I bought my two girls a book bag about 4 years ago and they are still in great shape. I am in school also so, I decided I would buy me this messenger bag. It is roomy enough to hold my 15" laptop, charger, and my BIO210 book. The strap is strong to carry all the things I need pens, notebook, lab book and etc. I have no regrets except that I wish I had bought one earlier. I still have plenty of room after I have everything I need for class. I am planning on using this bag even after I graduate in 2014. LLBean stand behind their products 100% so what do I have to lose. Thank you LLBean for such a sturdy and roomy bag, Future Nursing Student
This is our second messenger bag for our now 6th grade student. Her previous one is still in great shape, but she's carried it for 3 years and wanted another color. These bags are the absolute best. I also buy my son the llbean backpacks. Before I began buying these, I was lucky to have a school bag last one year without falling apart and this particular bag lasted 3 and still is in great shape. Wonderful product.
My daughter who is 7 is very picky about school bags so I thought I would try a messenger bag. She loves everything about it except the color. She loves all things green but this is a very olive green. But, it is a great size and she really wears it well.
I picked one of these up at the L.L. Bean Outlet Store in Williamsburg, VA about one and a half years ago after searching in vain for a suitable and economical commuting bag. I'd even purchased a gaudy looking silver bag elsewhere that was too big and too awkward for the crowded and quick on and off demands of public transportation.
What's so great about this bag? Well, the medium sized one is perfect for housing an iPad in its padded pocket, a medium sized quick-open umbrella, gloves, ear muffs, a beanie cap, and various magazines. The side pockets are great for some pain relievers (for those really noisy days on the bus), some gum, and a clear slot for your commuter pass or ID badge. The netted pocket is a perfect place for your iPhone headset. The shoulder strap is very comfortable and padded, even for someone who doesn't really have super-defined shoulders. There's even a place along the strap to put a regular cellphone or perhaps some type of personal defense alarm for the safety-conscious.
The whole package is water repellant and has a zipper under the flap (who wants water to sneak in and soak their iPad?) So many of these messenger bags just have a flap with no zipper across it so water has a venue to sneak into the inner compartment, but the Heatwave Messenger Bag has been tropical storm tested by me!
Then, there's the nice one click connect front strap so you can quickly stow your iPad, zip up, click and be one your way when you almost miss your bus stop. Some bags have two front straps or a buckle strap which slows down the process of packing up and moving on.
Finally, there are several great colors to choose from. I went with the green. Carrying it makes me feel prepared for whatever the day may throw at me, weather wise or boredom wise.
