Psychic Departure Bunny Lounge

Messenger Bag rant

I like urban/messenger bags. I like the extra security that the flap gives me when it's closed. So why is it so hard to find one?

I don't like Timbuk2 bags or ones similar to those because they're too cavernous. No structure, everything falls all over the place. What good is that?

I can't use totes 'cause I just can't keep a bag on one shoulder, I need a cross-strap. *sigh* I'm picky. The bag has to have a back pocket for metro card, keys, work ID and little interior or front pockets (under the flap) for ipod, lipsticks/glosses, misc. crap and then preferably a divided compartment and must fit a coffee thermos ('cause the coffee at our cafeteria sucks and nearest good coffee is a 10 minute walk from the metro in the opposite direction from work, which is a 10 minute walk from the metro - good old massive government buildings!) and a water bottle (18 oz) and lunch and cd holder and LifeDrive and a book and stuff like that. AND ABSOLUTELY NO MAGNETS. Because I like my electronics. A lot.

The Esprit one that's falling apart (going out with the trash tomorrow) was the perfect size although not color. But it's cheap and the linings are all ripping away (the velcro is proving to be too strong). I tried using the one that I had before, which I adore because it's amazingly well made, sleek looking, with great compartments. But it's too small (won't fit a thermos) and has magnets. I refuse to carry two bags every day.

My sister thinks its funny that I'm always looking for the perfect communter bag. No one who drives to work ever realizes just how hard it is to find one that fits the bill. Not too large (most messenger bags are like huge, gaping maws that don't allow any organization) and with enough compartments. I like the ones Fossil comes out with now and then but they always use magnets.

I've looked around. I've eyed bags other metro riders carry. And I just don't see any perfect or - even maybe good enough - ones. This is how bad it is: I even look at baby bags, 'cause at least some of them have better compartments and look pretty hip. I have considered these, but they don't give enough description or pictures to know if they have what I need or don't feel cheap. I'd rather feel a bag and try it out rather than order online and not know what the hell I'm getting.

This one is my favorite choice. Good size, good compartments, nice reflective strip. But the vinyl looks like it might feel cheap and/or crack fast, giving it that crazed look. Chrome Sputnik (or find it at the Chrome site).

I also like Loop/Parcel bags, but I haven't heard too many positive reviews on their longevity. Parcel DJ bag, Parcel messenger bag

This one looks nice, but I suspect magnets are in use. There are no alternative photos or even different descriptions online. I've checked. Not even of the pink color. Just the one. CalPak East Side

And this one looks like it has what I need, only it's so ugly. I hate for my bag to look like luggage. Hipster? I don't think so. Trager Hipster

I also like bags that have the option of carrying them one way or the other. Like a briefcasey bag with detatchable cross-strap. The Chrome bag has the nice backpack/messenger thing going, but I know I'd never use the backpack feature - or, at least, only once or twice.

I picked up a cheap bag to last me until I find the perfect one. It's a $15 military canvas bag (dark grey with a black skull) from Hot Topic. When I saw it was so cheap, I figured I could get it. I already know I'm not happy with it because it lacks any structure and the cross-strap does not allow for easy adjustment. It's incredibly annoying. But it's got an external pocket and no magnets (uses snaps), so it'll have to do until I find a real bag.

I just don't understand why it's so hard? A friend of mine and I are bemoaning the fact that we really need to be designers. We're just too lazy.

So, anyone have any ideas?

UPDATE 01.07.2006: I HATE that Hot Topic bag so much, I just picked up a Nike Medium Messenger Bag in anthracite/orange from TJMAXX for so little, I can't even believe that that site is selling it for that much. I don't know if it will fit the bill for a long time, but it has a few plusses: can be cinched in, has some structure, has a nicely screenable fabric (yall know I got a silkscreening kit for christmas, right?), no magnets, and a fair amount of pockety areas. And I HATED that Hot Topic bag. I wonder if they'll take it back with a recipt but no tag?

( 07:44 FH | urban living. )