A messenger is someone who hops on a bike and tears through the city to deliver entrusted goods to their destination without fail, regardless of the weather or any other circumstances.
They must connect countless points across the city and reliably transport all kinds of cargo, from documents to furniture, safely and in pristine condition. What they carry on their backs as their trusty partners, equipped with the functionality to handle all of this, is a bag known as a messenger bag.
Such messenger bags must not yield to rain or wind—in fact, they shouldn't even yield to the sun or snow.
I own one myself, and this FREIGHT BAGGAGE is something I have loved and used for about 15 years now. Although the brand no longer exists, these were crafted by someone who was a messenger himself, based on his own personal experience.
I spent a short time working as a messenger on the streets of Nagoya myself, and back when the concept of "bikepacking" didn't even exist, this was the partner I’d stuff with a change of clothes and other gear to head out on solo touring trips. While it’s been exposed to rain, wind, and snow, it has always kept my cargo protected. Despite some severe sun-fading and a few parts that are a bit the worse for wear, it is a tough piece of gear that is still fully functional today. It’s a partner I plan to keep by my side for a long time to come.
ZODIAC BAGGAGE
Starting with the canvas messenger bags made by De Martini in the 1970s, the messenger bag has undergone several generations of evolution. Today, one could say the current optimal solution for a messenger bag that continues to mature as a tool is this ZODIAC BAGGAGE.
San Francisco has long been a city with many messengers. Trevor Beanes, who was part of that community, has incorporated the history of the messenger bag while infusing it with feedback gained from his own time riding as a messenger.
The lineup is broadly divided into two types: the Roll Top Messenger Bag, which features a roll-top backpack style, and the Sling Messenger Bag, which uses a single-shoulder strap style. Both are constructed from 1000-denier Cordura nylon for the exterior and 18oz vinyl and pack cloth—what is known as tarpaulin—for the interior.
This specification has remained the standard for a long time, ever since the shift away from canvas. Recently, there are many lighter fabrics that are reasonably durable, but when considering the robustness of a bag, choosing Cordura nylon for the exterior is the optimal solution. The tarpaulin used inside is not only excellent in terms of water resistance, but its durability, which ensures it won't buckle no matter what you pack inside, is incredibly appealing.
Roll Top Messennger Bag
The Roll Top style bag is what Trevor himself used during his time as a messenger. While following the design aesthetics of his mentor, Freight Baggage, he has packed it with his own unique ideas throughout.
【ZODIAC BAGGAGE】
Roll Top Messenger Bag
Size：XS, S, M, L, XL
¥57,200 ~ 72,600 (tax incl.)
Highly functional storage pockets
The two deep, large side pockets can store a variety of items, and they are designed so that items won't spill out, allowing you to use them with peace of mind.
The front pocket with a wide gusset can hold plenty of carry-on items. The interior also features several partitions to help organize smaller items. The flap has a three-dimensional shape designed to make it difficult for rain and the like to get inside.
Shoulder straps optimized for comfort
The shoulder straps are made with ample thickness to ensure comfortable carrying even when the bag is packed with a heavy load.
Additionally, the upper attachment point of the shoulder strap features an adjustment strap commonly seen on mountaineering backpacks, allowing you to achieve a comfortable fit based on your physique and the weight of the bag. (Included on sizes M-XL only.)
Straps that offer both flexibility and secure hold
To achieve a balance between the flexibility needed for easy adjustment and a secure holding power, the straps that secure the roll-top are made by sewing together two different types of nylon webbing.
Convenient strap system
Using the external buckles and included straps, you can even carry large items that won't fit inside the bag.
Roll-top style backpacks are very convenient for putting things in and taking them out. Also, the simple cubic shape makes it easy to store and safely transport various items, whether for messenger work or in everyday life.
This shape has become a new standard style for messengers, also proving useful for the food delivery jobs that have surged in recent years.
Sling Messenger Bag
The sling-style messenger bag is designed to not only hold a large amount of cargo but also allow for the speedy deliveries essential to competing with rivals, featuring a system that lets you retrieve items without having to take the bag off.
【ZODIAC BAGGAGE】
Sling Messenger Bag
Size：XS, S, M, L, XL
¥58,300 ~ 72,600 (tax incl.)
Of course, the ZODIAC Sling Messenger Bag is packed with its own unique extra refinements.
Strap system boasting smooth movement and superb hold
While shoulder straps must be sturdy enough to secure the bag firmly to the body, they also require ease of attachment and removal. The main strap features a triple-layer structure, sandwiching a 1-inch wide nylon strap between two layers of seatbelt nylon webbing.
If you pull the 1-inch nylon belt attached to the base of the shoulder strap, the bag will wrap around your body for an even firmer hold.
The shoulder strap is detachable, allowing you to replace only the worn-out strap after heavy use or switch between left- and right-side carry to suit your preference.
Thick padding essential for comfortable riding
Thick padding placed on the shoulder and back areas reduces stress when carrying heavy loads or riding long distances, while padding on the side prevents the belt from rubbing against your body.
A sling that carries on both shoulders?! The X-Strap
The high-capacity L and XL sizes are equipped with an X-Strap so that the weight can be distributed across both shoulders. The X-Strap can be secured to the flap, allowing for use depending on the situation.
Cell Phone Holster
【ZODIAC BAGGAGE】
Cell Phone Holster
¥7,150 (tax incl.)
It can often be a hassle to store your smartphone or wallet when using a backpack or sling-style bag, but if you attach this cell phone holster to the shoulder strap, you’ll be freed from that annoyance. It’s a small thing, but it’s a reliable item that will change the rhythm of your daily life.
I think everyone has their own way of engaging with cycling, but for those whose lives are closely intertwined with the bicycle as a tool, a ZODIAC BAGGAGE messenger bag is sure to provide the support you need.
Just as I have for over a dozen years, I hope you can find that indispensable partner for your own cycle life.
