Pakuma Choroka K2 Computer Messenger Bag

Pakuma definitely makes some cool looking bags, but the great thing about them is they know how to make a bag work. They design it right and make sure all their bags are comfortable to carry. The Pakuma Choroka K2 Computer Messenger Bag has a comfortable strap that’s in the right place and fully adjustable. There’s even an extra strap that stops the bag from slipping around to the front. Really handy if you’re on a bike! And there’s a good amount of space, aside from the padded laptop compartment, with extra spaces for stuff like an iPod. The inside is lined with light grey fabric, so you can see what you’re looking for too, rather than delving into a dark abyss when you’re looking for your keys!

Here’s the manufacturer’s description: “The Choroka K2 Computer Messenger Bag combines indigenous style and intricate design with unique, durable and functional features. All Pakuma computer bags are capacious, but neat, with a specially designed COCOON™ protection pocket for your laptop. Now inludes non-slip shoulder pad!”

And here are the features:
· YKK™ zips and pullers
· Fits notebooks up to 15.4″
· COCOON™ system – unique notebook protection
· Duraflex™ buckles
· COCOON™ dimensions: 37.5 x 25.5 x 4cm
· Heavy duty adjustable buckles
· Light grey lining for good visibility
· Heavy duty webbed shoulder strap
· Organiser section
· Cycle strap
· Dedicated section for filing papers
· Removable non slip shoulder pad
· Extra room for documents
· Cable storage pouches
· Disc storage
· MP3 pouch and headphone out port
· Large internal area for camera/accessories

I would give this bag an overall ranking of five stars because I like the looks and it’s definitely a well-made messenger bag. But I feel it’s a little pricey for a company that does not yet have the long standing reputation that some others have. It could just be that I need to have a problem with one of thier bags and put Pakuma’s customer service to the test before I can feel good about paying a little more for thier brand.

My Overall Rating:
Dimensions: 14.5″ x 11″ x 7″
Max Laptop Dimensions: 14.76″ x 10.04″ x 1.57″
Price: $70

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High Sierra Tank Messenger Bag

I’m a little biased when it comes to High Sierra products because I used to sell them and I had a good relationship with some of the folks who work for the company. But that bias is based on my knowledge that High Sierra makes high quality bags and stands behind their warranty. And when it comes to the Tank Messenger Bag, I can tell you from first-hand experience that my customers loved this bag due to it’s quality, appearance, and overall value. This model was contantly out of stock due to high demand!

Now that a couple of years have passed since this bag was introduced, maybe the demand has ebbed somewhat, but it’s still a good product at an outstanding value. In fact, with the low price tag you’ll typically find for this bag, I’d say my only small complaint is the color options. High Sierra typically only has about 3 to 5 color selections on their bags, but I think that’s because they have a lot of different models. The Tank in particular doesn’t have a lot of variety in the color options, which is fine if you just want a dark color or if you’re a girl and you actually like the obligatory pink color But this is just a small gripe and is completely irrelevant if you prefer a dark bag. If so, you’re probably better off anyway as the darker colors won’t show dirt and wear so much.

So lets look at the features:

Adjustable front flap with hook & loop closure, and quick-release buckles * Zippered slash pocket on front for quick access to papers or small accessories * Side mesh pockets for water bottles or accessories * Cell phone side pocket * Organizer pocket with zippered mesh pocket, pen pockets and removable key fob * Reflective piping accents for safety and a loop to hold bike LED blinker * Vapel™ mesh grab handle * Adjustable shoulder strap with Vapel™ mesh shoulder pad for comfort

Overall pretty standard features, but I do like the fact that there is an outside zipper on the flap, so you don’t have to open the buckles just to drop in your keys or cell phone. Also, the main compartment under flap zips to close completely, so all your stuff will stay securely in the bag. A wider color selection would make this a perfect bag for the money.

My Overall Rating:
Dimensions: 19″ wide x 13.5″ tall x 3.5″ deep
Price: $39.99

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Timbuk2 Blogger

If you’re just looking for the cheapest place to buy the Timbuk2 Blogger, click here 

My name is Rob and I’d like to welcome everyone to my new messenger bags blog. Messenger bags are my favorite style of bag because of their versatility and overall cool looks. I used to work in a shop selling bags and luggage for several years, so I know a lot about bags in general, but there are so many styles that I just thought I’d stick with my favorite.

I’m going to start off with a bag by Timbuk2 that I feel is very appropriate for this blog because it’s called The Blogger. Although it’s not a true messenger bag, I couldn’t resist starting with this one because of the name. The Blogger is one of Timbuk2’s newest computer bags and is a vertical shoulder bag style featuring ballistic nylon exterior, the classic Timbuk2 three-panel design and a built-in padded laptop compartment (fits 15″ laptop). There are two exterior pockets and a rubberized bottom to keep contents protected at all times, plus the standard padded shoulder strap.

The pros of this bag are that the laptop compartment is very secure and will definitely protect your laptop. It’s also a very comfortable bag and you can wear it without fatigue for many hours with all but the heaviest laptops. Overall a very nice bag, but it could have used just a couple of other features. I’d like it more if it had at least one outside pocket. The pocket they call an “exterior” pocket is under the flap, and if you have the closure secured to keep it shut, it’s a pain to have to open anytime you want to throw your keys or cell phone or something in the bag. It also could have used a headphone port or some other opening so you can listen to an iPod or whatever while it’s in the bag. This kind of detail should be standard at this point on this style of bag. But like I said, overall it’s very nice and comfortable, and if you main concern is protecting your laptop, it’s definitely a good laptop bag.

My Overall Rating:
Dimensions: 11.75″ wide x 15″ tall x 7″ deep
Max Laptop Dimensions: 15.5″ x 10.25″ x 1.75″
Price: $80

Buy it at eBags