About messenger bag

We reckon the story of the messenger bag is a bit like the ’blue jeans’ story.

Once a hardwearing accessory for delivery workers and couriers, the humble messenger (sometimes mispelled ‘messanger bag’) bag has in recent years been transformed into a must-have urban fashion accessory.

But the messenger bag has a long history stretching back to the late 19th century when Pony Express riders used leather satchels to carry mail and missives across the US on horseback.

Today’s messenger bags more closely resemble a range of bags which have been designed and manufactured by De Martini Globe Canvas Company in New York since the 1950s.

The Utility Lineman bag that the company still produce has become a template for a myriad of modern messenger bags in a variety of materials including leather, canvas, tarpaulin, nylon and pvc.

It is in fact precisely because of their practicality and durability that messenger bags have become so popular for men, women and children alike. In today’s world however, they are just as likely to be carried by trendy young professionals as they are by your postie.

Two of the most important hallmarks of a well designed messenger bag are its capacity and strength.

More important however, is its versatility in terms of style and materials, which makes its appeal universal.

There are cute feminine bags for young women, sturdy tarpaulin bags for cyclists and luxury leather satchel style messenger bags which are smart enough to attend the most important business meeting. A quality messenger bag can carry a laptop, books and other gadgets easily, and allows for quick access to the contents via the flap.