( 2 reviews )
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( 4 of 4 found this review helpful ) Posted: 06-16-2009
I bought it to use as a backpack purse, but it has too many shortcomings AFAIC.It's a perfect size, and I love the idea of the integrated steel mesh. However, there are some serious design flaws. The shoulder strap is adjustable, but only has 1 adjustment buckle. I found the shoulder pad to always be in the wrong spot when I adjusted the strap, and it is extremely difficult- nearly impossible- to get the shoulder pad over the buckle to reposition it. Most good shoulder straps have 2 buckles- one on either side- so you can adjust the length and have the pad where you need it. That was issue #1.There is a large main zippered compartment. Also there is a flap on the bag. Now, one would think that the flap- which is very big- would cover the main zippered compartment, where you presumably would have your laptop- but it it does not. It is sewn in front of the main compartment. In addition- the huge flap has NO zippered storage compartments at all. It also fastens with Velcro, unlike some of the better bags which use mechanical fasteners. It is pretty useless and always in the way.The split main compartment has one side for a laptop. You won't fit anything bigger than a 14" laptop in there, and even that is a squeeze. For a netbook it's ok.There are NO zippered compartments in the main area of the bag. None- zero- zip-zilch. There are only 2 long nylon compartments, like the size used to hold eyeglasses- and these fasten with Velcro again. They are a PITA to open, as it feels like you will rip the thin nylon when you open them. If you put little stuff in there it falls out when you tilt the bag.There is a second smaller zippered compartment on the front of the bag, under the flap. Inside are 2 more tall nylon compartments, fastening with- you guessed it- Velcro. And again- little stuff falls out.Velcro has it's place, but it's cheap, and it's a real problem when you want to go digging in your bag to get something, say in a quiet theater? The loud "rrrriipppppp" of Velcro will not be appreciated by those around you.Now we get to the backpack part...The bag looked great in the pictures. It has 2 removable backpack straps which fasten to 4 D rings on the back, and detach and stow out of sight when you're not using them.The backpack straps are the chintziest things I have ever seen. They have NO padding whatsoever. NONE. They are made of the same nylon the bag is, just doubled up and sewn up with a piping on the edges. As if that isn't bad enough- the clips on the straps and all 4 D rings on the back of the bag are plastic.The 2 D rings at the top, where the bag would be holding the most weight, are attached to strips of 1" wide nylon webbing, which is sewn into a seam. When I put a netbook, camera, and my wallet in the bag- it looked like they would rip out in a very short time. I didn't trust it to hold the weight.I really wanted to like this bag. It looked great online. I love the idea of the steel mesh. But this is not an inexpensive bag. It usually retails for around $100. For $100- I do not expect cheap plastic hardware and Velcro fasteners. I also would expect a decent amount of storage compartments inside that fasten with zippers. For something that's also sold as a backpack, I would expect at least some kind of padding in the straps, and metal hardware.Personally- I don't think it's worth the money.
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( 6 of 6 found this review helpful ) Posted: 05-23-2008
I would have given this bag more stars if I could have. I bought it from another seller at a deep 50% discount, but $100 is a fine price too. I have it in brown, a pretty unattractive color, but it is not appearance that I love this bag for. The liner is beautiful baby blue, the lock and hardware are high quality. All the stitching feels sturdy, and the strap has a thick gel pad that is very comfortable. When the side pockets are not in use they say flat with metal snap buttons. The flap is wide and does not leave gaps at the edge like so many messenger bags. The laptop pocket feels well cushioned. The side water bottle pocket is pefect size for a disposable plastic water bottle or a .6 liter Sigg. The bag seems very secure from thieves.
