Let’s see, so far we have reviewed an array of bags from companies like Rickshaw Bagworks, Timbuk2, Topo Design, BaileyWorks, and Powerbag. Today as we prepare to take a look at the North to South Messenger from Tucker & Bloom, you may be wondering, “what in the world could be different about this bag?” Well that’s one of the great things about reviewing these bags. Each bag brings a different approach and style to your carrying needs. As we look at this bag from Tucker & Bloom, you will see that it sets itself apart from the others in several aspects. Don’t believe me? Come on, I would never lie to you!
Tucker & Bloom is a small family company based in Nashville, Tennessee that has been in the bag making industry for over 30 years. They have a commitment to quality that is combined with a passion for organization and professional style. These elements come together beautifully in their North to South Messenger.
As noted before, I have had the opportunity to take a look at a lot of different messenger bags and backpacks. To be quite honest, I have really enjoyed my time spent with all of them. However, I noticed something about all these other bags when I received my Tucker & Bloom: they all have a very casual style. Now, in my profession that is fine because it is extremely rare that I find myself in a formal “business” situation. Also, for the most part, I carry my bag into my office and there it sits until I load up to go home. This is where the North to South really sets itself apart. It has a classy, clean style that transitions perfectly from a bike ride to the board room.
But this isn’t just your normal, run of the mill laptop bag. The North to South manages to not only look great in both a professional setting and casual setting, but it also holds stuff. LOTS OF STUFF. At first glance this bag didn’t appear to have the same kind of carrying capacity that we have seen in other bags we have reviewed, but that first impression was proved wrong. Just how much stuff will this bag hold? Check out this video to get a good idea:
As far as specifics go, this bag has two large chambers, as well as several organizing pockets and an exterior pocket for your phone.
This is the main large chamber. It is unpadded but I found it is large enough to easily accommodate my 13in MacBook Pro in a case and still leave room for my Quo Vadis and cables for my computer. The zippered pocket inside the main chamber is great for holding those loose odds and ends and keeps them from being impossible to find in the bottom of the bag (and I am sure we all know how insanely frustrating that can be).
The smaller front chamber provides a lot of extra room for more of your valuables. This is typically where I would store my Smartphone Folio, books, journals, business cards and things of that nature. This chamber is bellowed so there is tons of room to stretch and easily handles bulkier items.
The back exterior pocket is great for your newspaper and magazines and is easily accessible without having to remove the bag from your shoulder.
What really set this bag apart for me and one of my favorite features is the all metal hardware. None of the other bags we have reviewed have featured these and they really endeared themselves to me. The metal hardware just adds a touch of class and style while also providing a sense of strength and durability in these essential parts of the bag.
Overall, the Tucker & Bloom North to South Messenger is a great bag and I actually received quite a few compliments from people who saw me with it. The clean lines and straight black material accented by the metal hardware really makes for a sharp looking bag that will probably even make you look better while carrying it.
Pros:
- Well made and carries a lifetime warranty
- Metal hardware looks great and provides a sense of security
- Room for tons of stuff
Cons:
- No padded laptop pocket. This was easily solved by using a case I already had, but would be nice if the bag itself offered a little more protection against bumps.
- Shoulder strap pad not included. If you are considering purchasing this bag, you will definitely want to add the optional should strap pad. The shoulder strap on this bag is quite narrow and if you are carrying a considerable load it can dig into your shoulder. I just used a removable strap from another bag to fix this.
Modern Vintage Man Score: 4/5
