Kevin Stevens

I am a motorcyclist, not a bike rider (well, I do that too, but not with this bag). I did a LLLOTTTTTTT of research trying to find a laptop bag for commuting. The problem is that motorcyclists really need a right-shoulder strap "lefty" bag, since we mount from the left side and are constantly using the throttle/brakes with the right hand. And, we definitely need the extra cross strap to keep the bag high and tight on our backs.

Most companies bags are either the large unstructured "real" messenger bags, which aren't optimal for just commuting with a laptop, or they are laptop bags that can't be configured in a lefty style or don't have the "real" strap/harness system. The Skinny Commuter ended up being the perfect choice that meets all three criteria. The strap system is reversible for left or right shoulder use, the cross strap works fine, and the bag is neatly packaged around a laptop computer.

This bag is perfect for a standard laptop loadout of 15" laptop (sleeve fits my MacBook Pro perfectly), iPad/tablet, plus power supplies, mouse, cables, etc. There's also room for a 9x12 folio or binder, but at that point the bag is "full", and while you could stuff a bunch more in there at need, you're definitely overstuffing and should be considering the regular Commuter bag instead.

I also really like the grab handle on top - I realize that again that makes this not a "real" messenger bag, but hey, I'm not a "real" messenger and the reality is that I have to grab, carry, and move the bag a lot when it's not strapped around me. The "Ssshh!" magnetic closures also work well, and I agree that I will rarely use the velcro - either the magnets are sufficient, or I'd want to have the buckles secured anyway.

My only negative comment is about the mesh bottle pockets. They look as if they aren't as robust as the rest of the bag, and they take away from the neat/clean tailored appearance. Plus, they aren't *quite* big enough to handle standard 20oz soda bottles, being apparently designed for water-sipping cyclists rather than Coke-drinking computer geeks. I would rather just have nice zippered pockets on the sides. But minor point, and everything else about the bag is great, including my nifty special not-for-general-release-yet waxed canvas flap!

Oh, helpful additional comment: if you want your [R.] label to match the rest of the red tags on your bag, Barn Red is the matching color. It wasn't clear to me from the website, and I ordered Mandarin (more orange) instead - but Crystal and the gang have fixed me right up!

Thanks guys!

KeS