Keen Commuter Bag : A Trail Tough Street Bag

Ten years ago, I bought my first messenger bag. Since I cycled everywhere, it seemed appropriate. Unfortunately, it wasn't. With just one massive interior space and no padding, my stuff would shift in transit, poke me in the back, and generally annoy me.

Flash forward -- my new Keen Commuter bag is more comfortable, much better at keeping my stuff sorted, and it has just the right combination of ruggedness and style to make me feel like Indiana Jones when I'm wearing it.

I love the organization of the Commuter; it has the perfect amount of pockets. There are three pockets sewn into the bag's interior that keep my computer cables and mouse secure, and a padded laptop sleeve that sits suspended safely above the bag's bottom. A zippered pocket on the outside of the main compartment has pockets for my pens and iPod, plus a mesh pocket for tiny accessories. I use the two water bottle holders and a zippered stash pocket on the lid to stash last-minute items that I'm too lazy to stick inside the bag.

The bag felt really comfy while rolling down the street. It's the perfect size, and I really liked the fact that I can easily switch the stablizing strap so that I can wear the bag over either shoulder.

Following Keen's waste-not mentality, the bag's durable rubber bottom is out of leftover pieces from Keen's shoe soles. The front buckles are made out of recycled aluminum.

The only thing I'd wish for is little more padding on the shoulder strap, and for a method to close the front flap more quickly than with the aluminum buckles -- small concessions to style.

Available in Black/Olive and Black/Brown.

Bottom Line: A handsome, functional bag with some nice eco creds.--E.M. (Sept. '09)

BUY ONLINE: $100 , .

Manufacturer's Site: www.keenfootwear.com

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