so i've decided to purchase either a r.e.load civilian or seagull standard small bag. i'm not here to ask you which one i should get, but i do have a couple questions for those of you who have/had a bag from one or the other...



reload has listed in their extras that for $3 you get a set of 3 pen slots. seagull states $3 per slot. is this correct? or is it $3 for a set of slots? (all the pics of seagulls i've seen have had 3 slots) its not that i'm worried about the extra $6 i just don't want to accidentally order just 1 slot or end up with 9 slots.

seagull has the option of a key clip, but i can't tell where it's located on the bag, anyone know?

reload has an option of a "tool pouch/pro tool pouch" but doesn't talk about it anywhere on the site. anyone know what this is?

lastly, if anyone has gotten any custom (design) work done from either company i'd love to know what kind of prices that runs. i know they both offer quotes, but i don't know exactly what i want yet, and part of that will depend on how much they charge for simpler/more difficult work. thanks!

p.s. if you want to throw your hat in on which one i should get then you are always welcome...

the tool pouch and pro tool pouch are on their accessories page: https://reloadbags.com/bags/list.php?t=accessories basic is just a zippered bag i believe, pro is a roll up pouch with multiple pockets/ slots. i've never seen a seagull in person but my friend has a reload deluxe and it's really nice.

I have a civilian and a girl I know has a seagull. They are pretty similar, I feel like the reloads are a bit more "stiffer" and feels a little more durable. Both are great bags, so its really up to who you want to throw your money at.

As far as custom work, it takes the prices of these bags for "expensive but resonable" to "ridiculously expensive".

Theres some examples and prices on their flickr.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/reloadbags/sets/

The seagull key clip is at the top/side/inside of the bag.

dang i missed that! so i assume those aren't sewn in anywhere, just kinda tossed in? (the pro obviously isn't sewn in)

Especially for the pricing questions you should just call the companies. I think reload only has like 10 employees and isn't that one of the huge benefits of dealing with small, more personable companies, you can actually just call and chat with them about ideas and how much a pen slot costs? Maybe you can even base your decision on that, which company is better to deal with. And then let us know your conclusion.

^ i've shot email out to both companies with the respective questions, but it never hurts to use several sources plus i know small successful companies (like IRO) can get swamped with things, so i figured i'd get feedback from people here as well.

If i remember correctly both RELoad and Seagull have both recently increased their staff sizes and have moved into larger/ opened up new facilities to deal with demand.

Per seagulls most recent blog, they are still backed up.

Two nights ago I sent Seagull an email before I went to bed and I had a response mid next day....Definately try emailing, and I'm sure their phone service is of the same quality. Good luck.

I live near Columbus. When I went to the Seagull storefront somebody took the time to talk to me at length even though they were obviously busy with orders. I'm getting my next messenger bag from them, but they're local for me.

I just got my seagull medium black bag. So far I'm loving it. It did take three or four weeks, but I was expecting that. In the grand scheme of things, I'm glad I was patient and went with them and would recommend others do the same.

Also, for anyone who might be wondering, the Medium is a really nice size. It's big enough that I could put my old bag (Filson Field bag) in it to bring home, as well as a hoodie, very comfortably. Very comfortable. Pretty much what you would hope for all around.

First, I've been in correspondence with Seagull for a couple things recently, and they're super super great people to deal with, if thats important to you. Second, the small Seagull bag is REALLY small apparently. I'm not sure what you're using it for, but just beware. I asked them about it and they said you could probably fit like...a laptop and a notebook or two and thats about it. I can't confirm this, but thats what they told me. Again, not sure what you're using it for, and you may know that already, but I figured I'd warn you either way.

-Dan

I have had two re load bags and loved them both. Neither one of them is worn out at all, just got a second one because I needed a bigger bag for a bigger work load. they are great with answering the phone and e mails. the strap system was hard work at first, but once it has been broken in nice and good, it slides like butter.

The seagull bag I got is the medium black bag and it's still pretty big-- I'm not sure if they have a smaller one, but i can fit probably six laptops in the one I got.

Have they changed their email information? I tried to make contact a few weeks ago and never heard a reply.

Try shooting us an email again. make sure to include the underscore! seagull_bags@yahoo.com Thanks again for the interest

this may or may not relate much since you're getting a different item...

I was looking for a backpack, and after comparing reload & seagull I went with the latter. The bag dimensions & prices were close for both companies. I talked to people who had gotten bags from both companies and the turnaround time is also about the same - so get your order in ASAP!

re: custom work. I'd seen work done on a friend's reload bag and was told how much it cost. I asked for some ridiculous stuff from seagull and they gave me a decent quote at a lower price. it looks good so far.

both companies do a great job, but keep in mind that your custom design will cost you in dollars and time. so be sure to compose an efficient design and pick your bag colors wisely. while you're waiting on the build, make sure to follow up on progress. don't be shy. call the bag makers up and communicate directly. The seagull-people were always willing to take the time. feedback is good.


hope this helps
if all else fails, make your own bag

—©.

I don't know about seagull, but the wait on a reload bag is at least a month if you plan to get one custom made.
They're heavy, big, stiff, but tough as hell and totally waterproof. Sometimes I'd gone with a lighter/smaller bag, but there are times it really comes in handy.
I'd suggest that you go with their catalogue since they seem to be more reasonable and you could pick up a cool design for cheaper.

the small seagulls are way small. there's a dude around town who has one, and compared to mine (i have the larger seagull black bag), it's tiny. he can probably carry a twelve pack and that's it.

baileyworks, 'nuf said...

+1

I would also be aware that the seagull black bag is not waterproof. The PVC lining is just a lining meaning it's been stitched through, just something to be aware of if you start feeling the economic downturn and look to save $$ (happened to me and I didn't realize until it came, overall I'm happy, just worried about water)
-durty

im from philly, so i went with the local brand, reload. also, segull is new and reload is a decade old so they know whats up cause theyve been there done that. also, reload took exactly as long as they said they would and they respond to your emails within 2 days whereas it took seagull over a week for me- i had the same question you did. also, lots of messengers i know use reload so i assumed they were the way to go. reload i slightly cheaper and seagull has larger bags. i got a deluxe reload and the same bag with seagull would be like 300+. also, i think a seagull medium is like a reload deluxe (largest size), i think they try and make the biggest bags on the market even though it is not needed. go with reload, my bag was even being made in their commercial clip-they just have it all workin.

i've been thru some pretty crazy weather with my seagull and have had no problem with water seeping through.

i ordered a reload deluxe a few days ago to replace my kremlin. i didn't want to spend extra and wait longer on the custom design i had in mind, so i just ordered their stock UCI colorway. - got an email a couple days after placing the order and the bag should get to me within a week and a half or something. i'm excited.