I’ve since sent the bag to Mitchell, so hopefully he can answer.

I’m trying to understand the measurements of this bag, as I’m in two minds over whether to get the L or S version for my Sony SZ laptop.

The laptop compartment seems to be quite a bit smaller than the external measurement but the bag design doesn’t quite seem to explain that, as the compartment would appear to go from the very bottom of the bag to the very top. Or is there some thick padding at the bottom which accounts for the difference between the internal and external measurement? This difference is approx 4cm on the L version but is double that at nearly 8cm on the S version of the bag, which I find even more puzzling.

Hope you can help. Many thanks.

- First, both the pictures you have carrying it as well as a video I saw on another site show it worn across the body like your typical messenger. That’s fine for heavier loads or longer walks but for quick “pick up and go”, I’d probably just throw it over one shoulder and let it hang on that side. I wonder how feasible/comfortable the strap’s design is for wearing it like this. For reference I’m a 5’6” guy.

It’s fine to wear it that way – you;ll just need to adjust the strap is all.

- One thing that isn’t clear from the pictures is the interior compartment area with the padded pockets. I can see exactly what you mean about it being a perfect place to hold loose cables. However, I wonder how suitable that area is for placing loose items like a PSP in its case, a sunglass case, etc. If you had a 15” laptop in the laptop area and maybe a magazine or 2 in that “deep open pocket”, is there enough room to put a few items in the interior compartment even if there were cables taking up space in the padded pockets? It kind of seems like when you zip up the bag, that area might push pretty flat and thus not offer a lot of room for anything substantial to be loosely placed there.

I suppose it would depend upon how “stuffed” the bag is, but I think it could still hold the items you described. The bag is currently on its way to Mitchell – We can get him to load it up and weigh in.

- I have a 15” MacBook Pro but I will be getting a 12” PC notebook or tablet in the near future. I’m thinking then that I’d get the Mamba L to use for both (not at the same time, of course) and just get a sleeve for the 12” so that it doesn’t just flop around inside the larger notebook compartment. Any thoughts on doing this specifically with the Mamba L?

That is totally how I would do it, myself.

- Given the depth and width of the base, it would seem like it stands up on its own vertically. That could be deceiving though. Have you found that it is able to even with a full load?

Not really – think of this more as a bag that leans.

- Like you, I myself prefer that a messenger bag have a handle. It just makes for easier grabbing on the run. Does the Mamba’s feel pretty sturdy when you pick it up fully loaded?

It is very sturdy – but it is not overly padded. If you plan on carrying the bag by the handle for long periods of time, it’s going to dig into your palm. It serves its purpose very well though – it is handy for grabbing and moving the bag, or carrying for a bit when you need to relieve a shoulder.

Unfortunately, without the ability to see it in person at retail before I buy, I’m making a few guesses. Here’s what I’m thinking and, if you wouldn’t mind, let me know what you think.

- First, both the pictures you have carrying it as well as a video I saw on another site show it worn across the body like your typical messenger. That’s fine for heavier loads or longer walks but for quick “pick up and go”, I’d probably just throw it over one shoulder and let it hang on that side. I wonder how feasible/comfortable the strap’s design is for wearing it like this. For reference I’m a 5’6” guy.

- One thing that isn’t clear from the pictures is the interior compartment area with the padded pockets. I can see exactly what you mean about it being a perfect place to hold loose cables. However, I wonder how suitable that area is for placing loose items like a PSP in its case, a sunglass case, etc. If you had a 15” laptop in the laptop area and maybe a magazine or 2 in that “deep open pocket”, is there enough room to put a few items in the interior compartment even if there were cables taking up space in the padded pockets? It kind of seems like when you zip up the bag, that area might push pretty flat and thus not offer a lot of room for anything substantial to be loosely placed there.

- I have a 15” MacBook Pro but I will be getting a 12” PC notebook or tablet in the near future. I’m thinking then that I’d get the Mamba L to use for both (not at the same time, of course) and just get a sleeve for the 12” so that it doesn’t just flop around inside the larger notebook compartment. Any thoughts on doing this specifically with the Mamba L?

- Given the depth and width of the base, it would seem like it stands up on its own vertically. That could be deceiving though. Have you found that it is able to even with a full load?
- Like you, I myself prefer that a messenger bag have a handle. It just makes for easier grabbing on the run. Does the Mamba’s feel pretty sturdy when you pick it up fully loaded?

Thanks in advance for any light you can shed on these and please excuse my unbelievable level of detail.

Jeff