The bag is very well made; it is one of the best bags I have handled, not priced over $300. It is not too big and not too small, and there are some very nice features:
-I prefer conservative branding. It's more professional for those who would carry this to the office with them.
-The bag material is very high quality. This bag will last for many years.
-The rubberized lid is very nice.
-The zipper pull tabs are a quality touch.
-While I did not think I would like the pockets with the center snap to hold bottles, I actually prefer this to dedicated pockets; you have the option to snap for bottles or unsnap for something else if you are not carrying bottles.
-The bottom is reinforced for wear, but not tacky so that it sticks to everything and rather than sliding, would rollover. (Well done here).
-I love the vertical shoe compartment. It takes up less interior space inside the bag than horizontal shoe storage.
-The tablet sleeve is a nice touch, although I do not have a use for it. I do see the value; there are virtual classes at my gym where the participants bring in their iPad and take the class together or watch TV on the bike or treadmill.
There are a couple of areas that I think could use some improvement:
-Add structure to the bag; a stiffening sheet in the bottom of the bag, definitely in the lid, and in the outer sides of the bag would be very nice to hold it open. The bag does not 'flop' around like cheaper ones out there, but without structure, it does fold in half while over my shoulder. I do not care for this.
-I would like a second shoe compartment (one side for squat shoes, the other for runners, or wet clothes, or chalk for example). Maybe offer a larger bag with the same main compartment dimensions but add a second shoe compartment, or add a divider and expanding zipper closure to allow one pair, then expand for two pairs of shoes in the current shoe compartment. I hate getting chalk all over my stuff and the inside of the bag.
-The carry handle currently has a hook and loop wrap-around closure. I recommend rubber handles that join with magnets. Easy to close and open without the hassle of the wrap. Use the same magnetic snap on the outer pockets, these would work perfectly to join the carry handle.
Totally recommend this bag, and KK, if you decide to incorporate some of the above recommendations and need someone to test the bag, sign me up. I would be happy to put it through the wringer.
Also, while I do like the layout of some of the other bags you offer, do not discontinue this bag. The vertical shoe compartment is what sold me on this bag over the competition after weeks of online research. Maybe offer it in red as well?
Black