7 Features of a Leather Messenger Bag To Look Out For
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010Do you use a leather messenger bag…or perhaps it is time to switch from canvs? For your laptop or even if you are a real live delivery expert risking your life on a fixed wheel bike day after day, if you are replacing your messenger bag then don’t go shopping without this checklist.
As a cyclist, over the years I have tried various ways of shifting anything from books to guitars. When it comes to cycling and carrying weight I know what it feels like. One thing for sure, and that is that cycling with a bag strapped unequally across your shoulders often makes you really unbalanced and causes all sorts of problems on the road.
The bag tends to switch around when you are cycling, getting in the way of your legs or ending up under your armpit.
What would be ideal is a triple point attachment. Usually its a strap over the shoulder and then a securing strap which goes around the waist.
I have only seen this kind of connection twice. Once on a single shoulder rucksack that I got from Canada, and the other on my Camera bag! For some reason, no matter how hard I try, this solution doesn’t seem to have made its way to leather messenger bags, more’s the pity.
Ok, so even without an ideal world solution, there are a few features that you should bear in mind.
- Make sure the strap is as wide as possible. This will distribute the load and make long journeys that bit easier, whether you are on a bike or not.
- The strap should be fully adjustable so that you can sling it round your backside (my personal choice when not on a bike) or higher when you are cycling.
- Even though it is leather, you should check how well it will keep out the element. You don’t want your laptop getting wet.
- Inside capacity. Get sorted in your mind before you go shopping what you actually want to carry. If you are a student then there will be all sorts of books. Sandwich box? What about power for the laptop?
- A great addition that comes on some straps is a small pouch for your phone. That makes access which you are cycling much easier, especially if you are hands free. Just a note of warning: you shouldn’t really be using a phone on a bike anyway. I believe in the UK it could now be illegal. Whatever, if you do want the phone on the strap, make sure that it will fit!
- How many pockets do you need? Do the outer pockets also need to be waterproof?
- And of course there are a range of finishes available on a leather messenger bag, from worn and battered, to embossed and high shine.
Last tip concerning cleaning your bag. There is proably as many ways of cleaning leather as there are manufacturers, and alot depends on the finish that they have added in the production. Be careful what you use, as leather can be easily damaged using the wrong product. It can crack, and dry. Consult the care label carefully
What features would you like to see on a leather bag, or do you think that you have the ideal solution?
Link: http://icyclelite.com/leather-messenger-bag/
