Swiss Alps SA9153 Messenger Bag (Black)
by group III
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Digital product summary information
Brand: Swiss AlpsModel: SA9153 Messenger Black
Color: Black
Product features:
- 14.5-Inch padded computer pouch
- Two side mesh pockets
- One large pocket with zipper on the outside
- Multiple organziation pockets
- Comfort shoulder strap system
Digital camera reviews of Swiss Alps SA9153 Messenger Bag (Black)
Digital camera Review: Great bag for less demanding needs
Summary: 5 Stars
Update (10/29/09): Just wanted to say that the bag is still going strong. I've used it 5 times a week and carry quite a bit stuff in it since I purchased it almost 6 months ago, and there's nary a rip, tear, or broken seam. The build quality is definitely better than I originally thought.
Only "downside" to the bag is that its price seems to have gone up for some reason. When I purchased it through Amazon 6 months ago, it was 12-13 bucks, and my original 5-star review was relative to that fact. At 2-3 times that price though, the SA9153 is no longer an amazing value, and though still a good bag, there are lots of other bags in that price range to consider.
The very first thing I noticed about this bag was how light it was. I'm not exaggerating when I say it weighs almost nothing. The reason for this is because the material is very, very, very thin. These would be a good points if the bag were made from say, bulletproof silk, but since it's not, I think the reviewers questioning its durability have legitimate worries. I'd be very cautious about trying to cram too much stuff into this thing. Also, if you need something for long distance travel (say, you walk to work), I'd probably stay away from this particular model to be on the safe side.
On the flip side, in terms of functionality, I think the bag is great, especially considering the price. The best feature for me is the water bottle pockets on each side of the bag; I use the more durable-looking pocket to hold my coffee mug (approximately 10.5 inches in diameter) and the less durable-looking side to hold a typical pint-sized (or 20 oz) water bottle.
Other good characteristics of the SA9153 include its waterproof lining and very comfortable strap padding. No worries about your laptop, books, etc getting wet from rain. Also, I never noticed how uncomfortable my old Solo bag was to lug around until I started using this Swiss Alps bag- no more shoulder pain.
The interior of the SA9153 is large enough to accommodate a laptop (it has a padded section designed specifically for laptops) and a large book. Again though, I'd be very wary about trying to carry much more than that due to the questionable build quality. The bag also has a lot of various-sized interior pockets for odds and ends like pens, pda, phone, etc. The outside also has a small zippered section that can hold a small book, some snacks, or the like.
Finally, I'm not sure why so many reviewers are commenting about the bag's size being too large. It's no bigger than any other messenger/laptop bag I've owned. That is, if it were any smaller, I don't see how it would be very practical for everyday use. I think it's the perfect size for work or college needs, and I'm stumped as to what people are trying to use this thing for that they consider it too large.
Questionable build quality aside, I think this is a great bag, functionally and aesthetically (I want to emphasize that I think the bags only FEELS cheap). Also, considering the price, there's very little risk involved in trying it out for yourself. Of course, only time will tell if this bag is as cheaply-made as it feels, but as long as it doesn't rip open and spill my stuff all over the parking lot in front of my work or apartment, I can't complain. If something like this ever does happen, you can be sure I'll update this review.
Summary of Swiss Alps SA9153 Messenger Bag (Black)
Swiss Alps messenger bag in blackCarrying Cases & Bags
Cameras and Photo
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