I'm clearly in the minority, but I don't like this bag and will be returning it. I ordered the tan plaid and love the fabric. It is roomy and has several internal pockets, but on the whole I find it annoying.
The strap is not removable, and the padding does not allow it to fall gracefully out of the way. The grab handle is not useful for carrying the bag as it is not balanced and the bag hangs awkwardly when you try and use the grab handle. I find the buckle holding the flap closed difficult to work. The cell phone pocket on the strap is in an awkward spot, and the elastic is so tight it is nearly impossible to remove the cell phone. The side pocket would be great for carrying a water bottle, but the giant patch of velcro will quickly ruin a scarf or sweater if the flap is left open. I find that pocket too deep for my iPod, which gets lost in the deep pocket.
If I could use the grab handle to carry the bag, I might overlook the other flaws, but I will be returning this and continuing my search for a messenger bag.
This is the 1st Bean product I've ever been disappointed with. I'd had an orig Bean messenger bag for about 12 yrs, one that was sturdy, had lots of pockets, lots of space. When it started to seriously show signs of wear, I decided to replace it & found that it wasn't being offered anymore, very disappointing. I tried the Heatwave bag. Though the cushioned strap was an improvement, the bag itself lacked the features of the other bag: it was flimsy w/no solid support structure inside (so it would "crumple" when you set it down), the top handle is in the wrong position so the bag "sags" when you carry it that way, the strap gets in your way & the thin border of the decorative stripe started to crack after only a few months. However, my biggest complaint is the lack of pockets: the previous bag had over a dozen in which to store small items ( my phone, change, pens, etc). This bag has only about a half-dozen, 2 of them located in fairly inaccessible areas on the sides & under the strap buckles, out of reach say, when you're going through an airport security check & you need your passport. Bean offers other bags, look at those instead of this one.
I bought this bag for my husband, who travels daily on the train. The bag is perfect for him, so he can carry his work papers, lunch, books and other items. The bag is great quality, very masculine, yet more casual than a briefcase, and it seems more comfortable too.
I got this bag for my husband for his birthday, but I usually take it for myself. It holds as much as I need it to. My only concern is the velcro on the side pouch is coming off. I may have overused that pouch, however.
