I read all the reviews then took a chance and bought this bag. I'm so glad I did! I like it so much and the price is a steal so I bought 2 more to stow away for the future.
I had a Travelon brand messenger bag for the last 2 years, and this bag is a better design. I love that all the sections are zippered, and its a bit larger than my old bag. And the flip out mesh water bottle holder fits my Hydroflask 12 oz perfectly!
This is the perfect bag for someone who travels a lot, or has a very active life where you gotta throw the bag on your body and go, or keep it on your body while you wrangle kids, packages or luggage.
It is not for those that need to make fashion statements or status climbers. Though it is well made and looks sharp, with good quality leather, it remains a casual and utilitarian style. I don't think of those as negative points, though!
Fresh out of the package the 'new leather' smell is strong, yes. But it fades to nothing in a couple days.
I'd love to see the main compartment zipper with a double pull instead of a single (ah,well), and also I will be adding my own grommet hole to the left of the phone panel as a quick snap through key chain attachment. Those are the only 2 improvements I would like to see on this bag, and a few more colors to choose from, of course!
So, this is an unbelievably good bag for 20 bucks. I can't recommend it enough! :)