I have been searching for one of these bags for YEARS!
I had one like it when I was in 9th grade (circa 1999), that I bought with my Dad at an Army Surplus store in Toronto. Over a decade and a few moves and too many “wardrobe makeovers” to count later and I have no idea what ever happened to my original canvas messenger bag.
This one I found recently online and literally could not order it fast enough :
It is UNBELIEVABLY AFFORDABLE at $12.99 CDN and comes in 4 awesome shades! I purchased mine from GorillaSurplus.com in the shade “khaki”, which is actually more of a yellow – which I like – I swear my mom had one JUST LIKE THIS back in the 80’s. It is also available in black, light blue, and army green – I LOVE THEM ALL. I WANT THEM ALL.
This bag is made from tear resistant canvas, has an adjustable, removable shoulder strap, and heavy duty metal tips and loops. It is very lightweight and holds everything I need. The biggest CON I have found [for me] with this bag is that there are no extra pockets. Well, its a bit of a PRO and a CON actually. I love the simplicity of just one compartment that is only large enough for me to carry my essentials but at the same time I hate that there isn’t just one inside pocket for my keys or tampons or whatever. I have improvised with a small makeup bag for all the little bits I don’t need cluttering up my bag.
I like that this bag is small enough to make me carry less but large enough to carry more then I need. It is strong enough for me to carry cans of Nestea iced tea in there, though that is really starting to weigh on my shoulder(s). Pun intended.
It makes me smile because it is almost the exact same bag as I had in high school. The one I had in high school wasn’t a World Famous bag though and it cost less. About $8 CDN at the time. I am not complaining by any means, for $12.99 I can actually afford to buy another one (if I feel the need… I do like the black – it matches everything!). And being canvas it is easy to clean should I spill anything in there… I spilled Ranch Dressing in a purse once. Very unpleasant. And in a not-easy-to-clean Purse either.
I love this bag SO MUCH I don’t want most of my other purses. They are not-so-functional for my life. Unsure if I want the clutter of a crap-ton of purses I don’t need, I am considering selling some online. Key word here is CONSIDERING. I am sure I will blog about it if I decide that selling purses is a route that I actually take. I could use the money to put towards applying for school and my poor, once-loved bags can once again be used and enjoyed… Just a thought. I feel kind of bad for the little buggers, just sitting in the attic in their Rubbermaid containers.
I like to walk around town, wether I am shopping, taking photos (with my phone), or playing tourist in the historical district, this bag has been a comfortable and functional companion. Admittedly the front loops can be a little fiddly to work with but again, this is both a PRO and a CON. At least I know my stuff won’t fall out nor should I fall victim to any pick-pocketing/pursing. And as fiddly as the loops can be it sure beats farting around with a stubborn zipper, especially whilst one is checking out and needs to fetch one’s wallet… Yep, been there, done that.
All in all an excellent buy. I am a very happy and satisfied customer and I will most likely purchase from Gorilla Surplus again. I would rate this bag a solid 5 lipsticks out of 5 for quality, price point, quick shipping and making me smile.
Now. The Sun is trying to emerge and I am in need of Chocolate. I bid you adieu.
Happy Friday my friends!
Stay GRooVY 🙂
iDREAMinViNTAGE 