GILI convertible backpack has arrived!

Tzu4u · ‎04-19-2010

UPS delivery man brought the backpack in caramel to me early this afternoon. Bag arrived in perfect condition in a white GILI dust cover. All straps and zipper tabs were wrapped in plastic. Tassels also wrapped up. Inside of bag was stuffed with 4 large rolls of wrapping paper. This bag is beautiful.

I have looked over every inch of this bag, and see no flaws or imperfections. The tassel is large and somewhat heavy. The side of the bag it is clipped on kind of "smushes" in more than the other side. It is removable,so I will probably not even use it.

The gold hardware looks good. I hope it does not fade or tarnish, as it is very bold on this bag.

The leather is excellent, and not as soft and shapeless as I thought it would be. I am happy about this, as some bags are so soft they collapse onto themselves. This bag does not do that.

The inside of the bag is large and deep.large pockets for phone & glasses, tons of room. No outside phone pocket .

When using this as a backpack, you can turn it to the backside zipper facing out, so a pick pocket cannot get into the bag.

I just moved all of my stuff into this new bag, and will see how she travels. I will use her every day for the next 25 days straight to make sure she holds up.

Look forward to hearing what others thing on their first look at this bag in person!!!

tough_kitty · ‎04-22-2014

Thanks for the thorough review! I am still waiting for mine... I am in California....but I paid a little extra, so hoping to get it tomorrow night!

As for the "no outside cell phone pocket" comment - well, you could have seen it in the pictures before you purchased the backpack, so can't really complain about that.... but the rest of the review sounds definitely promising!

tough_kitty · ‎04-22-2014

Also an outside phone pocket = an invitation for pickpocketing...so.....gotta decide what's more important to you....

Tzu4u · ‎04-19-2010

The video on YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKG4gfslbUo sold me on the bag- it was certainly not a deal breaker! But, it is a nice thing to have a little pocket on the outside of ANY bag. I hate it when my phone rings and I have to dig around for it!

tough_kitty · ‎04-22-2014

Well, there is this zipped compartment in the back of the backpack....can't you put your phone there?? Seems like an easy enough access.... Guess I don't have this problem because no one ever calls me...LOL

Tzu4u · ‎04-19-2010

On 4/29/2014 tough_kitty said:
Well, there is this zipped compartment in the back of the backpack....can't you out your phone there?? Seems like an easy enough access.... Guess I don't have this problem because no one ever calls me...LOL

Used my bag last night and this morning, and you are right- the large zippered pocket on the outside of the bag is PERFECT for phone, keys & money.

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

I'm 54...my pack pack days ended 30 plus years ago.

tough_kitty · ‎04-22-2014

On 4/30/2014 Wadzlla said:
On 4/29/2014 tough_kitty said:
Well, there is this zipped compartment in the back of the backpack....can't you out your phone there?? Seems like an easy enough access.... Guess I don't have this problem because no one ever calls me...LOL

Used my bag last night and this morning, and you are right- the large zippered pocket on the outside of the bag is PERFECT for phone, keys & money.

Happy to hear it My bag arrives tonight!!! Can't wait to get home and see it!!!

tough_kitty · ‎04-22-2014

I just read some reviews on the backpack page.... I don't get it - WHY do people complain about the GENUINE LEATHER being "too heavy"?!?!? If you cannot carry heavy, don't order leather bags!!!!!!! Some of those reviews are ridiculous and giving a bag 3 stars or less simply because of its weight is LAME!