Product Review: Vaya Bags

Product: Vaya Bags

Products Reviewed: Backpack, Messenger Bag, Laptop Bag, Wallet and Belt — all made from recycled bike tubes.

About Vaya Bags: Vaya Bags is a women-owned and operated company, based in Queens, NY. For over 7 years, Vaya Bags has created products tailored to the needs of people looking for dependable, functional and stylish handmade bags, while maintaining a dedication to using as much recycled and sustainable material as possible. Tianna Meilinger (an environmental scientist) is the one woman powerhouse and talent behind the company and she makes the bags out of recycled bicycle tubes, old sailboat awnings and old banners. All of Vaya’s products are individually handmade, and everything is 100% Vegan.

The One Green Planet Verdict:

Vaya’s bags and accessories not only rock in the looks department, but they’re also well-constructed and durable (and just happen to be functional, sustainable, vegan, fashionable and handmade in New York City using recycled materials!). We tested a range of their products and have been going gaga over them.

The Bike Tube messenger bags are Vaya’s flagship product and come in four sizes and in colors that are completely customizable. We took a spiffy-looking black and blue colored Medi Size Bike tube Messenger Bag out for a spin around town and stuffed it with a 15″ MacBook Pro, charger, iPhone, a couple of notepads and an assortment of other stuff we could find. The no-swing stabilizer strap is highly adjustable and helps provide excellent weight distribution, making the bag feel very comfortable and secure on the bike. We also tried the the Backpack, which is a good alternative if you’re not into the Messenger Bag look. The bags feature great little details like side-squeeze clip on the outside flap for security, reflective tape, a loop to attach a bike light and 2 convenient velcro pockets under the flap that can hold a cell phone and an IPod. But you don’t have to be a bike-commuter to appreciate the practical details or use these bags (wait, why aren’t you commuting by bike, already?) because the hip and functional design make these bags a great choice off the bike as well.

If all you’re looking for is something compact to carry around your laptop in? the Bike Tube Laptop Bag is a great option. We found it to be perfect for a 13″ or 15″ laptop, with a front pocket that’s just the right size for a charger or small accessory. All the bags we tried were made mostly from recycled bike tubes, and perfectly crafted by Vaya.

The Bike Tube awesomeness does not end with bags at Vaya. They also make a range of accessories like wallets, belts, cell phone pouches, hip and tool pouches — all made by hand, with the same attention to detail, style and functionality as their messenger bags, backpacks and laptop bags.

Trust us… Vaya bags rock!

To purchase this product, CLICK HERE!

CONTEST DETAILS: (Closed on July 30, 2012)

You know our verdict, now you decide! Vaya Bags has generously offered to send a few lucky One Green Planet readers one of the above products for free!**

All you need to do is:

1. Complete this sentence in the comments section below, “I will need my Vaya Recycled Bike Tube _______ (choose: Backpack, Messenger Bag, Laptop Bag, Wallet, Belt) most when …”

2. SHARE (Facebook/Google Plus), TWEET (Twitter), LIKE (Facebook) or PIN this review by clicking on the social media buttons right below the title above. Include a link of your tweet/share/pin in the comments section below.

To qualify both #1 and #2 MUST be done.

**Contest open to U.S. residents only

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Product Review: Vaya Bags SKU UPC Model

Vaya Messenger Bag

Sep 22, 2012 by Jarin Marocco

First of all, I made a video review of the bag that Vaya and One Green Planet generously gave to me. The video is on youtube at:
http://youtu.be/qAztAz_lhxI

Though I may not seem that excited in the video, I just wanted to give an honest review, I am very excited to have this bag. I'm sure it will last forever and one day will be passed on to my children's children. That's one thing that I don't talk about in the video is how durable the bag is. I've had other bags that tear here and there or the straps get frayed from constant use, even after short periods of time. Though I tend to be a bit rough with my cycling stuff, mostly careless but I also like to test the limits.
I've had the bag for a good 2 weeks and haven't had any issues with things getting worn out. I would say it's on par with the simple yet indestructible Ortlieb pannier bags.

I really want to try Vaya Bags pannier/messenger bag, the best of both worlds. Other companies that make similar bags are either way more expensive or just impractical, such as the ones that require pulling out a backpack harness and clipping the straps on. Vaya Bags makes simple, practical, and affordable cycling bags, what more can you ask for. Oh, and I noticed Vaya Bags is featured in the movie Premium Rush near the end Vanessa is wearing one, I think the same bag that was given to me.

Medi Size Bike Tube Messenger Bag

Aug 27, 2012 by Song

Received my bike tub messenger bag in the mail from Vaya last week and it's great! It's very light and the perfect size for fitting everything I need for an average day, and then some. The rubber tubes have a very nice feel to them and the buckle clip and adjustable strap make it very easy to quickly open the bag in a snap, take it off, or tighten it for a snug, comfortable fit. Aside from how practical and well designed it is, it's also a beauty to look at with lots of great small details and character that mass produced bags lack. This is the perfect everyday messenger bag.