Bought this to replace a slightly smaller Timbuktu bag I'd been using for the better part of a decade. It's probably not as waterproof, but it has way more utility. It has tons of different pockets for organization, a few of which have zippers to keep specific items contained. I especially like that there's one smaller zippered pocket on the outside flap for things I want to keep more readily accessible, but I could also choose one of the many pockets just under the main flap as well. I take this thing everywhere, and because of the nice gray color I chose it goes with anything.
It's packed full of the essentials, as well as other random things I carry around for one reason or another. Usually it stores:
-32oz insulated water bottle
-My chosen coffee vessel that day
-Keys, wallet
-Epipen, ballpoint pen, sharpie, field notes paper pad, small flashlight
-Chapstick, ear plugs, eye drops, medications, small container of product I put in my hair, hand fan.
-Cell phone charger, battery pack, kindle.
-Yoyo, hacky sack (never know when I need to entertain a child or a small group/myself).
-Occasionally a glass food container where I keep my lunch.
Minus the food container, I have also packed all of the above plus a change of clothes for when I spend the night somewhere, or go to the gym. Or I'll put my laptop and padfolio in there for errands or meetings. I don't work in business, but I feel like this would work great for someone who does. It stores all of this quite comfortably, I haven't yet loaded it to its full capacity where I'd have to lengthen the buckle straps to keep it closed and secure. I also like that it has a carrying handle on top that is out of the way until I need to grab it, like when grabbing it from the passenger seat when I get out of my car before I put the shoulder strap on.
I like that it has two vertical cup holder type pockets on either side inside the bag. I usually lay my big insulated water bottle flat on the bottom, and my coffee mug in one of those pockets. I've had issues with a few leaking in the past. I think one could fit the big water bottle, but I prefer its weight distributed along the bottom. I could probably fit a small umbrella into the other one if I wanted. One time I didn't thread the cover of my water bottle on correctly and it leaked inside the bag. I was able to pour most of the water out (so it does seem somewhat water proof) and the bag dried out within half a day.
If I were to improve this bag, I wouldn't mind if it had a little more structure to it. My old bag was of a heavier waterproof vinyl fabric, this one can buckle a little in the middle at times. Not a big deal. I'd also like some loops to keep my pens and flashlight in place and right side up inside one of the pockets, but this is also a small gripe and one I might just fix myself with a little sewing and a strip of elastic.
Overall I am extremely happy with my purchase, and would recommend this bag to anyone. The build quality is good and I imagine I will be able to use this bag for many years to come.
| Standing screen display size | 15 |
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