Tom Bihn Large Café Bag

By Guest Contributor, Kristine LeFevre

Introduction

I am an itinerate teacher. I travel from one school to another school every day. I also am a “soccer mom” and a Junior High and High School Track coach. I also am a quilter in my “spare time.” What does all this have to do with Tom Bihn’s Large Café bag? Everything. I carry my world with me everywhere I go, and I couldn’t do it without this bag.

Description

From the website, “The Café Bag is a hip accessory for travel and everyday use. It can be used to carry smaller laptops when you purchase the optional Size 5 (12" Powerbook or Small PC Laptops) or Size 6 Vertical Soft Cell (13" MacBook) laptop sleeve. The main, open-top compartment and front zippered pocket are covered by a flap that closes with the distinctive Tom Bihn offset buckle. On the back, you'll find a simple open-top pocket; inside, a snap-hook for your keys and two pockets for your checkbook, cellphone, and other items. The Café Bag rides on your shoulder with a padded 1-1/2" strap and can also be carried by a webbing handle on the top/back. You may purchase an optional removable waist strap, so you can wear it bike-messenger style.

It’s available in many colors. Large Size measures 12" x 13" x 3".

Exterior of 1000 Denier Cordura®. Lined with 500 denier Dupont Cordura®.”

Using the Bag

I can fit everything into it. From folders, binders, books, quilts, food, water bottles, cameras. It all goes in.

I use this bag as my purse, though Tom Bihn’s site makes sure that it is not perceived as one. It does have a male consumer population to appease, and it really works for them. It looks like a professional bag that would not look out of place on any male shoulder. It is tough, good looking and user friendly. It has one large pocket on the inside and smaller pockets for pens, phone, iPod, etc. It has a large open pocket in the back, where I put folders and mail and magazines. It has a zipper pocket in the front, which is pretty roomy.

Conclusion

I love this bag. I admittedly am a bag person. Some people do shoes, jewelry, and clothes. I do bags. (Wayne: All true. Trust me on this one. It’s almost silly!) This is the best bag I have ever had. (Again, that is truly saying something not to be taken lightly.) It has a key strap that I totally use for my work keys, and I would loose them every time if it didn’t.

The shoulder strap is strong and sturdy, but most of all comfy. It has a gel shoulder piece that slides up and down the strap so you can adjust it to your body, along with the strap length itself. It’s perfect for me, and I’m sure if you try it, you’ll find it perfect for you too. With this price, how could you go wrong?

I just love this bag!