Messenger Bags

I needed a bag to take on vacation to India, and it needed to be very versatile... Needed to be: 1) Secure 2) Protective enough of my Leica Camera that I didn’t have to carry another bag 3) Light enough that I wouldn’t hate carrying it 4) Suitable for everyday use 5) Large enough to carry passports, glasses, cameras and all the other odds and sods 6) Easy to Clean 7) Sufficient pockets that I could find things easily 8) Adjustable strap that could be worn messenger style / backpack and over-the-shoulder. This bag fits all my needs. I was afraid when I ordered it that my camera would not fit: it is a bulky 7â€?x5â€?x4â€? in its neoprene case. However, it slots comfortably into the computer sling, and my daughter’s compact Pentax DMC-TZ5 nestles in nicely beside it. I would not recommend putting cameras in the bag without other protection. The outside open pockets (covered by the flap) are just the right size for my oversized wraparound sunglasses in their case, and my reading glasses, and my Joby Gorillapod SLR Tripod lies below the computer sling (would also be good for an umbrella). The front zippered pocket will protect my iPhone. Did I mention an open pocket on the rear for easy access to maps or boarding passes? There is still a little room in the main compartment for my First-Aid Kit, make-up bag, book, gloves, and sweater. Obviously, with all this hardware inside I NEED it to be secure! The computer sling is lightly padded and has a Velcro strap, it hangs bout an inch from the bottom of the bag, but as the leather is soft it won’t make that much difference, hence the stowing of my tripod! The front zip pocket is the full width of the bag, and the long flap with the weighted brass ring covers the open pockets well. The magnetic snap is quite strong. What will really keep my possessions safe is that fact that they will be hugged close to my body! The adjustable strap is surprisingly comfortable and, the leather is so supple that it molds the contents to your body making this one of the most comfortable bags I’ve worn. It is not a “pretty bagâ€?, but it is both rugged and sophisticated making it suitable for both sexes. So far I am most delighted with this find! The only thing I would change is adding a zipper across the main compartment for added security. The soft nature of the bag probably doesn't provide the best protection, but it makes it usable for me, and so I give it 5*. I also purchased the David King Large Cross Body for those days I just need documents / books compact camera and want to travel light –see my separate review."..."  Read more

I really like the bag overall; it is nice to carry & has all the pockets I could ever need. The strap is a bit uncomfortable if you really pack it heavy (which I do), but its bearable. Also, the back pocket is just a bit too small for a regular size laptop, so it has to go in the main compartment. The Pockets/Compartments: It has two lenghtwise pockets in front, a large main compartment with business card pouch, pens & additional cell phone pouch (I use the ones in front for my cell phones, however). Between the maincompartment and the front is another zipper pocket and the back of the bag has a zipper pocket; both large enough for snacks and folders. The leather from the inside of the back pocket only, leaves little bits of leather on things (not a big deal but gross). The front flap also has a zipper pocket in it, great for a slim daytimer. I bought the dark brown one and the cross is black--looks great! There are more pictures on the manufacure's web site for the various colors. I love this bag. I feel stylish and comfortable. I have always used messanger type bags and this one has lots of secure zipper pockets for traveling and daily sales calls."..."  Read more

The Knomo Brompton Kobe Soft Messenger is well crafted and a good value. The quality leather is soft and supple and stitched with detail. The various pockets in the bag help compartmentalize small loose things such as coins, keys, business cards, pens, etc. The padding for the laptop compartment could have been just a bit more thicker but that would have just added bulk and unwanted weight. Leather bags tend to be on the heavier side but this is a fairly light bag. You get a lot for the buck. Comparable quality bags are about $100 more. I would highly recommend this bag. The knomo Tracker is a nice touch but really... I doubt the bag would ever find itself back to me if I ever lose it."..."  Read more

I use this bag to carry my laptop, lunch, etc to & from work. A few gripes: I wish 1) the laptop compartment had more cushioning 2) the velcro strap that secures my laptop was snugger, and 3) that the secondary compartment (that holds misc. smaller items) wasn't so flimsy. Once you buckle everything up for transport, it looks great, but when you unbuckle the bag, the material is not very stiff so it sags a bit. Aside from that, I do like the style. It is very comfortable, even for me at 6'7". The cupholder on the side is a nice practical touch for my recycled-plastic coffee mug. And it's super light. To be honest, if it weren't for the fact that it was made from recycled materials, I probably would have paid an extra $10 for a nice-looking, highly-rated Targus bag from the world's largest online retailer, but you make "sacrifices" for earth-friendly decisions like this and I say it's totally worth it."..."  Read more