Laptop Messenger Bag

A Phoenix Rising from the Ashes

A laptop messenger bag is the first choice if not the only, of young people and hip oldies when it comes to selecting a carrier for laptop.

Why is this old style bag originally designed for bicycle riding messenger-men gaining so much of popularity among the fashion conscious laptop owners?

Well to draw an analogy I would say it's an effect like that of a pair of denim jeans...the older the better.

A laptop messenger bag is basically designed keeping the bicycle or bike rider in mind. This is a pretty old model of bags but has managed to attract millions of the present genere interested in having a funky laptop bag.

A messenger bag consists of a length adjustable shoulder strap that runs across the body, the bag hanging down to one side or being supported on the back.

What is a laptop messenger bag made of?

A laptop messenger bag can made of a variety of materials. Cordura, Leather, Nylon and Polyester are some of the popular messenger bag materials. But then don't be surprised if you come across a cool laptop messenger bag that the salesman says is made of Cotton Canvas.

The messenger bag material you choose must cater to your specific needs. For example if you need a bag which should protect the contents from the occasional rain, then choosing a waterproof material like Nylon or PVC will be your best bet. I have come across a few cases made of Silk and Velvet. Such a messenger bag is for you if fashion and trendy looks are your priorities.

How to choose a laptop messenger bag?

• Decide on the material you want your laptop bag to be made of. Different materials have different properties and thus need different treatment. For example leather bags look very good, but then they are high maintenance products when compared to synthetic counterparts like cordura. If you don't want to spend any time on the maintenance aspects then it's better to stick to materials like PVC, cordura and Nylon.
• Your bag should be spacious enough to contain the laptop and accessories. Look for bags with provision to store files and mobile phone.
• The strap of a messenger bag is one of the most important features. Look for a sturdy strap with proper padding for utmost comfort. Usually the strap is connected to the main body via some metallic arrangements. These areas where the metal is connected to the body are high stress zones. Thus, ensure tight stitching at such places.
• Check the locking system before purchasing. Make sure that the Velcro, buckles or any other fastening system is rigidly fixed to the bag body.
• The bottom support of a laptop messenger bag is very important from security point of view. Good padding at the bag bottom is very much essential to protect the laptop against external impact.

Laptop messenger bag care

Materials like cordura and PVC do not require much in terms of care and maintenance whereas a leather bag demands a lot of it. Check out the tips below to get the most out of your laptop messenger bag

• The fabrics used for messenger bags are treated and coated with substances that make them durable. Use of strong detergent for washing can dissolve the coating. That in turn will reduce the life of the bag. In case you want to clean the bag, Wipe off the dirt gently with a damp cloth. Refrain from putting your bag in the washing machine.
• Do not oil the buckle or any other part of the bag as that oil might find it's way into the bag interior and then affect the laptop.
• Use conditioners for leather messenger bags to keep the leather soft and prevent it from drying. It keeps the leather's lusture intact.
• Prolonged exposure to sun light will cause color fading. Try to restrict exposure of your laptop messenger bag to direct sunlight.

Although a laptop messenger bag is fashionable, it's not as useful when it comes down to carrying more than the laptop. Moreover while walking with the strap running across your body, wobbling is pretty common. That reduces the comfort level of carrying a messenger bag while walking.

If you intend to go on a long trip then a backpack would be better than a messenger bag. That way you can carry those cables, extra batteries and other accessories without straining your shoulders. Since laptop messenger bags rest on one shoulder, therefore the whole load of the laptop and accessories is carried by the shoulder on which it rests. Whereas in case of a laptop backpack the load is evenly distributed between the two shoulders.