Meet the writer
Alexandre
Menthos
Main writer · DIYION Journal
Alexandre Menthos is the main writer for the DIYION Journal. His guides explore how to choose everyday bags, care for canvas and leather, and organise what you carry for work and short trips.
A closer look at the details
From the dimensions of a laptop compartment to the way a bag opens, the journal looks at the details that make a difference in daily use. Alexandre’s articles bring together comparisons, care guidance and packing ideas to help readers make an informed choice.
What he writes about
DIYION / Journal
Guides by Alexandre
Practical reading for choosing, using and caring for your next everyday companion.
How to choose a bag as a gift without guessing the fit
Start with the way they spend their day, then narrow down the shape, material and details.
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How to store a canvas or leather bag between uses
A clean interior, a dry lining and gentle support help keep a bag ready for its next outing.
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How to organise a work bag so everything has a place
Three simple zones, fewer loose items and a quick reset at the end of the day.
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Backpack or shoulder bag for work: compare your real commute
Your journey and what you carry make a better starting point than a dress code alone.
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Roll-top or zip backpack: choose the opening that suits your day
Fast access or a flexible top? Compare the details you will notice every time you open your bag.
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Water-resistant or waterproof: what can your bag really handle?
Fabric is only part of the answer. Check the seams, opening and the way you protect what is inside.
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How to pack a weekend bag for two nights away
A useful two-night packing list, a simple packing order and the checks to make before choosing your bag.
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How to care for a leather bag without changing its finish
Identify the finish first. Gentle cleaning and a patch test are more useful than a cupboard full of treatments.
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How to clean and re-wax a waxed canvas bag
A gentle clean, a fully dry bag and a small amount of suitable wax. Here is the order that matters.
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How to choose a laptop backpack that actually fits
Screen inches are only the start. Three measurements and a quick compartment check make a better shortlist.
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What size backpack do you need? A guide to litres and fit
Start with what you carry. Then check volume, shape and the space that pockets actually leave you.
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Canvas or leather backpack: which suits your everyday carry?
Texture, weight, rain and upkeep: the differences that matter when you choose an everyday backpack.
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