Originally Posted by jacobs
The pictures in the photo gallery on their site of the Boston Blackouts give a pretty good idea of what they're like. Maybe it's just 'cause Boston is close to Portsmouth, NH where they're made, but....probably 1/3 of the Mess'rs here wear Bailey's, and TONS of college kids have the 253. They're awesome bags, best other than Pac in the shoulder bag contest IMO. Now if they'd only start making the backpack again!
Yeah, bags used to be a real regional thing. The InterWeb and the explosion of messenger bag fashion changed that, though. Anyhow, I believe if you're set on the 253, you can still get it with the padded strap. That'd be my recommendation. Actually, my recommendation is to move up the line if you actually plan to use the bag.
I don't work downtown, but I use it for enough other stuff (commuting, rides, camping, traveling, hauling computers, etc) that it's tolally worth it.
I don't know where you live, but you may be able to stop by local shops and see one up close and personal