Seal Line Urban Shoulder Bag

Concept: 4 out of 5
Execution: 2 out of 5
Yeah, but: A good design is let down by a couple of material problems.

The Long Version: I bought the small size of the Seal Line 'Urban Shoulder Bag' in July as I was looking for a replacement for my too-small ninja-turtle-inspired mec Flux sling pack. I wanted something small enough to not be annoying, but big enough to carry my daily necessities to and from work, and there are bonus points if it's orange. I'm not an inherently colourful person, but I have an orange suitcase, orange sling pack, and orange umbrella. So when I found this shoulder bag from a reputable maker of outdoorsy-gear, I knew it was for me despite a fair bit of sticker-shock.

There are two unique features of this bag. One is the material, a waterproof coated fabric that's very lightweight. The other is the closure system. Instead of the ubiquitous velcro or plastic snaps, it uses broad metal hooks on elastic shock-cord under the lid that grip the plastic lugs on the body of the bag. It's an elegant system that's essentially silent, and became easy to use once I got used to it. Inside the bag is an organizer panel that holds pens and other small items, a slash pocket at the back that's good for slim books (but not even small laptops), and a good-sized main compartment with a soft elasticized bottle-holder on each end. One side holds my water bottle, the other holds my flashlight and orange umbrella. As much as anything else, these two holders was the reason I bought the bag. 

The back has a ventilated foam panel that provides good padding for the contents of the bag, and makes it comfortable to carry. The shoulder strap and its pad are also remarkably unannoying, with the pad staying in place on the strap without any fuss, and the times that I've been caught in the rain the bag has proven itself completely impervious to the elements.

It feels like there's a "but" coming, doesn't it?

Unlike some other bags, this one doesn't stretch or change shape to accommodate its contents. If I want to carry something that's just a little too big, it won't fit. As much as I like the quiet hooks that close the bag, those plastic snaps on long straps do a better job of holding oversized stuff. Day-to-day this isn't an issue, but it's a nuisance on those occasions when it is. It wouldn't be the best choice for someone who can't choose what they carry - maybe that's why Seal Line calls it a 'shoulder bag' instead of using the trendier 'messenger' word.

Since I bought it to carry a specific load and it does it perfectly, I really can't complain. My reason for only giving it an 'average' execution score is that after only four months of use is has already shown some flaws. The inner organizer pocket with a zipper - there's only one - is made of mesh, which has started to rip at the bottom. This is about the only place to put valuables without them sliding around when the bag is set down on its back, so naturally it gets all of my pocket change, wallet, and occasionally my 770SW camera. I suspect that it's the camera that did the damage, as it's fairly heavy, but I think it just accelerated the inevitable.

The other materials issue is that some of the fabric trim around the front flap has come unstitched, and the bag is showing some wear marks where it creases. I don't mind genuine wear and tear, and there are enough Timbuk2 bags out there proving that this can enhance a bags' appearance. The colour of the Seal Line bag has faded a bit to a more muted colour, and I like that it has its own personality now, but the flaw in the stitching speaks to a bag that's just not as well made as it should be.

I wouldn't say that it's particularly better than the various MEC-branded carryall bags that I've used but only cost half as much. I prefer the Seal Line's styling, closure, and trust its weatherproofing, but no longer expect that it will last me forever. I'd be kidding myself if I ever pretended that my quest for the perfect bag was over, but at least I've found a really good one for now.