This company makes the best waxed canvas messenger bag. I own it and its my favorite bag overall. The shinjuku. Ty for putting these guys on the map they deserve it
I got one of the Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpacks when they first came out in 2018. I've used it every commuting day plus I use it as a personal item on flights. It's got tons of use and has held up VERY well. I have the black nylon with chocolate leather style. Workmanship on these backpacks is super. After 6 1/2 years, it still looks new (albeit with some nice patina on the leather). No rips or tears or loose threads. Have had no problems with the zippers. I've thought about getting a new backpack (maybe the Aer City Pack Pro or the Fyro) but every time I think about getting a new bag I realize that I'm perfectly happy with the bag I have. I really like that it stands up on its own like the Fyro. Honestly, the only downside is its weight but I honestly never think about the weight. It is what it is. Great company - have bought other things from them like the matching folio and various sleeves throughout the years. Oh, the other downside is price - you pay a premium but they are made in San Francisco.
OMG Waterfield! I got a Waaterfield Mambo Combo back in 2007 (cargo messenger bag with a computer sleevecase and a “cable guy” tech pouch) and a wallet, and while it’s looking a bit tired that bag has proven indestructible I could take it on a flight tomorrow with no worries about it breaking or having any sort of issues! The tech pouch still looks new, and the wallet is still my daily driver to this day. These guys are A-awesome. Freaking great products ⭐️
I'm a big waterfield guy, mostly the suitcases, though their little tech sleeves and pouches are great too. Their interiors and materials are great, exteriors, you have to like square pieces of leather lol. I've owned one of the essential backpacks before, and it was almost perfet, but it didn't have a sternum strap. Since I'm a big guy the straps splayed too much on my chest so I needed a sternum strap. Waterfield is one brand I always recommend to people with short torsos, they are all like 17" or under. I also have an abnormally long torso but it wore well if I wore the bag lower and gave the straps more slack.
Finally, can't wait for you to take a look at the AirPorter and Executives, those have some great concepts implemented that make them basically a default choice for a certain type of person. Beyond the materials, they do a unique job concerning pockets and functionality.
@ If you are at all able, try to get your hands on their Apple Vision Pro backpack (not the case). While one would think that, being targeted for such a narrow consumer, there is little to learn from it that could be applied to more generic bags, I feel that they ended up implementing some great concepts that could have use beyond AVP transport, not despite but because they had to think outside the box to make it work well with such a unique piece of hardware. One example is the separation between top and main compartment, which generally is the domain of descriptive camera bags, having two large and free style sections is rather rare (Kapten and Son Bali is one other example that isn't overly prescriptive), yet I feel it would be great to see more of that in regular backpacks (like the Bali), as it gives one a large, easily front accessible section for clothing/large packing cubes, that one can leave untouched when accessing larger items in the separate top section like bulky headphones, pill bottles, etc. The AVP backpack by SFBags allows the same and is far higher end, so does serve the right person well even if they never need to transport VR/AR/MR gear. Shame it is out of production from what I can tell, likely because the addressable market for AVPs is rather limited, but if anyone at SFBags is reading this, consider reimplementing the concept for a more universal bag. Heck, rerelease the same, just with a more generic (Executive/Daily/AirPorter Slim) name...
I have the Waterfield Air Porter Carryon, same colorway, and it's my favorite work bag. It's classy but still has that "heritage" look, it's very well made, and it holds plenty. I put it on top of a simple roller bag and we're in business.
"Started my own business but I also went to the Grizzly Bear concert last week." Priceless. Big WaterField fan for "professional" scenarios. I have one of their Executive Leather Messengers, and it's definitely a beautiful bag to keep for life. Mucho $$$$. Also have their pretty unique (i.e., no-wrinkle proprietary fabric) packable backpack. Super great customer service, as the owner/founder does almost all of it personally, quickly, and with a ton of knowledge and goodwill. But yeah, strictly work packs for me. PS--That liner is super nice!
The standard version is the goat for me. The front has a good amount of pockets that I can actual fit my devices in, and the 2 pockets in the laptop compartment/back actually allows me to make use of all the space (normally backpacks are too tall, and unless you use packing cubes/big pouches you can't use all the space). My only complaint is the lack of padding at the bottom of the laptop compartment (fyro is the goat here :) ). Solved this using a piece of foam tubing, but they should really sort this out themselves for the price.
thanks for the Fyro shoutout! And yea, their bags feel great bc of how short they are (17" I think), but that means the laptop compartment can't have a crazy-awesome false bottom
I have several Waterfield bags, and in my experience the black nylon - although not as nice *looking* as the waxed canvas - feels nicer in use. And it's lighter too. YMMV.
This bag is out of my price range so it's not really in consideration but man, there's a lot of neat things about it. Things I don't like, too. Full clamshell openings make me very nervous (I have anxiety of the thing accidentally being unzipped and EVERYTHING spilling out) and I'm not at all interested in packing my backpack like a suitcase, so that's a turn-off for me. And I don't tend to like separate laptop pockets or multiple "main" pockets. BUT I LOVE this level of organization! This is the number of organization pockets I want and rarely see. I love that there are sleeves for BOTH a laptop and tablet, right next to each other, and plenty of organization so my smaller gear would all have it's own easy-to-access place. I really hate having to carry a bunch of separate pouches so this is perfect. Easier to reach into, grab all the things I need at once without having to sift through extra pouches. Like you, I'm not big on that magnetic clasp for the external quick-access pocket. That would be a fine closure on a messenger bag, where a flap might cover that pocket, but I'd really prefer a zipper for an external pocket. I'd probably prefer an extra external quick access pocket, too. Aesthetics look great, inside and out (I like that the inner lining offers contrast without looking cheap) though I am looking for a new backpack because my EDC load has grown again, more than is comfortable in my current messenger bag. So bag weight is definitely something to consider when I'm carrying a heavy load of gear. And even if/when I do scale down my EDC again, I am a big/overweight guy and have found that slimmer and sleeker bags like this do not fit me very well. The last time I tried a few smaller backpacks, the straps were all too small/tight and very uncomfortable to wear. So that's something that always tempers the excitement I feel when I see a cool, sleek bag. It's hard to judge whether a bag will work for me without trying them on myself. Fit/comfort is unfortunately the ultimate dealbreaker. Like I said, the price isn't feasible for me right now so it's all moot. But even with the things I don't like about it, ALL of this organization is EXACTLY what I'm looking for that I don't see in other bags. If it was more affordable, that fact alone would probably be worth it to me. Maybe someday. Anyway, always appreciate how thoroughly you review bags. I don't always value the same features in a bag as you do (but it's always interesting how everyone has a different use-case and carry for bags and values different features) but I always get a good idea of what a bag is like because you go really in-depth on everything about them. 👍
Oh, about the magnetic QAP - I use them for non-secure EDC items. Tissues. Breath mints. Perhaps a cheap little gaming device. I’d never put my wallet in one.
Nice aesthetics. It gives me "I'm going to hang out at the coffee house" vibe. For work, I'd rather go with something like the Alpaka Elements Tech Brief Pro - looks more professional. For that external pocket, I would only put low value items in there - tissues, mints, etc.
The bag is giving modern Steampunk (an oxymoron combination). I can imagine someone on the team being fed up with messenger bags getting all the leather-canvas treatment and decided to design a backpack instead for better spinal comfort 😅
Nice bag for nostalgia and short commutes. One reason why new tech was developed or explored from other industries for bags is weight. Canvas and leather is way too heavy especially when lighter and just as strong or stronger and water resistant materials are available. This will be a pass for most people especially because of the price.
This company makes the best waxed canvas messenger bag. I own it and its my favorite bag overall. The shinjuku. Ty for putting these guys on the map they deserve it
they truly do!
I got one of the Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpacks when they first came out in 2018. I've used it every commuting day plus I use it as a personal item on flights. It's got tons of use and has held up VERY well. I have the black nylon with chocolate leather style. Workmanship on these backpacks is super. After 6 1/2 years, it still looks new (albeit with some nice patina on the leather). No rips or tears or loose threads. Have had no problems with the zippers. I've thought about getting a new backpack (maybe the Aer City Pack Pro or the Fyro) but every time I think about getting a new bag I realize that I'm perfectly happy with the bag I have. I really like that it stands up on its own like the Fyro. Honestly, the only downside is its weight but I honestly never think about the weight. It is what it is. Great company - have bought other things from them like the matching folio and various sleeves throughout the years. Oh, the other downside is price - you pay a premium but they are made in San Francisco.
paying a premium for made in SF but also that quality - you've had yours since 2018 and its still holding strong 💪
OMG Waterfield! I got a Waaterfield Mambo Combo back in 2007 (cargo messenger bag with a computer sleevecase and a “cable guy” tech pouch) and a wallet, and while it’s looking a bit tired that bag has proven indestructible I could take it on a flight tomorrow with no worries about it breaking or having any sort of issues! The tech pouch still looks new, and the wallet is still my daily driver to this day. These guys are A-awesome. Freaking great products ⭐️
im a fan after one bag, can't wait to check out more from them!
Finally, a Waterfield Bag review from you! My favorite maker out there!!
I was super impressed!!
I'm a big waterfield guy, mostly the suitcases, though their little tech sleeves and pouches are great too. Their interiors and materials are great, exteriors, you have to like square pieces of leather lol. I've owned one of the essential backpacks before, and it was almost perfet, but it didn't have a sternum strap. Since I'm a big guy the straps splayed too much on my chest so I needed a sternum strap. Waterfield is one brand I always recommend to people with short torsos, they are all like 17" or under. I also have an abnormally long torso but it wore well if I wore the bag lower and gave the straps more slack.
good call on the bag height!
Having several waterfield pouches and bags, love their stuff
I can't wait to get more!
There is some packs from a brand called Andar I’d like to see you check out
I’ll check em out!
Finally, can't wait for you to take a look at the AirPorter and Executives, those have some great concepts implemented that make them basically a default choice for a certain type of person. Beyond the materials, they do a unique job concerning pockets and functionality.
can't wait!
@ If you are at all able, try to get your hands on their Apple Vision Pro backpack (not the case). While one would think that, being targeted for such a narrow consumer, there is little to learn from it that could be applied to more generic bags, I feel that they ended up implementing some great concepts that could have use beyond AVP transport, not despite but because they had to think outside the box to make it work well with such a unique piece of hardware. One example is the separation between top and main compartment, which generally is the domain of descriptive camera bags, having two large and free style sections is rather rare (Kapten and Son Bali is one other example that isn't overly prescriptive), yet I feel it would be great to see more of that in regular backpacks (like the Bali), as it gives one a large, easily front accessible section for clothing/large packing cubes, that one can leave untouched when accessing larger items in the separate top section like bulky headphones, pill bottles, etc. The AVP backpack by SFBags allows the same and is far higher end, so does serve the right person well even if they never need to transport VR/AR/MR gear. Shame it is out of production from what I can tell, likely because the addressable market for AVPs is rather limited, but if anyone at SFBags is reading this, consider reimplementing the concept for a more universal bag. Heck, rerelease the same, just with a more generic (Executive/Daily/AirPorter Slim) name...
I have the Waterfield Air Porter Carryon, same colorway, and it's my favorite work bag. It's classy but still has that "heritage" look, it's very well made, and it holds plenty. I put it on top of a simple roller bag and we're in business.
🔥
"Started my own business but I also went to the Grizzly Bear concert last week." Priceless. Big WaterField fan for "professional" scenarios. I have one of their Executive Leather Messengers, and it's definitely a beautiful bag to keep for life. Mucho $$$$. Also have their pretty unique (i.e., no-wrinkle proprietary fabric) packable backpack. Super great customer service, as the owner/founder does almost all of it personally, quickly, and with a ton of knowledge and goodwill. But yeah, strictly work packs for me. PS--That liner is super nice!
love the liner as well!!
I’m a big fan of the brand. Nice review.
my first bag from them but I can def count myself as a fan as well!
Definitely 1 sexified bag!! While I may be an Alpaka fan boy, that is 1 nice bag. Goes well with the Merino clothing sir!!
Oh yea, great combo!
The standard version is the goat for me. The front has a good amount of pockets that I can actual fit my devices in, and the 2 pockets in the laptop compartment/back actually allows me to make use of all the space (normally backpacks are too tall, and unless you use packing cubes/big pouches you can't use all the space).
My only complaint is the lack of padding at the bottom of the laptop compartment (fyro is the goat here :) ). Solved this using a piece of foam tubing, but they should really sort this out themselves for the price.
thanks for the Fyro shoutout! And yea, their bags feel great bc of how short they are (17" I think), but that means the laptop compartment can't have a crazy-awesome false bottom
@@Nomads.Nation I put 15mm foam at the bottom of mine, 16 inch mba fits. They can make it work :)
Interior lining looks gorgeous! Is it the same as Fyro? It looks very similar! (Waiting for my Fyro to arrive to see it in the flesh 😄)
Very similar at first glance but very different upon inspection. Theirs is a bit more subtle/classy, Fyro is a bit more trippy/modern
@ small tangent my T22 arrived! I’m so stoked it looks freaking great 😄 Love the interior lining and the overall look and feel! 👏👏
@@elanthys so glad to hear you are loving your Fyro T22! Thank you again for your support for out launch!!!
Man you gotta review their Shinjuku Messenger, it's my current favorite!
Hoping to soon!
I have several Waterfield bags, and in my experience the black nylon - although not as nice *looking* as the waxed canvas - feels nicer in use. And it's lighter too. YMMV.
much lighter for sure
This bag is out of my price range so it's not really in consideration but man, there's a lot of neat things about it.
Things I don't like, too. Full clamshell openings make me very nervous (I have anxiety of the thing accidentally being unzipped and EVERYTHING spilling out) and I'm not at all interested in packing my backpack like a suitcase, so that's a turn-off for me. And I don't tend to like separate laptop pockets or multiple "main" pockets.
BUT I LOVE this level of organization! This is the number of organization pockets I want and rarely see. I love that there are sleeves for BOTH a laptop and tablet, right next to each other, and plenty of organization so my smaller gear would all have it's own easy-to-access place. I really hate having to carry a bunch of separate pouches so this is perfect. Easier to reach into, grab all the things I need at once without having to sift through extra pouches.
Like you, I'm not big on that magnetic clasp for the external quick-access pocket. That would be a fine closure on a messenger bag, where a flap might cover that pocket, but I'd really prefer a zipper for an external pocket. I'd probably prefer an extra external quick access pocket, too.
Aesthetics look great, inside and out (I like that the inner lining offers contrast without looking cheap) though I am looking for a new backpack because my EDC load has grown again, more than is comfortable in my current messenger bag. So bag weight is definitely something to consider when I'm carrying a heavy load of gear.
And even if/when I do scale down my EDC again, I am a big/overweight guy and have found that slimmer and sleeker bags like this do not fit me very well. The last time I tried a few smaller backpacks, the straps were all too small/tight and very uncomfortable to wear. So that's something that always tempers the excitement I feel when I see a cool, sleek bag. It's hard to judge whether a bag will work for me without trying them on myself. Fit/comfort is unfortunately the ultimate dealbreaker.
Like I said, the price isn't feasible for me right now so it's all moot. But even with the things I don't like about it, ALL of this organization is EXACTLY what I'm looking for that I don't see in other bags. If it was more affordable, that fact alone would probably be worth it to me. Maybe someday.
Anyway, always appreciate how thoroughly you review bags. I don't always value the same features in a bag as you do (but it's always interesting how everyone has a different use-case and carry for bags and values different features) but I always get a good idea of what a bag is like because you go really in-depth on everything about them. 👍
Really appreciate that!!
Hope you guys do a review of the Joseph bonnie maverick soon! Is a bag inspired by a helmet bag
we'll check it out for sure!
I have the standard. It’s pretty great. Just nervous about water bottle spilling inside.
yea not ideal if you carry a water bottle around
Oh, about the magnetic QAP - I use them for non-secure EDC items. Tissues. Breath mints. Perhaps a cheap little gaming device.
I’d never put my wallet in one.
Yea that sounds about right 💪🏻
Stop the dangle indeed. All bags should have some sort of strap management system to prevent loose dangles.
#stopthedangle
Nice aesthetics. It gives me "I'm going to hang out at the coffee house" vibe. For work, I'd rather go with something like the Alpaka Elements Tech Brief Pro - looks more professional. For that external pocket, I would only put low value items in there - tissues, mints, etc.
more modern professional for sure
Is that the same lining as the Fyro?
close-ish but also very different pattern/color
The bag is giving modern Steampunk (an oxymoron combination).
I can imagine someone on the team being fed up with messenger bags getting all the leather-canvas treatment and decided to design a backpack instead for better spinal comfort 😅
Just googled “steampunk” - not far off haha
Nice bag for nostalgia and short commutes. One reason why new tech was developed or explored from other industries for bags is weight. Canvas and leather is way too heavy especially when lighter and just as strong or stronger and water resistant materials are available. This will be a pass for most people especially because of the price.
agreed its not for everyone, but many people do love the look/feel of these classy materials. Waterfield has a very niche but strong following!
are we not gonna discuss aaron's future dj career as dj Nomad AAron 😎
My DJ name is Radzilla
@@Nomads.Nation 💀
What do you mean it's like a burnt orange gold color?? It's the exact same color as your own bag 😂
its actually not! Might look at first glance, but the fabrics are quite different.
pah - tina
eh tomato tomato
Looks heavy
leather + waxed canvas = not light
Not for me at that price.
ain't cheap, that's for sure
Too heavy. Too expensive. Cheers mate.!
def heavy and not light
..as soon as you said "three hundred" I was out
not cheap for sure
That exterior is ugly as hell
It’s for character for sure
If you could pronounce the word Patina like a normal person, that would be great.
pass
The color is just..................ugly lol Nice interior design though
I love the color but to each their own 💪🏻
1. Use outdated, almost forgotten tech 2. Charge at a premium for no good reason 3. profit. Not a fan. Great review as always tho
Not almost forgotten tech.
in my opinion expensive fabrics + made in San Fran = extremely high costs = a good reason for charging the price they do