Haiku Rumi Messenger Bag

I’ve always liked the look and ease of messenger bags—what a great way to stash my stuff and be on my way--but to be honest, many of them are a bit too bulky for me.  Haiku’s Rumi Messenger Bag is a lovely compromise: a slim-styled bag that still has plenty of carrying capacity.

I like that the Rumi Messenger Bag is shaped and sized like a soft-sided briefcase, with a padded-on-three-sides laptop sleeve incorporated into the main compartment. The sleeve is open at the top so I can quickly access or put away my laptop. There’s a wide piece of elastic that stretches across the sleeve and seals to the outside with a Velcro-like closure. I like that this sleeve is relatively loose because there’s room for my laptop (a MacBook Pro 13”) even when it’s enclosed in a thin padded sleeve or a semi-rigid protective case. I used the flat sleeve-like pocket on the top of the laptop compartment for my day planner (yes, I still use a day planner!).

There’s plenty of room in the main compartment for a few files and notebooks or for a cosmetics bag, T-shirt, and change of socks and underwear. Most often, I use the Rumi Messenger Bag for overnights or to carry my gear for day-long urban outings. I love the deep zippered pockets (2) on the inside of the bag; they’re ideal for stashing my iPod, cell phone, wallet, and assorted lip balms.  There’s also a large flat sleeve on the front of the bag that seals with a Velcro-like tab.  I use that for all the paper I tend to collect when I’m out – brochures, business cards, and receipts. It's also handy for stashing my reading glasses.

On the back of the bag there’s another large, flat pocket that zips closed. I use that for carrying documents and folders that I want to keep crisp and wrinkle-free!  The Rumi Messenger Bag also has the requisite key lanyard, which I need to keep me from losing my car keys every time I go out.

I used to be an avowed backpack gal, so I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy using this bag. The wide, adjustable strap is quite comfortable and functional, and has a removable pad that I can place exactly where I want it. I also like the polished silver-colored buckle on the strap.  Another nice design feature: there’s a flat sleeve on one end of the bag for a water bottle. When not in use, it’s almost unnoticeable, but it expands to accommodate a bottle. It works best with a small diameter bottle that’s not too tall.

Finally, I really like the look of the Rumi Messenger Bag. The simple branch pattern is elegant and provides a pleasing contrast to the black nylon material. I love that the buckles to secure the flap against the bag are located underneath the flap. That way, the bag has a  cleaner, more refined appearance. It’s feminine, but not girly, and definitely more urban than trail. Good on all fronts.  I live in a city, and I like to look the part.

Available in Cocoa or Ink, with burgundy contrast pattern.

Eco Creds : Material made out of recycled plastic bottles.

Bottom Line : An attractive, highly functional bag that's ideal for daily use and travel. --E.D. (July 2011)

BUY ONLINE : $109, click to shop at Amazon.

Manufacturer's Site: www.haikubags.com

Share