This luggage is sturdy and very stylish. It rolls very nice too. Although the extended handle is a little wobbly.
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Showing posts with label giraffe backpack. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giraffe backpack. Show all posts
Nautica Luggage Starboard 21 Inch Expandable Upright
This luggage is sturdy and very stylish. It rolls very nice too. Although the extended handle is a little wobbly.
13.3" Laptop Sleeve with Extra Side Pocket , Soft Carrying Handle & Removable Shoulder Strap / Note
As advertised. Looks nice. Strap is comfortable and stays put. I wanted something minimalist for just transporting a small laptop, a few papers/folders, and the power supply to and from work. This fits that purpose fine.
Walt Disney Pixar Cars Combo - Cars Large Rolling Backpack, and One Cars Travel Game Card Set
My 5yr old loves this bag for school, has enough space for all his stuff. Made it through 6 months and ready for a new school year.
I give this a "4" rating, simply because it: 1-has no educational value, 2-I don't know how durable it is yet, but 3-Denis loves rolling it while running on the wooden floors of his home and driving everyone else in the house crazy! 4-It's an excellent size for visiting grandma and grandpa for a weekend!Cars Large Rolling Backpack
Clover Stylish Plain Backpack - (Comes in Different Colors)
I got the pink backpack when I turned 11 a few weeks ago but realized it isn't as bright as I thought it would be. What looks like the light pink is actually hot pink. I'm not sure about the others, though. But if you like hot pink, get the pink one because it will be darker! Also on my backpack I got was what looked like someone scribbled blue marker on the fold inside. It's pretty noticeable so we might be returning it but maybe not. I hope this helped!!
Aquapac Waterproof Wet & Dry Backpack
I bought this backpack because I like to ride my bike to class at UK everyday, about 4 miles one way. After I had this backpack about a month it finally rained, and rained almost everyday for about 3 weeks. This backpack keeps my notes and books 100% dry even after my 25 minute bike ride.There is another inner pocket, which is what made me decide to purchase this particular backpack. It is intended to separate your wet clothes from the dry if you decide to change. On the really rainy days, i was able to fit all my school stuff in the main compartment, with a spare pair of basketball shorts, underwear, fip flops, a shirt, and jacket all in the inner pocket. I'd get to class and change clothes in the bathroom. The inner pocket actually pulls out of the main compartment so i could easily put my soaking wet clothes without having to worry about them dripping on my notebooks.
There is also a back support piece that is removable and advertised to be used as a seat if you're hiking or something. While I haven't used it as a seat I do like how it keeps flat against my back and I don't get poked by textbook corners or anything.
I absolutely love this backpack and I am 100% satisfied. Check you tube for some other reviews too. If I had a laptop, I would trust this backpack enough to ride my bike in a downpour with my laptop inside without another case. Also it fits good and is highly adjustable.
5/5 Easy
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I actually thought I cancelled this purchase as I had gone through with another purchase immediately afterwards and went back to cancel shipment. SURPRISE! It showed up on my doorstep in just a couple days along with the other bag. Choices choices I went with my other purchase and did not use this. But it is very well constructed and pretty roomy just not pretty. A guy would like it for sure, girls like me like a little more polish. Really nothing wrong with the bag other than that.Went on my trip and forgot to return this one. WHOOPS! Blew the return period and its now sitting in my living room gathering dust no way to correspond with seller after the initial 30 days. :-(
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Lassig Messenger Diaper Bag
I like the internal pockets to separate out various things and the internal zippered pocket to store extra clothes, blankets, etc. However, if you want to carry more than what you need for changing a baby, this bag may be too small and the flap may not secure that well.
The Lassig bag is bigger than a regular diaper bag, but not so huge that it becomes bulky and hard to carry around. However, it's roomy enough to hold all the baby gear for a long outing for my three kids (4 bottles, diapers, formula, baby food, snack, wipes, changing pad, change of clothes, toys).
Several things make this diaper bag different from others in the market:
* it does not look like a diaper bag it could easily become a purse or a briefcase with enough room for a laptop
* it's gender neutral in style the removable covers make it either more feminine or more masculine
* heavy-duty materials and excellent quality, inside and out
* extra wide 3 1/2 inch wide soft shoulder strap distributes weight and can be shortened or extended up to 49" for taller parents
* it adjusts easily so that the bag can be clipped onto a stroller, used comfortably on the shoulder or across the chest, even with an Ergo Baby Carrier Black with Camel Lining, without slipping off.
* there are dozens of different covers available to suit your style or mood, both on amazon and the company website
The designers have thought of everything for both baby and parents. It includes:
* removable front cover that zips on and off
* two wide velcro strips to securely close the front flap
* stroller clips that work with velcro on both tandem and side-by-side strollers and on any type of handle
* large inner pocket with changing pad (13" x 26") and velcro closure
* large zippered inner wet pocket (14" x 10")
* large inner open compartment (15" x 12" 3 1/2") has a removable panel with three insulated bottle pockets
* removable insulated bottle holder (8 1/2" x 3") with carabiner hook; this can be used for baby food or formula packets as well
* removable zippered bag (5 1/2" x 7") for coins, make up, etc.
* 2 pen holders
* a second inner open compartment (15" 12" x 1") with 2 large mesh pockets (7" x 7", for diapers, clothes), 3 smaller mesh pockets (4" x 6") for toys, changes of clothes) and a large zippered inner dry pocket (13" x 9")
* large zippered outside pocket in back (12" x 7", good for a book or two)
* key clip
* cell phone pocket
* a small zippered pocket under the flap (6 1/2" x 6 1/2", good for wallet, subway pass, camera, or anything you need to have handy but secure)
* both the bag and the front cover can be hand washed
* 15" x 12" x 5" exterior dimensions
I also looked at the Skip Hop Duo Double Deluxe Charcoal. It's pretty good, but it may be too big for everyday use unless you use your side-by-side stroller a lot. I might use the Skip Hop Duo Double for travel or for trips to the city where I need a bigger bag for an all-day outing. However, as a purse it's not as useful as it's missing the zippered pockets and key ring of the Lassig. I would not use this for the office either as it looks too much like a diaper bag; finally, I found the Skip Hop Duo Double be too wide to use comfortably on the shoulder.
In summary, if you have lots of kids and need a good everyday bag that either mom or dad can use, that is versatile enough to use on any stroller or with a carrier, that you can use afterwards as a purse or briefcase, go with the Lassig.After using it for less than 3 months, can see the signs of wear and tear. The strap came in with some loose string and I had it exchanged, so this is the second bag. I would not buy this anymore or recommend to anyone.
Pokemon Messenger Bag
My son plays a Pokemon league every night, this Pokemon bag is great for him to haul his cards, folders and other paraphernalia. The other kids think it's a great bag too.
Very roomy, holds a bunch, the shoulder strap adjusts amazingly well. Five stars!!This bag was a Christmas present. Exactly what it was supposed to be & arrived on time. All good. :) not sure that it *ought* to have educational value, since it's just a bag. But it'll be a school bag...
Arc'teryx Mistral 16 Shoulder Bag - 976cu in
Arcteryx makes amazing gear and charges accordingly. Needed...well...wanted...a good shoulder bag so I splurged. Carried for a week on recent UK trip as a camera / go bag. My first time with messenger-style bags. A bit sore on the shoulders kept switching sides every day. Of course, I could carry less crap in it, that might help. Really don't think it's a padding issue, just a me issue. Very well constructed, but was surprised by some obvious wear around where the strapping connects to the roll closure. The roll closure is genius! Very well executed. Keeps things nice and secure, but bag interior is very easily accessed. Good 'nuff organization inside and on the exterior front pocket. Pocket on the roll closure will hold a small water bottle reasonably secure...until you open the bag. I think that's my main disappointment. Opening releases the tension on the fabric over the pocket which holds the bottle and out it goes; this happened more than a few times. Side pockets are barely accessible when the bag is closed due to the closure have yet to use them. Cell phone pocket on strap will accept a blackberry if you try, but it's really too small to be convenient. Didn't get to test the weather resistance, but I'm confident it's just fine. Will fit a small notebook. Mineral color is manly enough, but does show the street dirt. Overall, if you like shoulder bags, this is a very solid buy.
Liberty Bags Large Lightweight Nylon Drawstring Backpack (8882)
These bags are great for putting wet workout clothing in to carry home from gym. They are a good size, they are waterproof and they are washable. And dry well in the dryer. My husband has an assortment to keep in his locker and was quite pleased with the price.
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Slightly bigger than I expected, but that's okay. I love all the colors they come in. After a hard time deciding what color to get, I ordered the hot pink one. I use it as a gym bag.Read Best Reviews of Liberty Bags Large Lightweight Nylon Drawstring Backpack (8882) Here
First, the good--1) The bag was quite spacious. I've seen other drawstring bags with much smaller holds, and this one definitely has more than enough space for carrying towels, gym clothes, sports equipment, or--in a pinch--books or even a packaged lunch.
2) The fabric used is somewhat resistant to water. (Most likely by design.) I'm not saying it's absolutely waterproof, though; don't go dipping it into a bathtub and expect the items inside to stay dry.
3) It comes in many, MANY colors. At the time of writing this review, there were 14 different colors, and I wisely chose not to have the blindingly noticeable colors like bright pink or yellow. Navy blue is more than sufficient for me.
4) The price was very reasonable for its purpose. I bought this bag for just under ten dollars (including shipping!) and received it in less than five days. If you have particularly high standards for a drawstring bag, then I warn you--take the time to research other options. You will mostly get what you paid for.
Now, the bad--
1) My biggest concern is that the bag was very poorly built. Although it cost less than $10, I noticed tears in the fabric from carrying even 10 lb. loads. I didn't notice those until my roommate pointed them out to me, and foolishly thought the fabric would hold a 25 lb. load later on. Buyer beware: although the item is labeled as a "backpack", do NOT think it acts in substitute of a conventional backpack. The straps are about a half-inch wide, and will leave imprints in your shoulders with heavy loads. In extreme cases, the fabric WILL tear and you will be left with a hole in the bottom as I was.
2) The fabric is very thin and flimsy. And there isn't a lot of it. While it can hold a large number of items, I'd imagine that the paper-thin fabric would be very transparent in bright areas or if the bag is a bright color. In addition, with such a thin fabric, it's VERY easy to accidentally crush something since the shape of the bag does not hold under pressure.
3) The straps are non-adjustable. I have a relatively small torso (32"), so it was very difficult dealing with a bag which had straps made for a 38-42" chest. Often times, the bag will slip and fall from your shoulders because the arm holes are just too damn large.
4) No pockets. Not a one. It makes it hard to sort smaller items from the big, bulkier ones, but as I've repeated multiple times already, you get what you paid for.
Final Verdict--
While this bag is incredibly cheap as well as cheaply made, I am buying another one to replace my old bag just because of the price. Do be warned that it is recommended that you buy a different bag for heavier loads (at least 10 lbs.), but this particular bag is flexible and thin so it works as a way to further sort your stuff inside of a larger, sturdier space such as a cargo box or backpack.
3 / 5 stars
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I ordered two of these for summer camp for my children and one of the backpack's strings untied on the first day of use for which I immediately contacted the seller and their reply was 'Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds or replacements for products damaged through use.' They also suggested that I retie it on my own which I tried and could not do. The other backpack got tears in it after a few weeks of use. Will never buy this again.
Rockland 2 Piece Set
This luggage has already paid for itself. I take it on every trip and I take the computer bag around town at times. Seller was very communicative. I needed by a certain day before leaving for a trip for my 30th birthday. Sent them an email about it, they shipped it that day. Made sure it would get to me in time and wished me a happy birthday. :) love this luggage cute and easy to pick out if you have to check it. I have never had to check it except for puddle jumper planes to small islands. Fits in overhead and carrys on. Only gripe is the computer bag only has one zipper, meaning you have to open it all the way to get in it. There aren't two zippers that can meet in the middle. Great product.
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Opened box today and could smell plastic. We saw there was a "WARNING" sticker on the tag stating that it contains cancer causing substances according to California law. Now we have to close up and ship it back-and she is leaving for trip shortly. Should have disclosed that there are toxic chemicals -would not have purchased.Cancer survivor
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This luggage set had a terrible odor when I opened the box. After a few days of airing out it was still unacceptable. After further review of this product I discovered a sticker on the tag that states: "California Proposition 65 Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause CANCER or BIRTH DEFECTS or other REPRODUCTIVE HARM."I am so angry that this was not disclosed to me before I purchased this item. I am angry that this was imposed on me and my family. I am a cancer survivor of 4 years and cancer is no joke and not to be taken lightly. I should have had a choice. This is going back!
Lewis N. Clark 2-Pack American Flag Luggage Tag
As cute as these were, they were gone off my luggage my very first trip. Don't know if they were stolen or just fell off but I was skeptical of the attachment from the start.
Although they are very cool looking & the plastic straps are standard and work fine, the plastic of the tag itself is too brittle and cannot be trusted.
Plan on . . . after 3 or 4 trips through baggage handling at any of our "fine" airports here in the USA . . . replacing these tags. If you don't fly & always handle your bags yourself . . . you'll probably be fine.
Trust me. I REALLY wanted to love these. But because they can't be trusted, I can't give it anything but the lowest rating. Look for a more "rubbery" tag or a thicker acrylic tag. (Most laminate ones have similar problems with pulling off of their leashes)
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Wanted an eyecatching name tag for ready identification. These are perfect. Gave the other one to another netbook user.Read Best Reviews of Lewis N. Clark 2-Pack American Flag Luggage Tag Here
Tag is a HORRIBLE insult to the United States of America. Hanging an American flag upside down is a signal of distress. Is this tag some foreigner's idea of a JOKE!!!! It's not funny.Want Lewis N. Clark 2-Pack American Flag Luggage Tag Discount?
the plastic tie looks like it is going to give on several use but the quality design is very nice
adidas Estadio II Team Small Backpack
the features on the bag are great, but the overall size is a little smaller than I expected. I really like the vented shoe pouch but when you put shoes in it it takes up so much internal bag space that it doesn't leave much space for much else inside the bag. all in all I like the bag I just wish it was a little bigger like some of the Nike bags that I've seen.
DeMarini Voodoo Backpack
I paid more than I should have for this bag, buying it at full price from Sport Authority for $65. It IS worth $35.00. I've used it for about a year, I play twice a week and I also used it as a carry on a few times. 3 zippers broke, the seem from the the zipper has split in a few places and one of the interior pockets blew out. It does hold the bats well, and even if you only carry 1 it works great. I love the fence clips.
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My son really likes his new baseball backpack. It is a durable bag that has plenty of room for his equipment. He finds it much easier to carry this bag on his back to games than his pull bag. It doesn't take up as much room in my trunk as the old bag either.Read Best Reviews of DeMarini Voodoo Backpack Here
I researched many Bat-Packs before deciding on this one.It is a nice size with plenty of room for your gear. Holds 2 bats, 2 gloves, cleats, windbreaker, drinks and still has room for more. Several pockets and makes a cool pack for school as well.
Purchased this as a surprise for my son who now plays in the Majors (Little League) and he loves it.
May have to get a second one just for school.
Shipping from Amazon was very fast. Would recommend.
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My daughter has wanted this bat bag since last season. It seems smaller than her last bat bag but holds just as much. Plus it is easier for her to handle!
Zebra Hot Pink Laptop Bag Case 17"
I bought this product to tote around my 17 inch HP laptop. I was using it for a week and things for fine except for the shoulder padding being way to thin and as i was walking to class the clasp of the shoulder strap broke and my bag along with my laptop kindle and iPhone all went smashing to the ground. needless to say this bag cannot hold the weight of the product that it was built for.
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I bought this for my daughter for school & the day we recieved the case she put her laptop in it & the strap hook broke off. She loved the look of it & it fit perfectly, it was just made poorly. It was easy to return though.Read Best Reviews of Zebra Hot Pink Laptop Bag Case 17" Here
I had mine for a couple months an the top strap broke then the metal piece on the side strap snapped in half when my laptop was in it im an highly ticked it damaged my laptop!!! i expect alot better quality then this thanks for screwing my laptop up!! you gonna pay to fix it probably not!! an you gonna pay to replace it cause i kinda need a laptop bag for school. DO NOT BUY THIS!!!!Want Zebra Hot Pink Laptop Bag Case 17" Discount?
Well, I ordered this as a gift to myself for college, but I had to open it earlier... It's just like the title said...Fabulous!! It's very comfortable on the shoulder, keeps the computer cooler, and it really is pretty!!! If you like zebra print and need a laptop case, I would suggest this bag!!
SOLO Classic Collection Colombian Leather 15.6-Inch Laptop Portfolio, Dark Brown, D535-3
The look of this bag really appealed to me it is a really sharp looking bag. Functionality wise, I think they could have made some improvements without effecting the cost very much.The buckles and straps for both the front and back compartments are mainly decorative, there is no way to adjust them without modifications. There is plenty of expansion room in the compartments themselves but if you put too much stuff in them the buckles won't snap, defeating the expansion of the compartments. I don't always need the extra room, but when I do need to stuff a few extra things in the bag it is nice to know it will be secure.
To remedy this problem I took the bag to a local cobbler and had him modify it. He added two holes to each of the front buckle straps and installed two magnetic clasps to the ends of the decorative straps on the rear of the bag. This allows both compartments to be secured when at full capacity. The price of the modification was $12 and makes the bag much more versatile and doesn't impact the look.
Other than that, I really like the bag. I'm finding it a bit difficult to organize all the various electronic gadgets I carry with me, but there would be no way to remedy that without making the bag more bulky and that would defeat its style.
This year, however, I have to take off two stars. It ruined two pairs of pants, and the silver ring that the handle was attached to (one of them) fell off without me noticing while I was only using the shoulder strap. How did it ruin two pairs of pants? It starts to bleed after awhile. For light pants, when this happens, its a complete disaster. Brown streak marks on your pants is never flattering, especially ones that don't come off all the way in the wash.
So would I recommend this? Only if you're planning on buying a new briefcase in a year or two. If you're looking for something to last a few years or longer, get something else.
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I have been using this briefcase for several months now and I am very happy with it. Looks great. Fits my 15.4" laptop very nicely. Has a bunch of compartments that can hold pens, cell phone, pda, power adapter, a few thin folders, pads of paper etc. If you are looking for a laptop bag that can hold large amounts of files, folders, other computer equipment, this is not the bag for you. However, if you want a stylish briefcase that can hold a laptop and a moderate amount of documents and accessories, I think you will be very happy with this one.Executive summary:An excellent bargain at $90 if you find one of the better examples, considering the variation in leather and build quality within this bag model. It isn't for everybody considering the additional care that the (*real*) leather warrants and the additional weight, as well as the aesthetic design. The design puts it mainly in the business/office scenario, but it's casual enough to maybe pass for fashionable everyday carry (but it may be too casual for navy/charcoal suit, formal business meetings). There were some user-fixable issues with the earlier runs of this model, but SOLO has since updated the newer runs to fix those issues at the factory.
...
First off, great looking bag for work, styling is a bit rounded/curvy but very fitting for a satchel. It almost looks like a motorcycle/horse saddle bag than something for the office, which I think gives it a handsome, somewhat outdoorsy look. I think another reviewer described it as academic or professor-like?
The functional design has the 2 main compartments fixed to both sides of a stiff cardboard or plastic load-bearing center panel which itself hangs off what seems to be a metal rod which the handles/straps attach to. Functionally, this means that (1) the bag holds its shape even when standing empty or carried by the shoulder straps, unlike messenger bags which can crumple if you don't add something stiff in there. This design in 2 main compartments separated by a stiff board also means (2) less chances of bulging at the bottom when stuffed with gadgets, etc. It'll still bulge when overpacked, but given the design and the leather body it won't be as noticeable.
It's primarily a hand-carry design, but it can do shoulder-carry even if it may not look as neat as a messenger bag style (straps coming up from the sides). The stiff shape-holding rod does make a more awkward shoulder carry than a crumple-able messenger bag though.
The inside is polyester but I think this is a positive as stuff slides more easily on the material. Anyway, I've seen many long-lasting leather women's purses with similar combo of soft outer leather and polyester lining (but this is certainly no purse!).
Given the design using (real) leather, the support panel, and support rod, it's already somewhat heavy even when empty, maybe about as heavy as an empty attache briefcase. For me, it's still a worthwhile tradeoff to have its looks and ability to hold its shape (messenger bags are not for me unless I want minimal weight and easy access. I'm still a backpack guy first, but I'd go with a satchel before I go messenger bag. And yes, satchels are different from messenger bags).
...
I focus on negatives when I evaluate a product based on reviews from previous customers, and the following stood out:
1) Strap/handle ring comes out due to screw loosening (pretty major, until you realize you could just unscrew it, add super glue, then carefully put it back in so it doesn't set with the rod, only with the screw and ring).
2) Color rubbing off/running.
3) Non-adjustable (main compartment) straps
4) Only a magnet closure on the document side (snap-buckle secures the laptop side--the belt-like buckle is purely cosmetic).
Additionally, and most of this is specific to my preferences:
5) I wish they made this in a smaller size. Same thickness in the compartments, but just big enough to hold Letter size (instead of Legal size which this can hold), and just big enough to do 13" laptops instead of 16". Sizing like this could make it more usable as a casual man bag as well as shave some weight while also making it a better fit for someone with netbooks/tablets instead of a full-on laptop.
6) There is an alarmingly wide range in quality of the build and the leather itself even within the same model. I checked Staples (where this can be seen in person), and even discounting mishandling by store associates I saw nicks and blemishes in the leather that's too noticeable to be attractive. Natural leather has blemishes that came with the original animal skin, and they do add character, but these just seemed like damage *after* the leather was made. There were also some leather sections that was stretched a bit too much for me.
Also, some of the blemishes from the original animal skin stood out a bit too much for my taste (like oval marks). Aside from the unacceptable (to me) blemishes and damage, the leather pieces also had a good variety, from fairly smooth to more full-grainy, and from the softer side of soft to the stiffer side of soft. My only niggle with this variety in the leather properties is that it may be noticeable, in an annoying way, if the pieces of leather on the same bag were too different.
All told, it took me 6 bags across 3 different Staples stores to find the only one that was acceptable to me--but it was in top form, I'd say, so I counted myself quite lucky, although again I suppose there was some mishandling by Staples or by customers picking through the bags.
Build quality ranged a bit too, a couple of the 6 bags I examined had uneven stitching, like somebody's hand wavered at the sewing machine. No loose threads though, but some of the uneven stitching seemed to get too close to the edge of the material to be secure over time. 5-year warranty, maybe, but might as well pick the sturdiest and best-looking of the bunch if you can.
7) I already noted the weight even when empty.
8) The earlier version had an extra sewn-in divider in the document section that was removed in the newer version (the document section has the same overall size). This is like the laptop pocket on the laptop section, but with the bottom open. Not sure if this is a negative really.
9) Not really rainproof. Then again, it's leather and shouldn't be wetted anyway, but the flaps do leave some holes for raindrops to get into.
10) Mainly flap closure, with only 1 thin zippered compartment. Not as secure from prying eyes/hands.
...
My thoughts/responses on the negatives:
1) I already mentioned that the screw can simply be glued in by the end user, but SOLO has actually already done that at the factory on the newer runs. I can't even budge the screw with a screwdriver on the newer version. I know for sure that the change was made because I picked up an older version with the same model number at the thrift store, and compared it with a newer version of the same model. The older model really did have screws that came loose disturbingly easily over time. (BTW, $15 at the thrift store! But it already had 1 missing strap ring, some scuffs, and a loose thread at the bottom--all easily dealt with or accepted as nice character/aging, except for the missing strap ring).
Additionally, SOLO actually narrowed the base of the rings a bit so that there's less room to slide the rings sloppily side to side on the rod. The extra space on the older run wasn't noticeable until I compared the two versions, and even then the older version was still no problem at all in this regard. On the whole, if you get good leather and stitching on a bag, I'd say SOLO tightened up the design.
2) Color running? It's leather, it'll do that a bit when new (and maybe a bit more depending on the leather piece and the variance in quality). It'll do it even more when it gets wet--I gave the used one I found a good wipe down with Ivory soap and a bit of moisture, and I rubbed off some brown (still, I only got a little brown on the paper towel despite the good rubbing, but then again, this was already somewhat used when I found it, and it does seem slightly lighter than the brand new).
I'd probably recommend the end user to give the leather a good cleaning before use, just to minimize the risk of color rubbing off on good clothes. I'm not an expert on leather care, but I did read several methods and alternatives to care for leather. Considering the relatively low cost of the leather bag but relatively high cost for a bag in general, I decided to do:
> Seasonal or annual cleaning with just Ivory soap and a moist sponge followed by pat-dry and using Lexol leather conditioner (maybe Sno Seal or similar waterproofer). Cheap alternative to conditioner would be minimal mineral oil or petroleum jelly but I read that stuff breaks down to leather-damaging solvent over time.
> Daily or weekly brushing to get the dust off.
> Maybe monthly polishing with brown shoe wax. Key thing is to buff off the excess so color won't rub off in use.
Then again the used bag I found probably was never given any care beyond dry wiping down, and while it looks a bit weathered it still looks great. Leather's leather though, might as well give it some proper care.
3) The straps to close the compartment covers decorative, their function limited to providing a handle to lift the flap up (although considering how they're stitched to the outside of the leather flap and not all the way through, I'd be wary of them coming loose after a few years and being hard to sew back on). Adjustable straps might be nice to keep the compartments snug, but they keep their shape well enough. The only reason to have adjustable straps would be to compress the bag a bit when non-full, but then again, considering how well it already holds its shape, it probably wouldn't compress down that much without stretching leather.
4) The magnets holding the document side is snug enough, and since the flap isn't tensioned between the handle and the compartment like on a messenger bag (another reason I disfavor messenger bags), the flap really doesn't need to hold back much. It just needs to keep the compartment covered and pulled in so it's not bulging, and as long as you're not stuffing more than say 4 inches worth of stuff in there it should work admirably.
5) I would very much prefer a Letter-size/13" laptop size version of this same satchel. But this size is still very appropriate for business, and can probably pass for casual use. Really I just want a casual bag that errs away from being a manpurse and leans more to Indiana Jones adventuring satchel.
6) Not much getting around this one besides shopping for yourself. Amazon unfortunately doesn't do free return shipping, but maybe you can talk them into a free exchange to roll the dice again? Or find an alternate online seller that does do free return ship? Really surprising though how much difference there could be, bag to bag. Staples is the only place I've found this in person, and theirs is $140 (but an Android Staples checkin app eventually spits out a coupon that brings it to about $90-95).
7) Weight is weight, and again, to me, the look and function are worth the weight for something to carry a laptop and about 2-3 notebooks worth of papers from home to ride to a desk.
8) I thought the divider might help keep the document compartment from bulging out, but the leather and magnet closure already do a bang up job. Removing that divider also gives a bit more room.
9) Already mentioned, it's leather and shouldn't get wet, but waterproofing conditioners do exist (Sno Seal, although that darkens lighter leather). The holes the flaps leave are still at risk though. Just keep it out of the wet and maybe have a lightweight cover on hand (e.g. a plastic bag).
10) If you kept sensitive documents you'd probably want a lockable attache case anyway. There are bags with zippered compartments, but it's rare to find them in combination with flaps to cover the zippers, so you're stuck with accepting visible zippers, going with unzippered flap bags, or the other type of briefcase that is more like a tote with open top, just held shut by the handles. Just be wary with your bag, chances are the bag itself is desirable enough to be stolen just for the bag without having to worry about the contents anyway. Pickpockets could still be an issue though.
...
Notes on additional changes on the newer run (besides the permanently-glued screws on the strap rings, the narrower opening on the strap rings to reduce sliding, and the removed document section divider):
> SOLO changed the shape of the laptop compartment sides a bit so it's more enclosed with the flap down. The laptop compartment necessarily sticks out quite a bit, so the older run which had a uniformly horizontal pocket left a roughly triangular gap/opening in the side with the flap down. The other effect of the updated design besides enclosing the pocket better is that the side profile of the bag keeps its rounded shape at the top instead of being leaner at the top when the laptop area is empty.
> More prominent branding, as in deeper impression of "SOLO" in the leather. Considering this is leather, it really is branding in the classic sense. The lettering is pretty much the same font and size, located in the bottom middle of the laptop flap. The older run had visible brand but shallow enough that it could probably be invisible from across a room. Not so with the newer run. Really more of an aesthetic issue. Considering the vintage look of the bag it'd be nice to really embrace the illusion of a weathered old adventuring satchel instead of being a modern consumer product that the logo suggests. I don't think even actual wear can hide the branding after a few years without ruining the leather first.
Then again, that brand is just the right spot for an engraved plate, and SOLO has a webstore that offers different styles for $6-7 + postage. BTW I think that store is for anyone to use whether or not they have a SOLO bag. I don't know if that's a good price but I offer it as an example.
> The shoulder strap on the older run had a decorative strip of matching brown leather running down the length of the canvas main strap (decorative, since the strap already comes with a leather-lined shoulder pad). The newer run removed the leather strip and changed the canvas slightly to a smoother material. A bit more like a smooth car seat belt strap and less like a duffle bag coarser handle/shoulder strap.
....
Notes on (leather or leather-like) alternatives (Amazon does a good job presenting specific examples):
> There are very few in this functional style, with the handle attached to a rod, and the rod carrying a stiff panel that the main compartments hang onto.
> There are quite a few that have the handle attached to the load-bearing flap (and most seem to be messenger bags which almost always use this style). The flap must have a good buckle/closure, and most of these styles rely on the material to provide stiffness if any. The main flap also cannot be opened while carrying by hand.
> There are a few with a messenger-bag like design but the handle secures to the main compartment, not the flap, by going through a "porthole" in the flap.
> I definitely envy the $200+ satchel models from Vagabond Traveler and ($300+) Saddleback Leather. Those only have the handles on the load-bearing flap though, so it has to be set down or shoulder-carried to be opened.
> There are cases that look like beefed-up laptop bags. Modern looking, which may or may not be a desired look.
> Attaches I've read are really on the way out. All business and can be anywhere from old-fashioned boxy-big to modern sleek and thin.
> Briefcases that start to look like clothes luggage. Gets the job done, but not really much for fashion.
> Portfolio cases that also have support rods to keep the bag shape but close by drawing the handles together (or by zipper), instead of a satchel flap.
That's about all the styles I've seen that would be good for office/business settings *and* in leather/leatherlike materials. My favorite from Amazon's lineup is still this one, after considering price and my own budget, again, assuming I'm looking at one of the better examples of this model.Solo 15.4Inch Leather Laptop Portfolio
Great price for a solid quality leather bag. Well constructed. Fits laptop and cables/cords in protective sleeve. Lot's of pockets for stuff. Lightweight.
I'd been looking for the perfect bag for a long time and this one was as close as I could find with a fair price.
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My grandson loves this backback. The water bottle is a great extra item. Having his very own bottle is special for him. No one else at his school has one like this. He is 6 years old and it is a very good size for him. I bought it at the end of the school year but he plans to use it when he starts 1st grade next year.Thanks
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