Customer Reviews

Crumpler The Dreadful Embarrassment Messenger Bag

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

 

 

Okay, for three years (basically from the day my son was born) I've been looking for a bag that could protect my laptop, hold diaper supplies, and keep the two separate (e.g. no leaking sippies or cookie crumbs into the hardware). Most "mom bags" are a joke - they are either stylish celebrity-hyped bags with a token space to put a notebook and pen in and lots of pockets for things you might need for your kid - OR - they're basically laptop bags with a few pockets for kid things and are often unstructured, which is a nightmare if you're trying to hold a baby and get things out of your bag at the same time.

Enter Crumpler: I had given up on finding a diaper bag and started looking at bags for laptops; everyone said this would hold my Mac, and then I started looking at pockets...wow. There are two main compartments to the bag, and the front one is made of water-resistant material and has a bunch of pockets, which makes it perfect for holding diaper wipes, pull ups, stickers, markers and coloring book, snacks, etc, and there's even two pockets the right size for tall sipsters. As far as the laptop part, the back compartment padding isn't super-super-thick but I've dropped the bag several times with the laptop in it and the laptop's fine. It's been protected from cracker crumbs and the inevitable spills. And best of all, the bag still looks great, despite all the abuse. I have the green one and I get compliments on it ALL the time.

Only two cons: 1, I wish they'd have an outer pocket for keys (they're always getting thrown the big main compartment and getting lost) and 2, if you're not tall, this bag is going to be a pain to carry. It's fine someone who's 5'8" or taller, but a petite friend of mine picked it up and it was down near her knees. So check the shoulder strap length before you buy.

Overall, totally worth the price for anyone who works a lot and has their kid around a lot...

For years I had a Timberland cordura nylon and leather messenger bag that I took with me all over Europe. It served as both a computer bag and a weekend suitcase. When its time finally came, I went looking for something that would be as versatile.

The Dreadful Embarrassment really meets my needs. The laptop protection is excellent. The slip holds my 15" Macbook securely. The laptop holder does not extend all the way down, which is good, because a full sized writing tablet fits easily in the bottom. There are internal pockets for my cell phone, various pens and small notebooks.

The interior central pocket with Velcro clasp easily holds two pairs of glasses in their hard cases (sunglasses and reading). The corner internal pockets are each big enough to hold a standard 750 ml. wine bottle. The bag has a lot of expandable internal space. It will hold the computer, notebooks and three changes of underwear plus a small toiletry kit. And the other junk. It does bulge a bit, but the side straps squish everything down. You can also fit a Canon G-11 camera very easily into another internal pocket.

Like the previous reviewer, I also wish there were an external pocket for keys. That slight shortcoming is overcome by the very high quality of manufacture. The bag is perfectly stitched. The inside is lined with very bright orange material. At first, I thought it a bit too bold, but it makes it very easy to find stuff.

I really like this bag.

The Dreadful does everything I wanted. I'm a building manager in an urban area, and a fairly serious photographer. I carry papers and checks and a giant set of keys. A large file folder slides right in the front. I take my iPad wherever I go and the padded pocket is great. Sometimes I pick up a bottle of wine at the shop down the street on the way home and there are bottle holders on both sides inside. A plethora of pockets and bins for everything. The Dreadful is quite large for a 5'6" woman but only a Slight Embarressment. I travel ultra light and this carry-on bag will hold my magic 3-pc. outfit, unders, toiletries and, oh yes, my camera. And it is grey and rotten orange - my fav colors. Oh, nearly forgot the removable shoulder strap pad that also turns the strap into a carry handle!
Crumpler The Dreadful Embarrassment Messenger Bag

Beautiful bag--looks great on and off. But once I put my computer and a couple of school books in it, the bag's poor design is really, really apparent. My back hurts when I wear it, my shoulder kills me, and no amount of adjusting helps (unless, of course, I take out my stuff). I finally broke down and bought a great Kelty backpack that fits my macbook, books, etc., and feels great on my back. Oh, and it cost half as much.

Update: I started using this again because my backpack looks so foolish with a sport coat. And...I don't know what I was thinking!! I just moved a strap, and this beautiful bag became quite comfortable. Additionally, you can really back books in! Lots! I am changing my three stars to five. I love this bag!