Overland Equipment Auburn Bag

I really needed to size down- I was carrying around my YakPak messenger bag from college as a purse, and filling it to capacity. But I wasn't sure I was going to keep this when it first came. It was a little shiny, but ripstop tends to come a little shiny and it mellowed out quickly. And it was a little smaller than I expected- you figure 10x12 is going to easily fit an iPad, but it's a bit more like 9.5" on the inside when it's full of other objects. There is no zipper for the main compartment- it's just a snap, but I almost never closed the zipper on my old, just-too-small purse anyway (incidentally my old bag was also by Overland Equipment).I like the front compartment a lot more than I expected I would. The easy, no-digging access to my phone when it's ringing is great, and I think this is the longest I've ever gone without losing a chapstick. I can fit a small sketchbook, my ridiculously over-stocked pencil kit, the aforementioned iPad, wallet, and sunglasses in the main compartment and I can still close the snap.In short, this bag has grown on me. It's the just-right middle size between my bare-essentials purse and my carry-everything messenger bag.

I would give this bag 5 stars in a heartbeat were it not for one feature; the shoulder strap slides off the shoulder. It is made out of a slippery material that will not stay on one shoulder. It is beyond annoying. The only way to carry this bag is cross body. If you are comfortable with that buy this bag! It is a perfect size, not too big, not too small. The design is superb, the outside pocket is easily accessible, and large enough for a Kindle and cell phone. The fold over flap on the opposite side of the purse has an organizer in it should you decide to load it like a wallet. There is a soft fleecy lined sleeve designed for cell phones, I use it for my glasses. This flap is secure with a magnet and so stays closed and is easy to access. The center portion has a zippered inside pouch for valuables, my large wallet fits nicely. The center compartment is open to the top, but the curved design of the bag and straps being attached on opposite sides keeps it nice an closed. An almost perfect design! Ideal for travel. Love this color combination.

I've been a Kavu carrier for a long time. I wanted something a little bit bigger but not huge. I moved from the Kavu Seattle sling to this bag and it was just what I was looking for. The interior has two compartments with one that zips off from the main compartment with a mesh barrier. This main compartment is single snap closure. The front is a little organizer pouch with magnetic closure (velco is loud and wears out). The purse is not as washable as Kavu, but mine still looks pretty good after a couple of years of abuse. It holds up very well. None of the stitching is coming loose or anything. I'll be tired of carrying it as a purse LONG before it wears out. The fabric is much coarser than Kavu and reminds me a little bit of nylon maybe but it is not unpleasant. The color is very nice too. The strap is comfortable enough, but you can't wear it "backwards" or the little slide clamp on the strap jabs you in the back, but who wears their purse backwards intentionally anyway? I was wanting one that I could fit my iPad in. It will fit in here if there is not too much junk but it sticks out the top. All in all a very well-made product. Will consider buying overland again in the future.

Perfect! I've been using crossbody bags for the last three years or so and I've had a love/hate relationship with them. Love the whole no-hands thing, but even when I get small ones, they seem bulky. I don't carry a ton of items, but the things I do, this holds just how I like them. My coupons and receipts go in the inside zipper mesh pocket, my wallet, phone headset and business card holder in the main compartment, tissues in outside back, gum, keys, lip gloss, chapstick and cell phone in the front, under the flap. There is a ton more room in the main area, and I am sure I'll use it in the future but for now I like that I have all this and everything is easily accessible without being crowded.It's wider than my previous crossbody bags, but in this situation I think it is quite worth it. Sure, a little wider, but it sits on my body much more comfortably, and the material is firm enough to keep everything from being all lumpy. I bought this because my friend had one and I just had to try it. I do wish there were more colors, but the black one will suit me just fine (my usual purse color choice anyhow).

Love the concept of this bag. The front flip and easy access to phone, badges for work, convenience items is great. They key holder elastic/clasp is fabulous!! Back pocket budges out, so things can fall out. Central main compartment is closed with a snap. Due to the way the straps attach to front and back, anything with any weight causes snap to open. Things within are not secured (wallet!! Yikes!!). There is one internal zippered side with a mesh wall. No "little" zippered compartment. So...all make up and lipsticks and keys and fingernail clippers go in there, and hard to find and keep separated. Overall very durable. Strap tends to twist and only one way works with the sliding buckle, so adjusting. Very good price since this is less popular color, but great fall bag. Almost perfect.