Nomadic WR-08 Wise-Walker A4 Shoulder Bag - Black

I've barely owned this bag for a week and I'm already confident in saying that it's going to be worth every penny - it has tons of pockets on all sides, it's very roomy but doesn't look huge and bloated, the strap is comfortable, and all the external compartments have very secure closures (zipper/velcro).

I especially love the fact that it doesn't look so large. My previous daily use bag was a tote which I would constantly lose things in, and it could get very bulky. This bag holds everything I usually carried around in that tote, but keeps it nice and neat. The zippered pocket on the flap is great for tucking small pieces of paper into, like receipts, and the back compartment is padded, which is comfortable but would also be great for storing a netbook or similar.

The only downsides I can see are the price - for me I think this is a little expensive (but worth it) and possibly the velcro closures which are really secure, so if you're a student try not to put things you'll need during class times into the velcro pockets...!

I had a two-week wait for this bag (I don't live in the US) and when the Parcelforce man handed me the tiny, featherweight box, my heart sank. I suspected I'd ordered the wrong item. When I took it out of the packaging, the bag looked even smaller and I was steeling myself to the fact that I might need to return it. I really didn't believe it would take an A4 pad or a 13 inch laptop, let alone both. But it swallowed absolutely everything I loaded into it -- 13" laptop, several pads, A4 documents, pens, iPad, make-up bag, chargers, phone, snacks, and more -- with room to spare. It even took a Rhodia size 19 top-bound pad and its plastic cover, which is at least an inch longer than A4. I compared it to my other laptop bags (notably a Superdry one I bought recently) and they're much bulkier and yet only accommodate a fraction of the items that I can get into this bag with ease. The compartments are easy to access, and I can live with the Velcro noise. I took the precaution of spray-waterproofing it before taking it outside because I'd read reviews that suggested it might be showerproof but not rainproof, but that's probably my worry-gland working overtime. It sits close to the body so you can move through a train or plane easily - no smacking other passengers in the face with your bag as you struggle down the aisle. In other words - good design, and worth every penny. If they expand the colour and material range in this style, I'll be back for more.

I agree with the other reviewers - this bag is amazing. The size is perfect, with just the right number of pockets. I can carry all my gadgets if I choose, a slender notebook computer, a tablet with portable keyboard, even my Alphasmart Neo, (I don't though - the weight would kill me! - but they WOULD fit) as well as good ole traditional paper notebooks.

A big plus is how lightweight the bag is itself. Very nice, especially if you like to carry a few too many items with you.

The only downsides - and note that I did not take off a ratings star for these - is the sound of the velcro (can be loud!) and (as another reviewer already noted) the lack of a small pick up handle.

Great, great bag!

This bag is AMAZING. The design of this bag is top notch, making Nomadic products really stand out in a market filled with average shoulder bags. There are pockets EVERYWHERE. You can see in the pictures how many pockets this bag has but until you have one of these bags in your hands, you can't appreciate how useful this bag really is. The bright orange lining is perfect for finding what you need.

The one thing I would recommend as an addition to this bag would be a handle of some kind on top of the flap. It would make switching from shoulder bag to hand-held carry bag really easy. I carry this bag along with the Nomadic back pack. The back pack is for my books, bento, umbrella and other, smaller bags while the Shoulder bag carries my thermoses (two for water, one for tea), pens and inks. I'm still working with the configuration so this can change but one thing is for sure: these two bags can cover any EDC situation you may need.

I am into bags the way some women are into shoes so take it from me: it's really hard to beat the design, utility and WOW factor of Nomadic products. Don't take my word for it, though. Buy some of your own! Now! =)