AmeriBag Catskill Willow Shoulder Bag

I've had my bag about 5 years, and it's by far the best I've ever had. It's lightweight (at least until I load it up) and well designed with lots of separate pockets for cellphone, pens, notebooks, meds, and many other odds 'n ends. I respectfully disagree with those who criticize the strap length...I emphatically do not want to wear my bag around my neck, and I find the length perfect. The bag has been durable but the main zipper just broke a tooth, so I'm looking for a replacement, a replica of the one that's served well for so long. Just one hesitation: Can one wash these bags? Mine surely needs it, and a swipe with a damp cloth (recommended by the manufacturer) no longer suffices.Update, April 2015: My replacement bag wasn't exactly like its much-loved predecessor. Some cost-control expert somewhere decided to cheapen the carrying strap. (One suspects a male who never carries a bag.) Where my first bag had some sturdy material sewn into the inside of the handle to keep it flat on my shoulder, the new one lacks that and the strap wrinkles and bunches up. Spoils the look and isn't comfortable. I just found another brand as a replacement, and the AmeriBag now lives in a closet. Growl. I would happily have paid another fifty cents, or whatever they think they saved, to retain the original shoulder strap. In every other respect, the bag is well designed and meets my needs.Update, April 2015:

I am picky about bags. Not overly concerned about fashion, but about functionality.I've had this bag for a few weeks now and it's working out very well. This is a well constructed, well designed, and sturdy shoulder bag.The interior has multiple pockets and is lined with a light silver/grey fabric so the contents show up well. The zippers are sturdy and zip up and back smoothly. The exterior fabric is smooth, brown and a bit water resistant.I can fit a an 8" by 6" hardcover book, A5 sketchbook, a 4" by 6" paperback book and a compact reusable bag in the main compartment.The only thing I changed was the strap length. It is a over the shoulder bag and isn't comfortable as a cross-body bag. I added some length to the existing strap with some scrap ribbon. Not everyone sews or has craft supplies lying around.Over all a really good bag.

I have used nothing but AmeriBags for almost 20 years (the healthy back bags ROCK!) This is the first new one I have purchased in years and the only one that was not a healthy back bag. The bag is well constructed and the interior is the same pale gray reflective fabric that I have grown to love. The pockets are well placed and plentiful enough that I sometimes have to search through several to find what I am looking for. The base is wider than I thought it would be, which for most uses would be an asset. I bury this fully loaded in the bottom of my small work backpack to use if I am lucky enough to be invited to go out for lunch or stop to shop for something on the way home. It fits well, but would be better in a larger pack. I am only giving it 3 stars because I am disappointed that it was made in China instead of in Kingston NY where my older bags were made, and because I am not truly in love with the nylon fabric. It does not feel as durable as my older bags.

This is a cute purse. It’s a great size for my everyday needs. It has great pockets. You cannot tell in the pic so I was happy to see when it arrived that the front zipper has compartments in it as well. The only thing I’m not crazy about is it has an odd length strap. You can’t wear it as a cross body. It’s just a shoulder sling.

This is a very practical and comfortable bag to carry, with Ameribag's signature touches of silver lining and lots of compartments. The shoulder strap is wide so it doesn't cut into your shoulder. The microfiber material is easy to care for and is very lightweight yet sturdy. I have a couple of Ameribag's Healthy Back bags (the teardrop shaped ones), and this one is as comfortable as those, if not more so. It holds quite a bit and is a nice shape to fit under your arm when carried on your shoulder.