WaterField Designs Franklin Tote review

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Here at the-gadgeteer, we are equal parts gadget and bag fans.  Some of the best bags come from WaterField Designs, makers of some of the niftiest tech totes around.  Today we look at their new Franklin Tote.

All pictures can be clicked for a larger image.waterfield franklin tote 02

The Franklin Tote is an open-top leather and nylon bag.  I got the green one.

  • One size: 14.5″ x 13″ x 4.75″, 2.2 lbs.
  • Trim colors: black, copper, pine, green, flame, pearl

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Everything on this card is 100% true.  (Source:  I live here!)

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There is one exterior pouch on the non-logo side.

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A zippered pouch can be found inside the open-top side.  And look!  Both are lined in soft, black material.

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The interior zippered pouch is large enough to hold a naked iPad Air in landscape mode.

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The same naked iPad Air peeks out a bit in portrait mode if you try to slip it in the outside pouch.

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Inside you’ll find a bright orange liner.  This tote is cavernous.  Note the ruler I placed on the bottom.

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For reference, here’s my naked iPad Air resting inside with way too much room to spare.

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Yup, made in San Francisco!

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On one side of the interior you’ll find two open pockets.  On the right, the same iPad Air in portrait fits in nicely.

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On the opposite side of the open pockets you’ll find a zippered pouch.  The tiny slot on the left fits a credit card or business cards.

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Once again, the iPad Air fits inside.  There’s a tiny bit of wiggle room above the zipper line.

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Here’s a nice touch: A key lanyard with a snap ring on the end.  I love these things.

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The handles measure about 9 inches clearance at rest.  Not too long, not too short.  They are not adjustable.  Note the inclusion of a slightly grippy material under the tops of the handles.

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Besides iPads, what can you hold?  This is a very large book:  Monty Python’s Flying Circus “All the words”.

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This stripey Ikea pillow fits like a glove!

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The tote also swallowed up two full size paper towel rolls with plenty of room to spare.

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Here’s the tote on my mostly cooperative model (5 foot 4 inch).

The WaterField Designs Franklin Tote is a deliciously gorgeous bag with lots of neat pouch options in a package that doesn’t scream “tech”.  Make no mistake, you will get sticker shock, but this is the kind of bag you’re only going to buy once, unless you have a mostly cooperative bag model at home who’ll likely steal it from you for her own use.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by WaterField Designs. Please visit their site for more info.

 

Product Information

Price:$289
Manufacturer:WaterField Designs
Pros:
  • Comes in black, copper, pine, green, flame, pearl
  • Gorgeous leather that looks better over time
  • Plenty of pockets, open and hidden alike
Cons:
  • Price
  • Each bag made to order, so there may be a slight order delay

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