Messenger bag: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Bag with a long strap worn across the body}}

[[Image:Timbuk2 custom-made messenger bag „DeeDog“.JPG|thumb|Messenger bag by [[Timbuk2]].]]

{{EngvarB|date=June 2020}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}

{{refimprove|date=April 2014}}

[[Image:Timbuk2 custom-made messenger bag „DeeDog“.JPG|thumb|Messenger bag by [[Timbuk2]].]]

[[Image:Bicycle Messenger, London.jpg|thumb|right|London bicycle messenger]]

A '''messenger bag''' (also called a '''courier bag''') is a type of [[Bag|sack]], usually made out of some kind of [[cloth]] (natural or synthetic),. thatIt is worn over one shoulder with a strap that windsgoes aroundacross the chest resting the bag on the lower back.<ref>{{cite Messengerweb|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/26/LVS414QN2H.DTL|title=San Francisco, land of the messenger bag|author=Aaron Britt, Special to The Chronicle|date=28 December 2008|work=SFGate}}</ref> While messenger bags are oftensometimes used by [[bicycle messengercourier]]s, though they haveare increasinglynow becomealso an urban fashion [[secular icon|icon]]. Some types of messenger bags are called '''carryalls'''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.informationweek.com/news/hardware/desktop/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=210500352|title=HP Swaps Usual Laptop Packaging For Messenger Bag|work=InformationWeek}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://whglobalpack.com/|title=Poly Mailer Courier Bags}}</ref> A smaller version is often called a '''sling bag'''.

==History==

This typedesign of bag has been used in the transportation of [[mail]] and [[good (economics)|good]]s by numerous types of [[messengerCourier|messengers]]s, including [[Pony Express]] riders, postal workers, messengers on foot (especially in ancient times), and [[bicycle courier]] courierss. Some [[Royal Mail]] carriers currently use large messenger bags to deliver mail in lieu of a [[postbag]].

Pre-dating today's messenger bags described herein as specifically for [[bicycle messengers]], fashion brands had been creating "messenger style" bags modelled after military map case bags and document pouches featuring a shoulder strap intended for wear across the chest for over a century.

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 [[Lineman (occupation)|utility lineman]]'s bag of the [[1950s]]. It allowed lineman to carry necessary tools within easy reach while climbing [[utility pole]]s. Later adapted by [[New York City]] [[bicycle messenger]]s, each company would typically use a different color which also served to identify the messenger's company.

==Use==

Similar in function to [[backpack]]s, messenger bags ensure comfort tofor people carrying heavy and/or bulky items, while allowing easy access to the contents.

MessengerThey bags commonlytypically incorporate certain technical features that make them particularly suitable for cycling. suchSuch asfeatures specializedmay include fittings for looseningeasy andadjustment tighteningof the mainshoulder strap, reflectivequick release materialsbuckles, aan loopadjustable tohinged fitbuckle aon smallthe flashing LED lightstrap, and waterproof lining. A chest or waist strap (sometimes called the stabilizing strap) designedability to preventattach theaccessories, bagsuch fromas swinginglights, aroundphone toholsters, theor frontU-locks. when theThe ridertop-opening standsone-strap outdesign ofallows the saddle is included on manymessenger bags. Theto designbe ofeasily theswung bagaround isfront so that thetheir ridercontents can swingbe theaccessed bagwithout to get to the contents with out having to takeremoving the bag off.

A true messenger bag includes a second, thinner, stabilising strap that is fastened either around the rider's waist or diagonally across the chest. Without a stabilising strap, the bag tends to swing around to the rider's front, making pedalling difficult.

Messenger bags are often used as a [[fashion accessory]]. While they can be found in the possession of either [[Gender|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 [[cyclist]]s and [[commuter]]s. [[College]] and [[high-school]] students make use of them as well, for fashionable as well as functional purposes, especially those who commute on bicycles, since 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 accesibility or traditional leather [[Satchel (bag)|school bags]] since messenger bags provide weather resistance.

Messenger bags are often used as a [[fashion accessory]]. Messenger bags have become fashionable in urban environments, among [[Student|students]], [[cyclist]]s and [[commuter]]s. Many [[college]] and [[high-school]] students and bicycle commuters use them for fashionable and functional purposes. Many companies design messenger bags specifically for the collegiate market. Compared to a [[backpack]], it is easier to place and remove text-books, notebooks and supplies from a messenger bag because they can be easily shifted to the side of the body, providing better accessibility. Messenger bags provide more weather resistance than leather [[Satchel (bag)|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 waxed [[canvas]] and [[Tarpaulin|tarp]] shielding for the inner waterproof [[lining (sewing)|lining]]. Other materials include [[ballistic nylon]], vinyl waterproof [[tarpaulin]] lining used to make the bag [[waterproof]]. The liner provides the support structure for the 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 more expensive, more durable, more environmentally friendly, and less volatile.{{Citation needed|date=March 2009}}

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 14oz. or 18oz. [[vinyl]] [[tarpaulin|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.

==See also==

* [[Hunting bag]]

* [[Handbag]]

* [[Mail bag]]

* [[Satchel (bag)|Satchel]]

* [[Tote bag]]

==External linkReferences==

{{Commonscat|Messenger bags}}

* [http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/reviews/messengerbags/ A review of several messenger bags at the Fixed Gear Gallery]

{{reflist}}

{{Bags}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Messenger Bag}}

[[Category:Bags (fashion)]]

[[Category:Luggage]]