RUSTIC TOWNLeather Messenger Bag for Men - 14" Full Grain Leather Laptop Briefcase - Vintage Computer Satchel Travel Crossbody Bag for Office & Work
C**D
Great Buy
There were few complaints about this bag that made me wonder if it would be a good choice for me. The price was in the right range for what I was looking for, and from all the pictures I can see the bag was made from a leather that had a little worn look to it. Some of the biggest complaints had to do with a strong odor from the inside of the bag. I'm here to say that I had none of those problems and that I want to discuss the very important parts of the bag that I have found quite useful in his first couple weeks.Let's start with the odor issue. Pulling the bag out of its carton from Amazon revealed a bag in a plastic container and having all of the buckles and brass and similar parts wrapped with additional plastic wrap. I paid particular attention to odor as I opened the plastic bag and retrieved the leather from inside. Absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. I then began to remove the small pieces of plastic wrap around the buckles and tabs and other areas. Took me less than five minutes to get them all off and in that time I worked very closely with the bag having it sometimes 16 inches away from my head. Still no issue.I opened the bag a number of times to see if something would with upward from the inside, and in a way I guess I was disappointed that there really wasn't anything unusual. So I did what might have been an odd act when I shoved my whole head into the open bag and inhale deeply. ", Now I smell something at the very bottom. Pulled my head out, so to speak, and turn the bag upside down so I can get better access at the bottom. Several snips later and nothing to report as a strong odor. What odor I did smell, when I stuck my head in the whole bag, was a combination of tanned leather and what I assumed was a residual of the glue used to hold the liner to the bag. Based on this there would be no reason for me to return the bag or tell my Amazon friends to not consider buying this bag.So let's talk a few moments about how the bag works and what I've found in using it roughly a week. The exterior of the bag is a slightly worn brown leather that I would characterize as a cross between a cowboy saddlebag and the lawyers case bag. I use a saddlebag analogy simply because I've owned several saddles and related saddlebags. In fact on one of my larger motorcycles I used a set of leather bags for the saddlebags and the leather was very similar to this. In short, if I saw this the same price on a shelf I would likely about it.The interior of my bag has a green canvas lining. There are three large compartments dividing the long way of the bag into equal components. I don't believe any of them can be removed but they are all large enough to accommodate a number of different products. As an example the middle tier is a bit wider than either of the outside. Measuring it reveals approximately 3 inches of room, and more importantly I would measure it by what type of laptop or tablet could I use in this bag. I just bought the Lenovo flex three, 14 inch. This is a two and one computer that allows the user to go from closed position, to the normal position with the keyboard, a tent position so that the keyboard faces backwards in the screen forward-– a good way to use the computer for a demonstration or PowerPoint presentation. And finally a tablet style. The middle compartment on this bag means that regardless of what position my laptop is in it will be fairly secure in his bag.While on the topic of protection in the bag I should add that there is a stone in double thickness piece of elastic that is approximately 3 1/2 to 4 inches long and then almost 7 inches when stretched tight. This elastic piece covers the middle section and is held in place with Velcro. Simply stated, once you get your laptop/tablet or two in one computer in the bag it will be held in place by the Velcro strap over the middle compartment.On the side compartments both have plenty of room for small book or a group of papers (8 1/2 X 11) such as a complicated contract, will or other legal matter. Along with the side there is a zipper on both compartments that allows room for several thin items which would be no larger than the 8 1/2 X 11 size of standard paper. (NOTE: if you have a carry concealed permit then each of these compartments would easily carry one of the guns designed to carry. Of course that is not politically correct to say when I might damage and anti-gun individuals ears or eyes and having to hear or read such a statement on the validity of the product.)One last thing to mention is a small leather patch on the outside which can easily hold a smart phone, or many other small personal devices.If you need a decent leather pouch with the messenger style (meaning you have a relatively long but adjustable shoulder strap) then this is a good back it has a carry handle and I don't use the shoulder strap much so I either take it off or simply leave it in the back this is not to cure bag with any type of special locking system. You access the inside by removing two leather straps held with buckles on what I would call the front of the bag. I say this in case someone puts expensive equipment in the side such as a laptop. Even if you have the bag shut using the buckle system it won't take a thief but a second or two to get around that system it into your back the addition is very attractive, though, and that goes along with the overall look of the bag itself.I would have no problem recommending this bag to a very good friend or a family member that I liked well above others. Thanks for your time and I hope this is helped.
K**.
I bought this just over a year ago - here is my review today.
Background: I purchased this bag to replace the backpack style laptop bags I have been using in the past. I went from a couple SwissGear packs to a Timbuk2. I work in an office environment as a I.T. professional.Since most people are just looking for facts and pictures I will get right down to it.This bag looks as good if not better in person than it does online. The interior is a nice solid green with a canvas feel, the bag color itself is a nice rich coffee brown. It has held up incredibly well, no rips, tears, seam separation, loss of hardware or any other significant damage. The only things that I can note whatsoever as far as damage are the rolling barrels on the latches. They have all dented a bit. Does not affect function or look really.If I were to change anything, the shoulder strap could be shorter and/or use more holes for the buckle. It does work well as a cross strap but if you just want to carry it one one shoulder it hangs low. The padded section is not heavily padded when compared to backpack styles but i have had no damage to anything inside.No dye has rubbed off on clothing, no zippers broken - basically I have not experienced the negatives that those who have left a negative comment have experienced. I am not calling them out, just saying that quality control may not be that great and perhaps I received a good example.I have looked at at other bags since and always on the lookout for a good deal but I cant find anything I like better at 2x the price. I would gladly buy another but from the first year with it I don't see that coming soon.If this were at the full (fake) retail price it's a 3.5-4 star. At this price currently $60 and up to $100 its a solid 5 from me.
D**S
Great bag for the price, but rough around the edges
This is a solid purchase if you own an awl and know how to use it. I’m 5’3” and found the strap to be too long on even the shortest hole, so I punched another hole about a foot farther up on the strap. The little strap that holds down the excess is very thin and flimsy, and would never hold down so much excess, so I added a snap button onto the strap. If you’re 5’8” or above, this bag will probably fit you just fine.The stitching that connects the strap to the bag started falling apart after about an hour of walking. The strap loop is actually riveted to the bag so I’m not concerned about it coming off altogether, but I will probably redo that stitching at some point.Two other notes: 1) the bag smells very strongly at first, and not a rich leathery smell, more like a barn. It took about a month to go away. 2) The buckles that hold down the cover attach with regular hole-and-pin buckles, no magnetic connectors or quick releases. Again, if you have the knowhow, this is not a very difficult fix, but it’s something to be aware of.Overall, I give it four stars. I think with a genuine leather bag at this price, you expect a few inconveniences and if it were only that, then I would give it five stars. I give it four because of the smell. It’s really quite strong and not very pleasant unless you’re into that sort of thing. Even at this price, that shouldn’t be the case.
C**A
The smell is a bit strong but that was expected.
If you can, hang this in a garage or outside to get rid of the leather oil smell quickly. Beautiful leather and colour and very sturdy. I've had this bag for a few months of heavy work and its held up very nicely. It fits my laptop and office supplies perfectly.
P**E
Excellent value and quality
I was stunned at the quality of the bag. The leather was thick and of great quality. The colour was as shown and it was excellent value for money and I will be ordering another.
N**S
5 stars
Beautiful, quality bag at very reasonable price. Highly Recommend.
J**S
Very nice satchel
Lovely leather and lining, very functional, good size for my iPad Pro and other bits, and i can carry it on my bike and/or over my shoulder. Just what i was looking for.
L**N
Fonctionnelle et beau cuir
Beau produit et à l'air de durer dans le temps. Fonctionnelle de part ses nombreus compartiments
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