What do you guys think about the Jack Spade Nylon Canvas Bag?

[lsquare]

http://www.jackspade.com/shop/produc...=CH9046764A600

I'm thinking about buying this bag in black. Is it good quality and does it justify the MSRP? I'm sure I can probably find it cheaper like on ebay, but what about retail stores in Boston or NYC?

 

[A Y]

I have one with a grey exterior and orange interior. It's very well-constructed, and the nylon feels almost cotton-duck like. However, there are some usability issues: the strap tends to slip off my shoulder, and the cool-looking metal buckle you can use to shorten the strap seems to slip a bit. It's also a bit difficult to deal with one-handed (a handle on top would solve that) if you need to take something out of it while on the go.

--Andre

 

[lsquare]

Originally Posted by Andre Yew

I have one with a grey exterior and orange interior. It's very well-constructed, and the nylon feels almost cotton-duck like. However, there are some usability issues: the strap tends to slip off my shoulder, and the cool-looking metal buckle you can use to shorten the strap seems to slip a bit. It's also a bit difficult to deal with one-handed (a handle on top would solve that) if you need to take something out of it while on the go.

--Andre

Is this a design flaw or more of an isolated incident?

 

[Mentos]

It's a design flaw. I also have the gray/orange, in a slightly earlier build (I've got a handle on top, and no exterior zip pocket), and it slips constantly. Both off the shoulder and the metal adjuster thing. But it looks great.

 

[DandySF]

I was about to get that bag until I tried the velcro closure. The ripping noise it makes is loud and unpleasant. Be sure you actually hear the noise before you buy it. A shame they didn't employ a different closure.

 

[ghulkhan]

its a well constructed bag in my opinon, i havnt had problems with it slipping off the shoulder as that i put it across my chest...but i think the waxwear version is cooler and its better for bad weather..

 

[teddieriley]

Sorry, but over $100 for something made of nylon that isn't some highly durable ballistic material? Even if you can find it cheaper, even $50 would be too expensive. Doesn't seem like this bag can do anything better than other similar bags made by makers who specialize in this sort of thing.

No offense, but I think anything Jack or Kate Spade is a rip-off. You're paying for the name, and it's not even a good one at that. And what the hell is their fascination with nylon? Doesn't scream high end or great construction to me.

 

[LabelKing]

I think the Jack & Kate Spade items are made in China.

As for nylon, it was interesting when Prada did it initially in the '90s, but really, it's very ubiquitous now.

 

[GreyFlannelMan]

I have a JS cotton canvas brief case that I use most days. It is brown with a striped interior. I quite like it, but also find that the metal thing on the strap slips.

I disagree with the poster who thinks that JS bags are all name. Yes, they may be made in China these days, but I think they are good quality, especially when one is able to procure one on sale. Not sure I'd pay full retail for them, however.

 

[Mentos]

Originally Posted by teddieriley

Sorry, but over $100 for something made of nylon that isn't some highly durable ballistic material? Even if you can find it cheaper, even $50 would be too expensive. Doesn't seem like this bag can do anything better than other similar bags made by makers who specialize in this sort of thing. No offense, but I think anything Jack or Kate Spade is a rip-off. You're paying for the name, and it's not even a good one at that. And what the hell is their fascination with nylon? Doesn't scream high end or great construction to me.
Not sure that I think JS is a rip-off, but I personally would take a slightly less sophisticated bag from Mahattan Portage or Timbuk2, at this point. Freitag bags are also cool. I mean, if you're carrying a messenger bag, and assuming you don't need it for some conservative job (in which case you should just get leather), why not make a scene? I think that the Jack Spade bags look a little . . . Banana Republic, for lack of a better term. Not bad, but not bad primarily by virtue of not standing out. If you do want to go conservative, why not just get this? http://www.manhattanportage.com/cata...roducts_id=117 $58 retail. This one is also nice, esp in gray and red: http://www.manhattanportage.com/cata...products_id=77 I have both MP and JS bags, and the Manhattan portage bags are at least as well made as the Jack Spade, and still have at least the vague whiff of street style, which I like. And made in the USA, which is great when you can get a good product at a reasonable price.

 

[lsquare]

Originally Posted by Mentos

It's a design flaw. I also have the gray/orange, in a slightly earlier build (I've got a handle on top, and no exterior zip pocket), and it slips constantly. Both off the shoulder and the metal adjuster thing. But it looks great.

Is this design flaw found on all of Jack Spade's bag including this?

http://www.jackspade.com/shop/produc...CH5016916C3103

 

[Mentos]

Originally Posted by Sgt_Strider

Is this design flaw found on all of Jack Spade's bag including this?

http://www.jackspade.com/shop/produc...CH5016916C3103


I don't know. It looks like that bag has the same metal slide adjustment that is on the previously referenced bag, but I honestly cannot tell.

 

[minimal]

I have one of these bags, and like it very much. I don't have the problem with the buckle slippage, even with a laptop inside. And as for using it 1-handed, as with all messenger bags this is easy if you have the strap on the opposite shoulder. [note: mine is circa 2003] Yes, definitely lound when you open the velcro, but no more so than my other messenger bags with velcro closures.

Originally Posted by teddieriley

Sorry, but over $100 for something made of nylon that isn't some highly durable ballistic material? [snip...]
"Ballistic" is one of the biggest joke terms ever applied to nylon fabrics. There is no useful information in that term, it is historical and used now as a marketing gimmick. The nylon canvas used in this bag is incredibly durable, and I very much doubt it's any less so than one that carries the "ballistic nylon" label. In fact, it's such a tight weave i'd say it's likely more durable. Like most well-detailed urban(e) gear, it's got a pretty high premium to be sure.

 

[lsquare]

Originally Posted by minimal

I have one of these bags, and like it very much. I don't have the problem with the buckle slippage, even with a laptop inside. And as for using it 1-handed, as with all messenger bags this is easy if you have the strap on the opposite shoulder. [note: mine is circa 2003]

Yes, definitely lound when you open the velcro, but no more so than my other messenger bags with velcro closures.



"Ballistic" is one of the biggest joke terms ever applied to nylon fabrics. There is no useful information in that term, it is historical and used now as a marketing gimmick. The nylon canvas used in this bag is incredibly durable, and I very much doubt it's any less so than one that carries the "ballistic nylon" label. In fact, it's such a tight weave i'd say it's likely more durable.

Like most well-detailed urban(e) gear, it's got a pretty high premium to be sure.

Which bag do you have?

 

[minimal]

Originally Posted by Sgt_Strider

Which bag do you have?

I've got the "Nylon Canvas Field Bag", though it was given to me as a gift so I don't feel the "ouch" as much. The color is olive drab with orange interior (I see on their site they call this color "tank")

One other thing about this material: it doesn't feel like nylon, more like a high-quality cotton duck with a teflon waterproofing.

Another advantage of this material over so-called "ballistic" nylons: it is water-repellent, whereas "ballistic" lets water pass right through.