MESSENGER BAG

A 'messenger bag' (also called a 'courier bag') is a type of sack, usually made out of some kind of cloth (natural or synthetic), that is worn over one shoulder with a strap that winds around the chest resting the bag on the lower back. Messenger bags are often used by bicycle messengers, though they are increasingly becoming an urban fashion icon.

Contents

History

Use

Construction

History

This type of bag has been used in the transportation of mail and goods by numerous types of messengers, including Pony Express riders, postal workers, messengers on foot (especially in ancient times), and bicycle couriers.
In fact, some Royal Mail carriers in England currently use large messenger bags to deliver mail.
The design of the modern messenger bag traces its origin to the utility lineman's bag of the 1950s. It allowed lineman to carry necessary tools within easy reach while climbing utility poles made by Globe Canvas. Later adapted by New York City bicycle messengers using Manhattan Portage bags, each company would typically use a different color to identify the messenger's company.

Use

Similar in function to backpacks, messenger bags ensure comfort to people carrying heavy and/or bulky items, while allowing easy access to the contents.
Messenger bags commonly incorporate certain technical features that make them particularly suitable for cycling such as specialized fittings for loosening and tightening the main strap, reflective materials, a loop to fit a small flashing LED light, and waterproof lining. A chest or waist strap (sometimes called the stabilizing strap) designed to prevent the bag from swinging around to the front when the rider stands out of the saddle is included on many bags. The design of the bag is so that the rider can swing the bag to get to the contents with out having to take the bag off.
Messenger bags are often used as a fashion accessory. While they can be found in the possession of either gender, they are often commonly employed by men in a function analogous to a woman's purse (that is, to carry bulky items that do not fit into pockets, or a large number of items, while doubling as a fashion accessory). Messenger bags have also become fashionable in urban environments, among cyclists and commuters. College and high-school students make use of them as well, for fashionable as well as functional purposes, especially those who commute on bicycles, because it is much easier to place and remove text-books, notebooks, essays and supplies than a backpack due to the fact that messenger bags lie on the side of the body allowing better accessibility than traditional leather school bags because messenger bags provide weather resistance.

Construction

Materials used in messenger bags are often more durable and water-resistant than traditional bags.
The most popular material used for the construction of the messenger bag's outer shell is cordura or ballistic cordura. Other materials include a 14 oz. or 18 oz. vinyl tarp or truck inner lining used to make the messenger bag waterproof. In addition to making the messenger bag waterproof, the vinyl tarp also provides the support structure for the messenger bag. This keeps the bag from falling over on itself.