United by Blue Lakeland Laptop Bag Review

PRICE: $98

FIND IT AT: unitedbyblue.com

The Lakeland Laptop bag is a messenger bag that is constructed out of 100% organic waxed canvas and detailed with heavy-duty brass hardware. With one exterior pocket and two interior pockets there is plenty of room for organization. An adjustable strap with leather shoulder pad is included along with a leather reinforced bottom. One year guarantee.

“By purchasing this United By Blue product, we remove 1 pound of trash from oceans and waterways,” boldly proclaims the badge on each messenger bag by United by Blue. With this statement, how does a coffeehouse and clothier in Old City Philadelphia stay true to their values, deliver high-quality products and grow their business sustainably? Surprisingly well actually.

Back in September 2011, United by Blue became a certified B Corp and joined the growing community of enterprises that make money by doing good. This band of ocean-friendly changemakers heralding from Pennsylvania score high on their B Corp assessment, with room to raise the bar. They are recognized for supporting living wages for their workers, contributing cash and employee time to community waterway cleanups, and most importantly implementing rigorous standards in their supply chain. For a relatively new social venture, they are truly walking the walk.

Their Lakeland Messenger Bag is a prime example of the full line of organic textile and genuine full grain leather products that United by Blue produces. Durable and versatile, the Lakeland is perfect for ripping in between meetings with ample room for everything you would need to bring with you. The bag fits a 15″ laptop, has two generous interior dividers and one large exterior pocket. With an adjustable strap, a heavy duty brass zipper and complementary buckles, the only knock on this model is a magnetic clasp that the company is addressing in all new designs. A one-year guarantee is a nice touch for a product who values their ethos as much as their design.

Only time will tell whether the company can continue to rapidly grow and maintain their standards. But if the past is any indication of the future, we will be following this company as they proudly contribute to a movement of well-made and sustainable cycling accessories who operate with the values that the cycling community has come to expect. Your support ensures their continued success.

Sean Elbe lives in downtown Vancouver. When he is not ripping around town on his Raleigh Port Townsend, Sean is working for the City of Vancouver’s economic development agency, advancing its mission to make Vancouver a destination for sustainable, creative, and innovative business.