Messenger Bags 07 303 Ns - article by Whimsical Wire Articles

Messenger bags offer students, commuters, and anyone toting around a bunch of gear a useful alternative to the standard backpack. Messenger bags have a number of significant strengths over their two-strapped brethren, though they have some other marked disadvantages, depending on how you use the bags.

In general, a messenger bag is a satchel-shaped bag, usually somewhat rectangular, with a large opening flap and one strap which can be easily slung over one’s shoulder. They come in all shapes and sizes, from messenger bags just a little larger than a purse to monstrosities which can envelop enough gear to keep someone fed and clothed for a week.

The advent of the messenger bag is usually attributed to bicycle messengers. Since these two-wheeled couriers needed to carry a lot of sometimes bulky packages at once on their bikes, but still be able to access the packages easily, the assembled bags with large capacities, wide openings, and comfortable straps. Though email and reliable large-scale courier operations have phased out some bike messengers, they can still be seen dodging traffic in almost any metropolitan area. When looking for a messenger bag it’s helpful to see what the experts use. Bike messengers almost everywhere rely on bags manufactured by Timbuk2 since they’re large bags are durable, waterproof, and huge. Many New York bike messengers still stick with their hometown bags, manufactured by Manhattan Portage, for many of the same reasons.

When you’re looking through the varieties of messenger bags, think about what you plan on using the bag for. Will you be carrying just a couple of books? A laptop? All of your gym clothes? Enough gear for a weekend away? What you’re toting will help determine what size bag is for you. If you’re not sure what size of bag to get, err on the big side, as it’s easier to deal with a little extra space in your pack than to have your arms full since you can’t fit everything inside. Once you’ve got your size range narrowed down, look at extras that may be helpful. It may be nice to have somewhere to keep your pens and loose change, maybe dividers for lots of small items or a padded laptop compartment. Additional spaces for mp3 players or cell phones are also handy additions. Waterproof bags are nice if you’re in a wet area, and a waist strap will help keep your bag stable if you’re cutting through traffic on your bike.

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