REload : Customized bag nirvana!
My REload deluxe messenger bag is probably the most versatile thing that I own. While there are few things that this bag can’t swallow, it can also be compressed and simplified to hold the bare essentials. From a week’s worth of groceries to bike wheels, bike frames, small animals, several weeks of living necessities, it does it all with style and grace.
I’ve been using my bag for the last two years, more or less daily up until this summer. (While its size is one of its assets, my small stature also makes it slightly suffocating for me to use this bag in high heat– this summer I’ve only used it when I really need to lug stuff around. On the flip side, it’s my favorite blanket while out and about in the winter time, and is an added layer of protection between body and elements!) After two years of being my everyday bag- dragged across various classrooms, sandy beach locales, stuffed under airplane seats and bus cargo-holds, plopped into puddles, an impromptu pillow to rest your head and stare up at the stars — it still looks nearly brand new!
The standard features of REload’s messenger bags ensure that you begin the custom build process with a solid workhorse of a bag. Each bag is made of heavy duty cordura in a wide selection of colors, and is lined with your color choice of waterproof tarp. You choose the colors of the cordura, Velcro, thread, and piping. Two large pockets on the front of my bag allow me to keep little things (aka wallet, iPod, cell phone, notepads, etc) separated from the main compartment. Compression base straps allow me to keep the bag under control when there’s nothing in it, and the straps for the main flap and chest strap can tie just about anything your heart desires to the bag. The strap adjustment mechanism is easy to master using only one hand, which makes it a non-issue to do mid ride loosening/tightening. New optional add ons include pen slots on the inner pocket (which used to house my 12″ Powerbook perfectly) and an “FBI” pocket (flat back inside).
So, fantastically constructed durable bag aside, my favorite part about REload is the artists that work there. If you take a gander at their custom gallery, the bags they have on display are a testament to their ability to push the boundaries of what can be done with thread and needle. I paid about a hundred dollars extra to have a large panda eating bamboo dominate the flap of my bag, and I love it. If you’re ever in Philadelphia (Google Maps) or Seattle (Google Maps), you should meander in and check out their stock. Or, if you’re not anywhere nearby, go to www.reloadbags.com and poke around. Just keep in mind when ordering your custom bag, it’s gonna last nearly forever, so make it something original you can love- you’re likely to never stop using it once you start!
Co-owner Roland with his custom Bilenky