Lightweight summer rattan shoulder bag with zipper: Meda Bag

I got a bag ready in advance to carry on summer trips. I chose beige over brown, and after using it myself, I especially liked how light it felt and its zippered storage setup.

Can it hold everyday essentials and a tumbler?

The interior was roomier than it looked. It easily held a pouch, phone, wallet, and sunglasses, and I could fit in a tumbler too. Since the bottom is wider, it was easy to pack my things inside.

How do the weight and strap feel on the shoulder?

My favorite thing was the weight. It felt lighter than a knitted bag I had made myself at a one-day class and carried around before. Even when I wore it for a long time, it put less strain on my shoulder.

The shoulder strap is fairly wide, so it sat securely on my shoulder. The part that touches the shoulder is cotton, and even against bare skin with a sleeveless top, it did not feel scratchy or irritating.

Does the bag have a zipper and a small pocket inside?

Inside, there is a drawstring-style inner bag that closes with a zipper. With an open-top bag, I worry that everything might spill out if it tips over, but being able to zip this one shut gave me peace of mind.

There was another small pocket inside the zippered section. I thought it would be nice for keeping lip products, cards, or car keys that I reach for often separate.

The bag size and strap length were just right for me too. It rested lightly on my shoulder and was easy to carry.

How were the weave and side finishing?

Because it has a handmade feel, I wondered whether the weave spacing would be uneven, but the bag I received had consistent spacing. The material was not scratchy, and it was finished without any sticking-out bits. The sides dip in slightly so it is easy to put your hand in and use the inner zipper.

What summer outfits would I wear it with?

I want to carry it casually with a T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops, or with a white T-shirt and jeans. I think it would also suit a linen set or a resort dress, so I plan to use it as a summer daily bag.

I got this bag ready before heading on a trip, so I have not included how it performs on an actual trip yet. So far, the things I have liked are its lightweight feel, generous storage, and the zipper that lets me pack everything in and close it up.