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BBP Hamptons Hybrid Laptop Bag

*Est. $80

Reviewed

August 2012

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Converts from backpack to messenger style
Exterior pockets
High-contrast interior fabric
Quality construction

Cons

Bottom zipper can unzip itself
Flap magnet may not be strong enough
Reviewers disagree on comfort

Where to Buy

for $95.00

Our Analysis
Specs
27 Amazon Reviews

The BBP Hamptons Hybrid Messenger Backpack laptop bag offers the unique ability to carry one bag two ways. Long straps adjust to create a low-slung backpack or a more traditional messenger-bag configuration. Reviewers say that other, single-configuration bags may be more comfortable, but that this is a high-quality bag with good external pockets, water resistance and a few minor flaws.

Durability: A well-constructed bag that poses few problems for users.

Reviewers and users report that the BBP Hamptons Hybrid Messenger Backpack laptop bag is well made, including high-quality fabric, good stitching and sturdy zippers.

Comfort: Not as comfortable as some single-configuration bags.

Reviewers -- especially those who like the low-slung fit of the backpack configuration -- say that in general the Hamptons Hybrid is a comfortable bag. But many complain about some aspect of both arrangements, whether it is the loops and flapping straps on the messenger configuration or the buckles digging into one's back in the backpack version. Some find the bag very comfortable in both arrangements.

Appearance: Nothing fancy, but a quality look.

The Hamptons Hybrid isn't terribly stylish, but it does offer basic good looks and a quality look and feel. Some say the exterior pockets are attractive.

Warranty: A limited lifetime warranty and good customer service.

BBP offers a limited lifetime warranty on its bags, basically insuring them against failure due to manufacturing defects. Customers who have to make claims say their experience is generally a good one.

Features: A good value for a high-quality messenger bag, but you may find better.

Reviewers find the price of the BBP Hamptons Hybrid laptop bag is worth it for the quality and construction you get, and the price has dropped steadily lower as the bag has become more difficult to find. However, if you only plan to use either the messenger bag or backpack configurations and not both, there may be bags in the same price range that could be a better match.

Bottom Line: A laptop bag with a unique configuration twist.

There are not many bags on the market that successfully transition between messenger and backpack modes, making the BBP Hamptons Hybrid laptop bag an attractive buy for people who need to switch (those who occasionally load the bag more heavily than at other times, for example). Reviewers note that the quality is good and the external pockets are useful. If you plan to use the bag in only one arrangement, there may be better choices.

Where To Buy

BBP Hamptons Hybrid Messenger/Backpack Laptop Bag Obsidian Black XL

(27 reviews)
Buy new: $95.00 2 New from $99.95

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. Laptop Magazine

This roundup review gives the Editors' Choice award to the Bumbakpaks (now called BBP) Flow Hybrid messenger bag, praising its lumbar "bum" pads that cushion the lower back, and the way it converts from messenger bag to backpack.

Review: The Big Bag Blowout: Bumbakpaks Flow, Editors of Laptop magazine

2. Amazon.com

About a half-dozen users give the BBP Hamptons Hybrid Messenger Backpack laptop bag an average of 4 stars out of 5. Users like the room, quality feel and finish, the external pockets and the high-contrast fabric on the interior. Some like the way the straps convert from a low backpack to a messenger bag, and some don't.

Review: BBP Hamptons Hybrid Messenger/Backpack Laptop Bag, Contributors to Amazon.com

3. Lawrence Apple Users Group Laugh 2.0

After comparing three laptop bags, David Greenbaum says he keeps coming back to the BBP Hybrid as his favorite, praising its organization, style and comfort. The extra padding makes this bag so comfortable that he says sometimes he's not sure he remembered to put in the laptop.

Review: Papa's Got a Brand New Bag, David Greenbaum, Dec. 2007

4. Cheapism.com

The site declares the BPP Hamptons Hybrid Messenger Backpack laptop bag a good upscale choice, although definitely not cheap. They do not rate the bag with a hands-on review, but note that other users like its durability.

Review: BBP Hamptons Hybrid Laptop Bag Review, Editors of Cheapism.com, Oct. 1, 2011

5. About.com

Chris Adams, About.com's ergonomics guide, praises the BBP Hybrid laptop bags primarily for their ergonomics, but also finds them comfortable, with excellent organization and laptop protection. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Bum Back Pack Ergonomic Evaluation, Chris Adams, Aug. 2007

6. Funchico.com

Kate Trgovac posts a review of the BPP Hamptons Hybrid Messenger Backpack laptop bag from another writer, who tries the bag for a year and declares it durable, comfortable and relatively easy to use in both backpack and messenger bag configurations. A pocket with a zipper on the bottom can unzip itself, she notes, and another that closes with a magnet is too weak to stay closed. She finds it water resistant, but heavy.

Review: The Hamptons Hybrid Laptop Bag from BBP -- Functional and a Conversation Starter, Kate Trgovac, July 6, 2010

7. CNNMoney.com

Chris Dickerson, a senior director at Yahoo Developer Network, says the BBP Hybrid is the laptop bag for which he's been searching for years because it has enough compartments for everything he wants to carry.

Review: Four Must-have Gadgets, Chad Dickerson, Sept. 2007

8. Yahoo! Voices

Lola Inez gives the BBP Hamptons Hybrid Messenger Backpack bag high marks for its durability, appearance, organization and multiple exterior pockets, declaring it worth the price.

Review: Review of the Bbp Hamptons Hybrid Laptop Messenger, Lola Inez, Sept. 16, 2009

9. MyMac.com

Owen Rubin gives the BBP Hybrid laptop bag a near-perfect rating, but notes a few drawbacks, including too little padding on the bottom of the computer compartment, front pockets that are too small and a key ring with too short a strap.

Review: BBP Hamptons Collection - Review, Owen Rubin, Mar. 2007

10. CultOfMac.com

Chris Kahney calls the BBP Hamptons Hybrid Messenger Backpack laptop bag his favorite style of 2010 as part of his Bag Week reviews, awarding it 4 out of 5 stars. He prefers the messenger configuration, noting that the low-hanging backpack style is not adjustable further up and doesn't suit him, as the buckles dig into his back. He says the BBP Hybrid is sturdily made, but heavier than some. It will not stand up when he sets it down.

Review: BBP's Great Hybrid Hampton Bag Converts from Messenger to Backpack and Back, Chris Kahney, Feb. 15, 2010

11. Amazon.com

Quite a few different versions of the BBP Hybrid laptop bag get owner-written reviews here, with an average rating of 4.5 stars out of five. Owners find the bags well-made, well-organized and comfortable to carry.

Review: BumBakPak Hamptons Hybrid Messenger/Backpack Laptop Bag, Contributors to Amazon.com

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