QUESTION

I’m torn between a 2 gussets Professor satchel and a 2 gussets Scholar satchel.
Could you give me some advice?

ANSWER

There are two aspects that differentiate the Professor and the Scholar satchels with 2 gussets (2 main compartments).

1. The front pockets style.

The Professor satchel has two symmetrical front pockets under the front flap.
Each pocket is about 5.9″ wide, 7.9″ tall and 1.2″ deep.

The Scholar design features two asymmetrical front pockets under the front flap.
The largest one is about 7.9″ wide, 8.6″ tall and 1.2″ deep.
The smaller one is about 4.7″ wide, 8.6″ tall and 1.2″ deep.

The Scholar was originally designed for doctors and professors carrying larger accessories that were best kept separated from their documents. Nowadays, the larger pocket is ideal to stow a tablet, laptop charger or even a bulky audio headset.

The Professor is more traditional, the front pockets are perfect for a pencil case, small dictionary, wallet etc.

2. The main compartments capacity differs.

The Scholar satchels are approx. 0.8″ longer and 1.6″ taller than the Professor satchels.
That extra capacity means it’s much easier to carry large ring binders in a Scholar satchel for example.

On the other hand, the Professor satchels are more compact, but are limited to books and standard A4 folders. They’re ideal for a computer up to 14.2″ long.
If your laptop measures between 14.2″ and 15″ then you will be better off using a Scholar satchel.

Conclusion.

Because the satchel’s look and feel is influenced by it’s front pockets, it’s easy to simply go for the one you’re the most attracted to visually.

However, one model is slightly more voluminous than the other and you should always try to go for the smaller option whenever possible to avoid carrying a daily bag that offers more than you actually need.

• Make sure the Scholar won’t be too spacious for your daily essentials. If your laptop is on the smaller side, your documents are all A4 or less and you have just a few accessories, you should consider the Professor design.
• Make sure that the Professor won’t be too small either. If you carry a larger binder, if your laptop measures up to 15″, or if you plan on taking your satchel for the weekend, the Scholar is your best bet.