Trotter Messenger Bag Jr. (MD)

I've been using the Trotter Jr. for a year now. I can say that this bag is better than many similarly-sized Timbuk2 bags and Chrome bags. Why? Pockets. Zippered pockets. Which are sorely lacking and unimaginatively implemeted on most other bags. Those two front zipped pockets on the Trotter Jr. are what kills the other bags. That's additional real estate that is separate from the internal real estate. And the bag sits well when you set it down. It has a flat bottom. You don't know how much that means unless you've used bags like this as much as I have. Everywhere. Every condition.

Then there's another outside zippered pocket on the flap, under the flap, and on the back. Nice options.

Then there's the option of having a separate under-compartment with its own outside-zipper access. How cool is that? You can use it for shoes. Or an umbrella. Or a can of beer.

You'll be surprised how much you can stuff in this thing, especially when the zippred compartment is unzipped for full access.

This bag is the perfect size for urban getting-around. Not too big and not too small. Fits under the seat on a plane, too.

Now let's get to a couple bad things. The strap is horrible. It's stiff, which isn't of itself a horrible thing, but the buckle/adjustment torture device is the worst. Of all bags I've ever owned. But I put up with it because I like this bag. But I'm about to try a couple others. We'll see.

And it's not 100% waterproof, as two rainstorms have informed me. Anything near a zippered compartment will get soaked if it's raining hard enough. Just beware. Pack wisely.

I still think Manhattan Portage has the best overall design of the major bag companies, and their bags don't look stupid or annoyingly trendy.

love it. best bag ever