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| | Customer Reviews: | | | Average Customer Review: ( 58 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
93 of 94 found the following review helpful:
 Very good, but could be improved May 16, 2009
By Debra Hamel
I've just bought myself a new bag because the two that I've been using in heavy rotation for some years--the Eagle Creek Sidekick and another Eagle Creek bag whose make I haven't been able to identify--don't quite fit the bill. The Sidekick is too small for my purposes; the other bag is too large under many circumstances. My new bag, the Urban Explorer Canvas Shoulder Bag, which measures 12"x10"x4", is in between these two, size-wise.
It's a very nice bag, and I think it will suit my purposes well, but it's not perfect. I can't add pictures here, but I've added three to my account on Flickr and annotated them with on-screen notes. In particular, I point out where all the pockets are. The pictures are public, so if you search for "Urban Explorer Black Canvas Shoulder Bag" you should find them.
PROS
* I got the bag for about $20 delivered from Amazon, which you really can't beat.
* The bag is, to me at least, quite attractive.
* I haven't run it through any stress tests, of course, but it feels very sturdy.
* It's the perfect size for me. Large enough to carry a composition book and a couple of hardcovers at least, yet not so big that it feels empty or sags if you're not carrying any big items.
* It feels comfortable wearing it. This is presumably a function of its size and fabric, but also of its strap....
* The strap--which is adjustable but cannot be removed--is the perfect thickness for the bag. More importantly, it doesn't slip off your shoulder.
* The bag has a lanyard for keys, which is convenient.
* The bag has 12 pockets (for details of which, click through to the Flickr pics), but not all of these can be counted among the bag's pluses. The two side pockets, with velcro closures, are handy, however, and seem secure.
CONS
My various objections to the bag can be summed up by saying that the pockets, though numerous (12!), are neither as convenient (many of them) nor as secure (many of them) as one would like. To wit:
* The ID card holder (again, I refer you to the Flickr pictures) may be convenient for some, but I certainly have no need for it, so it's wasted space.
* There are no pen slots (but one of the three narrow, deep pockets can be used for the purpose).
* The two small velcro pockets on the front of the bag would be great for carrying something like a cell phone, but the velcro doesn't stay closed! So you can't trust the pockets for anything of value. They're essentially useless.
* The main interior pocket is not zippered. There is a zippered compartment within the main compartment, and another in the bag's flap, but neither's very convenient for grabbing a wallet from, for example. I'd want the main compartment to be zippered so that when, inevitably, the bag is tossed around or it falls from the bleachers at a softball game, everything won't fall out of it.
SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT
* Most importantly, add a zipper to the main interior pocket.
* Put snap closures on the small pockets instead of velcro. (Perhaps replace them with one larger but more secure pocket.)
* Get rid of the ID pocket and replace it with something more useful--perhaps another small pocket with snap closure.
-- Debra Hamel
47 of 48 found the following review helpful:
 Had to Get Another Nov 19, 2008
By Thomas G. Suprock
"Hondo"
I'm a 6'5" 240 lb combat vet that carries my stuff in what the military might refer to as a 'rucksack'. I looked everywhere for something that didn't look or feel like a 'purse', and came across this bag in an Army-Navy store about 6 years ago. I wore it out, using it every day.
I tried several other bags, but they just didn't work. Then I found the exact duplicate; the same bag. It's strong canvas, has a tremendous number of pockets, is exteremly well built, wears like iron, and cleans easily. End pockets, interior pockets, a pocket in the cover flap, envelope slots, and compartments with a large main bag. I take it everywhere, all the time. Best 'Male' bag out there, bar none.
14 of 14 found the following review helpful:
Love all the pockets Sep 30, 2008
By Joshua Ritter
The bag is durable and comfortable to carry. I love all the pockets. My only complaint would be the width. The main compartment is just wide enough to carry documents, but because the bag does not have reinforcement, the documents bend. I put two pieces of cardboard inside to give some support to the main compartment--problem solved.
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
Perfect for travel Mar 27, 2010
By jazzical
This bag was perfectly sized and pocketed for my travels. I'm still giving it 5 stars, even though the Velco frayed quickly and was obliterated by the end of my 2 week trip.
Here's a list of all the pockets, because that's what I was looking for when I bought it, and an example of what I put into each pocket.
1) Main compartment (Quick-release buckle) - My 10.5" x 7.5" netbook laptop fit here with some room to spare.
2) Pocket inside the main compartment (Zippered) - Passport and cash.
3) Pocket on flap (Zippered) - Important papers/tickets.
4) Large outside pocket (Velcro) - Perfect for quick access to maps and tour books and random fliers. I used it so much the small Velcro rectangle disintegrated in a week.
5) Side pocket (Velcro) - Camera.
6) Side pocket (Velcro) - Phone.
7) Tall sleeve - Laptop power adapter.
8) Tall sleeve - Umbrella.
9) 4/5ths tall sleeve - Pens, tissues.
10) Small pocket (Velcro) - Power converter.
11) Small pocket (Velcro) - Chap stick, gum, etc.
12) ID sleeve - Didn't use. It's a shiny way to ugly-up an otherwise great looking bag, though the flap covers it just fine.
This is just the right bag to take my netbook with me on a day trip to The City.
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
Great bag but has some flaws Jul 06, 2008
By Guy Mason
I've been using this bag a lot as a camera bag. It doesn't have padding but everything fits in it so well and it is very comfortable. There are lots of little pockets and even the top flap can hold a tabletop tripod.
The main problem with this bag is that the front velcro pockets don't stay closed and I've lost some stuff. The side pockets seem fine though.
See all 58 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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