Showing posts with label animal backpacks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label animal backpacks. Show all posts

Monday, August 25, 2014

travelwell College Sling Shoulder IPad Tablet Netbook Backpack Black

travelwell College Sling Shoulder IPad Tablet Netbook Backpack BlackWhile getting the job done to transport my iPad and other miscellaneous stuff, this bag was made of cheap material. The velcro inside ripped right off, there's a lot of loose threads that is leading eventually to holes and rips on the bag. For the price you get what you paid for, I wouldn't recommend this bag for long term use. Also the side pocket fits small bottles, nothing regular and again, is at risk to rip when you shove something in there. I'm already looking a new bag with better material and quality. Oh yeah, the iPad inside the sleeve inside wanders around and moves a lot, not secured in there. Padding on the back is decent but could damage your iPad if not careful. And the strap is one way.going from left to right on your shoulder from the back. Can't reverse it the other way, which makes getting the ipad out of your bag difficult while still attached to you. You'd have to take the whole backpack off to get to the zipper and iPad. Disappointing.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Airbac Transit Laptop Backpack

Transit Bag Color: GreyI wanted a backpack that will support my back because I carry so much stuff. I was planning on buying a rolling backpack but I didn't have a good experience with them lol.

Anyways I came across these types of backpacks on living social but I found this one much cheaper on amazon lol. I decided to try it out because of its "airbak technology".

There is card board in the backpack, I am assuming its to keep the backpack up right and the air bag on the bottom of the bag and bottom half of the back. So far it's really great, but its not for me. The size in the picture looked big and I thought it was going to fit all my stuff. (I guess I should've look or research for the size of this backpack lol)So this is not for people who carry loads of stuff on their back.

Ideally, this backpack is for people who carry an average or less amount of random stuff, not too heavy and not to light, (books, laptop, etc) Even though it didn't fit my things, I decided to test it by putting an average amount of what most people would carry. Well it works, it keeps your back straight and it does feel like you are carrying half the weight.

So if you are carry like 20 pounds or less on your back, I would say get it but it's up to you.

As for the airback technology, its just a bag filled with air at the bottom half of the back. I have heard that it may deflate but if you have the sport ball pump, I think that will work, although I am no sure. The hole looks a little bigger that a ball hole.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Targus A7 Trek Backpack for 17-Inch Laptops, Black (TSB206US)

Targus A7 Trek Backpack for 17-Inch Laptops, BlackI saw this backpack for more that twice the price at a local store. IT's a pretty good backpack as I am pretty rough on pack. most don't last long for me. For this one so far so good. The reason for the Four stars is the placement of the organization pack. i.e. the pen pencil stuff pocket. That may be picky ,but they could have done a better job.

Monday, June 9, 2014

15.6" Butterfly Clock Artwork Laptop Sleeve with Hidden Handle Notebook Bag Carrying Case for Apple

15.6' Butterfly Clock Artwork Laptop Sleeve with Hidden Handle Notebook Bag Carrying Case for Apple Macbook, Acer, Asus, Dell, Hp, Sony, and More 15' 15.6'This is a nice case for your 15.4" (or smaller) computer. It's design is good but the problem is, it doesn't come with the shoulder strap. So if you're considering it, you might want to find one that does come with the shoulder strap or if you have one that you can use on it, then it's perfect.

This bag is not only beautiful, it is durable. I can secure my laptop, ipod, Kindle, and hard drive in it. I am very pleased with it.

Buy 15.6" Butterfly Clock Artwork Laptop Sleeve with Hidden Handle Notebook Bag Carrying Case for Apple Now

Very slim, fits my wife's SONY Vaio well. Good quality and nice design as well!! The hidden handle feature is very nice as well....

Read Best Reviews of 15.6" Butterfly Clock Artwork Laptop Sleeve with Hidden Handle Notebook Bag Carrying Case for Apple Here

Friday, May 30, 2014

Timbuk2 The Shift Pannier Messenger Bag

Timbuk2 The Shift Pannier Messenger Bag, Black/Black/Black, MediumI commute to and from work daily, and needed a bag to store my lunch, work clothes and purse. I'd tried using a backpack, but that was not ideal in the Georgia heat. I'd also tried traditional panniers (REI brand). While those were okay, my bike frame is a bit too small--I'm very short--and the pannier would drag on the chain. I did ride with one, but felt it awkward to carry around when off the bike, and it tended to bounce a bit over the potholes.

I am very pleased with this bag. The bungee on the bottom is an excellent feature--the bag does not bounce at all. It sits high enough that I can put it on either side of my rack, and I like that you can carry it like a normal bag. The waterproofing is excellent, as well. All in all, a perfect pannier.

As a messenger bag, it is quite stiff, but if you adjust it correctly it is comfortable to carry around. I've walked around with it one for hours and had no problems. You might want to get some sort of padding for the strap if you plan on carrying it extensively, but as I'm primarily carrying it from bike to work, from bike to party, its fine.

Thank you for a practical bag! Worth the money.

After a short-lived time with a DIY messenger bag system and then a full pannier system (see: Avenir Metro review) that could have seriously injured me, I think this is the one. I've only had it one day but I am absolutely in love with the way the pannier system works. It is much faster than a normal pannier system and the hooks have caused me no discomfort whatsoever thus far when I'm using it as a messenger bag.

This is my first Timbuk2 bag and I'm really seeing what all the hype is about. The attention to detail is great. I especially love the main shoulder strap and its ingenious "memory locking" system that lets me take it on and off comfortably with my helmet still on. My 15-inch Dell Studio doesn't even begin to fit in the designated laptop sleeve, but it fits just fine in the normal cargo area. A thin macbook would fit in the sleeve and now I know why all the hipsters here in the bay area have Timbuk2s.

The cargo area appears just large enough for me to use this as my goto bag for 95% of my commuting duties, including laptop + books + jacket and grocery shopping. The fact that you can use the velcro system and ignore the clips increases the usable storage capacity of this bag. One gallon of milk should be easy and while I haven't tried it, two gallons of milk might be doable.

Conclusion: a work of art. As long as the build quality holds up and nothing breaks, I would highly HIGHLY recommend this if you are looking for a pannier bag and are either 1) unfamiliar with pannier bags and are overwhelmed with the choices or 2) don't want a pannier bag because it makes your bike look ugly, but your back hurts from the laptop you HAVE to carry.

*Edit: So I've had this for awhile now and I still stick by my claim that this is THE pannier bag for me. I've had to take it in to a seamstress to have 10 inches of nylon removed to fit my slim size, and now it fits even better. I've begun to notice the metal latches jamming into my back if I load it up and wear it as a messenger bag, but I don't feel it's annoying enough to really bother me. Final conclusion: this was a great purchasing decision.

Buy Timbuk2 The Shift Pannier Messenger Bag Now

I've been searching for a bag like this for ages. Tons of searching online for a fairly stylish pannier bag to take to work, AND for it to have some protection from the elements, to be well-made, not cost a fortune and also be easy to carry around when not on the bike. Well after 2 weeks of using it, the Shift bag from Timbuk2 totally meets all my expectations.

Really good bag, very very comfortable to carry around when in messanger bag mode, the strap and strap adjustor are very comfortable.

The bag seems very durable and well-constructed. The inner lining should be great when it comes to rain (haven't experienced yet though), the pockets are solid.

The pannier clips are pretty solid. I kind of wish the bag could have had conventional pannier clips ("klickfix" style) just because they are a little more secure to the bike rack then these BUT the big trade-off is that these pannier hooks can easily be turned and velco strapped onto the back of the bag when not in use. Even the lower clip (to the base on the bike) can be hooked away a bit to it won't scratch you or snag clothing when not on the bike.

I deducted one point because I wish there could have been at least one small pocket on the exterior of the bag, in reality this is only worth a half-point deduction, so the bag is more of a 4.5*/5 for me.

After a year of researching the various Racktime, Knog, Ortlieb, etc etc "city" "commuter" style bags for something visually appealing, AND well-made I'm very glad with the choice of getting the Shift.

Read Best Reviews of Timbuk2 The Shift Pannier Messenger Bag Here

I absolutely loved the idea of a combo messenger/pannier bag, so when my previous panniers were finally giving up the ghost I picked one of these up.

They've put a lot of work into making this just right: the detachable shoulder strap, the flat front pockets, the waterproof lining, the nicely-placed reflective strips.

They clearly put thought into the pannier assembly too: there are velcro straps to cover up and secure the hooks for your bike rack. Unfortunately, I find the whole hook/velcro assembly still sticks out enough to rub uncomfortably when I use this as a messenger. In fact, it's bad enough that I've noticed some wear and tear on my clothes if I carry the messenger for any length of time. If I were redesigning this bag, I'd consider adding a larger padded flap to address the problem.

It's still a great bag if I'm not doing a lot of walking at my final destination or I have a second bag stashed there for walks (e.g. at work). You won't catch me biking to the state fair or out to a hiking trail, but I'm pretty happy with it as a commuter bag.

Want Timbuk2 The Shift Pannier Messenger Bag Discount?

I've used this waterproof bag in the rain and sun for about a month and a half now. It's sturdy yet flexible, and has great velcro or clip in options for securing the cover. Excellent side flaps under the cover to make sure no water gets in when it's wet (great in my green city of Seattle). My favorite part is the ability to quickly undo the velcro on the backside and hook it onto my bike rack for quick, easy transportation. I've filled it very full and it hasn't made me lose balance on my bike to only have it on one side, and I'm a beginning rider. I haven't even noticed a difference in terms of one side being heavier because of the bag.

Fully recommend this product I'm thrilled!

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Bower SCB1450 Digital Pro Sling SLR Backpack - Black

Bower SCB1450 Digital Pro Sling SLR Backpack - BlackI bought this bag for a 3 week backpacking trip in South America last year and have used it exclusively since then. I haven't had any issues with the quality of its build or materials. The strap is well padded and the bag holds my camera, extra lens, battery, charger and other accessories. The top pocket can even hold a 16oz. bottle of water which is awesome as I use this bag when hiking quite a bit. I chose this bag because I like to keep my hands free while traveling and often times need quick access to my camera which this bag allows for with the sling design. At this price you can't go wrong.

I received this sling as a gift for Christmas and within two months it started to fall apart. At first it seems to be pretty sturdily made but I guess the stitching is not as strong as it looks. The top of the shoulder strap is tearing away and is now torn about a quarter of the way across. Also, the top loop handle is separating, which surprises me as it is rare that I even use that to pick the sling up. I carry an SLR with a lens and a speedlight and that is all so there is no way I am overloading the sling itself. If you are looking for a good sling that will hold up I would look elsewhere. Perhaps the lowepro or caselogic versions will have better results.

Buy Bower SCB1450 Digital Pro Sling SLR Backpack - Black Now

This is a great bag for holding my Panasonic GH1 along with three lenses (100-300mm, 14-140mm and 20mm pancake) and a variety of other accessories.

I find the bag sits on my shoulder very nicely. I use the extra strap when I'm going for more than a few minutes to keep the main strap away from my neck.

I needed a bigger bag when I added my 100-300mm zoom to the camera and this worked out great.

Read Best Reviews of Bower SCB1450 Digital Pro Sling SLR Backpack - Black Here

I bought this camera bag, and it has these neat velcro compartments that you can rearrange to fit your lenses and accessories and all that...except you really CAN'T rearrange the danged things cuz instead of having whole panels of the fuzzy side to attach them to, there's just a strip here and there. So basically, you can take all the compartments out...and then put them right back in the same way again. :| Aside from that, it seems to be pretty well constructed, and I do like the top compartment that holds a body with a standard 18-55mm lens attached.

Want Bower SCB1450 Digital Pro Sling SLR Backpack - Black Discount?

This bag is very nice, but the other part of the buckle at the end of the sling is missing???? when i look at the picture i can see that the sling is attached to the side of the bag but on the bag i received there is nothing! so now i have a useless backpack with an open sling that can only be held like a hang bag.

Such a waste . . .

Save 23% Off

Monday, April 28, 2014

adidas Striker Team Backpack

adidas 5133935 Striker Team Backpack,Team Orange,One SizeThis backpack was ok. I liked it, but my daughter had purchased it for her boyfriend. This backpack does not really have adjustable straps, and since they wear their backpacks really low she didn't want to give it to him because it wasn't the style she was looking for. The backpack itself was okay otherwise though.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Level III Lv3 Molle Assault Pack Backpack--BLACK

Level III Lv3 Molle Assault Pack Backpack--BLACKI ordered this for my husband as a small "bug-out" bag and he loves it!!

His previous bag was far to large and weighed to much even empty, so we began looking for something else.

We were very surprised at the number of pockets and compartments that this bag has to offer! It holds a ton of supplies!

Back compartment has one zipper area and one mesh, middle compartment has a mesh and a cloth pocket-minus a zipper, the front lower one has several small pockets for pens, lights, tools, lighter starters, surgical scissors, and many many other things. In this one bag I can hold everything needed to survive for a week. This includes emergency blankets, tents, sleeping bag, bug off, toothbrush (&paste), deodorant, duck-tape, multi-tool, flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit galore, compass, poncho, lightsticks, wire, paracord 50ft, water purification tablets and filtration, canteen, shave kit, fishing supplies, flares, more medical supplies, 100 rounds of 45 shells, 45 glock, dried food, binoculars, energy bars, and several other things I'm sure I forgot. This is of a maneuverable size and weight. Highly recommend!!

I bought this because of it's smaller size and it does not scream military. It looks like a simple black backpack with a military flavor. While it appears to have been made in China, I can't complain about the quality. I've intentionally abused it without any problems. It makes a great weekend bag or smallish bug-out-bag. I'm loading it with equipment and taking short hikes to help me lose weight and to give me an idea on what I need for a real hike through the mountains. I'm guessing it holds about 1600 cubic inches which is more than enough for a minimalist hiker. The top outside pocket fits my 600ml cook kit perfectly and the large pocket holds my hammock, tarp and sleeping bag with a little bit of room to spare. The middle pocket would easily hold a change of lightweight clothes and the larger outside pocket holds a small water filter with plenty of room left over for other items.

The molle design allows you to attach accessory pouches to the pack. I chose to add a couple of army canteens, but I found that I needed a tie-down strap to secure them in place, otherwise they would move back and forth as I walked causing me problems as they shifted. Once strapped down, the extra 5 pounds of water and bottles rode very well. My loaded pack weighs in at about 20 pounds and it rides very well on my back.

The belt does help, but it really is a minimalist style belt. It appears to be almost a design afterthought.

My only complaint is that I found the exact same pack at a local surplus store for less (where I bought the canteens).

Buy Level III Lv3 Molle Assault Pack Backpack--BLACK Now

I ordered this bag based on the reviews, everyone seemed to like it, as well as do I. The Bag itself is a great bag compatiable with the Molle System, and will hold plenty of items. The bag however is about half the size that it appears in the picture. It looks more like a kids bag. But I have not had any problems with the bag so far. Its probably gonna be a great 2day pack but no more.

Read Best Reviews of Level III Lv3 Molle Assault Pack Backpack--BLACK Here

I really liked his Assault pack, It worked well for me. Up until the right strap broke. It hasn't even been 30 days. Pretty disappointed.

Want Level III Lv3 Molle Assault Pack Backpack--BLACK Discount?

I have had the bag for less than six months, and it has started to fall apart. I use it for my small laptop and take it to work everyday, so although it gets used everyday, it would say it's lite use. About a month ago, one of the plastic straps broke. Then today the entire side of the bag (top to bottom) ripped open.

Although I liked it in the beginning, I have to say it's junk.

Save 30% Off

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Darth Vader Back Buddy

Darth Vader Back BuddyI bought this item for my sister's 19th birthday. I wasn't expecting it to be big. I am 5'6" and it goes down my whole back. The pocket size isn't that big because darth vader has a long skinny body but that is not a deal breaker. Item shipped fast and I got it in four days... but I live in southern California so that's why it shipped so fast since the seller is from central northern California... awesome item.

The backpack was pictured exactly the way it appears online, and it shipped faster than I could have ever expected.

I am sure my friend's son will absolutely LOVE this gift!!

Buy Darth Vader Back Buddy Now

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Peace Rocks Small Vertical Backpack - Blue

Peace Rocks Small Vertical Backpack - BlueThe bag is fairly high quality medium grade denim...

The buckle has a sharp point / arrow head design which can stick ya, but heavy duty... so the material will fail before the buckle.

Overall Great Product...

Description as of June 7th 2010 is way off.... ????

Product Features

512MB Built-in Flash Memory

Built-in, Flip-out USB No Cables Needed!

Automatic Voice-Activated Record (AVR)

Strange indeed!

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Mammut Crea Light Backpack - Women's

Mammut Crea Light Backpack - Women's, Cherry-Iron, 28 LI love that there's a solid frame for back support and it allows the air to circulate between the backpack and the back. But the shoulder straps could've been more padded.

I was looking for a backpack for Yosemite trail. It's nice color, light weight, great buy!

I will definitely recommend it to my friends.

Buy Mammut Crea Light Backpack - Women's Now

I did a lot of research before buying this pack and I am convinced that if you are looking for something in this size, this is the best option. It is super light, but looks very durable, the adjustable shoulder straps are an added bonus, it has loads of different pocks and is really great on hot days or if you are exercising and want your back to stay cool. this is really a great backpack (and i love the color)

Read Best Reviews of Mammut Crea Light Backpack - Women's Here

Sunday, February 9, 2014

CINDERELLA 16" LARGE SCHOOL BACKPACK GLASS CASTLE

CINDERELLA 16' LARGE SCHOOL BACKPACK GLASS CASTLEI only rated it three stars because when i opened the packaged it is not as pictured but my daughter like it anyway.

My 6 year old niece is in love with this bag!!!!She squeaked when she saw the bag ..... she hasn't taken it off ever since it was delivered. The material is very nice and the bag is big enough for her to use it for a few years. Very happy with my purchase.

Buy CINDERELLA 16" LARGE SCHOOL BACKPACK GLASS CASTLE Now

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Green Soft Sleeve for 13.3 Inch Acer Aspire Timeline AS3810TZ-4880 Apple MacBook MB466LL / A Apple

Green Soft Sleeve for 13.3 Inch Acer Aspire Timeline AS3810TZ-4880 Apple MacBook MB466LL / A Apple MacBook MC240LL / A Apple MacBook Air MC234LL / A Sony VAIO VGN-SR430J / B + SumacLife TM Wisdom Courage WristbandI love this laptop sleeve. It fits around my 13 inch mac perfectly. I keeps it from getting scratched and dirty while it is in my bag. It also soft to the touch both on the outside and in. It has a foamy feel to it. The flap that that closes the sleeve doesn't latch, but it still keeps the laptop safe from falling out. The only thing that I was worried about was the size. At first it appeared too small, but once I tried to put the computer in it, it fit perfectly.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Disney Pixar Cars 2 - Fight to the Finish Large Backpack

Disney Pixar Cars 2 - Fight to the Finish Large BackpackNice and sturdy. Wide shoulder straps are helpful and comfortable. Small pockets on the front can be useful. My son liked it very much. Would recommend.

We bought this backpack at the beginning of the school year and in less than 4 months the buckle that held the strap broke and then it got holes in the bottom of it and the front cars picture started crackling! Not worth buying for everyday use for school!

Buy Disney Pixar Cars 2 - Fight to the Finish Large Backpack Now

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Timbuk2 D-Lux Laptop Messenger Bag

Timbuk2 D-Lux Laptop Messenger Bag, Night Blue/Pacific, MediumWell, this part I already knew. The Timbuk2 bags are built to last. I shop consignment and see older models, used and often a bit beat up, still apparently fetching some sweet prices. (The Honda of messenger bags?) So I was eager to have the opportunity to check out the DLux, in person it's lightweight, it's 100% synthetic (but no chemical plastic-y smell here), and it's certainly made to withstand the travails of a rainy/snowy/hot/humid commute by bike/car/subway/whatever.

What it's *not*, is particularly compact or elegant. Having had a go with this one, I can attest to its strength and capacity -and oh boy, it will hold the tablet, the kids' mini-computers (both of them) a pair of shoes, the water bottle, the purse, my knitting, a binder...get the idea? By the time you fill it up, you're going to want that nifty memory cam adjust buckle that lets you put the bag over you cross body, then easily cinch it up under your arm for a secure fit. Maybe just an ergonomic nicety for those of us who don't use a bike or have to run for the train, but if you're the type who is constantly struggling with a swinging bag or one that wants to fall off, it's worth the learning curve to have this feature. (Yes, I was stumped. But only for about 5 minutes.)

As a smaller woman, I'm going to suggest considering what your actual needs are and purchasing the smallest model of this bag that serves those needs. I'm actually considering the XS version of this bag now, which would also double handily as an "XL" handbag. (No, I'm not the fashion bug I'll take durability over cutting-edge styling any day of the week.) But even this medium size is admittedly *huge* on a small-framed woman. I mean, I was positive I'd been sent a LARGE in error, until I did a quick measure and found it closer to 19.3" in length than the 22" that is the large. So if it's just a little netbook/minicomputer or tablet that you have to tow, it's worth noting the range of sizes for this bag. (Then again, if you do have the larger laptop, you'll at least be looking at a lightweight solution for lugging it. Empty, the bag weighs in for me at a little over 3 pounds.)

The rear zipper access to the main compartment, residing at the top part of the back of the bag, is a curious modification. (Then again, when you only shop for messenger bags during "odd" decades, you miss a lot of updates.) I'm not sure that the buckled front flap will get a lot of use for many folks considering the convenience of the zipper, but I suppose the makers wouldn't want to remove front flap functionality. The zipper is kind of an engineering marvel unto itself, all but invisible from the outside -you see the pull but the "teeth" are securely concealed. From the inside, it's the same story, thanks to careful finishing details that are evident throughout the bag.

It's too new to speak to how my particular bag will wear, but look around various Timbuk2 models here on Amazon, or do an online search on "Timbuk2", and you'll quickly see that the longevity of these bags is pretty legendary no exaggeration. My Timbuk2 DLux will be an "occasional use" item, so I fully expect to pass it on in my will.

One quibble I can't find a care label in this bag. Sure, I already expected that I could take one through the car wash and it would be fine, but some cleaning guidance would still be nice to have, so I consulted the Timbuk2 website and they told me !!! NOT TO PUT IT IN THE DRYER!!! (Seriously, guys, don't) also, this:

· Fill a bath tub or sink with warm water.

· Get just a little bit of gentle soap on your hands, just enough to make the water a little cloudy.

· Dunk and squeeze the bag repeatedly.

· Drain the tub or sink, and refill with clean water, keep dunking and squeezing till the water stays clear...

· Hang in a warm airy place to dry.

Wish I could do that with my portable electronics.

I looked at all of the competition and this bag fit the bill the best, but there are a few details which could make this bag much better. I was looking for an all-around bag that would be a bombproof commuter, yet refined enough that it's not unwieldy on a crowded metro and I don't look like a bike messenger when I walk into a law firm. I'd guess you're already familiar with the pluses so here are my gripes (maybe I'm just a cup half-empty kind of guy).

1) It's not actually all that big. I like the width (strap to strap) but it would be much more functional if were just a couple of inches deeper (top to bottom) without sacrificing any convenience. 2) the front flap is too short to cover the pockets when it's stuffed. Again, another couple inches would've made a world of difference. 3) the plethora of pockets on the front are not very functional because they don't expand, yet share the same space, being stacked on top of eachother, meaning, if you fill the middle pocket, nothing will fit behind it or in front. I end up only using one of them. That goes for the napoleon pocket too. 4) the adjustable buckle digs into my ribs pretty bad when cinched up for riding. Wish it had some sort of soft backing. 5) NO EXTERNAL POCKETS!!!! the outer zipper lets you in kind of like an external pocket but kind of cumbersome and not very functional. Seriously, this is a no-brainer and most of the competition offers them. 6) no external bottle holder. Got a drink you want to bring along? Better toss it into your bag next to your iPad... again, Timbuk2, WHY YOU NO!? 7) no compression straps. I really wish I were able to reduce the volume when not full. 7) shoulder strap is not very plush and easily slides off. I get a decent ache when fully loaded (~20 Lbs) after about 10 minutes. Going to try out the Delux strap replacement soon.

All that said, I would definitely buy this bag again. The infrastructure is extremely solid, internal rubber lining is very thick & well fitted, laptop sleeve is great and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE having a sternum strap (an important feature that seems to get glossed-over in the description and reviews) for spirited city cycling.

Buy Timbuk2 D-Lux Laptop Messenger Bag Now

Being a student who bikes to school, lugging a laptop and books is normally an enormous pain. The Timbuk2 D-Lux Messenger bag has been a life changer. Wow. I should have invested in a bag like this long ago, but better late than never! Here are some of my highlights:

PROS:

* Endless compartments. When I first received the bag, I thought it was like a magician's trick bag, because pockets seemingly kept appearing out of nowhere. Great for storing ... well, everything you own!

* Ease of use. Load it up, snap it closed, hoist it around your torso, and off you go. Can't get much simpler than that!

* Adjustable shoulder strap. The strap is super unique in that it "remembers" the length setting through a clever clip device, which also allows for adjusting while wearing. Very intuitive and useful.

* Laptop access. This is one of my favorite features: when the bag is closed, the laptop is accessible through the top, via a well-placed zipper, so no need to un-clip the straps and Velcro, and dig around the bag just to get out the computer.

* Weather-proof. Laptops + water = my life is ruined. The bag repels water like a duck's feathers, which I've already tested after biking through a few rain showers.

* Separate compartment for iPad. Well, I don't own an iPad, but a great feature regardless!

* Rugged and sturdy. This bag is built to last, fo sho.

CONS:

* The bag is a bit bulky and can seem cumbersome when fully loaded, but if it wasn't this size, there wouldn't be as much storage space, so really it's a trade-off.

* Um ... can't think of another con. It's that good of a bag!

Overall, a great commuter bag for students or business folks -especially those who travel via two wheels. Timbuk2 is known for making top-of-the-line messenger bags, and the D-Lux Laptop is definitely one of their best.

Read Best Reviews of Timbuk2 D-Lux Laptop Messenger Bag Here

The build quality and usability met my expectations for a Timbuk2 product. The point of this review is to offer some guidance on two points.

SIZE: I suggest you take some steps to clearly visualize the size of the item. I used the laptop size configurator to determine if mine would fit, and that drove me to the Large. But the Large is...well, LARGE. So, I suggest that you get a tape measure and sort of map out the dimensions in space for yourself to make sure it's not too big for you. (Note that the somewhat stiffer quality of this bag makes the size matter less than it would with an ordinary messenger.)

QUICK RELEASE "CAM": I don't know why they refer to the "cam" when they talk about the quick-adjust feature. The "cam" is the part that does the non-quick-releasing part of the adjustment -it's just like the normal adjustment cam on a Timbuk2 messenger, and it works by drawing the excess strap down into a loop beside the bag. The quick-release part is actually a normal, large quick-release BUCKLE. I think a lot of the confusion and reluctance around this feature stems from this mis-description. It's really just a BUCKLE that makes all the slack available to you; when you need to take up the slack again, you clip the BUCKLE. You more or less only ever work the cam once (or at least work it very rarely).

Want Timbuk2 D-Lux Laptop Messenger Bag Discount?

This is my first ever Timbuk2 bag and I luvvvv it!

I've been waiting for a messenger bag like this for a long time. I use it to commute to work, and I also use it as a camera bag. I just started getting into street photography and this bag IMO makes the perfect camera bag.

I slip in a Tenba photo insert to carry around my Nikon D3000 along with an extra lens and I'm off. The laptop entry zipper lets me access my camera and stash it back with the quickness. There's no need to take the bag off and fumble around to get the camera out. To tell you the truth I rarely unclip the flap and open it, I can access the interior organizer and the front pockets just as easily from the zipper. If you have more expensive gear than me you should consider this bag, because no one wants to haul a bag around screaming slr and expensive lenses inside-come mug me. Plus, this bag will do a better job at keeping the contents safer from the rain, although I haven't had chance to test this yet.

The napolean pocket is great for fast access to my work ID, a buss pass and any other slim/small items you need quick access to.

Some have complained about a lack of interior organization options I don't have a problem at all. The 3 front zippered pockets are great for change and business cards, the interior organizer fits my needs although I wish the pouch with the flap was longer to fit smartphone/ipod.. and the microfiber pocket was too little for my liking as well.

I was surprised to find out the bag doesn't have a problem standing up by itself, which was a welcome benefit but wasn't a concern when I bought the bag. I know others wish it could freestand better, but I haven't had an issue with that yet.

This is the bag I've been holding out for. I wanted a bag that had waterproof materials(not water resistant), zipper access to the main compartment, decent interior organization, and good laptop sleeve, and a grab handle. This met my criteria.

I've only had the bag for a month. I'll update this with anything of note as time passes.

I wish the pad strap was a little more comfortable, although it takes to my should better since it has kinda broken in due to the Trufit cam buckle. However the pad tends to slide up and down the strap too easily for my taste. I'm going to look into a better strap pad but this is a very minor issue.

I also would be nice if there was some sort of mesh pocket on the side for a water bottle-but again this doesn't take away from the bag at all.

I also wish the there was more variety to colors and appearance. I didn't want a straight up black bag, and wasn't thrilled with the options. I settled on the gunmetal with the red, and it's not too bad.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Baby Sherpa Baby Sherpa Diaper Backpack - Camo

Baby Sherpa Baby Sherpa Diaper Backpack - CamoI bought this for my husband to use with our son. It is a great daddy diaper bag! I knew he would be slightly embarrassed carrying my Coach diaper bag around so this daddy bag is perfect. The changing pad is large and thick-perfect! Every feature from the built-in cooler (fits the small 4 bottle Medela brand coolers that come with Medela pumps for all of you pumping moms! plus a few drinks or snacks) to the multiple storage pockets--very well thought-out when the bag was designed. It is great for traveling, especially on airplanes (let dad wear it as his personal item when boarding the plane and he can also bring his small suitcase, too!). I can't wait to bring it on our upcoming cruise and while hiking the islands.

This is a nice quality large bag with tons of space and compartments. I bough it for my husband so he wouldn't have to carry my girly bag, but I love using this one too. It is comfortable as a backpack. The quality is great and it seems like it will hold up for a long time. It is washable. There seems to be a place to put everything you could possibly need.

My only complaint would be that the cooler part isn't the best, but at least it has one. It works for a while. I don't know if there are diaper bags out there with better built in coolers anyway. Overall this is a great choice and I would recommend it for any dads or moms looking for a backpack style diaper bag.

Buy Baby Sherpa Baby Sherpa Diaper Backpack - Camo Now

This is a great backpack for men who are not trying to lose their identity by carrying a chicks diaper bag. There not many options for men in this category. It is well equipped and with ample storage room for all the things you would need to take care of your child on the fly. My wife likes it better than her bag. this was a very good purchase

Read Best Reviews of Baby Sherpa Baby Sherpa Diaper Backpack - Camo Here

Love it so far. It's got a lot of room.and is perfect for our needs. It arrived exactly when they said it would and in excellent condition. I only wish the top had a little more room and compartments. Otherwise I'm thrilled so far.

Want Baby Sherpa Baby Sherpa Diaper Backpack - Camo Discount?

I bought this for my son when he and his wife were expecting their first son. He did not want to carry a traditional diaper bag. He wanted something that was more "manly." He is also in the Army, so this was the perfect gift for him. He absolutely loved it.

Save 14% Off

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Swiss Gear SA1357 Black/Cement Grey/Swiss Red Backpack

Swiss Gear SA1357 Black/Cement Grey/Swiss Red BackpackOver the years we have purchased a number of Swiss Gear backpacks through Amazon. They are the ONLY backpack we have found that lasts more than one school year. In fact, so far we've never had to replace a Swiss Gear backpack. They go to camp in the summer and school the rest of the year. The kids take them everywhere.

This is a great lightweight but strong bag. You can't go wring with Swiss Army. I use it for class, and the straps are well cushioned.

Buy Swiss Gear SA1357 Black/Cement Grey/Swiss Red Backpack Now

This back pack is made of cheap and low quality material.Do not recommend it !!!!!! please dont waste your mney on that.

Read Best Reviews of Swiss Gear SA1357 Black/Cement Grey/Swiss Red Backpack Here

I dont have too much experience buying stuff online. The bag pack is little bit small sized. I can barely put 2 books in it. It works for my summer class but will not work for my Fall class where i have at least 3 book with 1 binders. overall its good brand and its looks good. good for Kids....

Want Swiss Gear SA1357 Black/Cement Grey/Swiss Red Backpack Discount?

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Piel Leather Expandable Backpack

Piel Leather Expandable Backpack - SaddleThis will be by fourth backpack of this design and I find it suits all my uses and needs. The pocket space is quite generous and I can carry numerous items for everyday use. The expandable portion is great for carrying notebooks or books. Highly recommended.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Snugpak Stamina 40 - Olive

Snugpak Stamina 40 - OliveAnything tactical is all the rage right now tactical backpacks, tactical knives, tactical clothing, etc, etc, etc. The SnugPak Endurance 40 ("the 40") walks the line between both the world of the practical and the tactical. This is SnugPak trying to squeeze into an already crowded market of tactical bacpacks.

First, the practical to start. A 40 litre or 2,440 cubic inch (1 L = 60 ci) pack gets into the range of handeling about what 80% of cunsumers will need in terms of space unless you are out for extended trips of 5 days or more then you need to think about 5000+ ci bags. This group of "tactical" packs are refered to as daypacks, but you can fill them for a several day outdoor field trip. For example of the space offered inside the 40 for a three-day excersion I can fit my sleeping bag in a compression sack, my 3-man backpack dome tent, my compressed outdoor research bivy sack (when needed), the 100 oz CamelBak bladder full of water, lots-of-snacks, several pair of socks, two change of clothes, GPS, maps, compass, 6 MRE bags, a Katadyne Hiker Pro water filter, mess kit, small lantern and still have extra room for trip specific equipment. So, a 2,440 ci bag is plenty big enough for most 3-4 day trips. You can do more of course but you best be a minimilist in what else you bring. Yet the best part is the pack does not have a massive profile so that means you can use it as an Every Day Carry (EDC) bag for work, school or whatever and not look as if you have on a near empty mountain rucksack.

The pack is made of 500 Denier (500D) nylon which is strong enough to withstand and last multiple trips into the field. The material is softer and more pliable than the 1000D Maxpedition packs which are stiff and can be uncomfortable no matter how long you own them. The shoulder straps are comfy enough, but the belt is a bit high on me as I have a long torso backpack fits are best done based on torso size as opposed to height. It will rip and it can be cut by unprotected knives in the pack, but absent malice towards the 40 it will ast you a long, long time. The 40 is NOT BOMBPROOF like a Maxpedition, but it is a Hell of a lot more comfortable then the Max or the 5.11 packs.

The pack has NO suspension system, NO internal frame and of course NO external frame. This of course reduces cost to the 40 greatly, but you could haul larger weight for longer hikes if it had any suspension of an internal frame to it. Kelty does a good job at a good price with their internal frames and Mystery Ranch leads the way when it comes to suspension and weigh distribution well this pack aint those and the 40 is NOT as comfortable to haul weigh in as are thiose two brands. YOU WILL BE LIMITIED IN HOW MUCH WEIGH YOU CAN CARRY. That being said and depending upon useage, you will find that 80-90% of consumers will find this pack large enough and comfortable enough for most all of their needs on the trails and off.

Finally along the lines of the practical the water bladder sleeve is nice, color choices fall into the "tacticool" colors as opposed to standard pack colors which stand-out against the backgrounds. But the price is the MOST practical thing here. That means big enough, built well enough and cheap enough. Pack also houses a waterproof cover in a zipper compartment in the bottom of the bag.

Now the tactical. Yeah, the 40 is MOLLE (MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment)compatable. The 40 has PALS, lots of them. Over 150 PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System )attachment points. This means the 40 is expandable. You can add extra pouches to the pack if you wish. Considering the 40 does NOT have the typical tactical bag/pack administration compartment it seems logical that most consumers of tactical equipment who purchase the 40 would want to add that feature to the pack. 8 rows of PALS on both sides and 9 rows of PALS on the back of the pack allow for great expansion of use. The only pouch on the pack has NO internal webbing. The 40 also has a 3.75" L X 2" W velcro set-up for your morale patch. The 40 includes two rows of velcro on the back between rows of PALS for name tapes and/or mini patches.

The Pros:

Price

size of pack both in volume and in profile

expandbility with MOLLE

watter bladder sleeve

Very practical (fits lot of uses)

sturdy enough for day-to-day usage

waterproof cover stored in its own zipper compartment

The Cons:

Made in China (only if the pack comes from the SnugPakUSA distributor. Buy from UK and its UK made)

No internal frame (biggest drawback)

No YKK zippers (again made in China)

Limited in more in weight carrying based on comfort rather than space in pack for longer trips

Final Analysis:

All-in-all the SnugPak Endurance 40 is a good bargain made in China or not. It is a very practical 3-4 day backpack or as a large EDC. The lack of an internal frame (for a good internal fram example see the CamelBak Trizip by Mystery Ranch) is the worst thing about the pack. Yet, the pack is worth the money no doubt.

I suggest before you buy to go to your local campaing equipment store, e.g. Cabella's, REI, Bass Pro Shop, etc, and look at the packs. See the size difference in a 1,800 ci vs 2,300 ci vs 4,000 ci. Then try on an internal frame pack and some with no frame at all. Get an idea of what works for you. At REI they will measure your torso for a proper fit (most adult males are 16" 19"). The 40 IMHO is best suited for a 15"-17" torso so its on the lower end, but can fit comfortably for up to 19" but again, its about the weight you are carrying and how far.

I have had mine for over 16 months thats more than 90-days in the field and several months in the car, the truck, and the bhoys kickin' the crap out of it playing Ranger. It has held up better than expected. Clean it up and I dare you to tell me its more than a week old!

Compare the prices to other 3-4 day packs. Pick a pack based upon what you want to do with it. Be PRACTICAL in what you choose. I just think the 40 is a great all-around pack for the field or as an EDC. Buy what you need it to do, so shop around.

Remember you can get more days out of it if you pack less. The longest I have used continually is 6-days and that was with no tent, no bivy in summer with only sleeping bag and a tarp. 5-days longest in winter (I took less clothes and went for the smelly factor).

So for a 4-day outing, campign, hiking in backcoutry on moderate rated trails humping my own food here is how comparable packs I have used more than once in the field or own stack-up:

vs Maxpedition Vulture II $132 SnugPak 40 wins

vs 5.11 72 Hour Rush $140 SnugPak 40 wins

vs Mil-Tech 50L $60 SnugPak 40 wins

vs Kelty Falcon 4000 $125 pick 'em (Kelty internal frame more comfortable and it has more size, but I prefer the 40 as I can also use it as an EDC. You cannot use the Kelty as an EDC.)

vs CamelBak Trizip $270 CamelBak wins (suspension and frame by Myster Ranch is a-w-e-s-o-m-e!!! Yet unless you are in the field all the time, in the military or living off daddy's trust fund the 40 is more affordable and PRACTICAL)

Good luck!

Snugpak Endurance 40 Liter/2440 Cubic Inch Olive Pack Waterproof Cover With Internal Organizer

Camelbak Tri-Zip 100 oz/3.0L Hydration Pack Multicam

Kelty Tactical Falcon 4000 Backpack

5.11 Rush 72 Back Pack

Maxpedition VULTURE-II BACKPACK Khaki

Mil-Tec Military Army Patrol Molle Assault Pack Tactical Combat Rucksack Backpack Bag 50L Coyote Tan

This pack is AWESOME! I bought this pack for bush-craft/ self reliance. It is way better then i thought, and well worth the money. I found that it has two large pockets on left and right side. one pocket on the in inside of the lid, one large pocket one on the out side of lid, and a large pouch for a hydration system inside! The pack and all the MOLLE straps makes it seam option-less! oh yeah.. and the waterproof cover on the bottom of pack and tie downs for a bed roll! i cant wait to go get it dirty!

Buy Snugpak Stamina 40 - Olive Now

nice pack, It's a great design. It was very disappointing to find out that it was made in china, I would have never bought it, but so far its holding up. I rec-amend buying it from the U.K. not the U.S. it made in china if you get it from the U.S.

Read Best Reviews of Snugpak Stamina 40 - Olive Here

Thursday, September 19, 2013

CMC Golf Skull Mini Day Pack

CMC Golf Skull Mini Day PackThis is a great little bag especially for golf since space is limited. I received the bag right on time and it was everything I expected. I would recommend it.

With 2 zippered compartments and one outside mesh pocket, this is a cool little bag to carry your wallet, smartphone of any size, point and shoot camera, snack bars, and a small sports drink can... or whatever else your particular lifestyle dictates mine is sports and travel.

I really enjoyed wearing it around my waist the entire afternoon until my nice running tshirt got caught in the almost imperceptibly sharp edged, protruding rivets on the clasps at the ends of the waist strap.

Idiots. This one flaw ruined an otherwise cool product.

Buy CMC Golf Skull Mini Day Pack Now