The Eagle Creek Vagabond Courier Shoulder Bag

Bags | Eagle Creek Vagabond Courier

The Eagle Creek Vagabond Courier Shoulder Bag
The Eagle Creek Vagabond Courier Shoulder Bag

There is always that little bag we take where we put the stuff we readily access and need when we travel like mobile phones, passport, flight tickets, notebooks, mints etc. The type of bag differs from each people. Some prefers belt bags or fanny pack, personally I like using shoulder bags and keep them on my side. I have used a lot and to add to the growing list is the new Eagle Creek Vagabond Courier. A new shoulder bag geared for the mobile tech and smart urban traveler.

Eagle Creek sporting a new logo
Eagle Creek sporting a new logo

Eagle Creek Rebrand

It’s been quite a while since I used an Eagle Creek product, I liked their Twist Pack 22 I reviewed before but it seems Eagle Creek was confused as to which direction they are going. And since they rebranded last 2011, it seems they have found that their target are more on lifestyle travelers that have the zest for adventure but not really hardcore outdoorsman. I’ve been a fan of their product like their Packing Cubes and I’m glad the rebrand also sparked new design ideas on their products hoping that they also become a household name for travel.

iPad Ready

One thing that really appealed to me when I chose the Eagle Creek Vagabond Courier is that the size is a perfect fit for an iPad which I usually bring along with me. Even with a case, the iPad is a snug fit in its main compartment inner sleeve. I also think this would fit the slim MacBook Air 11″ or a small laptop. There is a padding at the base of the bag for initial protection.

Main compartment Secure-zip toggle (top) and the iPad inside the compartment sleeve
Main compartment Secure-zip toggle (top) and the iPad inside the compartment sleeve

A Pocketful Bag

I think Eagle Creek got a little carried away on adding pockets here but I’m not complaining as I like bags with many pockets. There are 6 main compartments on this bag 1 of which is an elastic pocket on the side that fits regular sized 8-12oz bottle for water or beverage.

The main compartment uses what they call a Secure-Zip Toggle closure where one of the zippers uses a durable string attached to a solid plastic pull-up that can be inserted through a hole found at one end of the strap and lock it there. This prevents the main compartment from easily being opened. I’m just not sure how durable that string is or how easy it can break. Inside the main compartment, it is spacious enough for the iPad and other items like books and documents. There is another zippered pocket to store important items. The main compartment can fit items the size of a regular magazine. I was even able to put a large DSLR camera there with a lens.

The front compartment is neatly organized with slots for cards, mobile phones, pens, a zippered pocket and also a key fob. This organized compartment is secured with a front flap with a buckle lock. The flap itself even has its own pocket for easy access items. There’s also a reflective line above the zipper, handy for low light visibility safety.

On one side of the bag is another zippered compartment for anything like eyeglasses or shades. This is secured with an elastic support to prevent items from falling when opened. The rear of bag also has another zipper which you can put anything like receipts , cards or a small notebook.

Clockwise: The front, side and back pockets
Clockwise: The front, side and back pockets

Metro Design

The Eagle Creek Vagabond Courier comes in two colors, the black with crimson accents and the shaded gray with orange accents. They both look nice but I preferred the reserved black one while retaining the modern urban design, it can be brought in an informal meeting in a coffee shop or even out of town travel. The bag uses a a combination of quality fabric including ripstop that can withstand a few drizzles and rain.

Comfort and Use

The strap is thin but adjustable with a movable shoulder pad support. There’s also the small unobtrusive top grab handle when I need to pick up or lift my bag. It’s actually a very comfortable bag to use, the size is just right. The bag can carry up to 11L which I haven’t tried loading that much but I did brought a camera and an iPad inside the bag but it is still comfortable to bring.

What I liked

  • Perfect fit for an iPad, Tablet or a small slim laptop
  • Lots of pockets!
  • Just the right size
  • Nice modern design can be brought for business or adventure travel alike
  • Well organized front pocket

What I didn’t care for

  • I’m not that convinced with the Secure-zip Toggle. It feels flimsy that I could break it if I accidentally pulled hard.
  • Front flap buckle not that intuitive to lock when carrying

Verdict

There’s little not to like with this bag, it is actually becoming my daily carry on bag in the city or even in travel. The compartments are secure, the built and design definitely looks very well made. It’s also good enough to use for formal occasions yet rugged enough to take for some adventure trips. It’s a fantastic bag for the urban vagabond.

Eagle Creek Vagabond Courier SRP at Php 3,490 (US$ 82)


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