Most Helpful Review:

Phenomenal bag

5/24/11 by Skylar

I have a habit of carrying large loads, 2-weeks worth of groceries/dumpster gold, bike frames and parts, large boxes etc. A few agos I started work as a messenger too. This bag is fantastic for both purposes.

For space/groceries/cargo, the bag is massive. It also compacts neatly into a pretty flat square when stuff isn't packed into it. This is a big plus next to some other (and smaller!) bags I've used that retain their bulkier shape more. I feel like my 5-year old nephew could hide inside this thing it's so big. I like the simplicity of the main pocket, something I've come to love chrome for. Just one giant bucket, with a velcro flap to potentially divide it into two still large compartments. Another flap revealing a smaller pocket for tools, a poncho, etc. And a couple nice book sized pocket on the outside (under the flap) with smaller zipper pockets up front and organization pouches for pens and such. Simple enough, but not too simple either. My writing/stationary, my books, my lunch, my tools, my cargo/groceries are all neatly separated. The padded back is also wonderful. Super comfortable and pretty well balanced with light or heavy loads. A little hot/sweaty on longer rides or humid days, but that's to be expected with most backpacks.

For messenger work (and other conveniences), all of the above is great, but there's a few more things. The zipped side-pocket is (almost) perfect for envelopes. I say almost because it can't fit legal documents (well, not with the pocket zipped). This is a little annoying on rainy days when you're working, but it's not so awful to just throw the over-sized letter into the main compartment. The quick-adjust straps are fantastic for swinging the bag to the side without really taking it off. I've never used a backpack that was so much like a messenger bag in this function (which makes that side-pocket for envelopes invaluable). The bag is also totally waterproof as stated. I've rode in a downpour, came home with that feeling like you're wearing a second pair of shoes that's just water, all my clothing was soaked, but EVERYTHING inside the bag was dry as a bone. This was actually the original appeal of most chrome products for me, not messing around with garbage bags or seeking out shelter. Ride all day, err'day. Finally, this bag can carry BIG boxes. The side metal clips + the main buckle and flap can trap VERY large boxes. A full-size filing box is no problem. A bike frame, (if you're clever) is no problem. I carried three wheels once without a hitch.

So yeah. Wonderful bag. I got lucky and got it for $150 used, but after having used it, I probably would pay full price, and definitely as a messenger.