I tried to find something I didnt like about this pack, but I think its one of the best packs I've owned to date. It's perfect for commuting to work, school, library, or anyplace that your going to need quick access to your stuff without having to unzip a bunch of pockets and look for things. It has one large main compartment, and a laptop compartment as well.Space is not wasted if you dont use this pack for a laptop however. The main compartment is further secured by a drawstring at the top, and when you put the flap down you can rest assured that everything is safely tucked away.
There are two pockets in the front of this pack, one secured by a small bit of velcro for easy access, and one zippered pocket, both are fairly deep and compliment this pack nicecly. There is a zippered pocket to the side that is more suited for small flat rectangular things like a cellphone, checkbook, etc.
This pack stands up nicely when propped up against the wall or table leg, which is great. The back of the pack has some ribbed ventilation for airflow, I couldnt say how well this works since my bike commutes are not all that far, but it rides comfortably even with a laptop and library books, with a change of clothes for work to boot.
As with all the Osprey packs i've owned, the stitching is superb and the pack is well made in general. I thought about knocking my review down one star due to the lack of colors, but I think it would be an injustice.
P.S. I'm not big on organization within storage compartments, but the 5 pockets do just fine holding my stuff (books in one, laptop in another, electronic components in the third, loose stuff in #4 and long loose stuff/water bottle (on the rare occassion) in #5I was sick of my messenger bag because I would have to spend tons of time adjusting the contents so it wouldn't hurt my back. This bag does a great job at allowing you to just toss stuff in and go, because it's got a padded back. The light strap at the bottom is a great additional feature, and the sleeves and extra pockets int eh bag just make sense.
However, I wish it had some horizontal compression straps, because when things are loose the bag sits more on your lower back than I like.
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I have been carrying a messenger bag for years. They seem to be pretty good for light duty everyday use, but not so comfortable for loaded down traveling. A backpack is much better for heavier loads because it distributes the load on both shoulders. It is just more comfortable.This bag reminds me a lot of a messenger bag, but with the form factor rotated 90 degrees. The flap is pretty much standard for messenger bags. When you open the flap you have access to 2 storage areas. The back area has an additional pocket to hold a laptop computer. This pocket is closed with a very substantial velcro flap that is so substantial that it feels like it should have a pocket in it, but it doesn't. That is something I think they should add. The front storage area has 2 pockets for organizing smaller items like headphones and a camera and 2 sleeves for holding pens. Overall this front storage area is about 1/3 the size of the rear storage pocket. It is just better for holding smaller items.
I like the fact that this bag does not use Velcro to hold the flap closed. I hate to have to rip open the Velcro to get into the bag. Sadly the snap buckles are just too hard to close with 1 hand. These things are just way oversized for holding the flap closed. They are even a little hard to close with 2 hands. Honestly some old fashioned metal snaps would be easier.
The last little detail that bugs me is that is not anything included to control the excess webbing strap material. Once I get the bag adjusted to my comfort size, it would be nice to have some way to contain/control all this extra webbing.
I know it sounds like I don't like the bag, but I am pretty picky and have spent a lot of time looking for the right thing. It is a great bag, but still has some room for improvement. Osprey makes great stuff that is very comfortable in use, including this bag. The aim of this review is just to point out the shortcomings, which are pretty small, but still exist.
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I have been carrying messenger bags since 1996 (a Timbuk2 and a Crumpler) and they served me well as bike borne year round commuter bags. Last year I took a job that had me doing a lot of air travel and spending a lot of time in a suit. As my Crumpler bag was starting to look a bit worn I decided to look for something that would work with a suit jacket and also have a carry handlewhich is the one thing I missed about my old Lands End canvas briefcase.A quick trip down to my local REI and looking at a wide array of bags I stumbled on the Flapjack. Thus far it has been as good as expected. The ample pockets hold all of the stuff I carry around (my mobile office), the laptop slot easily holds the Dell 1520 that I lug around and the side pocket is a great place to stow power cords or an umbrella. The one thing I haven't done with it yet is hit airport security, but I think it will be fairly smooth. Some have noted the padding on the bottom, while not the armor plate you see on a Keen bag, it is enough to set the bag down without worry. The upside to that is that the bag itself is pretty light (feels even lighter than my messenger bag).
The bag sits well on my back with most of the weight riding near my shoulders. It feels stable even when running up the BART stairs and looks so much better than those other backpacks that look like they were lifted from the back to school aisle.
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