Customer Reviews

BBP Hamptons Hybrid Messenger/Backpack Laptop Bag Obsidian Black XL

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I ordered this bag for my 17" Dell Precision M90. It is a tight fit in the bag, but it does fit. The computer compartment is accessible without opening the main flap, making it very easy to get to the notebook quickly. The nearly velcro-free design is nice, because it's quiet to open and close and doesn't get stuck on things. The storage compartment has an orange lining, making it easier to see what's in the bag.

The main selling point of the BBP bags is the Bak2Pak carrying system, and it's definitely worthwhile. The conversion process only takes a few tries to learn, and from then on it's easy to convert between backpack and messenger carry styles. I'd seen complaints that strap was too long in the messenger style, but I haven't found that to be the case if you clip both d-rings into the strap clips. In backpack mode, I've found that the straps slip a little, so I have to re-adjust them. It's easy to do this while wearing the bag, so it's not a big deal. The backpack mode distributes the weight very well, making it easier to carry over long distances.

Prior to ordering this bag I was using a Marware Sportfolio Deluxe 17" MacBook Pro Case Black and while I really like the quality, size, etc. of the case it was killing my back/shoulder/neck. Once I loaded it with everything I needed it was pulling me out of alignment when I carried it further than down the hall.

So I started looking for a bag that I wanted to meet two criteria. First, I wanted it to be more comfortable and not pull me out of alignment. Second, it needs to fit under the seat of my Yamaha Majesty scooter. The Marware bag fits under the seat with room to spare but the BumBakPak was larger, especially since I needed either the L or XL model in order to fit my 17" laptop. I ended up trying the XL model because the L was out of stock at the time so I figured I would give it a shot.

I am pleased to say several things. First, the bag is incredibly well made and has plenty of room for whatever you need to carry. Second, it is very comfortable and feels completely natural when walking. It does not weigh you down or pull your body in any unnatural directions while you are carrying it. Finally, the XL bag fit under the seat of my Majesty like a glove. When I place it under the seat it looks as though it were made with the intention of fitting under this seat. I know that this part of the review will not matter to most people but if anyone else has a Majesty they will appreciate this information :-)

Toting around a MacBook Pro 17" , with and extra battery to boot, can really wear down your shoulders. The BBP is, what I consider, to be the most capable way to carry a laptop out there. The backpack setup is very comfortable and takes the strain out of places that get sore quickly, like your shoulders. I don't think it looks that bad either The key point is that it works well and takes an innovative approach to an old problem.

The pockets are abundant, although the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I would like to see some larger, more accessible pockets from the outside. The only other item to note is that the magnetic snap on one of the outside pockets is not particularly strong (you don't want strong magnets around computers anyway), so I would not put anything moderately heavy in there, such as a cell phone.

That said, the waterproof zipper on the outside for the laptop makes it a breeze to bring through airport security without having to unpack everything. The orange on the inside makes it really easy to see everything in the pockets. It will hold lots of stuff, in addition to your laptop and the materials it is made from doesn't add much to the overall weight, like a leather bag does. I recommend the L or XL for the MacBook Pro 17", I have the XL and it's more than roomy adn well worth the money.

I struggled with how to review this bag. On the one hand, I've loved both the size and comfort of it. I'm a college professor that walks/bikes to campus every day, and I needed something that I could use to transport a pretty hefty volume of grading to/from work.

For the first week, everything was great. Then, as I was walking up a flight of steps, the clip that connects the shoulder strap to the back sheared clean off. My case (laptop inside) went tumbling down a flight of stairs. I contacted the company and they were very nice about it and offered to repair/replace the bag. Unfortunately, they needed me to mail it back, and I can't afford to be without a case during the last few weeks of the semester. So, I jury-rigged a temporary fix and haven't sent it in yet.

A couple weeks later, I was crossing a multi-lane highway with my 5-year-old son when the other clip snapped right off, causing the bag to plop right in the middle of the road (again, with my laptop inside). I shudder to think what would have happened if I was riding my bike.

In both instances, the bag was not heavily loaded. I had my laptop, the power cable, some dry erase markers, and a hard cover textbook. Not exactly a monstrous load.

I think there is a serious design flaw with these bags, and I'm not the only one who has noticed. I was talking with a manager at the local Apple store and he mentioned that he's seen a number of people with the same problems that I've had.

Overall, I would not recommend this bag, especially with the price you pay. If you do buy it, go to Lowes and pick up some chain connectors to use when the clips snap off.

I purchased the bag to 1. Hold a 17" lap top 2. Fit under an airplane seat and 3. Replace my purse when flying as well as hold reading material and a knitting or crocheting project. After one flight the bag has accomplished all three nicely. I found the bag a little difficult to fit under the seat but it did and will fit in overhead compartments easily. Any awackwardness I experienced I think was related to my learning how to handle the bag (I am a short female).

I was looking for a replacement for my old laptop case and after reading several reviews saying the one they bought was too small I went with the XL. I have a IBM Thinkpad 15.4 inch screen and it can fit with plenty of room for a 17" laptop with no problem.If you put stuff in all the pockets its a chore to open up the bag to access the inside pockets.The pocket with the triangle is magnetic and I cought my blackberry falling out serval times.The other two pockets are zippered work fine. The product is well built . The plastic clips are holding up nicely at first I thought they felt cheap but the haven't had any probelms.You can hold a small or a large bottle of water. That works nicely.The Strap needs ver 2.0 when you convert to a single strap instead of the backpack the straps dangle everywhere.Its not a clean look like in the pictures.They should have added velcro or a snap for the strap to clip on so it doesn't flap everywhere. On the inside there is two straps for a large umbrella. Get ready to step aside at the subway so other people can exit because with the front pockets full this becomes a chore. The straps inside aren't speed clipped for quick release. If you don't strap in the umbrella tightly it will fall out. Your better off buying a mini umbrella and use the other side of the bag opposite of the water bottles.

sometimes when you orderthings like this online you think your gettin one thing then are disapointed this bag was well worth it. fits my 17 inch widescreen perfect and all that i have to carry. love the bag and recomend to anyone.

My husband loves this bag. It is durable and roomy. He loves that it can be carried as a backpack or over the shoulder.

I've now owned a medium BBP Hamptons Hybrid bag for 2 and a half years. I needed something for my Macbook and lots of assorted hard drives, cables, etc. while traveling for work. This bag may not be completely perfect (as others have noted, the one outer magnetic pocket flap won't keep anything very secure), but overall it's pretty close!

The carrying system is great. I never rearrange the straps. I normally use one over the shoulder between car and office, but putting on the second strap makes for an easy load for long distances. There are plenty of pockets--this was a priority for me and I'm pleased. I have even used only this bag for weekend trips, loading it with clothes, toiletries, etc.

The thing that amazes me most, though, is that after countless airports, sidewalks, kickings, tosses on the floor, etc., this bag shows ZERO wear. I don't mean it's holding up well...I mean the bottom of it looks brand new. It doesn't even show any DIRT. This makes no sense to me and defies reason, but it's true. The only part of the bag that shows its age is the light web pocket inside the main compartment--at it's bottom, there is a little fraying from some USB cables that have been in there for 2+ years. The part of the bag that gets dragged on pavement looks untouched. If I had the XL and was told my plane was about to crash, I'd try my best to climb inside my BumBakPak!

I had the medium version of this bag and found it too small for me - but this size is great! I use it as a backpack exclusively - -or carry it around by the handle. I wish that the interior had a couple of small pockets in the largest section - but other than that - its all good.