Forget the wheel and sliced bread, and move over Flowbee (what’s a Flowbee? Check the video at the bottom of the post). Powerbag has upped the ante and pushed all its chips to the center of the table with a stylish messenger bag that combines the history of everyday luggage with a future of utilitarian pragmatism. It’s creators have made a quantum leap forward towards a more significant science fiction reality world. We can now carry our portable electronic devices with no fear of running out of power. We all know that the average battery life of many smartphones is around two webex seminars, nine YouTube music videos, or one pertinent conversation with our spouse about whether to pick up Chinese takeout, or meet them at the food court. Never fear, the Powerbag Messenger’s 6000mAh battery can charge the average smartphone 4 times.
I recently used the bag as a carry-on for a trip to San Antonio. It has excellent pockets of varying sizes that will hold all kinds of paraphernalia in its place, even during the shifting that can take place during any normal flight. I wish I would have realized that the bag has a checkpoint-friendly fly flat design that will allow you to not have to remove your Macbook from its safe, secure and comfy location so that it won’t be slammed against the frozen fish fillets that are headed to gate B7, and the waiting area where you will spend most of the rest of your life as the thunderstorms keep your flight on the ground in Dallas.
It has been designed to slip over the extended arm of rolling luggage and will not be easily lost in the busy hubbub of the modern airport with less flights and more congestion. It even has a pocket on the flap that is the perfect size for boarding passes and the everpresent gum needed for a more enjoyable flight and keeps it all easily accessible. There is also a hidden pocket that I did not find until much later. There is no telling what contraband you might be able to hide in that little space behind the flap pocket. Some of the pockets are replete with a felt-like lining to protect your valuable screens and devices, and the bag is hardwired for Android and Apple, as well as anything else that can be charged by using a USB port.
There is, however, one design flaw with the messenger bag. It clasps closed underneath the flap. It is frustrating to have to twist and contort your hand just right to squeeze the clasp to open or close the bag. It would have been no big deal if there was velcro in place that would keep the bag closed, but there is no velcro closure for this bag. It must be clasped shut to be carried by its briefcase handle and still protect your contents.
This is a very small inconvenience, however, in the light of the benefits of such a bag, but I would suggest that you purchase a Powerbag backpack and forgo that little design flaw. These are great bags, and there is nothing like charging your phone while you walk along the riverwalk, waiting for that next opportunity to talk to your lovely bride, or check the Amazon and EBay prices on luchador masks.
If the messenger bag style isn’t your thing, check out our reviews of their backpack HERE.
Pros: its charging capabilities, the fly flat design for TSA checkpoints, and its excellent size, versatility and sleek design.
Cons: the clasp design under the flap.
MVM score: 4.3/5
As promised, the Flowbee!
