Once the sole domain of daredevil bike messengers who take great pleasure in weaving through traffic at breakneck speeds, the messenger bag has successfully crossed over to the mainstream. Originally designed to carry various documents and packages bound for multiple locations, messenger bags have turned out to be the perfect size for laptops, schoolbooks and other everyday items. They also make an ideal, modern replacement for the traditional briefcase. Many options are available; this guide will help you figure out how to buy messenger bags. Once you find the right messenger bag for you, it will become an essential piece of your luggage.
Though they started out as simple courier bags, messenger bags have branched out to applications as diverse as their users. Though the classic messenger bag will always be the first choice for the busy bike messenger, you can be sure that, even if you can't balance on a bicycle, there is a messenger bag out there that's right for you. Whether you are a young professional in need of a handsome leather messenger bag or a high school student looking for a stylish alternative to a traditional backpack, messenger bags will work for you. This messenger bag buying guide has information to help you sort through the different types and styles available, so you can find the perfect messenger bag for you.
Canvas
Canvas messenger bags are a trendy option for students who want to carry all their books and accessories without having to resort to a kid's backpack. Canvas is a rugged material, made to withstand the everyday wear and tear that can be caused by those sharp textbook corners constantly grinding against the interior of your bag. It also dries fast, so if you get caught in an unexpected downpour on the way to class, your canvas bag will be dry before the bell rings for the next one.
Synthetic blends
Though messenger bags can be used by anyone, respect must be paid to the originators: the bike messengers. And if you have an important package to get across town, scaling vicious inclines and dealing with a surprise monsoon, you'll want to make sure your cargo stays dry along the way. Urban messenger bags are made of tough synthetic materials, like nylon, and many are then treated with water-resistant coatings. Some also include vinyl linings to further protect your client's documentation and, more importantly, whatever device you use to listen to tunes on the way.
Leather
If your job requires a professional look but you can't quite see yourself with a traditional briefcase in hand, leather messenger bags are your answer. Available in an array of colors and sizes, these leather backpacks are a stylish way to keep all of your business essentials organized. Some of these designer messenger bags have built-in laptop sleeves, suited to hold any 15.4 inch or smaller laptop. To keep your leather bag looking its best, you'll want to treat it with water protectant, much like you would with a pair of fine leather shoes.
Though messenger bags come in almost as many sizes as they do colors, you can sort them into three easy to picture size categories: large, medium and small.
Traditional messenger bags definitely fall into the large category. Bike messengers need as much room as possible, so they can fit a lot of deliveries in their bag at once and maximize their productivity on each trip. This is a feature that also works well if you're the type who doesn't like to leave the house without a couple of your favorite books, a travel mug, your computer, headphones, lunch, fabric swatches to show your friends at work and whatever else you may want to burden your back with.
Medium-sized bags can fit the average portable PC and a whole bunch of other essentials, like files, notebooks and umbrellas. These bags are generally slimmer and less bulky than traditional messenger bags, with plenty of compartments and pockets to keep all of your stuff organized.
Small messenger bags are great for carrying around your bare essentials; their size also makes them ideal carry-on bags. Available in a variety of chic styles, they make an excellent alternative to a handbag.
When picking the right messenger bag for you, you'll want to consider what you'll be using it for. It's been mentioned before in this guide that messenger bags make for a perfect computer backpack. Only the very beefiest of laptops will have trouble fitting inside a messenger bag; regular-sized laptops will fit in their own compartment with loads of room left over for your other business items.
DJ messenger bags are designed specifically to carry 12-inch albums and 45s, with separate compartments to hold needles, adapters and a sport drink or two to re-hydrate after a long set.
A messenger bag is also great to use as a school bag or children's backpack. Their separate compartments keep all your school supplies organized, while their unique styling will make you stand out from the crowd.
And of course, messenger bags are ideal to be used as they were originally intended to be -- as courier bags.
Will my messenger bag cause me any back problems?
Just like traditional backpacks, a messenger bag can be harmful to your back over time if used improperly. Wearing a backpack with the strap on only one shoulder causes an imbalance that affects your spine, snd you should likewise always wear your messenger bag correctly, with the strap going diagonally across your chest. Tightening the strap to fit closer to your body will also help as will trying to limit the weight of what you carry to 10 percent of your body weight or less.
What can I do to clean and maintain my messenger bag?
Once you find the perfect messenger bag, you'll want to keep it in tip-top condition. To clean it, you'll first want to empty all the compartments and pockets. Then you'll want to use a brush to remove any superficial dust that may have accumulated on your bag; if you're dealing with a seriously dirty bag, you might want to try using a hose attachment from your vacuum cleaner to suck up deep-set grime. Then use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior and exterior of your bag. Let it air dry and you're all set. As mentioned, leather bags require some special care. Use saddle soap (available at shoe-repair shops and at many pharmacies) to spot clean any stains and then finish up with neutral shoe polish to restore the luster to your leather.
Lighten your load
Over time, the strain of carrying your workload on your back will start to get to you. A good way to ease that burden is with detachable pads that clip right on to the main strap on your messenger bag. This is a great accessory to have if you need to carry a consistently heavy load, as the padding keeps your shoulder from getting sore. You can also try transferring your files and reading material to your laptop, so you can avoid having to carry around the heavier hard copies.
Make it your own
Choosing a messenger bag over a more traditional bag already brands you as an individual, so you might want to consider further personalizing your bag. The outside of the main flap can be looked at as a canvas on which to display your personal tastes and affiliations. Patches, band and political buttons and even your own drawings made with permanent markers are the perfect way to give your bag its own unique identity.
Bigger is better
Though the volume to size ratio of messenger bags is pretty impressive, there are some items that won't fit easily within one. If you participate in recreational sports like hockey or football, you'll want to check out our selection of duffel bags to carry all of your pads and gear. You can use your messenger bag to hold a couple of t-shirts and athletic gear, but you'll want a garment bag to keep your easily-wrinkled, fine-material clothes looking their best. And for your extra heavy loads, move the burden off your shoulders altogether and enjoy the convenience of wheeled luggage.
