December 11, 2024

Introducing The Classic Small Messenger Bag from Embrazio

A Brief History Of The Messenger Bag

Classics are classics for a reason. They stand the test of time and serve a purpose that lives on through generations. They have a style, a look, a feel that appeals to us as much in the 2000’s as it did to those who lived over a century ago. One such classic is the leather messenger bag.

Pony Express Rider by Daniel Eskridge

Originating back in 1860, the Pony Express adapted the existing Mochila (backpack in Spanish) to a style that would incorporate only one strap for easy and quick access when delivering mail and packages. Later, messengers made of canvas were used by telephone lineman to carry their tools up and down poles. In the 1950’s, the De Martini Globe and Canvas Company is credited with creating the messenger style we see today.

A small canvas messenger bag

The modern messenger is as much about style and statement as it is about functionality. Afterall, if your overriding goal is to carry as much as possible, you’ll likely lean toward a large synthetic material backpack with tons of pockets and pouches and multiple carabiner attachments so you can clip on even more stuff. However, if you’re even a bit into fashion, you’ll quickly give up that walkable closet for the slim lines and delicious touch of a leather messenger bag.

The overloaded backpack

Recently, the small leather messenger has been hitting the fashion scene in a big way. These bags are designed for daily wear and carry common essentials like a computer tablet, cosmetics, writing tools, papers, and maybe a travel tumbler. Both men and women love this small light weight easy to access bag and more and more are appearing as important fashion accessories on the best NYC runways.

Lots of new styles and colors of messengers on the runway!

What To Look for In A Small Leather Messenger Bag

Finding the right bag for yourself begins with an objective look at the requirements of your lifestyle and, specifically, your work style. Are you someone who likes to carry everything just in case you might need it or do you prefer to travel light with just the essentials you know you’ll need? Will your computer tablet do or are you going to need to lug around that big 15” laptop? If you’re in the minimalist camp, we can move to the more subtle and detailed aspects of the small messenger.

The Sojourner small leather Messenger Bag from Embrazio

Comfort is key of course and that begins with making sure you have the right shoulder strap. Look for a strap that is at least an 1.5” wide and adjustable in length from 30” to 60”. While leather straps may look great, they also add considerable weight to the bag. Consider a high-quality canvas strap as an equally attractive and functional alternative that weighs less than half as much as a leather strap.

You’ll want the option of using your small messenger as a briefcase from time to time so make sure you can detach the shoulder strap and that the bag has a handle for carrying in this way. Additional outside features of import include high quality leather for the body, a nice large cover flap, and a secure closure made of high-quality hardware. Check to make sure the seams are well sewn using large, good quality thread and that any areas where the bag will be stressed are reinforced with additional thread and/or rivets.

The Sojourner sports a comfortable, adjustable crossbody strap

Inside the bag, less is more. Avoid bags with lots of sleeves and compartments as these will more likely than not get in the way and use up valuable space. At least one zippered pocket gives you what you’ll need to store ear buds, pens, and other small items. A phone sleeve is nice to have and doesn’t add much weight or take up much room Inside the Sojourner – leather liner, zippered pocket, phone sleeve

Other nice to have details might include a way to expand or contract the main compartment and an inner lining that is soft to the touch. You’ll be accessing the inside of the bag many times a day, so the enjoyable feel of a soft liner is much preferred to the “carne” or rough side of the leather exterior. Finally, check the fragrance of the leather. Good quality leather has that great leather smell and that will matter to you when in the car or other tighter confines.

Get The Fit Perfect With Your Small Leather Messenger

You’d be surprised by the number of people who buy a backpack or messenger bag before ever trying it on. This is especially true with all the online shopping everyone does these days. With this in mind, it is critically important that you have the right and ability to return a bag that doesn’t fit your body or your lifestyle. Once you do have your bag in hand, put it on and adjust the strap to feel how the bag fits in different configurations. For example, if you’re biking with you bag, you’ll likely want it close and tight to your body. Walking with it to work is a different use case and one in which you’ll probably want the strap to extend so the bag rides at or below your hip The handle is almost as important as the strap. Try the handle out both with the strap attached and detached. Load the bag see how it feels with just the handle used for carriage. Finally, decide where you’ll be setting the bag down and test the fit of that as well. For example, does it work well in the passenger seat of your car, hanging in your front closet, or laying on your lap while on the train? The Sojourner on the wrist

There is a perfect small messenger bag for everyone who is perfect for a small messenger … and, not everyone is! Taking a little extra time up front considering your purchase will save a lot of time used to return a bag that’s just not right. Fit, feel, fashion, and fragrance are the four keys to keep in mind while you do your shopping. Hope you find the perfect bag for you!

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About the author: The above article was written by Scott Schaefer, co-founder – Embrazio. Embrazio is a leather and jewelry accessories company based in Boulder, CO. Scott and his wife, Stephanie Boyles, started Embrazio in 2012 and their line is now carried by over 300 retail boutiques primarily in the US.