****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Well, it was time to replace my ~25 year old messenger bag, and seeing as it was a little dated in style, I choose this more modern one. I have no doubt this one will last me at least 25 years. My last bag didn’t have a “pocket” for my computer (go figure, 25 yrs ago), but this one has a great padded laptop pocket inside. Another thing I noticed right away was that this bag stands up by itself, whereas my last one flopped over and I was always leaning it against something. Of course I typically have a rather large computer book in the bag, which keeps it wide and heavy.The external distressed leather looks really good and I actually think that if it picks up additional scars and scratches it would just add to the distressed look. It reminds me of an Indiana Jones bag, and I feel like I’m going on an adventure when I use it. The leather feels soft and smooth, and doesn’t have that vinegar-y scent that cheaper leather goods sometimes have. All the stitching is very nice and tight, with no loose threads. The zippers all have a nicely sized leather tab (thick enough that it doesn’t curl!) that makes it easy to open all the zippered compartments (one in the outside front, one in the outside back, one in the inside front and a separate middle pocket). The tabs also have a brass rivet along with a stitched middle, so that they will look cooler as you add wear to them (nice detail). The inside flap is made with suede leather. There’s 2 fairly large outside pockets in front (~6” wide, ~2” depth, ~8” height (there’s tapering)) that will easily hold eyeglass cases, 4x6 day planners (with extra room) and work badges. There’s also 2 inside pockets that are smaller, but will still hold my 4x6 day planner. In addition there’s 2 pen holders. The middle zippered pocket is slightly padded. The strap is canvas on the inside and leather on the outside. If you use the strap only, you don’t really need to snap the bag closed due to the weight and balance of the flap. You need to use at least one of the bag snaps if you use the carry handle. while I’ve only had it for a few weeks, it’s held up pretty well. in my experience, if zippers are going to break, it’s in a few days or never.Packaging: The messenger bag came in the standard Amazon box and the bag had a tightly wrapped plastic covering that was taped at the opening (very neat appearance), which I’m guessing is to protect the bag from moisture. After removing the plastic, there was another cloth like large bag (oversized and with a handle slot) the the messenger bag was in, which I’m guessing is to protect the leather and is a nice touch.Overall, it’s a very well made messenger bag with a lot of pockets and dividers that should hold up very well for many, many years. It also looks pretty cool, all the extra details really add to the overall appearance.
