Messenger Bags:
Messenger bags are a popular style of bags used by both men and women to carry documents, their laptops, and other items in a cross-body, ergonomic fashion.
Anatomy of a Messenger Bag
Fundamentally, messenger bags have a top flap that covers the interior bag compartment and a shoulder strap meant to be worn on the opposite shoulder (for best distribution of weight). The original messenger bag, designed and handmade in the 1950s for utility linemen, enabled linemen to easily access their tools while working on utility poles.
Laptop Messenger Bags
Obviously, at that time, toting about a laptop wasn't one of the major considerations for a messenger bag, but easily carrying packages (and other items) while riding a bike were what messenger bags were originally designed for. The first messenger bags -- extremely functional and designed for durability -- ultimately transformed in the mid '80s and '90s into trendy fashion accessories. Though they are still utilitarian and rugged accessories, messenger bags now have a cool, casual (even anti-establishment) appeal, and most messenger bags include options for carrying your laptop (or netbook or tablet) safely within them.
Laptop messenger bags are more ergonomic (i.e., comfortable to use) than typical business shoulder bags or briefcases, because of the cross-body design -- the weight of the laptop and other bag contents is more evenly distributed; the bag is designed to be carried by users in the most comfortable fashion -- with the body of the bag high up on your back (like a backpack) for best weight distribution. About.com has a video from Timbuk2 on how to correctly wear a messenger bag.
What to Look for in a Messenger Bag
In addition to the typical bag considerations (quality stitching, self-healing zippers, weather-resistant fabric, etc.), some features that separate a top-of-the-line messenger bag from others include:
- Easily adjustable shoulder straps
- Exterior and/or interior compartments for small items
- Vinyl lining for durability and waterproofing
- Thick shoulder pad for comfort
- For bikers especially: cross strap for stabilization and reflectors for nighttime visibility
A Few Messenger Bag Manufacturers
De Martini is the original messenger bag, originally Globe Canvas, started by Frank DeMartini in the 1950s. De Martini still makes the original NYC bicycle courier bag, as well as mini versions, backpacks, tote bags, and accessories.
Manhattan Portage, established in 1983, created the "original New York messenger bags." Manhattan Portage turned the rugged outdoor bags used by bicycle messengers in the '70s into useful, practical accessories for DJs and, ultimately, mainstream users worldwide.
Timbuk2 is another pioneer in the messenger bag field, handmaking their messenger bags in San Francisco since 1989. They even enable you to design your own custom laptop messenger bag. Bags with Timbuk2's distinctive tri-panel design can be seen in urban locales everywhere.
Pac Designs messenger bags were first created in Toronto in 1989 by cycle messenger Pat McGibbon. Innovations in messenger bag design from Pac Designs include "D" ring adjusting, padded backs, and ballistic bottoms. The company makes professional messenger bags as well as messengers for all cyclists.
Chrome was started in Boulder, Colorodo in 1996 by a couple of guys making messenger bags in a garage using the toughest materials they could find. Today, Chrome bags is part of the San Francisco urban cycling scene, but the company is still all about utility and functionality (useless design frills never a consideration).
