The bbp bags were designed with back problems in mind. Carrying a bag on one shoulder can cause a lot of strain; this line of laptop cases is a cross between a backpack and a messenger bag and hangs low just above your butt--complete with butt padding--to reduce that strain on your back. (The company's slogan is "What's on YO BUM?") Intrigued, I decided to give one of their bags a try.

The bag I tested was from their hip Hamptons collection, in a color creatively called Titanium Tango. (This line comes in 6 colors and 4 sizes.) I was able to fit a lot of my stuff into the bag, in addition to my laptop. I found it a bit unwieldy though and I felt like I stood out. It took a bit of adjusting to get the bag into a comfortable position too. And when I converted it to an over the shoulder messenger style, it was a total mess. The strap too long, it very uncomfortable to wear, and the bag was slamming against my leg as I was walking. But then I visited the site and saw what I was doing wrong--there's actually way to shorten the strap when you convert from backpack to messenger-style, which made a big difference. But do I really want a bag that requires a manual of sorts?

More review and more images of the bag, including the top-loading compartment, the butt pads, and a closeup of the innovative backpack straps, after the jump.

I love all the pockets, but I didn't use most of the outer ones since I live in NYC and I don't wanna get mugged. I especially like that is has a ring to attach your keys, a luggage handle pass-through, and an umbrella/newspaper holder under front flap. (I never know what to do with a wet umbrella once I get on the subway.)

One of the best features was the top-loading laptop compartment. You know how with most bags, you fill up the main compartment and then try to squeeze something into the front pocket? Nearly impossible, right? With this bag, it was no problem sliding my laptop in, no matter how packed the main compartment was.

Overall, I liked this bag, especially due to a recent injury that makes it difficult to carry anything on my right side. But while the design is ergonomic and relatively comfortable, I just wasn't crazy about how it looked on me, and it wasn't very subway-friendly.

bbp bags are available at Apple stores, on the bbp website ($95) and at a variety of online stores including Amazon.

The Titanium Tango