JanSport Elefunk Metro Messenger Bag

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Customer Reviews

Great for grad student with long days

I am a graduate student who also has an internship after searching for the perfect back that was both functional (pockets to organize, room for books, water bottle holder) and professional looking (I got the chocolate) I found the this bag. I knew I wanted a messenger because it seems like every younger working professional had one and I wanted something that would look more grown-up than my usual backpack. I also wanted a messenger so my back didn't get sweaty in the summer and so I wouldn't have to worry about my coat hood getting stuck in the winter.

At first I thought it was really big for my 5'6 frame but I quickly got used to it. It has a great front flap pocket to keep my ipod, train pass and other items that I need to get to quickly. The larger pocket expands to fit about 2 textbooks and a notebook along with my lunch. I wish it had a handle on the top for when I don't want to carry it on my shoulder but I do grab the little loop on the back to hold it on my lap. Flap fasteners are also great to slip a newspaper through. It does sometimes hurt my shoulder when I have a lot to carry, but I expect that (a backpack hurts as well!) and just switch shoulders. If you are looking for a practical bag to carry items for school and/or work that looks professional, I'd opt for this bag.

The perfect bag...for college students.

After reading quite a few negative reviews for this bag, I thought I would write a review to clarify something. This is a messenger bag, not a backpack. A messenger bag was and is never meant to hold all the items a backpack can. So basically, if you're using this bag for school purposes, keep this in mind. This bag can hold items for possibly up to 3 classes. So while it's perfect for a college student who might have a class, then another class right after it. This bag would be horrible for a high school student, who might have to drag home texts for six classes.

Of most messenger bags, the Elefunk bag is probably going to be your best choice, cause of its size and number of compartments. We have 3 of these bags, 2 of which are used for education, and the third is used as a utility/diaper family bag. For education, as I stated before, it's best for college students. The main compartment is spans out and can hold 2 college texts, binders, and study guides snug. Keyword there is snug, cause it's not big enough to carry more. Inside the main compartment is a little sleeve held tight by a velcro patch. I use this to keep my study guides from my texts. Okay, next comes the the front pocket attached to the main compartment. This compartment is big enough to fit my 12 inch iBook in a neopreen cover, or a 13 inch MacBook bare. Warning, if you place your MacBook in this pouch, careful how you toss this bag around, cause it offers no padding and is very unforgiving. Inside this front pouch is a zippered sleeve fine for putting loose change or maybe id cards or what not. Next to the zippered sleeve are two pouches for pens and pencils, even a TI calculator, that is if you're not planning on putting your notebook in that pouch. Don't worry though, cause attached to that pouch on the outside are two zippered compartments opposite one another to the front pouch. On one side I put my black leather data file, and on the other side, I put my TI-89 calculator. Then that leaves the flap, which is secured to the bag using strong plastic clips. On the front of the pouch is a zippered compartment. Which I pretty much can only use it to pack up a couple magazines to read, if I'm waiting between classes. You can also use it to pack up headphones or earbuds, to listen to you iPod or whatever. As for the shoulder strap, it's about as comfy as it's going to get. Keep in mind, you're lugging 20 to 30 pounds of books and supplies, it's not suppose to feel like a Chinese massage. But I can't complain.

As for a family bag. Eh, I wouldn't suggest this to a newly mother who wants to go down to a mall. Cause stores will not let your take this bag in there. But if you're on a trip, or going on a flight, this bag is excellent. You can pack away all your babies needs, and other essentials.

Anyway, I just didn't like seeing a product I use, and like, getting knocked, cause a couple people misjudged how to use it properly. Again, if you're taking more than 2 or 3 classes at a time, this bag isn't for you. But if you're a run of the mill college student, who takes a class or two at a time, then goes home. This bag is a must.

Pretty Good - Except for handle

The picture doesn't do this bag justice. The colors are way cooler than this picture. I really like this bag. I pack it with about 40 lbs of books with no problem. My only complaint is the rinky-dink handle on the top of the bag. There are times when I just want to carry my bag without putting it over my shoulder but the handle hurts my hand because it's so tiny and cheap.

Backpack or laptop case?

I purchased this bag for my husband. He's put it thru some pretty rough days. It doubles as a laptop case some days and still stays strong. Great as always - Jansport lives up to it's rep!

Awsome bag

Basically just bought the bag to carry a sketch book and some pencils in but it would be great for other stuff. The color is cool and its well made with lots of pockets for all your stuff.