callalillyanne
04-11-2005, 09:19 AM
A few weeks ago I got a Manhattan Portage messenger. Here is a review along with some pics!
I got the expandable messenger europa deluxe in camo. It is awesome! It is slightly bigger than a dash with a few less pockets, but completely cool nevertheless. It measures 11x15x4 (9 expanded). It is like the expo in that the bottom zips out to give you lots more space!
I like that there is so much room in this bag, and it does not seem bulky. The cordura it is made out of is really sturdy and water just rolls of of it. (This is the bag I use when I am going out in the rain as opposed to one of my pretty, delicate, bags, i.e. Kecci, PPB).
There are 4 outside pockets and 3 inside pockets. There is a zippered pocket on the front of the flap which I have not figured out what to use for yet (the website says it is for papers you need to have on hand without going into the bag). There is also an open pocket that runs the length of the bag of the bag (this is where I plan to slip in a changing pad). When you open up the flap, there are two pockets that look like the ones on the dash, except they don't velcro shut, they snap. I use these for a couple small toys, my wallet, diaper cream, hand sanitizer, etc. On the inside of the bag there is a center divider (which I love). In the front of the divided pocket I pack an extra outfit, a receiving blanket, burp cloth, and insulated bottle holder. In the back divided pocket I pack about 4-6 size 1 dipes, travel wipes case, and antibacterial wipes (germophobe!). There is also a small zippered pocket attached to the back of the divided pocket for small odds and ends or valuables, which I haven't used yet. With all of this packed there is still plenty of space for an extra sweater for me or whatever else I need! However, this bag never seems big to me. It is lightweight to carry and feels great messenger style. I bought the cell phone holder accessory that attaches to the strap...I really like the accessibility it gives me to just reach over and grab my phone when I need to. The messenger strap is nice and long for tall girls like me, but can be adjusted accordingly.
This is a bag I still feel really cool carrying even though it is not like the super girly ones I usually gravitate towards. I have successfully worn this bag while slinging my daughter and could easily reach in and grab what I needed if we were out shopiping, or whatever. The starp is definitely long enough to hang it from a stroller, if you so desired.
Ummm, let's see, what else is there? Did I mention that I really really like this bag? It's so easy for me to use that I tend to reach for it a lot!
My DH got the Dana's Messenger. It is a bit smaller (even though it says the measurements are bigger, can't remember them at the moment). This bag is very cool also and might work well for your DH. This bag has a main compartment with an interior zippered compartment, and I think it may have a center divider as well (don't quote me on that). It has a zippered pocket on the back (inner) of the flap itself, kind of like the one that is on the front of my bag. The inside is lined with heavy duty PVC-type stuff (which I LOVE) that completely withstands spills, etc. There is a front organizer section inside the flap which has a larger zippered pocket, a smaller zippered pockets, then several open pockets for pens, etc. IMHO, this is a really good "guy bag." If you KWIM. My DH even consented to putting baby gear in his bag (something he doesn't wish to carry!). So, if you ask me, it has to be somewhat of a cool bag, LOL.
Let me know if you have any additional questions!
I had trouble attaching the photos without them being huge, so I posted them in an album for everyone to view:
http://photos.yahoo.com/callalillyanne
HTH someone!
I got the expandable messenger europa deluxe in camo. It is awesome! It is slightly bigger than a dash with a few less pockets, but completely cool nevertheless. It measures 11x15x4 (9 expanded). It is like the expo in that the bottom zips out to give you lots more space!
I like that there is so much room in this bag, and it does not seem bulky. The cordura it is made out of is really sturdy and water just rolls of of it. (This is the bag I use when I am going out in the rain as opposed to one of my pretty, delicate, bags, i.e. Kecci, PPB).
There are 4 outside pockets and 3 inside pockets. There is a zippered pocket on the front of the flap which I have not figured out what to use for yet (the website says it is for papers you need to have on hand without going into the bag). There is also an open pocket that runs the length of the bag of the bag (this is where I plan to slip in a changing pad). When you open up the flap, there are two pockets that look like the ones on the dash, except they don't velcro shut, they snap. I use these for a couple small toys, my wallet, diaper cream, hand sanitizer, etc. On the inside of the bag there is a center divider (which I love). In the front of the divided pocket I pack an extra outfit, a receiving blanket, burp cloth, and insulated bottle holder. In the back divided pocket I pack about 4-6 size 1 dipes, travel wipes case, and antibacterial wipes (germophobe!). There is also a small zippered pocket attached to the back of the divided pocket for small odds and ends or valuables, which I haven't used yet. With all of this packed there is still plenty of space for an extra sweater for me or whatever else I need! However, this bag never seems big to me. It is lightweight to carry and feels great messenger style. I bought the cell phone holder accessory that attaches to the strap...I really like the accessibility it gives me to just reach over and grab my phone when I need to. The messenger strap is nice and long for tall girls like me, but can be adjusted accordingly.
This is a bag I still feel really cool carrying even though it is not like the super girly ones I usually gravitate towards. I have successfully worn this bag while slinging my daughter and could easily reach in and grab what I needed if we were out shopiping, or whatever. The starp is definitely long enough to hang it from a stroller, if you so desired.
Ummm, let's see, what else is there? Did I mention that I really really like this bag? It's so easy for me to use that I tend to reach for it a lot!
My DH got the Dana's Messenger. It is a bit smaller (even though it says the measurements are bigger, can't remember them at the moment). This bag is very cool also and might work well for your DH. This bag has a main compartment with an interior zippered compartment, and I think it may have a center divider as well (don't quote me on that). It has a zippered pocket on the back (inner) of the flap itself, kind of like the one that is on the front of my bag. The inside is lined with heavy duty PVC-type stuff (which I LOVE) that completely withstands spills, etc. There is a front organizer section inside the flap which has a larger zippered pocket, a smaller zippered pockets, then several open pockets for pens, etc. IMHO, this is a really good "guy bag." If you KWIM. My DH even consented to putting baby gear in his bag (something he doesn't wish to carry!). So, if you ask me, it has to be somewhat of a cool bag, LOL.
Let me know if you have any additional questions!
I had trouble attaching the photos without them being huge, so I posted them in an album for everyone to view:
http://photos.yahoo.com/callalillyanne
HTH someone!