Messenger / Courier Bags List

I found this list and thought I had a bag shopping bonanza, but I find my time wasted.

I'm specifically looking for actual messenger bags, the sort used by actual messengers.

Thank you for that.

Sorry I couldn't help there Ben.

I suggest stopping any messengers that you ever see cycling past, and either asking them which bag they use, or better yet, grab it from them.
It will save you from a bag shopping bonanza.

As you were.

I found this list and thought I had a bag shopping bonanza, but I find my time wasted and wonder why. I googled and thought this being a "cool" site would have a few worthy suggestions, and there are among the posts. But the list itself is made up of fashionable bags and poorly made gimmick bags (like that ridiculous tire purse).

I'm specifically looking for actual messenger bags, the sort used by actual messengers. If you have a URL I'd appreciate it. Most of what is here is tote and carry-alls that use the descriptive to indicate a strap that hangs on the shoulder, but they are not designed for riding at all. I'm planning to relieve myself of my car and want to equip myself properly. I'd also like to avoid poorly made imitations from beginners if possible, hence the request at companies actually frequented by couriers.

I must admit I was a little surprised at what your forum thought comprised a messenger bag, but I see above the objective is to have as many listings as possible. A link to bags messengers use would be very useful indeed for those of us put here by Google or Yahoo.. I found a few posting suggestions useful, such as PAC bags, clearly a courier bag company. Thank you for that.

If you're so worried about wasted time, I'd suggest trimming your wordy posts for a start.

Here's an actual courier bag.. it even says courier on it.. it's shit for pretty much everything. Enjoy.

hippy, I actually worked for Courier Systems for exactly One Day! The controller had his favourites, and those guys got fed all the jobs. Even though I was experienced, I only got a few jobs that day. When the day was done, I gave them back their bag and radio, and I was gonzo.

I think I worked for *Mercury Despatch after that, and made good money. That bag brought back the memories. Long ago though.....obviously. Ahem.

*Edited.

1 week. I was so bored I was taking books to read waiting for jobs and gave up so I could find something decent. I was a temp in Richmond and earned more in an hour than a whole day working for CS.

hippy, where do you think we can find some real messengers, so that this list might have a bit of credibility?

I'm foxed. You never know, someone out there could just want to buy a whole bunch of different real messenger bags.

I feel terrible not knowing any real couriers. I must be a fraud or something.

Yeah, you hit the nail on the head there. Ya big fraudy fraudikins!

hippy, where do you think we can find some real messengers, so that this list might have a bit of credibility?

I'm foxed. You never know, someone out there could just want to buy a whole bunch of different real messenger bags.

I feel terrible not knowing any real couriers. I must be a fraud or something.

:)

Can't help with the search for couriers. But I do know that if you hang around Brick Lane you're bound to bump into some curryers.

@BenKiowa - I trust that my post helped you in your search. As we are all obviously here as your own personal bike google service.

@BenKiowa

There are at least 15 different companies represented on the list that make real top quality bags suitable for a working messenger....if you have managed to miss all of those and only spot PAC then i'd love to hear your version of what an actual messenger bag is.

where can i buy a grobag?

Sorry man...your settings don't allow me to reply to your emails.
The list is approx 7-8 months wait right now.

Why the necessary that the bag need to be use by courier in order to make the bag slighty more credible?

As long it can withstand 150 miles a week plus in comfort while manage to keep it dry no matter the condition, it's perfect.

Why the necessary that the bag need to be use by courier in order to make the bag slighty more credible?

As long it can withstand 150 miles a week plus in comfort while manage to keep it dry no matter the condition, it's perfect.

finally someone gets it, you preeners all soaking each other with tongue spittle don't but this fellow does. You list totes and purses and laptop cases as messenger / courier bags, that's all i was saying. I didn't mean to offend except to criticize your list, which is fine except 90%+ of it is crap.

UK available list for example

FAIL
ACME MADE
http://www.laptopstuff.co.uk/p/Acme_...senger_Bag.htm (Clyde City Messenger) [] £65.44

FAIL
BILLINGHAM
http://www.billingham.co.uk/acatalog/Packington.html (Packington) [9.8L] £161.70

FAIL
CRUMPLER
http://www.cameraworld.co.uk/ViewPro...UBCAT_CODE=117 (New Dehli 770) [] £126.98
http://www.laptopstuff.co.uk/p/Crump...senger_Bag.htm (Super Boomer) £47.17
http://www.crumpler.co.uk/?product=C...oduct_line=648 (Cheesy Disco Big Logo) 139.Euros
http://www.crumpler.co.uk/?product=N...d=NYW-003&size= (New York Warehouse) 119.Euros
http://www.crumpler.co.uk/?product=D...d=BWW-004&size= (Dinky Di) 79.Euros
http://www.crumpler.co.uk/?product=T...M-004&size=big (Royal Sackli XL) 139.Euros
http://www.crumpler.co.uk/?product=W...&ignore_color= (Wonder Weenie) 79.Euros
http://www.crumpler.co.uk/?product=H...&ignore_color= (Hairy Lee) 79.Euros

FAIL
DOMKE
http://www.digitaldepot.co.uk/produc...ucts_id=343352 (F-804) [19.8L] £107.65

FAIL
FREITAG
http://www.londongraphics.co.uk/cgi-...AGNET#aDRAGNET (Surfside 6) £97
http://thenuflow.blogspot.com/2007/1...e-and-rex.html
http://www.freitag.ch

FAIL
HOWIES {special note, material [treated canvas+leather] is not truly waterproof, but will refuse water access for many hours}
http://www.howies.co.uk/product.php/1603/92/ (Hand Me Down Messenger) [] £185
http://www.howies.co.uk/product.php/1601/92/ (Hand Me Down Backpack) [] £195

FAIL
INCASE
http://www.flatspot.com/store/incase...ue-3747-0.html (DOM) [42L] £200
http://www.flatspot.com/store/incase...ed-3739-0.html (Nylon) [] £75

FAIL
KARRIMOR
http://www.aktive8.com/p/Karrimor-Bi.../KB9125BK.html (Freighter) £65

FAIL
KATA
http://www.cameraworld.co.uk/ViewPro...ing%20Backpack (3N1-20 Sling Backpack) [10.5L] £89.98

FAIL
KNOG
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Kn...ag/5360039636/ (Pig Dog) [24L] £70.47
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Kn...ag/5360039637/ (Franks Dog) [17.6L] £75.75
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Knog-Corsa-M...-Bag_11629.htm (Corsa) [20L] £42.99
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...mpaign=froogle (Big Dog) [30L] £78.29

FAIL
LINNELL (Royal Mail)
http://www.michaellinnell.co.uk/inde...%20and%20Trays £25

FAIL
LOWEPRO
http://www.digitalrev.com/en/lowepro...5061-3355.html (Messenger Factor L) [18.4L] £44.32

FAIL
MANHATTAN PORTAGE
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Manhattan_Portage_West_Side_(Large)_Laptop_Messeng er_Bag/5360038842/ (Westside Large) [16.4L] £87.20

FAIL
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
http://www.cameraworld.co.uk/ViewPro...UBCAT_CODE=117 (Earth Explorer 2477) [23.7L] £107.61

FAIL
NORTH-FACE
http://www.itchyfeet.com/product_inf...e575d046d649fa (Shifty) [22L] £39.14
http://www.cmmonline.co.uk/items/def...42&ref=Froogle (Ruckus) [35L] £39.15
http://www.ellis-brigham.com/cgi-bin/psProdDet.cgi?prod_code_in=204110&transid=&SQLCode Link=AND~((~PROD_DESC~LIKE~'%trans-antarctica%'~OR~PROD_FEATURES~LIKE~'%trans-antarctica%'~OR~PROD_NAME~LIKE~'%trans-antarctica%'~OR~product.PROD_CODE~LIKE~'%trans-antarctica%'~OR~PROD_MAN~LIKE~'%trans-antarctica%'~OR~PROD_CATEGORIES~LIKE~'%trans-antarctica%'~OR~PROD_KEYWORDS~LIKE~'%trans-antarctica%'~OR~PROD_COLOURS~LIKE~'%trans-antarctica%'))~AND~PROD_SPECIAL_FLAG~=~'0'~AND~PRO D_NODISP~!=~1,pageLimit=0&mode=user&config=1,0,0,1 &rowsFound=5&srchType= (Trans Messenger) [22L] £40.37

FAIL
ORTLIEB
http://bicyclemagic.web-epos.com/pro..._SlingIt_Nylon (Sling-It) [21L] £67.50

FAIL
OSPREY TRANSIT
https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/webp...N=&MENUSTATE=N (Elroy 25) [25L] £48.95

FAIL
OXIO
http://www.laptopstuff.co.uk/p/Oxio_...Laptop_Bag.htm (Camouflage) [36L] £56.99

FAIL
PAKUMA
http://www.laptopstuff.co.uk/p/Pakum...senger_Bag.htm (Choroka K1) [24L] £59.99
http://www.laptopstuff.co.uk/p/Pakum...senger_Bag.htm (Choroka K2) [18L] £37.50
http://www.laptopstuff.co.uk/p/Pakuma_Choroka_K3LT.htm (Choroka K3) [16L] £54.04

FAIL
PATAGONIA
http://www.itchyfeet.com/product_inf...e575d046d649fa (Critical Mass) [46L] £63.61

FAIL
????? no bag at all
PROJECT TORTOISE [cannot confirm viability at this time]
http://doknot.wordpress.com/2007/08/18/12

FAIL
PUMA SAILING MESSENGER BAG
http://www2.eshop.puma.com/WelcomeAc...n=red&source=8&# £40.00

FAIL
SCHWALBE COURIER/TYRE BAG
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwP...c003119c003123 11.5L £24.46

FAIL
TAMRAC
http://www.somersetcameras.co.uk/pro...oducts_froogle (Velocity 10x) [17.4L] £48.36

FAIL
VAUDE
http://www.koffer24.de/home.php?artNr=13976&js=true (Gustav) [19L] 79.95.Euros

FAIL
ZWEI
http://www.bicycleworkshop.co.uk/pro...=m2b17s145p239 (U18K) [18L] £94.90
http://tragware.com/product_info.php...b4781cb72ad65f (Courier C20) [27.5L] 99.90Euros

that's obvious, most of it isn't messenger /courier bags, most are barely water resistant much less with a waterproof layer, many let water in through gaping holes on the top, most have straight straps that dont conform to the body making for less comfort, no padding on the straps, none of the stuff that makes the bags that pro messengers use what they use...sorry for pissing you off, but you can't deny that your idea of what makes a bag a messenger / courier bag puts you up there with Jessica Simpson, you twatters.

YOU
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/106/317201395_642b588756.jpg

MESSENGER
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/27/92264006_475b7544e9.jpg?v=0
http://www.tonicfab.com/uploaded_images/monster-767065.jpg
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/07YW7RM7lJfRd/610x.jpg

so you see I wasn't trying to make you al sensitive, just criticizing these crappy lists, which are crap, I'm sorry they are crap, and that's my apology, forum fag "gang"

Er... so you're entire contribution to the site is to call a long-standing member gay and a nazi. Surely those things are mutually exclusive?

And what do you expect others who reach this thread to do based on your post? To perform a diff between your FAIL list and GA2G's list, remove the fails and look at what's left? My point being... why didn't you instead explain why some bags are good rather than bitch and whinge like a little baby boy about the bags that don't meet your criteria.

And what splendid criteria!

"withstand 150 miles a week plus in comfort while manage to keep it dry no matter the condition, it's perfect"

But yet, you rule out the Royal Mail bag. Which based on mileage put in by a postman, plus the weather conditions, and keeping mail dry, and finally union driven health and safety... well, it's a perfect match.

Bloody hater.

How did Archie's Grobags do in the test? ;)

I'm gay. I'm gay. Yippee...finally, I've been outed. Now I can tell the kids and wife.

What a relief!

Comedian.

Don't worry VB, such behaviour is is only funnier as its re-read.

Glad to see my new bag not on the (il-informed) fail list.
Banjo Brothers large messenger bag (From Urban Hunter). Been using it all week and am suitably impressed. My one gripe is that I could do with being slightly taller which would make the bag fit my back.
Two family trips to the pool:3 large towels, shampoos, trunks and cossies all fit comfortably with plenty of room to add shopping on the way home.
3 trips to the beach - More than capable of returning most of said beach back to my living room carpet.
GA2G - I salute you and your list(s).
Repped.

i have used one of these for a couple of years,

Carradice Bag i wouldnt say its a messenger bag .. more fakenger ;-)

i just found this on the linnell website [who sell the royal mail bag[:
http://www.michaellinnell.co.uk/index.php?p=showprod&id=453&cat=Satchels%20and%20Trays

anyone know anything about it?
you can't really tell much from the picture they give eg. how it straps on..

Search cheap bag. Somone posted a link to it a week or so ago.

forgive me, but can't find it?!

No Me neither. From what I remember someone looking for big cheap bag, it was recommended but not much info. Buy one and share the knowledge.

will do!

Linnell's make/sell that bag. Its bigger, but in my opinion, deeply inferior to their official Royal Mail red bag. Its meant to be cavernous, and it is that, but its shapeless too, and would not be comfortable for a cyclist, unless the load is exactly evenly distributed, and some padding added.

But this is just dreamy words. Or, it might be true. You decide.

Glad to see my new bag not on the (il-informed) fail list.
Banjo Brothers large messenger bag (From Urban Hunter). Been using it all week and am suitably impressed. My one gripe is that I could do with being slightly taller which would make the bag fit my back.

I've had two and I found the same, watch the stabiliser strap though, mine broke on both.

Puma have a new bag, and its called (quite originally) The Courier Classic. Its in grey, though it looks off-white.

Its bound to upset someone. No names called. ;)

To be frank, I like it....and their other offering, the Sailing Messenger Bag.

Linnell's make/sell that bag. Its bigger, but in my opinion, deeply inferior to their official Royal Mail red bag. Its meant to be cavernous, and it is that, but its shapeless too, and would not be comfortable for a cyclist, unless the load is exactly evenly distributed, and some padding added.

But this is just dreamy words. Or, it might be true. You decide.

do you know what kind of straps it has?
btw i just thought i'd put in here that i think your lists are great and an in-valuable resource, the forum should be proud to have you!