Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Been using this bag for 10 weeks now. For context: I commute into Manhattan via train and then walk about 20 minutes. I also use the subway on the way home. Intended daily use for this bag: daily commuting with an iPad, umbrella, sunglasses, headphones, car keys. As you can tell, I don't need a tremendous amount of space most of the time. But it is important that I have ready access to all things listed. It's not convenient to have to stop walking to open a bag and dig for any of those items which are all used "on the go" (with the exception of the iPad). Occasional use: Storage for jacket/sweater/vest folded for afternoon commute; 13 inch laptop, mouse and charger; 2 to 3 file folders; box of cereal. None of those items are carried on a regular basis, nor are they usually carried at the same time. But the bag needed to fit these items with out too much strain. Now that you have context, I'll give you my review. *Size: 5/5 Perfect for the above. Have not yet, in 10 weeks, needed more space than I have with this bag. I was concerned that it would not fit my 13 inch laptop, but it does. It's close but it fits. *Access to items used on the go: 3/5 Not the most convenient bag I've used. Outside, side pocket for umbrella is deep enough to hold it securely. Outside side, mesh pocket for sunglasses, not ideal but it works. Would prefer a pocket specifically for sunglasses, with smooth material, cushion and on top of the bag, away from the bumping around that happens on the sides of the bag. Headphones kept on the outer most, front zipper. Works perfectly as it's the only thing I put in there so access is easy. Frankly not sure if anything else would fit this pocket. iPad pocket is a sleeve inside the main compartment. Fits perfectly and is kept safe. Keys are the least convenient access of these items. I have to open the magnetic buckles, and hold up the flap, which isn't the easiest when walking (Photo). There is also no existing key hook to clip them on to. Instead of having to dig into this pocket for them I clip them to the zipper loop and tuck them into the pocket and zip it closed. (Photo) This speeds up the access a bit, as I don't have to root around for them. *Quality/durability: 5/5 There has been no wear and tear on this bag after almost 3 months of suburb to city commuting. The seams have not strained a bit on the occasions I need to pack it up beyond the normal use. Zippers are smooth and have not faltered. Most importantly there has been no signs of the seams giving way where the shoulder strap attaches to the body of the bag. This is ALWAYS where my bags give out. Of course it's only been 3 months but those early signs have not begun to show. The material overall is rugged and I do not imagine it becoming a problem at all. *Design: 3/5 I've already covered some of this under "Access", which for me is THE most important part. Additionally I think this bag could use a redesign for the shoulder strap. The strap is strong and connects to the bag very well, as previously mentioned. But this is supposed to be a "sling" style bag, yet the strap does not run diagonally, to hold the bag across your back. (Photo) Instead the strap is straight up and down so when you "sling" it across your body the bag sits awkwardly on it's side. Other sling bags I've used (and there have been at least 4 others, over the past 10 years) settle in comfortably on your back. This bag feels like you're not using it properly because it rests so awkwardly and shift around while you walk. Secondarily, but almost as important is the buckling feature for the strap. The "on and off" process should be smooth and fast. The clip is a strong, carabiner style, that is very secure but more difficult to release than it needs to be. (Photo) In order to unclip the strap to remove it from your back you need to slide the bag around toward the front of your body, hold the clasp (which is attached to the body of the bag) with your left hand, and suppress the carabiner with your right. Then you have to hold onto the carabiner with your right had or the bag will drop to the ground. It's awkward, and more work than it needs to be. It took a while for this to become "easy to do" on a crowded train. And last, the strap is ridiculously long so the extra strap material flips around while you walk. (Photo) There should be a way to secure the unnecessary extra strap so I don't look like I'm participating in my own private Rhythmic Ribbon Gymnastics routine up and down 6th Avenue. Overall rating: 4/5 This bag is durable and can put up with the grind of a daily commute. It's compact but doesn't falter when you need to push the limits a bit. There are enough outside pockets to allow for quick access while on the move, to sunglasses, umbrella and headphones. This is not however the most comfortable or ergonomically well designed sling style bag. For me none of the negatives have become intolerable, to the point of my mind wondering toward another replacement. You can definitely do much worse than this bag, and I have. At almost the 3 month mark, I'm content with the purchase.