Ona Union Street Messenger Bag - Ranger Tan

Sometimes I don't want to tote around a bunch of camera gear in one bag and my laptop in another. Some shoots just need a camera body and a couple of lenses, and a laptop (and the usual junk of cables and paperwork). Sometimes I don't want to walk down the street carrying a bag that says "hey, I am full of expensive camera gear, mug me".I was originally looking for a messenger bag to fit my laptop in, nothing to do with camera gear. Then I happened on this bag. It absolutely fit the bill. All the interior dividers are removable, making this not just a bag for a laptop and camera, but also a regular messenger bag as needed.The bag isn't inexpensive. But then it seems like a really well made bag. Ridiculously well made to be honest. Thick, substantial, well padded for gear. The canvas looks like it will last a lifetime. Well designed too.Oh - and I can just just just shove my 17" laptop in it. It is tight, but it works.

I looked at the video on the ONA site, looked at the description/pictures of what you're supposed to be able to fit in this bag, and I've got to wonder if the bag they used on the videos has a false or expandable bottom. I got this bag to use on the plane and when I'm not carrying that much in the way of camera gear. I need to be able to bring my 15" MacBook Pro, a camera body(D7000), grip, three lenses (18-200 on the camera, two primes in one compartment), wallet, business cards, cable for the MacBook, IPad and portable hard drive. I got everything in but the IPad and portable hard drive, and even without those two items, I needed a forklift to lift it. And where am I suppose to put spare batteries? Where am I to put the charger? Where do I put the SDHC card holder? It's pretty but not all that practical, especially for the price, and if I can't figure out a way to make this work to my advantage, it's going to have to go back. I wanted to try and use it on a day shoot, but even at that, what I listed is the bare minimum of what I need with me on a shoot without bringing my Lowepro 100x (the small, rolling bag with the lock on the side). It's gotten so that on planes, even the Lowepros won't fit in the overhead bins unless it's the small backpack (which doesn't hold my MacBook Pro), and I'm no WAY, no how checking my expensive camera gear. I was hoping this bag would work; It doesn't look like it will. And for $309, I expected better.

When I first purchased the ONA bag, my first impressions were just as positive as others' experiences. I don't have to repeat all the positive reviews, but I was very impressed that the bag was attractive and discreetly sized. It seemed to be very well made. Fitting in several lenses and a body made it tight and I wasn't able to fit much else into the front pocket. However, that forced me to be selective in what I really needed to bring. That's a positive thing for someone who typically overpacks.The ONA has functioned for me especially well. Wearing a suit to work every day, I can bring my camera into work and still look professional. Some people have even told me they thought it was a work bag after they discovered that I keep my camera in it.Anyway, I like to make reviews after I've put merchandise through its paces. My impression is not as positive as it once was.The biggest disappointment is the design and stitching of the handle. There's only one handle on the bag and this causes the stitching holding it to the bag to bear the entire weight load. The weight of a loaded bag would add stress to the stitching. While walking, the bag comfortably tilts away from your legs.After only 6 months of use, the stitching at the handle came undone. The last thing I want to do is carry expensive camera equipment and have the bag tip and come falling on the ground, no matter how well padded it is.I contacted customer service and received this response, which I feel grossly inadequate, "we're very sorry to hear about the stitching on the handle of your bag. If we had known about your concerns on the handle beforehand, we would have informed you that the handle on top of the bag is a grab handle, intended for quick grabs, not for carrying the bag long distances. We've designed the bag with one handle because with the messenger design of the bag, having two handles would obstruct access to the inside of the bag."They did not admit the design flaw, but did offer to repair it under warranty. They stitched the handle through the interior of the bag and the stitches are exposed on the interior making the bag less attractive. I'm not happy with that type of craftsmanship from the warranty repair. It solves the problem, however, for now... but I still worry about it occurring again in the future.The only other complaint I have about the bag is the shoulder strap, which constantly becomes twisted at either end where it attaches to the bag. The "leather" at these two points bunch up frequently and makes the issue worse.I'm not certain that the "leather" accents are real leather. They feel and seem like faux leather to me.I still use the bag regularly, especially when on day trips or traveling on vacation.The bag doesn't scream for attention and that's what I like most about the bag. Well, that and it's a pretty bag.Nonetheless, I am giving it a 3 star review, given the price coupled with the issues stated above. Although I am still satisfied with the bag overall and still use it, I expected better quality workmanship and customer service.I will post photos in the gallery for others to see.