Messenger bag

Messenger bag

Messenger bag.

London bicycle messenger

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.^[1] Messenger bags are often used by bicycle messengers, though they are now also an urban fashion icon. Some types of messenger bags are called carryalls.^[2]

History

This design 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. Some Royal Mail carriers in the United Kingdom 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 made by De Martini Globe Canvas Company, which was founded by Frank De Martini and run with his two daughters, Kathleen and Marge. It was formerly located in an underground shop at 177 Mott Street in Little Italy New York City, and later Purchases by Rod Hanson.^{[citation needed]} The original bags were handmade to order on the spot by the De Martinis themselves and cost $20 to $40. The present bags are mass manufactured, and for the large bag were $80 but recently were raised to $100. Custom work or additional frills are no longer done. The bags originally allowed lineman to carry necessary tools within easy reach while climbing utility poles.

In the early 1980s, John Peters, the founder of Manhattan Portage, redesigned a trendy version of the more durable De Martini messenger bag, replacing the stainless steel hardware with lighter weight plastic clips, cordura nylon, reflective stripes and cordura edge binding while retaining the same buckle and strap as the original.^{[citation needed]}

Now many Fashion brands have begun creating updated and stylized versions of the bag using high quality fabrics such as leather and ballistic nylon. Brands like John Varvatos, Ossington Bags, and Jack Spade have introduced the messenger style to the fashion crowd.

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 typically incorporate features that make them particularly suitable for cycling, such as fittings that make it easy to adjust the shoulder strap, quick release buckles, an adjustable hinged buckle, and the ability to attach a variety of accessories, such as lights, phone holsters, or U-locks. Contemporary stabilizing straps help to prevent the bag from shifting while riding. The top-opening one-strap design allows messenger bags to be easily swung around front so that their contents can be accessed without having to remove the bag.

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. Many college and high-school students make use of them for fashionable and functional purposes, especially those who commute on bicycles. Compared to a backpack, it is much easier to place and remove text-books, notebooks, essays and supplies from a messenger bag because they lie on the side of the body, granting the wearer better accessibility. Messenger bags also provide more weather resistance than traditional leather satchel-style school bags.

Construction

Materials used in messenger bags are often more durable and water-resistant than other over-the-shoulder bags. Contemporary bags use thicker gauges of canvas and tarp shielding for the inner waterproof lining. The most popular materials used for the construction of a messenger bag's outer shell are Cordura 1000 Super Durable Water Resistant Nylon By Invista and ballistic nylon.^{[citation needed]} Other materials include vinyl waterproof tarp lining used to make the messenger bag waterproof. The liner also provides the support structure for the messenger bag; this keeps the bag from falling over on itself. Some companies eschew the standard PVC waterproof lining for compounds such as thermoplastic polyurethanes, which are newer, comparatively more expensive, more durable, more environmentally friendly, and less volatile.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• Handbag
• Satchel
• Sling bag

References

1. ^ http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/26/LVS414QN2H.DTL
2. ^ http://www.informationweek.com/news/hardware/desktop/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=210500352