Freitag’s latest messenger bag is constructed from trash to final

I bear in mind the day: a sinewy bicycle messenger skillfully weaved by honking vehicles and got here to a cease on the site visitors mild in entrance of me. However as an alternative of dropping a foot, he balanced excessive above his fixed-gear pedals for almost a minute, his crossbody bag bulging in opposition to the pressing deliveries inside. That was ‘90s San Francisco, when anyone could tap into that free-wheelin’ zeitgeist by carrying a messenger bag — solely conformist dorks wore backpacks.

Switzerland-based Freitag received its begin in 1993 with messenger luggage, and it’s conserving that spirit alive with its newest, the F685 Henry. It’s heavy, water-proof, and extremely sturdy as a result of it’s constructed from worn seatbelts, recycled plastic bottles, and used tarps that act as walls on European trucks. Which means no two Freitag luggage are equivalent in a world of mass-produced homogeny.

Satirically, Freitag luggage are constructed to final regardless of being constructed from trash. A Freitag messenger bag that I bought nearly 20 years in the past continues to be my go-to for errands round city. I anticipate the identical longevity from the Henry, which I’ve been testing as an all-purpose gear bag for the previous couple of weeks. That makes its $330 worth level a bit extra agreeable, as does its beneficiant three-year repair warranty after registering your buy.

Freitag’s F685 Henry is a 13-liter messenger bag that may be expanded to twenty liters, giving it sufficient quantity to perform as a day by day carryall. In order that’s how I’ve been testing it whereas strolling and bicycling to retailers, the health club, prepare, and coworking area.

Like all Freitag luggage, the corporate leans closely into Velcro fasteners and buckles to carry all that tarp collectively. There’s a lot of the stuff that opening the primary compartment makes a loud guttural SHHHRRRRRIIIIIIIIP that can absolutely draw consideration at a gathering or get you kicked out of the theater. I hate that Velcro sound, and the hook and loop materials tears at clothes and collects unfastened bits of particles over time. However this brute-force closure actually jibes with the Freitag aesthetic. Closing the heavy-duty buckles provides percussion to the efficiency.

The factor I like in regards to the Henry — and all messenger luggage — is how simply the padded shoulder strap permits the bag to be swung round to the entrance. With the stiff high materials folded excellent — one thing that comes with observe — a bit shoulder sashay let me simply entry the 2 outer pockets, certainly one of which is zippered and accommodates a key lanyard. One other zippered aspect pocket permits for fast entry to a pockets or cellphone.

It’s also possible to safe the bag in opposition to your physique with a three-point strap. This labored very nicely, however it isn’t actually wanted on Amsterdam’s protected bike lanes, the place I don’t must dodge out and in of vehicles. The bag is accented with reflectors from recycled truck contour markings, which assist with visibility at night time.

Right here, I’ll let Freitag exhibit the bag’s options as a result of its no-nonsense, just-the-facts advertising and marketing is a part of the corporate’s attraction.

As a gear bag, the Henry works finest with the addition of your individual digital camera cubes and pouches to maintain issues organized. In any other case, the whole lot will jumble collectively inside the primary pocket. The laptop computer sleeve gives a modicum of padding for defense in opposition to bumps, however not sufficient for me to toss the bag down after I return dwelling — I gently place it on the ground, as an alternative.

There’s loads of webbing to clip on or tie down gadgets across the bag for exterior carry. That features carrying a U-lock by the belts on the outer flap, for instance, or a yoga mat secured beneath with built-in straps. Thankfully, all of the bag’s dangly straps may be stowed inside an exterior sleeve on the underside for a cleaner look.

The most important disadvantage to the Henry is the stiffness and weight. Many of the bag is constructed of a tricky polyester cloth created from recycled PET bottles. If it’s like my very own fundamental Freitag messenger, then that materials will turn out to be malleable over time, however the weight is ever-present. Empty, the Henry ideas the scales at 3.26 kilos, which is only some ounces heavier than the a lot bigger 45L version of Peak Design’s Outside Backpack.

I don’t thoughts the load if it interprets into longevity, and the bag’s already beginning to loosen up with common use. And in comparison with my very own Freitag, this bag is stout, which ought to translate into higher safety on your costly devices.

Freitag tells me that messenger luggage make up simply 30 p.c of its present gross sales however have lately returned to development. Maybe they’re being bought by individuals in platform footwear, chokers, and other 90s fashion that has recently returned? Nice. As a result of messenger luggage are wonderful carryalls and the Freitag F685 Henry is an excellent messenger bag to hold your gear… should you’re okay with Velcro.

Images by Thomas Ricker / The Verge