REI Transit Messenger Bag

Comments about REI Transit Messenger Bag:

I upgraded from the older version of the Transit to this new and there are definitely some big improvements, but there are also some things that I don't like as much.

First, the good parts. The materials and construction are sturdy, solid (with one minor exception that I'll get to), and weather-proof. I've had my tea spill inside the side compartments and had no leakage into the main compartment after an hour of carrying it around that way. The bag is a little more padded than the previous version which is nice. The addition of an elastic bottle holder on the side is my favorite addition and is stretchy enough to fit most travel mugs (I use mine for my Klean Kanteen).

Now, the problems: There is less space in the main compartment, and even less if you have odds and ends in the front compartment. I used to be able to carry my papers, laptop, and one textbook, but now have to choose between the laptop and large books, which is a pain. There is also not really a good place for bulkier items like a Leatherman (whereas the previous version had a small, more-rounded pocket that was perfect for these types of items). Lastly, and this is minor but it really bugs me because I'm OCD about these things: The rings that connect to the shoulder-strap aren't stitched in place, which means they move all around. Not a biggie, but there you have it.

Comments about REI Transit Messenger Bag:

CONS

The zippered opening to the main compartment is too small and stiff. This makes it hard to get a 15.4" laptop in & out, esp with other things in the bag and it's even worse when the beverage sleeve is occupied. I have actually stopped using the bag as a laptop bag for this reason. If you have a smaller laptop, though, I think you won't find ingress and egress as awkward or difficult. One also has to be careful when removing soft-bound books from the main compartment as their corners easily catch against the opening.

The Zippers at the main compartment and cell phone compartment are difficult to operate; the latter should probably not be zipper-closed at all or it should be a straight zipper track- no curves or angles to make it more awkward to use.

The Velcro patch at the front flap closure works poorly; it's weak enough to not hold the front flap in place if the front flap rubs against anything and when it doesn't, it's big enough to pose a hazard to any softer fabrics including a sweater or a wool coat. It would be better if there was no Velcro at the front flap closure at all.

There is also too much Velcro throughout the interior of the bag, esp at the interior pockets which makes accessing those pockets too loud of an affair when in a quiet places like a library, classroom or seminar. I've been opening my bag before entering an occupied classroom or seminar.

Last, this bag should be offered in an "office" version, i.e. a simple exterior monochromatic design without logos and little or no Velcro.

PROS

This bag is cavernous and its stiff frame keeps it from crumpling in on itself which makes loading and unloading the bag very easy, esp when loading soft-bound books into the main compartment.

The interior is highly compartmentalized, making it easier to keep items from floating around.

There is ample padding at the bottom of the bag to protect the contents when setting the bag down.

The nylon exterior seems water-resistant and both it and the shoulder strap seem robust.

CONCLUSION

I wanted to give this bag 3.5 stars and am so ambivalent that I can neither recommend or not.

Comments about REI Transit Messenger Bag:

I use this bag to carry a 15" laptop and a small amount of accessories (music player, cell phone, keys, pens, etc).

It's great for that and has an external water bottle/umbrella pocket.

You can partially access the flapped front pocket even if the buckle is fastened; there's a velcro patch under the REI logo. So you can pull the flap back about a third of the way and get into part of the pocket.

The only complaint I have is the zippers are stiff, likely due to the water resistant seal around them.

Comments about REI Transit Messenger Bag:

The bag is a great size but the main compartment is hard to get things in and out of, especially if the bag is full. I carry my 15" macbook pro and two 1" binders in this compartment and it's very hard to get the laptop out with the binders in the bag. I wish the bag opened like the Timbuk2 for convenience.

The accessory compartment is great and the strap is comfortable. The quality is outstanding and the side pockets work well for water bottles etc.

Comments about REI Transit Messenger Bag:

This bag is perfect for me. I use it with a 15.6" HP Pavilion and it's about as big as this bag can fit. If you used a separate sleeve the main compartment could be used to carry a lerger laptop.

The main compartment is huge for the overall size of the bag, and can fit all kinds of papers, etc. The front section holds all the accessories I need and the outside pocket is convenient for travel or errands.

The only drawbacks are that the chestnut color looks more brown on screen than in person and the design can be plain next to , say a Timbuk2 bag. To me it looks more green/grey, but I still like it, and I like the less flashy style myself.

Honestly I've only owned the bag a short time and have not carried it for extended periods, but the handle is well padded and I think it will be comfortable in the long run.

Comments about REI Transit Messenger Bag:

I initially purchased the REI Quantum Messenger Laptop Bag but as I pointed out in my review of that bag, it's was too tall and felt like too much space was wasted. I returned that and purchased the Transit bag and so far like what I see.

I do have to agree with some of the other criticisms of the bag, especially for the tight fit of everything. But I'm using a 13" laptop that's very thin also so there's plenty of room. A 15" laptop fits but it gets snug in there.

The main interior compartment has a separate sleeve for the laptop and a large space for books, notebooks, power cords, etc in front of that. Also in this main compartment are two wide pockets that can squeeze a pocket-sized book but not roomy enough for much more.

The flap lifts up to reveal another roomy pocket where I stow my plugs, cables, mouse, pens. Plenty of room and lots of small organizing pockets. On the outside of this flap, the zippered pocket is where I keep my wallet and keys for quick access.

The side pockets, one zippered and one larger open one, are nice touches, though I haven't tried my water bottle in it yet (but it does seem large enough).

The shoulder strap is comfy and nice compared to the Timbuktu strap I've been using (it didn't have padding and really would cut into my shoulder).

The waterproof (or is it water resistant?) zipper doesn't seem small at all and I've had no problem opening/closing. And because there's no flap over this zipper, I'd rather the zipper be as weather tight as possible.

Hopefully this bag will be around awhile.

Comments about REI Transit Messenger Bag:

I really wanted to love this bag. Especially since I bought it days before an extended business trip to China. I have lived in and out of this bag for most of the last 6 months, on the road, and it's really a mixed bag of results.

The quality & appearance are great. But the way your laptop is jammed to the very back when you've loaded anything into it makes it embarrassingly difficult to remove your laptop at the xray machine or office (seriously, did anyone actually TEST this thing traveling!?!). The huge side water bottle pocket is great where you're lugging your day's water with you, and the internal pockets are numerous and overall it holds a lot. But the shoulder strap and slipping buckles are lousy and I had to swap a strap from my RedOxx on to it after the first trip. The side pocket is well padded, but the water-resistant zipper is insanely difficult to open. Etc. Etc.

In the end, even though I'm a sentimental dude who would normally keep a bag he's lived out of for so long on such an adventure just out of principle, I can't wait to get home and buy a new laptop bag. For me anyway, it is just too much struggle to use, and I expect my bags (and products of REI) to perform better.

Comments about REI Transit Messenger Bag:

I only received this a few days ago but wanted to give others my first impression. The bag is what I was looking for in that it is comfortable, compact, and has pockets for everything I need to carry on a daily basis. The first thing I was not so sure of was the color (ALOT darker green/black than the picture shows on the site. Appears brown in the picture which is not the case. HOWEVER, I have to say I like the unexpected color so I not complaining.) Second, the zippers have a plastic type covering that seems flimsy but again, I have only started using this bag. All in all, I would recommend the purchase.

Comments about REI Transit Messenger Bag:

The Black REI Transit Bag replaces a Lands' End Lighthouse briefcase that I carried for a decade or more. When that wore out I looked around for a suitable replacement. There are a lot of great bags out there but this one is the finest I have found anywhere any any price. Just the right size and organized in just the right way for my daily commuting needs. The front compartment has a gusset that allows for a lot of small gear to be squeezed in without deforming the bag. The curved frame sheet on the back of the bag behind the neoprene laptop slot is an innovation I have never seen anywhere else on a fabric briefcase. It allows the bag to nestle into the curve of my hip, providing an extra measure of comfort. Bravo to the designers! This one is a definite keeper. Hope REI keeps them in stock for a long time.

Comments about REI Transit Messenger Bag:

I've had several bags for my laptop for commuting... And I've never found one that i am completely satisfied with. The Rei transit bag is roomy enough for my laptop and accessories, a notepad, a few files, sunglasses and other small personal items, but not too large and bulky. I have only used for a few days, but the quality appears to be good. The bad is very comfortable to carry. So far, I really like this bag.