Satchel

A satchel is a bag, often with a strap. The strap is often worn so that it diagonally crosses the body, with the bag hanging on the opposite hip, rather than hanging directly down from the shoulder. They are traditionally used for carrying books.[

The main difference between a satchel and a briefcase is that a satchel is soft-sided. Also, satchels often have shoulder straps or backpack straps while briefcases usually don't.

History

The satchel became a fashion accessory and was popular during the 17th century.The satchel predates the backpack.

The traditional Oxford and Cambridge style satchel is a simple design that features a simple pouch with a front flap that fastens using double-sided buckles. Variations include designs with a single or double pocket on the front and sometimes a handle on the top of the bag.

There are exhibits of this type of satchel in Londons Victoria and Albert Museum; they were donated in the 1930s. Photographic and artistic evidence predates those physical examples.

The traditional school satchel fell out of popularity around the 1970s and 80s as cheaper versions became available from new manufacturing countries around Asia pacific region, such as China, Indonesia, India, etc.

The classic Oxford and Cambridge style satchel has began to see a comeback as manufacturing costs increase in China. There are still a number of authentic makers of this style of satchel in the UK and a number of large new factories have set-up especially to cope with the increase in demand.

In popular culture

In literature, the satchel is often associated with the classic image of the English schoolboy: "And then the whining school-boy, with his satchel" is a phrase from Shakespeare's monologue All the world's a stage.

Jack Bauer, in 24, is often seen carrying a satchel.

Indiana Jones always carries a satchel as part of his outfit, alongside his whip and hat (the prop used in the movies was a 1943 Mark VII gas mask bag).

In their song "Jennifer Eccles", The Hollies sing about "carrying her satchel".

In Criminal Minds, Dr. Spencer Reid is often seen carrying a leather satchel.

The satchel is referenced in the movie The Hangover, where the character Alan Garner says "it's not a man purse, it's called a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one." The bag he was actually carrying was a Roots Village Bag. Following the attention due to the movie, Roots released a larger bag, called simply The Satchel, however the design of both the Village Bag and The Satchel are not the same as the traditional satchel.

In the Disney film Tangled the satchel carrying Rapunzel's stolen crown is carried by Flynn Rider, a central character in the story.