For a few weeks now I’ve been testing a prototype backpack or my friends over at Under The Weather. Their regular fare consists of beautiful and bombproof single-strap messenger bags, often with funky custom embroidery and appliqué designs adoring the flap. They’ve recently decide to add a two-strap ‘Urbanista‘ bag to their lineup, which is wonderful for students an other people who don’t need the kind of instant-access bag that a messenger requires, and want something more comfortable (like me!).  I’m not authorized to show photos of the prototype, probably because I managed to booger on it after a particularly cold ride up the hill to my home.

While the prototype bag had some inevitable issues, those have all been ironed out in the finished product, and I’m pleased to report that my brand new Urbanista is extremely comfortable and sits nicely on my shoulders both on and off the bike.

This is a big deal for me, because I ride with a full bag to and from my classes, but I do my grocery trips on foot, so I really need this kind of versatility. I just hoist the bag up high on my back (using two handy little pull cords on the sides) for riding, and release the cords with my thumbs when I want to lower the bag for walking.  There’s a well-designed chest strap, too, which cinches up or loosens off with a quick little tug. I haven’t seen this design on a chest strap before, and it seems to be similar to the method used in the messenger bags. It’s a simple and elegant solution.

The front pocket is surprisingly spacious - it holds my wallet, keys, Kleenex, power cord for the iPhone, lip balm, change purse, gum, headphones, moisturizer, and folding Allen key set, with room to spare. Okay, I’m a bit of a pack rat. Inside the bag there’s a small zipper pouch that attached to the bag with Velcro, which is a nice touch.

It works as a pencil case, but you could easily use it for cash, tools, electronics, snacks or whatever you want to keep dry and protected. Not that the inside of this bag is likely to get wet. I think you’d need a tropical rainstorm to get past the waterproof TPU liner and rain-resistant design. There’s a small open pouch attached to the back on the inside as well, but I’ve only used it once, for an important document that I wanted to ensure wouldn’t get rumpled.

I already own several UTW bags, and they’ve all held up very well to the abuse I’ve given them, so I’m confident that this one will be well worth the asking price.  I’m still glad I won mine, though