Mountainsmith Messenger Bag Recycled

I had to return this bag because I was looking for a messenger bag. One that could hold books and possibly a computer. THIS IS NOT IT! This bag is the size of a purse. Perhaps, it was my fault for not scrutinizing the specifications; therefore, I felt that giving it a low rating for my mistake was wrong. Also, the bag looked as though it was very sturdy, and it's nice to know companies are becoming more sustainable. I wanted to warn others of my mistake to save them the hassle. If you're looking for a larger bag, I decided to purchase the Extra Large recycled tire bag. EXCELLENT BAG!

I only have the use of my right arm so carrying books,etc. are kind of a problem. I didn't want a "man purse", I'm too close to red neck for that. And the usual messenger bag was way too big for what I needed. This one is smaller & fills the bill perfectly. I can carry my Kindle,compact binoculars, camera, Magazines, note papers,cap, whatever. There are compartments inside & out. Most are zippered.

This bag is styled like back-pack stuff so I don't feel odd carrying it around. It's very well made & ought to last me a long time. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that the water bottle holder is too tight for the usual 16 oz. bottle. It'll fit but not without a struggle. It should be easier to slip in & out.

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I have been looking for a small messenger bag for over 6 months and finally I have the one that fits me! I am not a purse carrying kind of person but needed more space when I got married (his keys, his wallet, his phone, camera, etc etc). I like to have my hands free and did not want to mess with a shoulder bag. This bag is perfect lots of organization, a place for my sunglasses, straps that don't twist and bunch, small, durable and recycled. One day I may have an iPad or something similar it will then also be the perfect computer bag ;) Love it!

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The bag is decent for what I need, can carry a notebook, my acer timeline-X and a good sized text book. At about a foot wide it great.

Where it falls short:

The bottle net on the side is pointless, you couldn't get a 12 oz soda can in there.

The one buckle...they cheaped out with their own flimsy, extremely thin & difficult buckle rather than use a tried and true 1/2" side release buckle

The shoulder strap cannot be shortened less than a meter. which is ridiculously long if you plan on biking with this bag. and again they put cheap flimsy plastic clips on each end with plastic thinner than a nickle.

The Handle...they used a thin ribbon to make it with a single stitch on either end not the appropriate x-box stitch for webbing

The pockets and slots for pens and stuff are against the back wall of the bag, the side that's gonna jab into your back while carrying it... genius.

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------UPDATE--------

I've had this bag for 10 months now. It's been the best Amazon purchase yet. This bag has held up with no problems, and we've put it through the ringer. It's been yanked, pulled, snatched, dragged in every possible way. The velcro, which was one of my concerns, works great and showing no signs of pilling. I've had no issues with stitching coming loose. The only small thing is some of the rubber padding on the shoulder strap is showing wear. All of my pockets,zippers and pouches are in great condition. I'd purchase this bag again in a heartbeat! Water bottle holder works great for travel sized tissues. I do find it annoying that I can't stick an actual bottle in the pocket designed to hold bottles. The strap across my chest, I've gotten use to. Overall it's a wonderful product that seems to be holding up with out any signs of me needing to replace it anytime soon. I have washed the bag in cold water hung dry, and it took the washing perfectly.

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I purchased this bag relying heavily on other's comments. I was worried about the size of the bag, but the comments on what they were able to fit helped. (If you read some of the other comments, I agree with the waterbottle holder being too small for a practical sized bottle.)

I wanted to switch my purse for something more pratical. I have a toddler with special needs and I need to be able to have breathing treatment and g-tube supplies on me at all times. Not to mention the spare diaper, sippy cup and whatever my daughter and husband ask me to carry. I can fit my kindle too, but it's a tight fit with everything else.

My purse ended up ripping under the pressure. This bag has great comparments so my toddler has his own section, and I have mine. I love this aspect! I can grab my wallet with out having to dig around for it. It also is great when my toddler dashes and I don't have to worry about the contents of my purse tumbling out as I try and scoop him up. The bag has sturdy velcro that holds the flap down, along with a semi-useless buckle. I have a slight concern of the velcro pilling and not sticking as well as it does now. I clip my keys on the outside along with my hand sanatizer. Everything I could want.

I can take out my wallet, readjust the strap and let my husband take the bag if he has our son. The bag I choose is gender nuetral(Charcoal).

The only reason why I didn't give it five stars is because the shoulder cushion isn't moveable. It's very cushy, and nice don't get me wrong. But if I throw the bag so it's behind me then the strap is thick and bulky going across my chest. It would be nice if it slid over so the cushion was still on my shoulder or out of the way all together.