I did a lot of in-person and on-line shopping for a really functional travel tote that would carry all the necessities for multi-flight cross-country travel and not be so punitively heavy or bulky that I was exhausted by the time I reached my destination. I found it in this tote! I quite literally have packed everything I need for a long, 3-flight trek and there is room to spare. (.My husband says I could pack everything I need for basic and happy survival....). The design makes it extremely versatile, but has good security features to boot. I have to say I debated about this color because it looked "OK" on-line, but it is really quite attractive. Rather than a dull-berry, it is more a deep burgundy color with a gold lining that makes everything easy to find. As one who thrives on organization and stresses over the lack thereof when I travel, this tote is just perfect!
Buy Baggallini Santiago Tote Now
I bought this bag online without seeing what it really was all about. I ended up giving it a shot and after a couple of weeks this is what I've found:Pros:
-Stylish
-Lightweight
-Functional
-Heavy Hardware
-Removable Cross-body Strap
-Outside Pockets Great for cell, keys, badge, quick access items, one pocket allows to be used over luggage handles and is great for mail/paper
-Inside hooks for keys or whatever
-Comes with a wristlet
-Inside Organizer pockets for pen/chapstick, cards, etc.
-Padded iPad/eReader pocket
Cons:
-Hard to get in and out of from top. Seems to taper in a bit so reaching "down in" and looking for things is a little frustrating. I've learned over the years to put most of my 'things' in zippered pouches so this helps.
-Shoulder straps feel a little short for a bag of this size. If the drop were just a little longer I think it would help when wearing a big jacket. The straps do fall off of your shoulder unless you do that shoulder hunch thing. Maybe if they were leather or rubbery?
I use this bag daily as I take public transportation to and from work. I have even put my laptop in this, lenghtwise, but would not recommend this bag solely for that purpose as you will be competing for space with your other items but it will fit if you need it to. I like the little padded pocket for my Kindle, although with my case, I'm not sure I even really needed the padding. I never did before, but it's there if you want that extra piece of mind.
Just really wish it were a little easier to get in and out of. So mostly what I do is put all the crap I don't access daily (umbrella, zippered pouches that carry feminine products, makeup, etc) on the bottom and my wallet on top. I use the outside pocket for my phone, keys, earbud and badge for work.
:)
Hope this review helped.
UPDATE AFTER 3 FULL MONTHS OF USE
I like this bag when nothing is in it. When I have things in it. Not so much. I thought I could deal with the reaching in but I just can't. The zipper is rough and scratches my arms when reaching in beacuse the top opening part is narrow. Not good for an every day bag. I need a tote.
This is totally my opinion of course.
Style/look is cute... functionality questionable.
And because it's so narrow, the little ipad/ereader pocket gets in the way too when I reach in.
OH well. Live and learn.
:)
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It met all my expectations.its large,. I want it for travel only as a carry on. It will hold a lot, including a convenient pocket for my IPad. It fits perfectly over my other carry on handle.I love baggallini handbags and own several others.Want Baggallini Santiago Tote Discount?
I own a number of Baggallini Bags, and I like the Santiago. But it doesn't merit 5 stars for a few reasons.The Good:
Roomy. The bag is a nice size to use either as a large purse or a tote. I love the zippered back pocket, which can either be used for storage or (unzipped) put over the handle of a roller bag (luggage). Nice.
iPad Pocket. The bag has an interior pocket just for your iPad. Do NOT listen to those who say that it's 'too small' for an iPad. In fact, I have an iPad with a ZAGG Folio case, which is a hard shell folding case with a Bluetooth keyboard. This adds quite a bit of heft to my iPad, but it all fits in the pocket. NICE!
Standard Compartments. If you have a Baggallini bag, you know about the standard pockets and compartments. It has a large interior zippered pocket, a space for your business cards (or small cell phone), organizers for credit cards/business cards.
Zippered pouch and leashes. This bag comes with a zippered pouch. The bag also has a couple of leash hooks to hook on the pouch and your keys. Prior versions of the zippered pouch had a clear window pocket on one side. The pouch is now (cheaper) plain. But still nice.
The Okay:
Handle. I wish they would use leather. Some of the newer bags do. This one does not. Additionally, I would like a longer drop for this bag on the handles. Then, you would not need the shoulder strap. However, the drop for this bag STILL does allow you to carry it as a shoulder bag/tote, but it's a little tight when you have a winter coat on.
Limited color choices. I wish Baggallini would make more bags in the patterned fabrics. I LOVED the giraffe and zebra prints. Subtle but still interesting. Espresso is nice, but...bring those back!
Outer pocket. I love putting my cell phone in the outer pocket. It is both zippered and has a latch. I would rather have seen an easier access pocket. BUT it does have a roomy pocket and a smaller cell phone pocket for easier access (all in one).
All in all, this is a very nice, roomy bag. I can tell that it will be one of my favorites Baggallini bags.
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