I spent a long time looking for a bag as I really dislike how most bags look, but I also have a back issue that means I can't just have a bag swinging free when it's full.

I love this bag. I like how it looks and how it's worn. It's unusual and quirky but not silly, and it doesn't compromise function to keep its cool look.

The easily adjustable strap and shape mean that it's much more comfortable than other messenger bags I've bought. It stays tight to my back if I want it to, rather than dangle to one side putting uneven pressure on my shoulder/lower back, and it's very easy to loosen and tighten compared to most fiddly Messenger bag straps. It's the first messenger bag I've had that is just as comfortable and safe on my back as my old ugly-but-ergonomic rucksack.

It has less space than I thought it would from the description, but I'm not taking off a star as it still fits everything I need it to. Right now, I have a 14" MacBook with a mini separate keyboard and mouse, a charger and cable, sunglasses, 2 sets of keys and some other little bits and pieces all fitting comfortably. I don't think this will suffice as a hand luggage alternative the way my old backpack did, but it does what it's supposed to. The well-designed zip mesh pockets keep things together and the laptop partition is a welcome feature missing from most bags of this type.

The magnet that holds the top flap closed isn't super strong, so if you overfill it, that flap will stand up straight, but I expect this is deliberate to make the most of the space. I don't like that aesthetically, but even with the above stuff in my bag, it's not a problem. If I add a hardback book though to the above then it doesn't fold over. The bag still shuts fine though - and that magnet is stronger - so it's more a looks issue than a function issue.

The outside zips are really well designed. Easy to reach and open without needing to look, but still discreet and hidden. The top zip for the large front pocket is covered by the flap, and the other zip for the small pocket is nicely hidden by the design. I wear this tight on my back and I'm not worried about pickpockets. It's very easy to just swing round to the front and wear like a pouch if I am concerned.

I also really like the elasticated water bottle/thermos "hammock" in the middle of the bag, enabled by the foldover design. It means that if my bottle is wet for some reason, I don't have to worry about any moisture touching my electronics. It also means I can access it without opening the bag.

I appreciate how easy it is to take off with the single tap magnetic buckle, but that's also my only real negative on this bag - occasionally you can accidentally tap this and release the strap. It means I wouldn't wear this while cycling for example.

The laptop pocket provides decent if not amazing protection, but it's not really the kind of bag you buy if protecting your laptop is your main priority. There isn't room for me to put a cushion sleeve on my MacBook, but I feel it has perfectly adequate protection for carrying around on a typical day. I wouldn't just throw it in a crowded trunk with the MacBook in there though.

This is easily the best designed messenger bag I've had - the only one that's genuinely hands free and never needs a spare steadying hand. The material is soft to touch but very strong. I believe it when it says it's slash proof. The handle on the back is a nice addition that means you can hold it like a briefcase or slide it over luggage, and each part feels well thought through. It definitely feels like a bag designed by someone who actually planned to use it.