Customer Reviews

BBP Hamptons Hybrid Messenger/Backpack Laptop Bag Obsidian Black Large

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I got this bag finally after a long time of thinking about it. I could never bring myself to get it based on how much it cost. But I finally broke down and treated myself to it and I have not been disappointed.

I love the "backpack" type of double shoulder straps. I'm a golfer and have had a similar setup on my golf bag for 10-15 years. It's a very comfortable way to carry weight for a long time period.

I think this bag would be perfect for people that live in a city and walk to work, or to a college student that needs to walk around campus carrying a few books and their laptop.

The bag is laid out very well and the buckles are very easy to use.

Only two things I'd "complain" about the bag:

1) I do not believe it's the end all be all of bags that some online sites will tell you it is. That's just my opinion and perhaps that's because I'm not the target audience for the product. However, I still think it's worth the money if you have a heavy laptop and want a more comfortable way of carrying it.

2) There is no dedicated pouch for the laptop power supply other than the main compartment. This makes it a bit awkward to put the power supply in there when you have a large notebook and some other items, but it will fit. Would have been good had they been able to figure out an external pouch specifically for the supply. But again, this is not a deal breaker for me.

PROS: The Hamptons bag is very roomy and has good quality stitching and finishing. I especially like the external pockets for easy access to smaller devices like PDAs or cell phones. One clever feature is the use of an orange interior. The orange reflects light and makes it easier to find things inside the bag.

CONS: The bag is advertised as being both a backpack & messenger bag. But the shoulder strap is designed in such a way that it makes messenger bag carry very cumbersome and uncomfortable. When shortening the strap as instructed, it leaves slack that's either left dangling or bunched up. It not only looks bad but also gets in the way. What also gets in the way is the big plastic buckle & button strap (used for back pack mode) on the strap that is also left dangling. Also there is no padding in the middle of the strap, so when you carry the bag messenger-bag style, the strap bites into your shoulder. The padding only works when you carry backpack-style. This problem would be solved if BumBakPak had two separate straps instead of one "all-in-one" strap. Speaking of straps, contrary to the company ads, this bag WILL bounce against your bum when wearing it as a backpack...unless you also use the included hip & sternum straps. I also noticed that some of the smaller pockets on the Hamptons bag have thin nylon and are unlined on the inside. Over time these pockets will wear out faster than the rest of the bag. Finally I have a minor beef. BumBakPak went cheap and only put zipper pulls on the zippers on the outside of the bag. The interior zippers have no pulls, it's up to you to make your own with paracord or shoelaces. Come on BumBakPak! These pulls cost less than $0.10 a piece! Cheapos!

The Hamptons Hybrid (L size) is a decent big bag with lots of room and pockets. Carrying your junk in an organized way is a snap. But bottom line with the included strap makes the Back Pack mode good, Messenger Bag mode bad!

I'm not quite 5'3" and this bag looked utterly ridiculous on me because of the size. I liked the amount of pockets, but really there are better options out there. I bought a Skooba after this one, and returned it as well. Finally, I've landed on the Booq Mamba - less pain than a shoulder bag, sleeker and sexier than the bumbackpack, and the best organization I've found so far. I use it for laptop, book, peripherals, moleskine, water bottle, and other sundries.

I have been going back and forth about buying this bag since I hadn't found one in-store to look at. After reading so many reviews I decided to purchase it(sight unseen)from another online store since Amazon no longer carries it. All I can say is...wow.

I was concerned that my 17" Macbook Pro laptop would not fit. I was very surprised that it worked! I even have the clear case on the laptop. It is a snug fit, but who cares? It has enough pockets to hold everything I need for school. It has pen/pencil slots, cellphone pocket, a place for my iPod, books, laptop, water bottle, umbrella, etc.

It has 2 different sized water bottle mesh pockets, so you can carry a small 12-20 oz. bottle in one, or a 1 litre in the other (just not at the same time). It has another pouch on the other side that is not mesh for additional storage. It has straps on the inside of the flap to hold an umbrella (which is important where I am). There is a back slot that will hold file folders, or thin notebooks. There are 4 slots for pens/pencils. Numerous pockets to fit powercords, battery, headphones, and just about anything else you can think of.

I was afraid I wouldn't find anything to replace my favorite backpack (Swissgear) that it is falling apart. I have no worries now. This is a great replacement, and it will hold my monster laptop that the Swissgear backpack wouldn't.

I have seen some reviews that indicate there are no directions on how to convert the strap from single strap to the backpack strap. That is not true. There are instructions supplied on the attached paper tags. Converting the straps was very simple. They even put a tag on the umbrella straps to let you know what they were for. This is a pretty great bag.

Since I just got it I can't attest to comfort yet, but will update after I have used it for awhile. I got this for a good price ($69.99), and it has everything I need. If you are looking for a good bag to hold your large laptop, this could just be what you were looking for. I would even use this for traveling, as it can be hooked into the handle of your rolling luggage (like in the pictures).

Update**After using the bag the past week the only complaint I have is where they have the umbrella straps. I realize they don't want a wet umbrella ruining your papers, but how they have it now makes the front flap stick out too far, and it makes closing it awkward. It would be nice just to have the straps about 5-6" higher. Otherwise, no complaints. Still really like this bag.

This bag is well made, plenty of storage space, love the convertible shoulder straps for "messenger" type carry or backpack mode. Looks great too.

I've had this bag for year. I love it. As a law student who also works during the day it gives me plenty of storage room for work and school stuff while, at the same, looking good.

Recently, the clip holding the strap to the bag broke. Not sure why. But I e-mailed the company through their website and got an e-mail back within a few hours with an offer to send the bag in to be fixed. They fixed and I had it back within a few days. They're a great young company who wants to sell good stuff. I highly recommend doing business with them.

Wanted something that was easier to carry than an actual back pack and that was easier to load and unload my laptop in the airport. This bag is perfect for those needs. Best of both worlds with the backpack straps and shoulder strap. Very comfortable to carry around as well! I would recommend this bag to anyone and everyone!

First of all, this bag is very easy to carry in any configuration - backpack, messenger, or top handle (just across the office). I am about 6'3" and a lot of bags are just not built for tall people. Everything about this bag is adjustable and would be comfortable for almost anyone. I love all the pockets, clasps, and storage options. Perhaps most important to me, the exterior zipper access for the laptop does two things - makes it much easier at the airport, and also centers the weight of the bag so that when you grasp by the top carry handle the bag is balanced and easy to carry. Great product for work or for school.