I expected it to be a little big for everyday use and it is, but that's ok. The two zippered pockets are enormous and I love that.The pocket on the back is deep enough that things don't fall out and the small amount of velcro makes iteasy to get into with one hand. Here's the down side. I totally agree with the reviewer who said that the velco on the side pockets is way too sticky. Even with two hands it's a wrestling match. I put stuff in them that I don't use all the time but would like to use it for cell phone, keys etc. Way too much hassle to pry the flap open. Wouldn't some sort of magnetic closure work just as well?Or a smaller velcro patch like the one on the back?I have two LL Bean touring bags which I think I like better but the colors are boring. What about a touring bag size but with this fabric and trim and style?I have another messenger with similar fabric, trim etc and it's heavy even before putting stuff in it. This one is very light to start with so it can really be filled up and not weigh a ton. I'll probably send the other one to consignment. The cocoa color goes with everything. I'm a very picky bag freak and I like this one a lot.
I was looking for a new messenger style bag for the spring and summer. I have very specific needs because I must walk about a mile from where I park my car to my office each way every day in all sorts of upstate NY weather. I also have certain things I must carry daily: shoes, lunch, umbrella, book, occasional files or a magazine, Zune, cell phone, I.D. badge, wallet, keys, and of course the random "girl-type items" like lip gloss, a small cosmetic case etc. I love the look of a leather, structured bag, but I've learned the hard way that if a bag is heavy with nothing in it, it is REALLY heavy loaded with stuff making the walk that much more difficult. This bag is perfict because it's canvas and very lightweight. I really didn't have high expectations for it so I was very pleasantly surprised to find that it is quite stylish and very nice quality. I ordered the Sand and it's a nice sun-bleached stone to khaki color, truely tan, no green tinges in the color. The distressed nubuck leather trim is a great contrast and lends a little sophitication. This bag has zero structure when empty, so if you only carry a very few items it will be floppy; you'd be better with the smaller size in this bag. Once I loaded it up with all of the items listed above, it looks fabulous, AND I couldn't believe all of that stuff fits and so nicely. Plus it weighs probably 5 pounds less than the structured bags I was using before. It has two interior zippered compartments one with a long key tether, and the 3rd large main compartment zips closed under the flap for extra security and so nothing will flop out in the car. There is a file sized pocket with a small velcro closure on the outside back of the bag which is convenient for a newpaper or magazine. The two pockets on either end are roomy and hold my cell, Zune and badge in one and my wallet in the other. Yes the Velcro on these two pockets is large and very sticky, but I like that because stuff is securely in there, nothing is going to fall out or be easily stolen. I found the adjustability of the strap perfect, I can wear it cross body, but I find it perfectly comfortable just on my shoulder (I'm 5'6" tall). The only thing that I could say is a negative is that L.L. Bean really should make this style in black and navy blue for the sloppy winters in the northeast, I would certainly buy another one, and it might be nice to have a few of those organizational pockets inside the bag to stash things, but I don't find I miss those type of pockets much. I am overall exceptionally pleased with this bag!
this is a nice bag that will probably last me until I retire in another 13 years. I have to admit, I really was looking for something a little more feminine. I just wasn't finding it with all the room and pockets. But most important a real floor to the bag. I guess structure would be a better word.
