lilypond Desert Willow Review
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In 2009, lilypond, a line of bag’s designed specifically for active women, was launched by parent company fishpond. Fishpond is a well known Colorado based manufacturer within the fly-fishing industry. After a year of success, lilypond is set to release 6 new styles next spring. Fortunately, I was able to check out lilypond’s Desert Willow, the smallest from the new cotton canvas bag collection.
The Desert Willow, pictured above, measures 10.5”Long x 4”Wide x 7” High and is a great size for every day use or travel. The bag features many options if you are into organization: there is a rear zippered compartment and a front zippered compartment that is hidden by the overlying flap that closes with a small magnetic closure. The main compartment has a zipper closure to keep your things in your bag, where they belong! This main compartment features a two pocket organizer along the front of the bag which is large enough to hold my Droid, and probably any other smart phone. There is also a floating pocket along the rear that has a key clip to ensure that your keys stay put.
lilypond states that their color choices are based on colors that occur in nature, and I couldn’t agree more. The Desert Willow is available in cactus (a toned down lime green), geranium (a punchy/vibrant red), and birch (a light tan/khaki). As an outdoor enthusiast, I was thrilled to test out the birch hue which has dusk, or dark gray accents, and a pale yellow-green lining. The three tone combo works incredibly well together and goes with just about anything I put on.
I have been stashing my summer reading materials, a medium sized paperback within the main compartment, along with my wallet, sunglasses case, and other small purse essentials. I am not a big purse person, so the Dessert Willow’s size is just what I need to fit key items without getting completely weighed down. The strap can easily be adjusted to change the way you carry the bag: across the chest or over the shoulder. When not in use, the Desert Willow flattens out easily and can be placed in a suitcase or carry on for easy traveling. When heading cross country, I used the Desert Willow as my personal bag and hauled my backpack up into the overhead compartment:)
For those that like to carry more, or have to carry more because they have goodies to carry for their children, lilypond makes some other great options. I personally love the looks of the Solstice Sling which incorporates many of the same style features of the Desert Willow, but is larger and can accommodate a laptop and features a reinforced leather bottom to increase the longevity of the bag.
