Top choice
This affordable nylon zip-top bag combines cartoon cuteness with functionality. It’s water-resistant and lightweight, and has a 14-inch laptop sleeve. In addition, you can carry it across the body, on the shoulder, or by the handles.
I keep seeing Ölend’s unusual, puffy Ona Pro soft bag – and its predecessor, the Ona Soft Bag – being carried by people on the streets of New York City, in airports across the country, and on social media. After going through it myself, I get a complaint. This sub-$150 zip-top bag weighs just over a pound, and is made of water-resistant material. Plus, it has a well-designed front zip pocket, so it’s easy to hold your phone, bus pass, or wallet.
The Pro version we recommend has a dedicated 14-inch computer sleeve (unlike the original Ona, which lacks a dedicated device slot and a less secure magnetic closure).
We love its quirky look. The squishy, cartoon Ona Pro is a more playful alternative to traditional work bags, and is perfect for creative or casual environments. This bag offers many color options (16!) in any of our selections. Those options include tried-and-true neutrals, like Black and Sand (which we tested), and more saturated hues, like Cobalt Blue. There are even a few prints, including Leopard.
Made of lightweight, waterproof nylon. At 1.1 pounds, this bag is our lightest option. That’s a benefit for everyone, but it’s great for riders who don’t want to carry a heavy bag.
All of the bag’s materials (nylon fabric, plastic zippers, Velcro-and-elastic tab closures) are lightweight in nature, compared to typical “work bag” materials (such as heavy leather and metal hardware). One more thing: The nylon exterior is water resistant. When I wore the Ona Pro to run errands on a hot day, rainwater beaded up and ran out of the bag, keeping my stuff dry.
You can carry it in three ways. This bag has small top handles, so you can carry it by hand. It also has a set of long, adjustable straps, so you can wear it across the body or over the shoulder. The padded straps, cushions are light, soft, and comfortable to hold and wear. They are not bad even if you are burdened.
To adjust the strings, simply undo the knots in either direction, then re-knot them to the desired length; this is not difficult, but it is a bit of a hassle. (Warning: Don’t slide the straps all the way out of their loops, like I did; it was annoying to put the bulging stuff back in.) I chose to make one strap shorter than the other, so I could switch between carrying the bag on my shoulder and across my body without having to stop to adjust.
Our most affordable pick. We think this bag is a solid value, considering what it brings to the table (a sleek laptop sleeve, interior and exterior zippered pockets, three carry options, and water-resistant materials). One caveat: The bag does not meet Ölend’s free shipping limit, so the price could be closer to $160.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Fixing belts is never easy. I had to look at the tutorial for help.
Shipping costs $10, and there is a $20 return fee. Shipping in the US is $10 (free on orders over $200). And Ölend requires returns to be initiated within 15 days of delivery – and deducts a $20 restocking fee from your return. While there are some stores in the US that carry Ölend bags, a brand representative confirmed that none of those stores currently stock the Ona Pro.
Important information
- Materials: 100% nylon exterior and interior
- Measurements: 16 by 12.5 by 5.5 inches
- Weight (if empty): 1.1 kilograms
- Belt: 29 inches long, 14-inch drop
- Closing: zipper
- Colors: 16