I know when I posted the Belstaff 554 Large Colonial Shoulder Bag I said that was the last bag I would ever buy. Well, I lied.
The Belstaff 554 is a fantastic bag and I have no regrets. But I found myself often faced with the comment, “Wow. Nice bag… it’s big.” And people were right. It IS big. Big enough to carry my 15″ Macbook Pro. I was hoping the bag would be able to be an everyday carry as well as my work bag. But using it as an everyday carry was just a bit bigger than I’d like. Put it this way, fully loaded, it wouldn’t fit under some of the smaller seats on a plane. And fully loaded… it was HEAVY.
So I started looking and thinking about another bag. It was hard. I had been spoiled by the Belstaff bag. So when I came upon an ad for a Belstaff 556 Colonial Shoulder Bag (regular size)… I jumped on it. Mountain brown just like my larger bag.
I have had it for about a month now and through a trip to Orlando and a trip to New Zealand. It is GREAT! This is the perfect size for everyday carry and travel. Big enough to throw a good amount of stuff in, books magazines, a netbook etc. Not too heavy to carry around all day. Same great construction as the 554.
It also has one really nice feature. It fits a Tenba Messenger Photo Insert perfectly. I saw this insert on Flickr and it is actually better than all the Domke ones that I swore by. It is PERFECT for a messenger shaped bag… none of the Domke’s really are. With it, I can actually fit a Canon 1DmkIII and 3 lenses. Or even the 70-200L f/2.8 IS and another lens mounted. In a bind, I can load the 1DmkIII holster style (lens pointed down). The top closes… barely and is not that comfortable to carry but it fits… in a bind.
So if I had a choice, I’d go with the 556 over the 554. It’s just more universally usable. But I like having two and don’t feel it is duplicating. In a time where Belstaff seems to be stopping the manufacturing of these bags (STUPID STUPID STUPID)… I am glad I have another in case something were to happen to the other. Both mine also don’t have the magnets and the seams match the color of the bag. The newer ones have magnets under the latches and a different color seam. Now why would they do that!
The dimensions measured at the seams* are: 10.25 in tall x 12 in wide x 3 in deep at the top and 4 in deep at the bottom.
Front pockets are 6.5 in tall x 4.5 in wide x 1 in deep.
Side pockets are 5 in tall by 4 in wide… tight rounded depth.
Inside zippered pocket is 7 in long.
* inside might be a bit smaller.
Of course, pictures are worth a thousand words: More Pictures of Belstaff Colonial 556.
wow, that is small! crap. thanks for the pic though. so obviously it fits comfortably in the 554 with lots of room to spare. yikes, if thats too big and 556 is too small, maybe this isn’t my bag. thanks for the photo.
I thought you guys might be interested in the following site:
http://www.my-wardrobe.com/belstaff/mountain-brown-heavy-canvas-messenger-bag-416278
They are offering the 556 in mountain brown for $371.25 plus 30% off for first time customers 🙂 I just placed in order and with shipping and duty the total came out to ~$275.
Thanks for the great discussion. It made my purchase easier 😉
-Rob
^wow!!! thanks man. i think that makes my choice A LOT easier!
@win win yen
Hi. I am sorry… I am not a dealer. Check Jcrew.com or this dealer: http://www.my-wardrobe.com/belstaff/mountain-brown-heavy-canvas-messenger-bag-416278
Good luck.
Okay… here is a 556 with two 1-inch 3-ring binders in it (you can squeeze in the moleskin and Kindle in there too… but it will be tight depending on how big your notebooks are). So based on your list above… yes absolutely can carry those items. A 554 would obviously give you more space. The biggest deciding factor for me is that the 554 can carry a 15in laptop, a 556 can not. That really is, in a work/school environment, the deciding factor.
@Rob
Just so you know Rob, the bag you linked above from my-wardrobe.com is the Belstaff 554 (the larger of the two). I emailed them and they sent me the Belstaff product code : 756150.
it is def the 554 but much to my surprise, it is absolutely the perfect size. i ordered this on sunday morning from my-wardrobe and it was at my doorstep today. pretty amazing considering it shipped from the uk. so all in all it came to $292 shipped from the UK in 2 days. i cant believe im actually the proud owner of a new mountain brown 554. couldn’t be happier. this blog was key in my research. thanks!!!
@jules is yours the version with the stitched on straps or the magnetic ones?
Regular buckles. The straps are Nice and curled too.
well, I just placed my order for the 554 from my-wardrobe. I was going to go with Gotlands but the price was a little friendlier.
I considered the 556 but I’ve had the 554 in mountain brown for a year and I’m glad I went with the bigger bag. My 17 inch powerbook in a booq sleeve fits perfectly while still leaving enough room for a folio and other odds and ends: http://www.flickr.com/photos/luminwerx/3454820140/
Not too small, not too big, just perfect. As with my Domke F2, the 554 conforms easily to whatever I decide to carry. The 554 never feels “too large” even when all I have in there is my wallet and a bottle of water. I do like to leave my semi-rigid booq sleeve in there as it gives the bag shape especially if I’m carrying just a few sheets of note paper.
I also use the Tenba insert already mentioned. I agree with Aaron that the Tenba insert beats the Domke inserts hands down. I ordered my Tenba insert from BHPhotovideo and it is not the white color that appears in so many of the product photos. Mine is a dark grey with multiple configurable hook and loop dividers. Can’t say enough good things about the Tenba – it’s a must have if you intend to use this bag as a camera bag.
FWIW I ordered my 554 through Nico Seifert at Gotlands and the bag was at my door in Hawaii in about 2 weeks.
Happy bag hunting folks. If you can afford one, you will not be disappointed with the Belstaff bag.
Alex,
Thanks for the heads up. The bag actually arrived yesterday (2-3 days after ordering it) even though I opted for the cheaper shipping (I think it was the 8-12 days option).
The bag is indeed the 554. I didn’t even notice until I came back and read your post. The size of the bag definitely meets my needs. I am very happy with the bag and yes the buckles are stitched on.
The price makes the deal all the sweeter, given the 554 is a little more expensive than the 556.
Thanks again,
Rob
You guys are lucky for snagging the my-wardrobe.com ones… looks like they are now out of stock!
@ northshore_boy… cool photos. What organizer are you using for flashlight, multitool etc?
when i ordered mine, it said one left. but then on monday, there were more. i bet if you check in a day or two, they have them again. but you dont need another one! lol. belstaff should send you something for being somewhat of a rep though. haha
I bought the last one yesterday, and got it (from England) less than 24 hours later. I may post a picture later.
@ jules… Don’t I wish!!!
Aaron,
I use a modified zippered semi-rigid case logic (in the picture) and a condor brand zippered organizer wallet to carry pens and a notebook. I am a big fan of semi rigid cases as I find them easier to handle especially when there is a heavy item like a multi tool or small loose items like safety pins or change.
Cheers,
Carlo
belstaff bag buying is addictive, I don’t know why, but I was seriously gonna buy another 554, but then My-wardrobe then sold out.
Anyway, I saw the rucksack version yesterday – (directly beneath the video)
http://www.milanstyle.co.uk/belstaff.htm
it’s another £250 but damn, it’s belstaff and it’s mountain brown and will complete my set.
I just need to get the AK47 and the Alsation, then I am set for the complete action here look 😀
The 556 being sold by J Crew has sewn straps and not magents. Cheaper than Gotlands with free shipping too.
I’ve just discovered these bags and love them. Love. Just wondering if someone can tell me if the if the 556 can fit a 13 inch macbook pro?
thanks..
@Ali
I don’t have a 13″ Macbook Pro so I can’t say for certain but I am pretty sure it will fit. How snugly will depend on what type of sleeve you put the laptop in (if any). I can ALLLLLLMOST squeeze my 15″ in there… so the 13″ will surely fit. I am basing it on my 15″ minus the speakers on the side.
Good luck!
how do you actually wash a 556 cotton canvas?
any approved way of doing it?
thanks
I read somewhere that you can put them in the washing machine, cold water. DO NOT DRY. Hang dry and you might need to iron as needed. You can put leather protector on the straps. I have PERSONALLY not had to wash mine in over a year of ownership. I’ll try to find that article…
Hey Juan (and Aaron. Great post and pictures by the way)
Juan, I’m afraid your Belstaff is a fake. How do I know? I have the same one as you. The same soft leather, the same main pocket lining being the same color as the bag etc. I got mine from Hong Kong. It’s a great knock off and I actually ordered one from Jcrew to compare and our is WAY better. The leather straps are so much more softer and easier to open. The Jcrew one had me fumbling around for at least 30-45 seconds to unbuckle one strap! Not so with my other one. I think it’s the best $75 bucks I spent on a bag. I only wish I had picked up a 554 as well because I think the 556 is a little too small. I’m thinking of using Aaron Lam’s idea and turning it into an SLR bag with the domke insert.
aaron
Hey great discussion and photos on the Belstaff bags. I got my 556 at jcrew in mountain brown. And yes, the 556 is a small bag!! I’ve had it for about 6 months and I really like the bag. The canvas is still pretty stiff and not even broken in yet. I guess that’s a good sign the canvas used in these bags are high quality, or at least that’s what I hope. I removed the metal sleeves on each of the four buckles because they are were too loud. I think it looks better with the metal sleeves removed, that’s just me I suppose.
You folks with your Belstaff bags, do you think the buckles are necessary? I find that they just get in the way most of the time. I’ve never used the buckles, I just slip the leather straps through the holes and off I go. Maybe the other belstaff bags with magnets are more practical?
Good day
Jerry Yip
@Rob
What is the promotional code for the 30% off for first time customers at http://www.my-wardrobe.com/belstaff/mountain-brown-heavy-canvas-messenger-bag-416278
Arron, liked your article on the Belstaff bags 556 & 554. I am would like to buy both bags could you recommend where to purchase.
Thanks
Don
Awesome idea. I’ve been wanting a nice looking camera bag for a while – something that be professional and casual, as well as flexible and rugged. Most importantly – something that doesn’t LOOK like a camera bag. My bag and insert just arrived – it’s perfect. Thank you.
@ Donald Malzahn
Hi… you can get the 556 at http://www.jcrew.com.
The 554 I believe is in stock at Fred Segal Trend in Santa Monica CA. Was there on Friday and saw one.
Good luck!
@Rob
So I placed my order through my-wardrobe.com like the other few (still waiting for it to arrive), but I’m curious how much the duty will cost me…
hey, mate. I really wanna buy a 556,but there is not belstaff store in my town, and I am living in UK. I spent a while on searching in Internet, But there are too many fakes, so I can’t make a decision, even I don’t know the reasonable price for this bag. Could u please provide me some website for shopping the 556.
I have tried the jcrew, but its not dispatched to UK. How about http://www.gotlands.de/index.php?op=display_home and http://www.my-wardrobe.com/menswear?c_id=send2friend is those real?
or pass me some belstaff shopping websites
@Lg
Wow you live in the UK and you can’t find a Belsfaff bag! I thought they had a huge flagship store in Manchester. Yeah… Gotlands is totally legit. I got my 554 from them. My-Wardrobe I think is good too based on feedback from another reader but I don’t have personal experience from them. Also: http://www.volls.de/index.php?list=BELSTAFF.
Good luck!
Hey,aaronlam. Thank u so much for ur advise,I brought a 554 last weekend in manchester. coz I am a tall guy, 556 is too small for me. It is an amazing bag. One more question, I found a belt loop on the rear of the bag. what is this used for?
Great! I’ve never used that loop but I believe it’s for more “action” moments, you can loop it into your belt so the bag stays close to your body. Since it’s a military based bag, maybe this is something they did in the field. Doesn’t work if you want to take the bag on and off your shoulder.
Enjoy the bag!
Thanks for all the info here. I looked into multiple sites to buy the 556 and ended up ordering from J Crew using a promo code for free shipping. Not the cheapest but at least I know I will be getting the real deal. I never heard of Belstaff before but the woman in front of me at Staples the other day was carrying one and I knew I HAD to have one. Will let you all know how much I love it when I get it in my paws but all the input here was invaluable in helping me decide what to buy and where to buy it from. Thanks!
@Gayle
Enjoy the bag! They are the best!
I am pondering the thought of compromising!
I have e-mailed about 15 retailer’s of the 556 in the color Kaki; but none seem to have it yet that I have found out. Do you know when they may restock? It seems like the only time’s I get the light of finding the color Kaki is when it’s a ‘replica’ item.
I’ve e-mailed every site listed, and was curious if you have any insight for any other’s? Or a scheduled restock? Or a custom orderer?
(Did your friend open his shop?
Oh, the perfect bag, how i’ve searched you.
@Taylor
Oye. The Khaki one is a tough one to find. Try Fred Segal Trend in Santa Monica (310-458-6365). I was in there a couple weeks ago and saw a few.
The stock is totally dependent on Belstaff and what they feel like producing that season. It’s always limited numbers, colors and there has been some slight variations in the past.
Good luck!
Hi
Digging around for the Belstaff 554, i’ve found your site.
Great info, fine pics.
Tanks for the post.
Just ordered the 554, despite your advice 🙂
I need the big one. 🙂
Cheers from Portugal
@Pedro
Oh no! I recommend both… as a matter a fact… feels excessive but I own both the 554 and 556. One for work that carries my 15″ Macbook Pro and one for travel or just every day use that can carry very little or my camera gear.
They are great! Congrats.
Hi Guys, im hoping you can help me. Im trying to get an idea in my head of what size the 554 and 556 are when been worn. IM torn between the 2 as im not really getting the bag for functionality reasons ,im ashamed to admit its for looks alone! 🙂 Anyone out there with either bag can you tell me if this looks like the 554 or the 556? My personal view is its the 554.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24644067@N03/3889849976/
Its ok guys. I got my hands on a 556. Cant get one in Europe as Gotlands are old out of the mountain brown,so had to get one form the states. Cant wait for it to come, it looks like the coolest bag in the world!! 🙂
Forgot to say, Happy new year to all and may it be a good one for all!
@richie
Hey Richie,
That looks like a 556 in that picture (hard to tell without knowing how tall the girl is). The 554 is surprisingly big… a bit too big for daily use. I use as my work laptop bag but for going around down or travel, definitely the 556. I think you’ll be happy with that.
Enjoy the bag!
aaron
ps. I do have a carry comparison on the first page of comments here. I am average build 5’11”.
Hey aaronlam et. al.,
I’m trying to buy one of these bags, and I’m looking on the internet and finding DOZENS of places to buy and super cheap (like $150, as compared to $385 at JCrew). While I believe JCrew is overpriced, are these websites legit.
I managed to ALMOST buy one, and find out my credit card wasn’t accepted. I was noticing the guy had broken english in his emails back, and they told me to send a bank transfer… to China?? But that all of there bags are made in Italy (even though the company is based out of England, right??)
Sounds really shady, and I think there are alot of other shady sites out there trying to get money. Your thoughts on reliable cheap websites to buy from??
Thanks,
Ned
@Ned
If you send me a link of where you are trying to buy it from, I’ll try to weigh in. But in general, several people have reported back that they were really disappointed in the “cheap” knock off version. Highly doubt that they are real version.
Belstaff makes a very limited run of these bags each season. It’s not manufactured in Asia. The company which was founded in England is now based in Italy I believe. $385 is actually cheap before JCrew picked it up and it was almost impossible to find when I was looking 4 years ago. I ended up importing a bunch from Germany and privately selling them to buyers in the US.
Good luck. I think you’ll be happy with the real thing. Mine is 4 years and counting… still looks like the day I got it and it has travelled much of the world with me!
And as my sister puts it… it’s a real bargain compared to the Fendi bag she is eyeing.
aaron
“And as my sister puts it… it’s a real bargain compared to the Fendi bag she is eyeing.”
HaHa i like that. This was how i squared buying my 556 with my girlfriend! She is in the process of buying a Mulberry bag for just over $1000 and told her mine was an absolute bargain compared to hers. 🙂
Thanks for your advice earlier aaron,my 556 should be here in a couple of days,all the way from sunny california to even sunnier Scotland!! 🙂
Great post! It has been more than helpful in my hunt for a Colonial. Has anyone been able to locate an AUTHENTIC 554 in Mountain Brown; preferably stateside? J. Crew only offers in Burnt Caramel and I’m dying for the bigger size to fit my 15″ MBP.
@Adam
Check:
George Greene
(312) 654-2490
49 E Oak St
Chicago, IL
or
Fred Segal Trend
(310) 394-7535
500 Broadway Street
Santa Monica, CA
Fyi, i was able to fit my 15″ macbook pro into the 556 (smaller) bag from J crew just fine. Its snug but it closes completely.