Gootium Canvas Messenger Bag - Small Vintage Shoulder Purse Crossbody Satchel

Perfect for what I need. There are plenty useful pockets, although I had hoped the side ones would fit my stainless water bottles but they are a bit too tight. They will however accommodate regular plastic ones... so that is where I now keep my glasses. It appears to be very well constructed using quality materials.The only head scratcher is a rather large label sewn to the inside which reads "Affection Remains Unchanged Your Choice, We Made". I assume this unit was assembled for the US or at least English speaking market? How much more effort would it have taken to include a message using proper English? Or better yet, don't include it at all. A greater attention detail in this area would have taken the perceived value of the bag up a notch.

I got the bag and although it has plenty of space there was too much stuff added to the bag that I changed and that was to suit my personal preferences. First I wanted a small messenger bag and the size is perfect but still plenty of room. The things I removed made it more personal for my taste. I removed the overly large name plate on the front of the bag. If the brand name had been much smaller I would have left it, but it is large and really made it look cheap. The next thing I removed on both sides of the bag was the closure flaps and the snap on them. I like to be able to drop my keys in one and don't want or need a closure flap so both of those came off too. I can put a water bottle or a rolled up umbrella in the other side pocket, so no closure flaps needed. Inside the purse I also took off yet another large label that wasn't needed at all. Once I made all my changes I was very happy with the messenger bag. There is a large open pocket on the main body of the front of the bag and later I will probably add a velcrow closure so nothing can fall out. I like to keep pens, a small note book, and other small items in it but that pocket is large enough to put my cell phone in it too. Inside the bag is a zippered compartment that I can put extra money or a check book so they're safe and no one can see them if I'm looking for something when shopping. The main body of the bag is roomy for just about anything I carry. I keep an appointment booklet with my many appointments, my wallet, and other things like a coin change holder and business cards from all my doctors and dentist. All in all, its very well made. I got the brown colored bag and it looks much better to me without all the extra stuff they added to the bag. The cross body strap can be adjusted to what ever length you need and I'm really happy that no shoulder pad was added to the strap. The canvas is a good quality canvas and not too soft like a hobo bag for instance or too hard where it would bee too stiff either. The best part is even with all my stuff in the bag it is not heavy at all and the size is just right for me. I have other messenger bags but all of them are just too big. and really too heavy too. making them feel like a suitcase hanging rom my shoulder.This is a perfect size and weight and without all the "extras froo froo" on the bag it suits me just fine.

Very high quality. Good strong materials.

Great bag. Good Quality. Dependable. Fast delivery

A great little bag, especially considering the price. I did my own modifications to the bag to improve the design, which others may not have the time or willingness to take on. First I removed the embossed leather bag label, for a more generic “surplus” look (the thread removal does leave behind a mark to fabric which I don’t mind). I also removed the small inseam label. I hand washed the entire bag to soften the fabric and to increase fading marks for a more vintage look. I then shaped the bag by hand, smoothing all seams (which arrive crumpled), then dried with a fan blowing on it. (As a side note, the leather color/dye didn’t bleed into canvass fabric). Also, I moved the two main buckle snaps down roughly two inches (the ones attached to body of bag). This allows the main flap and buckle straps to hang down with a smoother look. It doesn’t effect how much you can fit in the bag, but improves the look when you don’t have many items in the bag (otherwise the main flap flops over and the buckles don’t hang nicely). To improve the look of the leather I rubbed all parts with my fingers to burnish the surface. I’ve done this several times already, and the oils from your hand darken the leather, adding to a vintage look. I think this bag will only improve over time with use.

This is quality gear, & the price is certainly reasonable. I purchased the olive brown model. I see what "InMyOpinion" meant by relocating the front buckles. This would be especially true if, like mine, the pouch isn't filled to capacity. I'll leave the buckles alone for now, but I'm in the process of implementing a couple of simple modifications for my use.(1) The convenient front open pocket under the outside flap can pose some security issues especially for smaller items. Even with the outer flap closed, an accidental drop, for example, could mean those items could fly out & be lost. A zipper would be ideal, but I've planned to install a couple of magnets to at least help hold the pocket's top closed yet allow for easy, repetitive access.(2)The zipper ends of the bag's main area are left disconnected from the pouch sides. I'm not certain as to why this was done, but I've sewn the ends' zipper fabric to the sides. While the main compartment isn't completely sealed, it's more secure than it originally was. It doesn't adversely affect compartment use & the entire pouch unexpectedly has a bit more structure to it when sitting in an unsupported manner.This model offers sufficient organisation without overdoing things with numerous pockets. I'm not knocking such additions, but I don't need them for how I use this as my EDC.I plan to waterproof the canvas which ought to enhance content protection. Gootium provides a well-constructed shoulder pouch, & their quality production offers an attractive, casual character with just a hint of vintage military. Shipment was amazingly quick & well packaged also.