BumBakPak Hamptons Hybrid Messenger/Backpack Laptop Bag Obsidian Black Medium

The other reviews are right about the design - the pockets are a real innovation. Unfortunately, they are also right about the carry strap, it's not comfortable in messenger configuration. The big problem is workmanship. One of the pocket zippers separated almost immediately. The main compartment lining separated from a seam after only 2 months of use. BPP customer service refused to repair/replace unless I paid for shipping. All in all, a bag to avoid.

I gave this two stars only because it is well made and probably would work much better for bike riders that it did for me, a metro train rider. As a backpack, it was comfortable enough, but it sticks out way too far in back, so I was always hitting someone with it no matter how careful I was. Also, it looks large, but the amount of padding reduces the inside volume quite a bit, so it did not hold nearly as much as I had hoped it would. It is surprisingly heavy, making using it as a messenger bag a bit tedious for me. The biggest disappointment was the fact that, after all the time I spent looking for a water resistant/waterproof bag for rainy Portland, and becoming convinced I had found the right item, this bag did not repel water on the outside at all--it just soaked it right up. While it is true that the inside pouch stayed dry, the outside was literally (and I do mean that--it left a puddle on the floor) dripping wet after being out in the rain, and you can even see black streaking on the inside orange lining of the front flap. I went back to my old bag and a can of Camp Dry and I am much happier, while this bag is taking up room in a closet till I decide what to do with it.

I was trying to get away from an old Ogio backpack and liked the looks of this bag. It's definitely an adjustment having to open the clips to get inside the main compartment. Overall the bag looks great and is made very well. My only real issue with the bag is that the pocket is a tad too small to get my laptop out. I have an HP Elitebook 15.4. It goes in fine but removal is a 2 hand job, and that really annoys me. I am considering returning it. There are notes that certain 15.4 notebooks won't fit, but mine was not listed. I have to store and replace my laptop numerous times per day, especially going through airports and it's a pain. The other grip is, I don't use the BackPack capability but use it as a Messenger Bag and although the shoulder strap does convert, there is big buckle on one side and a snap on the other right wear it rest on your shoulder. I had to order a new strap to overcome this.

Great convertible. I like it except for few possible minor issues- the two clasps for the flap use a round type of clip which looks cool but does not allow one handed closing which would be possible with a regular clasp.- the main compartment has no zipper or Velcro closure - so as soon as you open the flap, the main compartment is exposed and contents can fall out if the bag tilts. A simple Velcro strap across might have been good and I'll probably get it done.- the same for the inside pockets in the front zippered area - it could have been zippered or with velcro.Other than that, the bag is perfect as a convertible. I'll be using it until I find something better.

I had been carrying a military tactical bag for all the compartments, and when I got a larger laptop, I needed a bigger bag. Being that I bought a MacBook, I wanted something that would cushion and protect it well. This bag did not disappoint.It's very versatile in its carrying options, and will hold way more than I need. I can carry my gear, my purse stuff, and my briefcase stuff all in this one bag if I need to. The backpack option is very comfortable to walk around with.I've had it about a month and have really abused it and it's holding up really well. Even my screaming monkey has taken up residence on one of the carabiner clips on the front. When fully loaded, it tends to lean forward when sat on the ground. It also has a nifty umbrella holder. If I had to commute on public transportation and walk a distance to the office, I would definitely choose this bag.I purchased the medium size and have a 13" late 2009 MacBook. They say the small will fit it, but I also have a neoprene sleeve and I don't think I'd try it with the small bag.

The water-resistant taping on the laptop compartment zipper started peeling off after several uses. After a few months it was completely separated. Finally the same zipper started separating completely from the bag itself. When I contacted customer service, they offered me a discount on a new bag. No offer to repair or replace. Contrast this with other durable brands such as Marmot, High Sierra, etc. who will service your product well into it looking old and tired. Marmot is replacing zippers and velcro cuffs on a ~10yr old jacket, FREE OF CHARGE. If you are going to make the kind of durability claims that BBP makes about their bags, you need to stand behind them. Spend your money somewhere else.

I'm a little disappointed by the BumBakPak. There aren't as many pockets as I would like on the inside or outside. The ones it does have (other than the main compartment) are pretty small. The shoulder strap is awkward because the ends stick out (since you need the extra length to use it as a backpack).Unless you really need to convert back and forth between backpack and shoulder strap carrying I wouldn't recommend this bag. Though it's well made, it's more expensive than most other laptop bags, has less and smaller pockets and a somewhat awkward shoulder strap.