Rated 5 out of 5 by textilejunkie delicious luxury
...love...love...love this bag...heavy, luxurious, pebbley leather..pockets galore and clinky silver hardware...oh my god...it's to DIE for....been buying from beans for years...never a disappointment...
(just as an aside, consumers please stress the importance of buying american...i'm canadian, but we love americans...i looked but don't know if this bag was made in america...i hope so...support american artisans...(and canadian too of course..lol)....absolutely mad about well made stuff...so happy
February 22, 2013
Rated 1 out of 5 by kinlil Suitcase
It's hard to imagine how something will look even when you have the dimensions. This was like a suitcase and I immediately returned it.
February 5, 2013
Rated 2 out of 5 by cjvw nice but not great
I received this bag in brown as a gift. First of all, the color is off. It is actually tan. At first, I was a little disappointed but got used to it. The real problem is that the dye from my dark jeans has rubbed onto the bag and the back side looks awful. Had it been the darker brown, as pictures. Perhaps it wouldn't be so apparent.The other issue is the clasp. It is not at all secure. It unlatches just by walking. If these two issues and the price were lower, I would say it's a great work/school bag. Even the $149 price was steep.
January 18, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by Sore Carry Every Day Bag
This is a beautiful bag with an abundance of compartments for storage. My tablet reader fits perfectly with room to spare. I can store and carry lots of items such as a knife, flashlight, first aid kit, wallet, multi-tool, lipstick, etc. with ease, most of it out of sight. There are large, zipper pockets for carrying documents, and a long leather tether or keys. It is well made with thick leather and heavy stitching and hardware. I am unhappy with the finish, which scratched the first time I used the bag, and continues to scratch with gentle use. It is also extremely heavy, even empty. My lower back problems have returned in the two weeks I've used it. This is a great piece for travel or to carry for work, and is perfect for a working mother of young children. I am no longer either, and will probably switch to a lighter bag for daily use.
December 26, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by UncleCurtis Good, but not yet great.
First the details:
The leather is supple, the inside organizer is nice (fits 3 pens, and a passport external hard drive), but I can't imagine putting credit cards or anything of real value in those card slots (maybe a hotel key?). The strap is sturdy and comfortable, webbing-reinforced leather (or vice-versa) is smart. Front latch is quick and efficient for opening and closing the top flap, better than I expected there on the merging of elegant look and functionality. The front pocket is a little awkward, could use a top snap or zip closure or something. The main compartment zipper is also awkward; it could be sewn to the side of the bag, so that the bag seals completely at the top without loss of functionality. Inside back zipper pocket is nice for "do not lose" items. The inside flap zippered pocket is another weird one. The outside back zippered pocket is an interesting touch, but it is only 2/3 the length of the bag, why? Finally, there is no beverage sleeve (inside or out); I guess I'm just used to that from other messenger bags, but those things are handy!
Overall:
Looks great! Holds my laptop, tablet, binder, and a book or two at the same time in the main compartment. Keeps pens at the ready, and has enough pockets to keep reasonably organized. Those pockets however are a far cry from ideal (awkwardly sized). If LL Bean makes some minor adjustments focused on the intent of their pockets, this bag could be a top of the line messenger.
My Usage:
Daily, as a teacher moving around campus by foot throughout the day; and, hopefully as my "personal item" when I travel.
December 19, 2012
Rated 1 out of 5 by GreentreeShopper Color is off
I ordered this bag for my husband as a gift. The bag is nice quality but the color is more of a light tan leather rather than a dark brown as pictured on the website. I am returning this bag because I wanted a darker, richer brown not a tan bag.
December 18, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by tode248 Great bag, despite a minor defect
This bag is really great in many ways. The leather is a high quality and wears beautifully. The size is just about perfect for a laptop, files, and other miscellaneous items, though another inch or two in its depth might have been nice. I regularly receive compliments about it, and people always think that it is made by a more expensive manufacturer. However, like many of the other reviewers, I too had an issue with the clasp of the bag staying shut despite my best efforts. Luckily, the excellent customer service team tested and sent a new bag immediately to replace the one with the defective clasp. I am completely satisfied with the replacement bag, and highly recommend it.
October 3, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by 14llbeanshopper Just right!
Impressed with quality, love the color.
Holds my laptop, (though I didn't purchase it as a laptop case). Wide zipper opening to main compartment allows for easy access. Great alternative to carrying my backpack. The inner zip pockets are useful for phone, wallet, pens, camera etc. Con: wish there was an outside water bottle pocket
September 12, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Audriina Size
I really liked this bag and saved for quite some time to purchase. When it arrived, despite my reviewing the size prior to purchase, it was larger than I had thought so I did return. LL Bean, would you please, when selling purses/luggage, etc., show someone carrying that item so I can get a better perspective? That would be great. Thank you. Sorry to return.
September 7, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by silverblitz leather messinger bag
Oh, wow! I had wanted something a bit more roomy and sturdy than a regular purse; something I could haul books around in, my wallet and whatever I had to take with me. This is such a beautiful bag! Almost too nice to get messed up by using it daily, but that's what I'll be doing.
September 6, 2012