Kipling Madhouse Expandable Messenger Bag

Long ago I had a very similar bag, that completely expanded and I loved it. Sadly I had to get rid of it, as it was falling apart.I looked long and hard for a replacement, but could only find messenger bags that partially expanded, until I found the Kipling bag. I needed something that was easy to use daily for carting my work laptop around, but was big enough to use as a carry on when traveling for work. This bag fit the bill!Sturdy construction, strong zipper, waterproof and comfortable shoulder strap, can't ask for a better bag!EDIT: This bag is still going strong 4 years later, I am still using it every day for my work laptop and on work trips as my computer carry on. So glad I made this purchase. Looks brand new even after all these years.

I love Kipling bags overall - good quality, nice styles, not too pricy. I feel this bag, though is a bit big. I was looking for something slightly smaller and was disappointed to see how large this bag actually was (I know it is my fault to not measure the product before placing the order). I first wanted to return the bag, and then decided to keep it and use for other purposes. So far I have used it once and can't say I loved it. I took it with me for an overnight stay in a hotel. The bag could fit everything that I needed, including toiletries and change of clothes, which is good. But it was inconvenient to use if I wanted to take out something small from the bag. When I opened it - all my belongings were in plain view. I wish the bag had more outside pockets that would hold small items that can be accessed more easily. Again, the quality is nice, but I find this style not very practical.

I've used it for school everyday for a year and a half and it still works and looks great, no broken stitches or anything. I love the expandable compartment, it can carry amazingly large amounts of stuff when needed and when I just have very little stuff to carry, it shrinks and isn't bulky at all. I love this bag and I'm hoping to use it for all 4 years of college. The price here is also great.

Love everything but the Velcro!

I've had this bag for almost 2 years now. I'm an active university student and I usually carry a laptop, a lot of books around and sometimes even cameras (sometimes SLR) and external hard disks aswel. I'm a girl and sometimes events are at the end of a long class day and requiere formal clothes. I can dress formal enough during class but there is no way I'm walking in heels half the day and I don't want to carry an extra bag just for the heels. This bag is perfect for all that. It almost doubles in size when you need it. The front pockets are big enough for any lunch or thermo or gadgets and the inner zipper to keep anything small like earplugs or sim cards safe. The big front zipper is great to slip in any notes on the go. I do wish it had organizing pockets in the big front zipper to put a mobile phone or keys and not "loose" it in all the largeness of the zipper. However I cannot count the times I used this bag as just felt like "thank goodness I have this bag with me today" so I still love it!

The bag is sturdy and attractive, with lots of hefty zippers and compartments. I use it every day, over my shoulder or diagonally across. Adjusting the strap is easy but not so easy that it adjusts by itself. Zippers are thick and easy to open and close without snagging. Seams are extremely well-sewn. I haven't needed the expanded bottom, but that might come in handy some day! Now, I use it for work and for travel, and don't have one complaint after a month of use.

I got it torn from inside and I did not believe. Due to my short time I did not sent it back!

I originally Loved this bag. It's Light and it is Very Durable! The color is very nice and blends in with most of what I wear. It has two great Zippered compartments!Ok, Now the CONS: It is constantly falling over if I place it on a bed, a chair, the bench at the gym. EVERYTHING Falls out! And I admit that I'm LAZY, I don't like closing the huge flap. The strap is very nice and cotton, BUT I keep making the adjustment shorter, and it keeps getting longer on it's own. IT DOESN'T STAY IN PLACE!! It is very annoying. AND if you are one like me, that looses stuff Constantly, look for another bag, OR sew zippers on the compartments. I think I'm going to bring the bag to my dry cleaners to have them sew zippers onto the two front compartments and the two large compartments. This is because i usually walk around with the huge flap opened because I'm constantly going in the bag for something and I don't want to keep opening and closing the flap.Overall, I have had Prada bags, Tulu, and many other higher end bags, and for the money this bag is great. It just needs some renovations to work for me. Even with the flap closed, I was able to have my Prada check book oover and checks slide out on to a cab floor the other night. It was the only thing I lost (of course it couldn't be a balance bar) and luckily someone returned it to me. So to the taylor I am taking this bag. With the zipper closures it should hold stuff better.