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Some bags are defined by a single detail. For the KAVU Rope Bag it is the strap. Instead of flat webbing, it uses a thick, adjustable rope that sits across the body and gives the bag an easygoing outdoor look. Underneath that playful style is a practical little sling with two zip compartments and room for the things you want close at hand.
Who makes it
The Rope Bag comes from KAVU, a Seattle brand with an unusual origin story. KAVU says it all started on a commercial salmon fishing boat on the Bering Sea in 1991, when 22 year old captain Barry Barr got tired of losing his hats in the wind. He cut the webbing off a pair of adventure sandals and began working out the idea for the original KAVU Strapcap, with a prototype made from sandal webbing and fishing line.
Back in Seattle, Barr found a city full of skilled sewers and heavy duty double needle machines, thanks to local backpack brands. KAVU says he launched the Strapcap in 1993, selling it out of his car. In 1996 he gave up commercial fishing and moved the business into a warehouse near Fishermen's Terminal, and in 2001 KAVU opened its first store in the Ballard neighborhood.
The Rope Bag arrived in 2004. According to KAVU, it grew to become the brand's best seller and one of the most popular bags in the world.
What the Rope Bag is
The Rope Bag is a vertical sling bag built from durable 12 ounce cotton canvas. It has KAVU's signature adjustable rope shoulder strap with a side release buckle, two vertical zip compartments, two exterior pockets for small items and a padded back panel finished with KAVU embroidery.
- Shell: 12 ounce, 100 percent cotton canvas
- Lining: 100 percent polyester
- Strap: adjustable rope with side release buckle
- Main storage: two vertical zip compartments
- Pockets: an upper flap pocket and a lower zip pocket for keys or a phone
- Volume: 10 liters
- Size: 20 by 11 by 5 inches
- Strap length: 22 to 44 inches
- Weight: 0.8 pounds
Why it is cool
The Rope Bag manages to be both useful and fun. The rope strap is comfortable on the shoulder and easy to adjust, and the side release buckle means you can take the bag off without lifting the strap over your head. The vertical shape sits neatly against the back or the side of the body, staying out of the way while you walk, ride or browse a market.
Two separate zip compartments help with organization. You can keep a jacket, snacks or a water bottle in one and a book, a tablet or a camera in the other. The exterior pockets handle the small items you reach for most, such as keys, a phone, sunglasses or a transit card.
Cotton canvas also ages well. It softens over time and develops character with use, which suits the relaxed look of the bag. KAVU offers the Rope Bag in a long list of colors and patterns, so it is easy to find one that matches your style.
How to wear it
Set the rope length so the bag rests at the middle of your back or at your hip, depending on how often you need to get into it. For crowded places, swing it around to the front so the zips stay in view. If you need a bit more length for bulky winter layers, KAVU sells a compatible strap extension. Keep heavy items low in the bag so it does not swing as you move.
How to care for it
Spot clean marks with a damp cloth and mild soap, and let the bag air dry fully before you use it again. Empty the pockets now and then to clear out sand and crumbs. Check the care label before any machine washing, since cotton canvas can shrink or fade with harsh treatment.
Who should buy it
Buy the Rope Bag if you want a light, casual bag for day trips, festivals, travel or city errands, and if you like a bag with a bit of personality. It is a nice step up from a small hip pack when you want room for a layer or a book.
Skip it if you need a waterproof bag, a padded laptop sleeve or a bag for heavy loads. Canvas and a rope strap are made for light, everyday carrying.
Comparing everyday bags? See the Chrome Kadet sling, the Manhattan Portage Mini NY messenger, the Topo Designs Rover Pack and the Herschel Little America. Find more in our everyday carry hub.
