messenger bag

5.11 Rush Delivery LIMA: A contractors business bag

Fashion or Functionality?

Yes, you can have both…

When I first saw the RUSH Delivery LIMA my initial thought was: “This bag was far too technical for the everyday executive”. Sure, if I were conducting business in Cartel-era Columbia the quick-draw compartment for a covert sidearm might be useful but how often did I need that in my daily business functions? The superior tactical design was more than eye-catching but certain to raise suspicion of some type of secret operation within the walls of my office right?

Nonetheless, I began to load the LIMA with my personal tactical essentials (laptop, portfolio, iPad, iPhone, folders, pens, etc) and to say I was surprised would be an understatement. This bag was cavernous with more internal and external storage space than even the most industrious executive could fill, but it still managed a slim and highly portable design. It easily accommodated a 17” laptop within its secure padded compartment. I slipped the iPad into a separate nook and then began to see how much gear I could stuff into this beast… iPhone, check… portfolio check…pens, check…legal size manilla folders…check, camera….check. I was literally looking for more things to occupy the numerous compartments the LIMA offered. A luxury, I might add that my Kenneth Cole Portfolio / Computer Case never provided.

Out the door I went fully loaded, mission ready and into my personal assault vehicle, err…BMW. Never could I have anticipated the reaction upon arrival at my office sans the usual luxury leather “fashion statement” over my shoulder. Instead of curious stares, I was greeted with genuine intrigue about my latest piece of hardware. “Where did you get that and how can I get one?”, was one response. Others were drawn to the “industrialized – special forces” appearance of the LIMA. Most just looked on enviously as I pulled everything but the kitchen sink from its belly like some triumphant archeologist returning from my latest conquest.

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But here’s where things got fun…

As a bounty hunter/bail bond agent my days are…lets just say, less than routine. Most of the time I’m in court to file various motions or meeting with a family member to bond their loved one out of custody. However, on occasion, I find myself in situations that require a more forceful response. I’ve always kept my “deterrents” in a separate bag in the trunk of my car. The LIMA, however, provided a whole new option… A multitude of areas designed specifically to carry these types of protective devices and the ammunition that makes them effective, on my side and at the ready.

I know, I started this write up mocking the need for such compartments but let’s face it the world is changing every day. Sadly this isn’t Mayberry and a routine day at the office can quickly become less than routine for any of us. The need, for even the most strident desk jockey, to securely and fashionably carry both business and protective tools is far more commonplace. The RUSH Delivery Lima provides all of this and more.

*Written by Scott Seymour

Grey Ghost Gear Wanderer messenger bag

I was given the opportunity to review the Grey Ghost Gear Wanderer Messenger Bag on a Trip to Orlando, Florida. My wife and I shared the duties of carrying the bag, mainly because we wanted to give it a true test. And she didn’t want to carry it the whole time while I was carrying nothing. This was the first time I have carried a messenger style bag. While not using all of the available pockets, I could still see myself using this bag in the future.

Compartments

This heavy-duty Messenger Bag by Grey Ghost Gear allows storage of all your essential travel gear. Inside the main compartment, we loaded a 17-inch laptop, iPad, two light jackets, notebooks and an assortment of pens, pencils, markers and highlighters. Once we passed the security checkpoint test, we loaded a couple of large water bottles and a few bags of snacks. Because who doesn’t love a small $12 bag of peanuts. The flap itself has storage on the outside. It’s two 9″ X 5″ zippered pockets are lined with a soft tricot fabric. Perfect for smaller items like our sunglasses and cell phones. Additionally, the flap is secured with two magnetic snaps that just seem to snap themselves. The front of the bag features two vertical zippers that access two smaller pockets. Accommodating storage for a myriad of small supplies (extra batteries, cords, etc).

If carrying office supplies isn’t your thing and you want to take this to the range, no problem. The main compartment will also accept a PDW rifle with the stock collapsed. Plus the end pockets are perfect for stashing a pair of AR magazines. Finally, a cleaning kit and lube can be tucked away in the front zippered area.

Messenger Bag Construction

This messenger bag screams quality and durability with a combination of a waxed canvas outer shell and waterproof zippers. All of your valuables inside will remain secure and dry and should last a lifetime. Constructed from seat belt webbing, the adjustable shoulder strap will fit the biggest gym rat to the smallest frame and will handle any load your shoulder can sustain. Finally, if you are looking for a travel bag or a bag to take to the range, look no further, the Grey Ghost Gear Wanderer bag will do the trick, and look good doing it.

External measurements:

Length: 20.5″
Height: 11.5″
Width: 4.5″

Direct Action Messenger Bag: A versatile messenger bag for any lifestyle

I am definitely not one to carry a “tactical” bag. Whenever I see someone with anything screaming military it makes me cringe. So when I got this bag, I went into it with hesitation but quickly became friends with it. I have not used a messenger bag since elementary school, however, its efficiency and versatility have made it a valuable addition to my life.

The Direct Action Messenger Bag

First, it has a laser cut Molle pattern covering the bag, so mounting pouches is not a problem. One thing I always do is put pens in it for work. I also stuck a snap link to it for my keys. On the outside, there is a field of Velcro to attach any necessary patches or markings. To top it off, the front and back have two zippered pouches to stow away small items such as books, although these pouches do not expand quite enough for a handgun.

On the sides of the bag, there are two pouches: one is open on the top and can hold a full-sized handgun with a light, which has been nice when I am using this as my go bag. The other pouch can fit a small bleeder kit. Underneath the bag is a bungee system that can hold a rain jacket or any similarly sized item that you don’t want to have inside. The bottom is also covered with a rubber lining keeping your contents dry if you set it down on a wet surface.

The inside of the lid has a clear plastic zippered pouch. At first, I didn’t think the clear material was necessary, but I realized it could be nice if you are traveling in a new area and want to toss a local map in it or the menu of your favorite teriyaki joint. The interior pouch is entirely lined with velcro to allow mounting of any organizers you have that work with that system. The laptop pouch is large enough to fit a full-size MacBook. The sleeve is fully padded including the sides and bottom, the padding between the interior and the back of the bag is the thickest– your laptop should be in good shape if you choose to carry it this way.

The final interior pockets on the bag are also large enough to hold a full-size pistol. One pouch is intended to hold personal items like your phone, wallet, keys, and pens. The other pouch is just a mesh pouch with another field of velcro.

The last part I want to point out on this bag is the zippers. It uses YKK zippers and Direct Action did something I have never seen before. They put heat shrink on all the zipper pulls, making them stick out from the bag, meaning that they are glove friendly. This is an excellent idea that really sets this bag apart from others. I plan on adopting this modification for my other bags.

The craftsmanship of this bag is very well thought out and I could not find any imperfections on it. Switching the loadout from school, to work, then to the range is both fun and keeps you organized.

If you have not used a messenger bag before, I recommend trying the Direct Action Messenger Bag.

Author – William Hoyt is a former Army Ranger of 1/75. He is now pursuing his bachelors in psychology and coaching swimming.

BLACKHAWK Low Visibility Courier Bag

About a year ago I was looking for a messenger type bag to carry my laptop and work materials with me when my backpack wouldn’t blend into the situation. I went to my favorite shopping venue Amazon and began my search. I wasn’t looking to lay out a lot of cash as I wasn’t sure how much use it would actually see, I stumbled upon the Blackhawk Courier bag at a price around $79.00 as I recall. The only drawback was that it was in coyote brown. Now I’ve got nothing against the color but it doesn’t exactly blend here in New Jersey. So I put it on my shopping list as a maybe and kept looking. After a couple weeks, my need abated and I moved onto something else.

About a month later I was cleaning out my Amazon shopping list when I came upon the bag on my list and saw that the price had dropped to $21.99. Well for that price I could live with coyote brown and ordered two.

I gave one to my boss Joe LaSorsa of LaSorsa and Associates and put the other to work. The bag itself is made of Cordura (exactly which type I’m not sure) it’s well made and fairly low profile with the exception of the company name “BLACKHAWK “ being embroidered across the front. Specs from the company site are as follows:

Features:

Side-release buckles and hook & loop closure options
Zipper pocket on lid for additional storage
Two-way pass-through zipper for quick access to main compartment
Spacious main compartment with S.T.R.I.K.E.® webbing and loop panel for attaching pouches and accessories
Key clip and multiple small pockets for miscellaneous items
Laptop compartment with loop material for attaching hookback holsters and accessories
Two external stretch pockets for water bottles or other items
Padded shoulder strap and carry handle

I find that this bag works well for me and my needs. The outside zip pocket on the flap is good for storing things I want to access without opening the bag or digging around. A pad, pen, tube of Tylenol, hand sanitizers, etc… there’s another small admin pocket on the interior of the bag that works well for pens, wallet, passport, etc… the main compartment is spacious and can hold books, padfolios, tablets, and any other gear. The molle strips on the inside I use for holding miscellaneous items and tools. The rear pocket can hold a laptop or tablet or can hold Velcro backed pockets and holsters. I like the pass-through zipper that allows me to access the main compartment without having to take it off my shoulder or undo the buckles. The top flap closes and is secured with buckles and Velcro. My bag came with two Velcro patches that can be used to cover the Velcro closures and eliminates the ripping sound. The shoulder strap has a tacky material on it which keeps it from slipping off your shoulder, definitely a plus in my opinion and experience. There are also mesh pockets on each end to hold a water bottle. I don’t spend much time in an office setting so the color and slightly tactical looks are not much of an issue, especially at the price I was able to get the bag for. They currently are available in black, grey, and coyote on Amazon and other Blackhawk distribution sites.

Author – Art Dorst is the owner of A. Dorst Consulting & Training Services and is a Senior Consultant for LaSorsa & Associates. He served in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves and eventually retired as an NCO from The Army National Guard. He is also a retired municipal Police Officer, a Certified EMT, NRA Instructor, and is currently a security provider/trainer.

Eyes On | Arc’Teryx LEAF Courier 15 Bag

Arc’Teryx LEAF recently released the latest addition to their equipment line – the Courier 15. The secure and manageable bag has some cool features that got me all hot and bothered. First off, it’s capable of carrying a sub-gun concealed within. (You can bet your ass that we’ll be trying that out.) Arc’Teryx design and production standards make this bag, all while playing to the LEAF crowd. It looks like Arc’Teryx has a stellar addition to their LEAF line.

At first glance, the Courier 15 looks like any other messenger style bag, with a few sleek design elements. With limited access points and sturdy zippers, I was pleased after the initial look-over. Small features, like extended zipper pulls and clean overall lines, have me loving this bag even more.

The bag only has two pockets (one small and one large), with the smaller pocket including a retention lanyard for smaller objects. The larger pocket, with three entry points, includes a laptop sleeve and velcro panels for easy addition of modular pouches to fit the need. The main pocket already has me dreaming up ways to make this bag my new EDC.

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*Photo courtesy of Breach Bang Clear

Vanquest Skitch 12 Messenger Bag | First Look

Finding the right bag to carry all of your essentials in addition to CCW gear can be a daunting task. Fortunately, Vanquest has been doing just that with great success. I previously reviewed the Möbius 2.0 VPacker from Vanquest and have used it quite often. The Skitch 12 is more of a traditional messenger bag. With a single shoulder strap, the Skitch 12 lays flat against your body. Perfect for blending into urban environments or while riding a bike. This tactical attaché also features dual locking #8 YKK zippers along the “body side” of the bag for rapid access to a CCW ready compartment. Just add a hook loop holster and magazine pouch and you’re good to go.

What really separates the Skitch 12 is its ability to morph into 4 different sizes to accommodate differing loadouts. Short, Medium, Tall and Open Top. Configured in the 14 liter “short” mode, the Skitch 12 resembles a traditional bike messenger bag. A single flap top is secured by a pair of Duraflex buckles along with two strips of hook-loop tape. The Skitch 12 further transforms into a 16 liter dry-bag style roll-top case offering extra space while keeping the elements out. Keeping your contents dry is due to the use of 1000-D Military Grade Cordura fabric with water repellent Teflon protector.

If neither of these capacities suit your loadout, “tall” mode nearly doubles the size to a whopping 23 liters. This configuration still utilizes the flap top and is secured with full length straps and buckles. Finally, “open-top” mode will fit anything that didn’t quite fit into the “tall” configuration. While the smaller 14 and 16 liter configurations are the most practical and most utilized, the expanding capabilities of the Skitch 12 are nice in a pinch.

Hi-Vis orange 210-D ripstop nylon line the interior of the Skitch 12 offering great contrast. Allowing the user to quickly identify its contents. A front organizer panel is perfect for storing small EDC items, flashlight, pens, phone, etc. A generously padded ambidextrous shoulder strap helps to distribute the load while a neoprene wrapped handle makes hand carry a comfortable option. Rounding out this well thought-out bag are two rows of MOLLE webbing providing the user with additional adaptaptability.

Vanquest Skitch 12 specifications courtesy of vanquest.com

Weight: 2.05lbs.
Short carry mode: 12.5″ x 11″ x 4.5″ 14 liters
Medium carry mode: 12.5″ x 13″ x 4.5″ 16 liters
Tall carry mode: 12.5″ x 17″ x 4.5″ 23 liters
Padded TSA friendly compartment fits tablets and laptops up to 13″
Pass through zipper on flap for accessing interior
Rear compartment with loop lining for CCW holsters
5 zippered compartments and 6 hook loop closed pockets
Ambidextrous design with 2 liter hydration bladder compatibility
Luggage handle pass through
Adjustable shoulder strap with shoulder pad and stabilizer strap
MOLLE/PALS webbing on front and sides for expansion attachment
Morale patch holder on front
MSRP $129.99 Sale $77.89

Items pictured in this article: Glock 19, Streamlight Protac 1L, Spyderco Yojimbo 2