Review: Hellolulu Laptop Messenger Bag (Verdict: The Ultimate Laptop Bag)
11:59 pm, September 16th, 2009, Chatty Cotter
Even though there is something awkward and unattractive about laptop bags, I seem drawn to them over and over. I guess it’s because when it comes to carrying a laptop, they do the job. I have been through several at this stage, but never liked any of them. But finally I have found a bag that changes the message — Hellolulu’s Messenger Bag.
The $120 Hellolulu messenger is the ultimate laptop bag. There is nothing cumbersome about this bag.
Hellolulu’s messenger bag is constructed of high density nylon; has the capacity to fit up to 15.4” laptop and it has a removable padded laptop case, which makes it all the more versatile and convenient for those pick-up-and-go moments.
It comes in a total of six colors: Royal Blue, Red Pepper, Red Earth, Coffee, Espresso and Black.
The black exterior is heavy-duty nylon but you quickly get over the unremarkable exterior when you open the flap. Inside is the striking, burgundy Hellolulu lining – a signature of the company’s bags.
The flap is a snap to open as it is not large enough to block your vision as most messenger bags seem to do easily! The flap is easy to manage and once open all of the contents of your bag are highly visible.
My 13-inch laptop fits neatly in the padded central compartment with enough room for my mouse and adaptor. The bag is perfect for school or the office. There is ample room for files or books and that’s on top (not literally) of your laptop! There are also sections for pens and larger items on one of the inside pockets along with an added exterior pocket.
There is a vertical zipper compartment with a brown nylon zipper pull, which contrasts nicely with the black nylon exterior and is accessible without having to open the flap. This is a very cool feature as it is concealed but easily accessible.
There is a clear ID card holder just under the flap, which is very convenient for student IDs, business cards or just photos.
Unfortunately you will need to purchase a padded attachment for the shoulder strap as it definitely cuts into your shoulder once the bag is filled.
Overall, this laptop messenger bag just feels worthy of your hard-earned dollars. It feels like it will take lots of abuse – if that’s what you like to do to your bags!
What I love most — even more than the look and the feel of durability — is that it is easily managed.
For a bag with the capacity to hold a laptop, schoolbooks, notebooks, files and a bunch of other smaller items, it does not feel bulky or awkward to carry.
On the contrary it is incredibly compact.
5 Star Rating: It’s the ultimate laptop bag!
Company: Hellolulu NYC
Website: Hellolulu
Product: Hellolulu Laptop Messenger Bag (Black)
List Price: $120
Compatible: Laptops up to 15.4-inches.
Buy Now From Amazon:
Hellolulu Laptop Messenger Bag (Black)
Hellolulu Laptop Messenger Bag (Royal Blue)
Hellolulu Laptop Messenger Bag (Coffee)
Hellolulu Laptop Messenger Bag (Red Pepper)
Hellolulu Laptop Messenger Bag (Red Earth)
Hellolulu Laptop Messenger Bag (Espresso)
Posted by Chatty Cotter in Laptop Bags, Macintosh, Reviews | Comment on this article
Chatty Cotter is Irish. She moved to the Bay Area from Europe just over fifteen years ago now. She lived in London for ten years where she worked in the investment banking world. When she moved to San Francisco she bartended for over seven years. She is the mother of two and has now returned to school. She is a mature student completing a Masters in Therapy (Psycho) at SFSU which professionalizes her previous career as bartender.
no water bottle pouch.
Fail
Eric, on September 17th, 2009 at 12:32 am
VELCRO! Yuck!
Give me buckles or some other fastening device.
Just not velcro! Reminds me of the wallets I used to carry in junior high
or the ugly Reebok’s with the velcro straps.
It’s so loud to pull apart as well.
I’ll pass! Especially for the money.
Joshua, on September 17th, 2009 at 1:42 am
Looks like a great bag.
My eBags Firewall Laptop Brief has been indestructible for several years and many long trips. It’s padded on the bottom and the laptop is well protected. I know this, because I’ve dropped it several times with no damage. Lots of compartments and place to put things too.
http://www.ebags.com/ebags/firewall_laptop_brief/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=15030
Bob Morris, on September 17th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Er, if you have to buy something to augment it, like a padded attachment, then I doubt it is the “ultimate”.
I like Crumpler messenger bags myself.
Kevin, on September 17th, 2009 at 5:40 am
I like the look of the bag and all of the features seem nice. I agree that it’s hard to find a laptop bag that works well and isn’t butt ugly. (like the ebags firewall Mr. Morris mentioned above)
The price even decent. I might have to switch from my trusty book bag here soon.
Josh, on September 17th, 2009 at 6:54 am
I’ve got to frown on that velcro too. One day of that and I’d be ready to kill myself.
Another Bay area manufacturer to consider is WaterField Designs (sfbags.com). I got one about four years ago as a present for starting grad school and it still looks brand new (and no velcro!).
Paul, on September 17th, 2009 at 9:12 am
For that price it’s not leather? It has a nice look to it. What about 17″ laptops? I use a lowepro backpack that holds my digital camera “needs” as well.
chugabug, on September 17th, 2009 at 10:06 am
I think I will stick with my speck bag. it was cheaper and does just as much so not sure this bag deserves its title of the “ultimate bag”.
Kyle, on September 17th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
I 2nd Paul with my WaterField Designs bag. Love it and have had no problems. If you order the flap that covers the top it comes with Velcro but it’s never really bothered me.
Jason Byfield, on September 17th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Mongo want bag… but the velcro is super annoying when your cracking things open in the middle of a meeting. I had a Crumpler(?) bag that I really liked, but the weapons-grade velcro would wake the dead.
Went to a Tumi, and paid too much (Yes, I know), but there are no velcro closures to upset clients.
Erin's Dad, on September 17th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
I have to object. I was lucky enough for my wife to buy me a Jack Spade laptop bag. I didn’t know I could become so attached to a bag. Literally.
Hamis, on September 18th, 2009 at 12:00 am
I have been the proud owner of the hellolulu messenger back for more than a year and love it. I used it daily and it still looks like new. It is very pratical and looks great.
The velcro doesn’t bother me at all. My previous bag was a Tumi messenger bag and for me, the velcro is a step above their magnet closure system.
Noah, on September 18th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
I have this bag for over a year and the quality is just great, strong nylon like Tumi and stays in a good shape. I use it everyday at work, business trip, holidays and all little compartment brings the best of it. It comes also with a laptop sleeve so when my bag is full then i still can have the sleeve in my hand. Well this is a top messenger laptop bag for US$120.00 and i got the Tote for my wife.
Tony Spark, on September 18th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Got the one in brown/blue canvas in New York and used it all summer in city and at the beach. i am just happy with it, it brings quality, functionality, colors…too match with my Puma shoes ! unique and new.. love it!
Melanie Bogalho, on September 18th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I love my Hellolulu laptop tote (in mulberry)! Not only is it sturdy, functional and practical – it’s adorably stylish! I get tons of compliments on it. The tote is also great for lugging around other stuff too. Believe me, I own about a dozen computer bags, and this is the only one I absolutely love. And it doesn’t cramp my shoulder!
Sonia Winesett, on September 18th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Hello,
This is looking like great bag. I like this bag. It have a good quality bag. I appreciate your bag. Thanks for sharing information about the Hellolulu Laptop Messenger Bag…
comprar r4 nintendo ds, on October 5th, 2009 at 4:09 am