Baliloca recently sent me their innovative handsfree purse. The leather part of the Baliloca purse is worn like a shoulder bag that goes under your left arm, and the attached strap goes around your right arm, so it’s a little bit like a backpack without the back bulk.
I am very excited about this purse. I was a bit skeptical about the concept—whether it would actually be a helpful innovation and not just a gimmick—but the very first time I left the house with it on, I experienced sheer joy. I felt like I was getting away with something, leaving the house totally prepared without any extra bulk. Here’s what I kept in my Baliloca purse: a wad of cash, a debit card, my license, and my iPhone. It could definitely hold more.
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he dimensions of the bag are 10.5 inches tall and 6 inches wide. The top pocket is 6 inches deep, and the lower one is about 4 and a quarter inches across. I found that my money and cards were very accessible in the lower pocket, and I slid my iPhone 5c (with a fairly bulky case) into the top pocket with about a half inch of vertical space to spare.
When I stepped into the car, another wave of delight swept over me. The bag did not get in the way when I sat, nor when I buckled my seatbelt. The first time I used a public restroom while wearing it, I felt glad to not have to hang it on a hook or put it on the floor. It was safe right where it was. I wore it grocery shopping, I wore it on a date. It fits over a very bulky sweater or under my coat. You could even wear it under your clothes, if needed.
From their website I discovered that the creators of the Baliloca purse were in a hot hotel room in Bali, “trying to fill a non-Baliloca purse with travel essentials for a day trip.” It was then that they thought it sure would be great to have a purse that would stay close to your body as you move and keep your hands free, “a purse that could be worn jogging and then seamlessly on a night out or shopping.” I’m all about that versatility!
I decided to test out the jogging thesis by running up and down the hall in my apartment a few times. The verdict: you definitely could jog in it if you wanted to, though I’m not sure I would choose to. Should you need to run while you’re wearing your Baliloca purse, however, you can rest assured that it will stay right with you with minimal flapping. If running in it is something you really want to do, they come in neoprene as well as leather. I imagine that would be even more comfortable.
The thing I love most about the Baliloca purse is how fun the style is. I read another review of this bag—the jet black version—in which it is described as looking “a little Tomb Raider.” In the wild honey color, it seems like part of a chic leather vest. Its stylish but very unique design has definitely inspired me to experiment with my outfits since I started wearing it. You could probably have a lot of fun with the mint green color.
In case you really need another reason to buy this purse: People tend to notice things that are different, they ask questions, give compliments, strike up a conversation—a Mountain Gear employee noticed and wanted one just the other day as I was shopping. It’s a good way to break the ice and meet new people as you travel the world.
Go in style!
Jacquelyn