estex both offer big bangs for your buck. Here's how the companies -- both of whom offer a wide variety of bags -- measure up to the competition:

• Klein canvas tool bags with naugahyde bottom--24"L X 6”W X 15"H--go for $54:

• Estex large canvas gear bags--24"L x 10"W x 18"H--for $85:

• RIGHT NOW, you can pick up a 22”L Estex canvas tool bag for $3.00(!) on eBay:

• Weekender duffles from LL Bean--15"H x 19½"W x 9"D--for $90:

• Small Duffels from Filson--18"L x 10 3/8"W x 11"H--for $205:

• Barbour wax cotton/leather travel/explorer bags--18"L x 12"W x 12"H--for $259:

• Sandstorm canvas/cowhide weekenders--21”L x 7.6”W x 15”H--go for $350: