Tasman Bag by Indigo Equipment : Day Tripping

I'm a big fan of Indigo Equipment’s bags and packs. They're top quality, totally functional, and have a unique minimalist style that makes them ideal for city or trail. The Tasman shoulder bag is the second product I've tested, and like the Tuk pack I tested in the past, this bag's got everything I need.

I’ve been using this mid-sized bag mostly around town to cart around my books, magazines, bus schedules, and even my daily paper in the large inner pocket and in the sleeve on the back of the bag. I use the small organizer pockets, located in the main compartment, for pens, a wallet, lip balm, and sunscreen. I like that the main compartment is secured with a curved, waterproof zipper, so even on rainy days my stuff stays dry. I also like the cute little zip pocket on the bottom of one side of the shoulder strap – it’s the perfect size for my small coin purse and credit cards or for my cell phone.

After using this bag around town for several weeks, I didn't want to part with it when I went camping recently at Mount Rainier National Park. So I carried my lunch, a light shell, and sunscreen in it on a short day hike. The Tasman also has a generous side pocket on the outside of the pack, which I used for my Nalgene bottle. Just before I headed off, I added a pair of sport sandals to the bag--for wading in a cool mountain stream. During the peak heat of the day, I appreciated having an option to a day pack so I could avoid the sweaty “pack back.”

This lightweight bag is no lightweight! It's made out of strong nylon, which I regularly put to the test when use it as a grocery bag (save the trees!). Even filled with cans of organic black beams, the seams aren't showing an sign of stress.

Bottom Line: The Tasman is an attractive, well-constructed shoulder bag alternative to a big purse or small pack, and then some. This big is made with Indigo’s usual attention to detail and style. --J.I. (Sept. ‘05)

Price: $52

Manufacturer's Site: www.indegoequipment.com

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