Okay, so this bag came as part of my Christmas haul this last year, but I thought I’d finally post a review on it since I’ve been using it for a few months. First off, let me say that I LOVE this bag. Not only is it unique in design, but actually IS comfortable to wear. Not a day goes by that I don’t catch someone’s head turning to look at it and I can’t believe how many compliments I’ve received on it.
So, down to the nitty-gritty. The laptop compartment is separate from the rest of the bag. It is lined with a plush velour and comes with two velcro separators so you can size the compartment “just right.” My 12″ PowerBook fits perfectly and a 15″ PowerBook fits nicely with the separators pushed the the outermost edge of the compartment. The zipper and water-resistant so I don’t worry about walking with it in the rain.
The main compartment of the bag expands to a length of about eight inches. I carry a 1.5″ binder, notebook, and a text book or two (only on occasion) without issue. The interior is lined with a tarp-like material that makes materials easy to slip in and out, but more importantly gives the whole bag a water-resistant exterior.
There are three compartments on the front of the bag and they fit my iPod, Treo, and power adapter with ease. I often slip a drink or snack in the side compartments which are netted or made of the same nylon as the rest of the bag. Additionally, under the front flap the pen slots are found and yet another compartment that holds my TI-86 and Writer’s Quick Reference Guide. Very handy.
The strap itself is very innovative in that it can act as a set of backpack straps, or a simple messenger-style strap. Their patent-pending design is similar to a disc golf bag that I’ve seen, but is implemented in much better fashion. The strap(s) is/are padded and comfortable, but best of all, I don’t get a nasty sweaty back from rushing to class or just traipsing around campus.
I’ve only had one problem with the bag and that is, where the “bumbakstrap” meets in the middle of the rear of the bag (see photo), the nylon has come apart. I’m not sure if this is a defect or what, but Judy DiPalma from the company’s customer service was VERY willing to work with me and a replacement is on its way. Furthermore, she offered me a second-generation bag (due soon) if I should have the same problem again. I’m optimistic about this problem not happening again.
Pricing on the bag was a bit more than I was prepared to pay, but after using the bag I’ll say that it was well worth the $95.00. Not only is it just a great bag, but it draws comments. Did I mention that I’ve never seen a bag like it, EVER?
So, had I not had the tearing issue, I would give this bag a 5 of 5 rating. A problem like that *should* knock that rating down a full point or so, but since their customer service was SO great, I’ll give the bag 4.5 of 5 and the company the full 5 of 5 rating. If you’re looking for a uniquely urban replacement for your aging messenger bag, this might be the one for you.
Links:
BumBakPaks.com
Update:
I received my replacement bag on Friday. We’ll see how well this one holds up.
Update Update:
The new style of bag is holding up just fine.
I feel as if I’m letting my kids down for some reason if they grow up thinking that popcorn comes in a bag. When I was a kid (man I hate saying that), all we had was a popper, no fancy microwave crap. I do remember putting popcorn in a brown paper bag, sealing it with duct tape, and nuking it when we DID have a microwave, but the popper-made corn was always much more tasty and MUCH more fun to watch.
So, I set my Dad up with a Gmail account today (since he’stired of changing addresses every time he changes his ISP) and I got to thinking, “why don’t I consolidate all of my e-mail accounts to Gmail?” I mean, as it stands right now, I have nine separate e-mail accounts that Mac Mail checks every fifteen minutes. I think that’s a bit excessive. I seem to have gone through consolidation in every other aspect of my life, why not this? With POP and SMTP access (secured by SSL), I can use it like a regular e-mail address and I don’t even have to put up with their annoying ads, no?
