Messenger / Courier Bags List

and how is it? review it

Id just like to say that for what its worth, my Acronym bag is brilliant. Im not sure when the list on this thread was originally compiled, but the early versions of the Acronym messengers weren't all that great for actual messenger use. The newer versions are now all made by BagJack and come in several sizes (mine is much bigger than A4) and feature all the nice bagjack features (removable lining, 3 point harness with multiple harness points etc etc) with the addition of a modular attachment system.
I would however say that they aren't worth the money if youre just looking for a messenger/courier bag, like Visvim they are excellent bags but they are far too expensive unless you are going to be using them as an all purpose bag.

rupert how did you get past the £50 minimum order for the Linnel? i wanted to get one, maybe ill see if anyone wants to go inon one order

interested in this if you are doing this. pm sent

i have a timbuk2 with the grippy shoulder grip. Its fantastic.. i use it on a ride to the shops and 30-50 mile weekend rides. It never slips and never moves.. its very comfy and has been quite rainproof so far!

i love it

and how is it? review it

Well, it's basically your bog-standard bag. It's fairly roomy (the main pocket is about the same size as a Chrome Metropolis... maybe a little smaller). It has a couple of other small, velcro pockets. Of course, they can add extra pockets or whatever if you ask. It's not made of cordura, but some other (similar) material that is used to make sails. The lining of mine is former billboard material, which seems almost as 'robust' as truck tarp.

The clips/clasps or whatever you call them are disappointing. They feel rather flimsy and have reflectors on them. The stitching on mine is a bit 'rudimentary,' although I think they've been getting a lot better at making bags since they made mine. I was back in Jacksonville in May, but didn't get the chance to make it to their shop. I've heard good things, though, and the pics I've seen of newer bags have looked promising.

The buckle on the strap is massive. It is used to adjust the strap, but cannot be 'unbuckled.' Like I said, it's really big and a bit heavy. It tends to dig into my chest under heavier loads, not unlike the Chrome buckle. One other thing I'm not crazy about is how the strap is attached to the bag itself. It is sewn onto the back of the bag (not like a Chrome bag, where the strap is attached at a seam on the side). This has not been so much of an issue, but it makes me worry that it would rip free eventually, if I carried lots of stuff in it regularly. Plus, it has the effect of making the bag not fit as snugly to your bag, so it sticks out a bit further then my Chrome bag does. And the stabilising strap is a bit simple.

Overall, it's an okay bag, but I think they've got some work to do. They're definitely on the right track, and I like their business model. They are also really nice guys, and they worked with me to have it shipped over to London.

I go back home every year, so I'll probably look at some of their bags next year. If I get one, I'll post pics.

I have a Timbuk2 as well, bought it in Amsterdam for 60€ (M size) and it's great! Doesn't slip, unless I way overfill it, keeps my ham sandwiches from the rain, and fits a hell of a lot of stuff! I've had at the most:
1l. Jack Daniels
3l. beer (6 cans)
3 Xbox games and 2 controllers
1 sweater, 1 tshirt, 1 pair of pants
some random shit.

The quality seems really nice as well, seems very strong and durable..

I don't mind splitting an order for Linnell if anyone wants to?

has anyone had any experience with the Dakine Dispatch? I was just having a look around Cycle Surgery Holborn and they have a couple. I'm quite impressed, they seem to be well made and have lots of handy features and are £65, which isnt too bad.

http://www.dakine.com/street-series/guys/dispatch/

edit that, just found them here for £30!

http://www.facewest.co.uk/Dakine-Dispatch.html

anyone used that site before? i'm a bit suspicious that they are less than half the price of cycle surgery. certainly a good deal for £30.

I don't mind splitting an order for Linnell if anyone wants to?

Think me and woodrow are planning on doing this soon so would be fine if u wanted to join in.

Think me and woodrow are planning on doing this soon so would be fine if u wanted to join in.

i called them up on monday and they are out of stock but getting the bags in again in 1-2 weeks. They're going to send me a free sample when that happens (!) and then kind of expect me to order some more bags - this is where you might want to come in...

I decided a while a go I could have a kick by trying to built my own bag. After too much wasting at
a lot of levels I came up with something very standard, much helped by my gf.... and I really think
it´s worth to give it a try. Opinions would be appreciated.

I already bought enough materials to fabricate another 2. All black.

Nice, possibly need a x strap.

and maybe some decent padding on the main strap?!

CJ, there's no padding on my Timbuk2's strap, and its as comfy as Halle Berry sitting on my..............knee. ;)

CJ, there's no padding on my Timbuk2's strap, and its as comfy as Halle Berry sitting on my..............knee. ;)

To be fair though man, your shoulder is pretty padded already. :)

To be fair though man, your shoulder is pretty padded already. :)

Somehow I think you and Murtle have got hold of the same script page! But you may be on to something there. ;)

I decided a while a go I could have a kick by trying to built my own bag. After too much wasting at
a lot of levels I came up with something very standard, much helped by my gf.... and I really think
it´s worth to give it a try. Opinions would be appreciated.

yeah ive been doing the same, made a couple last week, theyve turned out alright.
this site has a really got pattern http://eeio.blogspot.com/2004/12/recycled-banner-golden-mean-messenger.html real easy

where did you get your material/what did you use? ive just been using stolen vinyl banner

woody post pics man! sounds interesting. pming you now about Toulouse unfortunately.

Ooh nice link wooodrow, im tempted to have a bash at making my own now. . .

yeah ive been doing the same, made a couple last week, theyve turned out alright.
this site has a really got pattern http://eeio.blogspot.com/2004/12/recycled-banner-golden-mean-messenger.html real easy

where did you get your material/what did you use? ive just been using stolen vinyl banner

Yes, this was the 1st tutorial I saw of how to do it really easy, but after trying this method I just didn´t like the final shape.
My pattern was taken from a messenger bag from NorthFace... it is really versatile room wise. No padding just because it fits perfect on my shoulder. That tutorial BTW is related to this vid
YouTube - Make a Messenger Bag Out of Trash Bags!

I got my materials (cordura mainly) from Portugal, at some deparment store, rug and mats section. €3 a meter for the cordura. On the bay is really expensive. All the buckles, straps and velcros from Klein's, soho.

I use this one daily: http://www2.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=EU&model=ACBZ&language=en

it's different to the one on the list and it's absolutely bone dry - i only carry work clothes back and forth and two heavy d-locks... i'm not sure how itbwould hold up to really heavy weight as it's corner stitched. I've got black but the orange is really nice in the flesh and a bit more visible.

edit: actually mine looks identical but is about 4 times the size!?!

haha - i was just having a shifty at the north face site and out of all the messenger bags, the 'pista' ("north face's approack to a bike messenger bag..") is one of the few without a stabiliser strap. Well. Thought. Out.

i called them up on monday and they are out of stock but getting the bags in again in 1-2 weeks. They're going to send me a free sample when that happens (!) and then kind of expect me to order some more bags - this is where you might want to come in...

Hi Cohen,

cheers for that, let me know when the linells are back in stock and i will be interested

Jimbo