Look what arrived on my doorstep a mere THREE DAYS after ordering!
[And here is where I'll post a photo. Gimme time.]
Nice work, ebags!
The quick stats:
17.5″ x 13″ x 3.5″
, Polyester Ballistic, 2lbs 8z
First off the bags is slightly different from the pic on the ebags’ site. The black version now has full pleather straps, which feels more secure, and offer slightly more padding than the previous fabric version. The pleather also is used as a decorative detail on the outermost pocket, which is also a nice, subtle style improvement.
As for the fabric, it is lightweight yet tough. It’s not on par with the heavier/thicker weave Briggs & Riley totes/duffles I own, yet those bags are also slightly heavier in comparison.
The profile is relatively slim, which makes it easier to carry, but unfortch also means it doesn’t easily stand up on its own. Even with said thin profile, I was able to fit in my massive black Gateway P6h831-FX with battery attached. That was a welcome surprise, as this gaming lappy is no compartively skinny macbook pro. It’s a tight fit, for sure, but it’s no struggle to zip up.
The most I would try to stuff in this bag. For a sense of scale, that’s a full-sized mouse. Does that help?
Working the AC adapter into the second pocket took some effort, but it too (eventually) fit. That task would have been much easier if the two front pockets had the same “accordion” design as the interior file pockets. Said pockets can accommodate a 1/2″ binder with ease, and there are additional pockets in the back of the bag, and within the laptop compartment.
Plenty of organization options for more folders, thin software manual, etc. but I didn’t try to carry anything else as I really started feeing “it” my shoulder. You know you are hauling too much when the refrain “I need to work out again” keeps going through in your head. Although as bonus, doing curls with this bag really made my biceps burn. Score!
At first blush, Decode’s tote meets all my needs. If I was taking the Gateway with me everyday I’d opt for a backpack to 1)carry more items 2)avoid shoulder separation. But as I only plan to take it with me maybe once or twice a month on trips, this tote design is more than adequate. It’s feminine, but not girly, practical, tough enough, carries what I need and matches my casual-professional style perfectly. So far, so good.
Btw, Ebags is currently running a Mother’s Day sale on this bag, with allegedly free gift-wrapping (although I didn’t get any. You might need to enter a special code.) It’s currently $49.99– that’s 44% off list– but if you are patient they”ll have another 20% off promo that drops it down another $10 
