Samsonite Colombian Leather Flap-Over Messenger Bag

Finally writing a review after 6 years of ownership. This bag manages to look fantastic and remains incredibly functional between the laptop sleeve, interior space, and various pockets. It has stood up to daily use over 6 years and remains in perfect working order. All clasps work well, the strap is fantastic, and the leather finish looks worn but classy. Honestly I bought it originally for $100, but it has done its job (and more) and I would pay the current price in a heartbeat if I damaged it. Though it seems indestructible, so more likely I would lose it. 5 stars.

11/7/2017 Updated Review: This coming February, I will have had this bag for three years. I work remotely, so it has not seen daily use, but it has been on 30+ business trips. Since I don't get that many direct flights out of Des Moines, it's been on 100+ flights: under seats and in overhead bins. It has spent countless hours hanging from my shoulder and from restaurant chairs. I've tossed it into back seats & trunks of rental cars, taxi's, & ubers. It has spent a considerable amount of time being schlepped around while perched on top of my carry on roller. It's also seen it's share of time on the floor.All in all it's been a great bag. Here's my list of observations:1. This thing has held up really well and I feel like I have really gotten my money's worth out of it. If it got destroyed, lost, or stolen, I would replace it with another one just like it (unless I had a bunch of extra cash and could buy a Saddleback.)2. I now wish it were a bit shorter. For the past 2 1/2 years, I've had ThinkPad X1 Carbon 14" laptop. It has a considerably smaller footprint than my old 15.6" T530, so there is excess room that I don't need for my laptop3. Leather is fading a little bit in the high wear areas: one side of the main compartment where I am always reaching into it for small items, and on the back where it rubs on my hip when I am carrying it. Overall, the leather has held up well.4. I wish the buckles used rare earth magnets instead of the snaps - it would make it more convenient to open the flap.5. Interior pockets have remained intact, linings still like new with no tears or separated seamsMy first review: Excellent briefcase so far. Have received compliments on it and it is holding up well. I don't use it daily ... have only used it for business trips a couple times. Holds a lot of stuff, and I am happy with the internal layout. Not as many pockets as my old one, but that helps me to leave stuff at home that only serves to weight me down in the airports anyway. This was one of few leather bags in this price range that could fit my 15.6" laptop (Lenovo T530 with extended battery pack).

Bought this as a graduation gift in preparation for work, and have been using it on a regular basis for about two weeks or so.The fit and finish of this bag is simply fantastic - the entire bag is made of soft supple leather with rustic-looking bronze buckles to match. The bag is sturdily constructed and retains its shape very well even when emptied. I actually prefer the darker shade of brown leather that I received than the reddish-brown color as depicted in the product photos - it looks more professional. The bag is impressive, stylish and beautiful.The bag is relatively big and spacious - it can easily fit a 15-inch laptop and probably another tablet with space leftover for accessories and some folders/documents. It certainly isn't a slim briefcase of any kind, and can get quite heavy and bulky once you start filling it up.The only con I can think of is that the shoulder strap is made of fabric with leather padding which doesn't make for the most comfortable carrying experience. Because the leather padding is somewhat small and inflexible, it doesn't rest as nicely on my shoulder as I would like it to be.Nevertheless, in summary, this is an beautiful and inexpensive professional leather briefcase for young graduates or even seasoned professionals out there. I would wholeheartedly recommend this bag to any working professional. I purchased this bag for only around USD$86, and to me it is unbeatable value because the leather business bags at any departmental store can easily cost at least USD$250 or more. It definitely feels like a $250 bag and is an excellent product at an affordable price.

This was an anniversary gift of the fiancé, who is a school teacher. he has been wanting a nice bag for awhile, so I thought this would be a perfect surprise. I am impressed with the quality of this. The leather is in perfect condition, the rivets are pristine, and the buckles work very well. The buckles are not actual buckles, they just snap in, but this is a time saver, and will keep the buckles looking nice for much longer, and not get worn out. The strap included is great, there is a leather shoulder pad for comfort, and the strap itself is great quality with an adjustor for sizing preference. The pockets are plenty big. I was initially worried that the laptops, tablets, and everything would not fit, but there are no problems. He has fit a 15- inch laptop, a 9- inch tablet, and about an entire ream of papers (for grading) in along with the normal pens, pencils, and other material comfortably. I know this will be a bag that will last him for many years. I also purchased a leather cleaner/ conditioner, not knowing how this leather was actually going to be. In the future, he may need it, but from just purchasing, it will not be necessary.Overall, I highly recommend this, it is superb quality, with no defects. The price also cannot be beat! When I was comparing this to the $300 + bags, this seemed to be better quality, and for only ~ $100!!