Messenger bag shop in NYC?

September 30, 2007 7:04 PM

Where's the best place to check out and buy messenger bags in NYC?

I want to head into the city tomorrow and pick up a nice messenger bag before catching a train to MA. Because of this, I don't have time to order online or go to three or four different stores before making a purchase. I'd like to enter a store, take a look at all of the bags, pick the one that suits my needs (storage, feel, fit, build quality, looks, etc) and be on my way!

Does anyone know of a good shop that has a nice selection of messenger bags? Does this one stop messenger bag heaven exist? Bonus points if they carry great bags made by an NYC-based company... It'd be nice to support a 'local' company.

Not to throw another question in here, and I know it's already been asked, but if you have any good recommendations on bags -- feel free to share!

posted by defenestration to shopping (17 comments total)

manhattan portage.
posted by zorro astor at 7:14 PM on September 30, 2007

R.E.Load Bags

available at:

MooShoes
152 Allen Street
New York 10002
212 254 6512
866 59 VEGAN (Toll free)
email: [e-mail]

Trackstar
34 East 1st Street
(corner of 2nd Avenue)
New York
trackstarnyc.com
posted by bob bisquick at 7:15 PM on September 30, 2007

map
posted by zorro astor at 7:15 PM on September 30, 2007

Second Manhattan Portage. Or Brooklyn Industries, which my friend tells me "is the new Manhattan Portage. But with clothes."
posted by spec80 at 7:47 PM on September 30, 2007

There seems to be a large selection of messenger bags (and other styles) at Sam Flax on 20th Street. Their website has an overview of products you can check out before you go.
posted by xo at 7:51 PM on September 30, 2007

It seems Manhattan Portage will be the best choice. I've always seen the bags around and they definitely have a nice simplistic look. How are they as far as durability goes?

Also, there's quite a few Manhattan Portage locations... are any of them better than the others? Or will they all have the same selection?
posted by defenestration at 7:52 PM on September 30, 2007

Ah, cool. Just checked the Manhattan Portage link a bit more thoroughly.

http://www.tokenbags.com/ -- Token Store it is, I guess.

Thanks again!
posted by defenestration at 7:56 PM on September 30, 2007

I bought my first MP bag in 1987 when i was an actual bike messenger in Manhattan, and had it until 1995 when i lost it in moving to Florida. I have since bought a new one and hope to have it at least as long. Remember they're not particularly cheap.
posted by zorro astor at 7:59 PM on September 30, 2007

I have only been to the former Manhattan Portage location near Canal Street (February 2006). They had the whole line their and the staff was friendly and I was left alone to sling different bags over my shoulder and adjust the straps.

I would humbly suggest reviewing this as there are a number of good resources there.
posted by MLIS at 8:08 PM on September 30, 2007

Crumpler bags rock (more stylish, more features, less ubiquitous than Manhattan Portage) and they have two Manhattan locations: 49 8th Ave (corner of Horation St) in the West Village and 45 Spring St in Nolita. Timbuk2 bags are great too, they don't have their own store in the city but a lot of retailers here carry them.
posted by lia at 8:12 PM on September 30, 2007

Paragon Sports near Union Sq has a good selection.
posted by muckster at 8:50 PM on September 30, 2007

2nd Paragon
posted by zackola at 1:40 AM on October 1, 2007

Used to be Globe Canvas, which was in a basement on... Mott? Old guy in there used to bark at you, until you showed up a few years later and swapped in an old bag for a new one. Their Site.

Now the 'bags' are everywhere. I have a Manhattan Portage bag that I've had for a long time and like very much.
posted by From Bklyn at 2:48 AM on October 1, 2007

Happily using my first Manhattan Portage bag since about 2000.
posted by thejoshu at 4:43 AM on October 1, 2007

Pretty sure Yellow Rat Bastard on Broadway carries messenger bags too.
posted by JaredSeth at 8:17 AM on October 1, 2007

"How are they as far as durability goes?"

I've had mine since '98. The place where the velcro connects is starting to get pretty fuzzy, and the strap is starting to wear down a bit, but it's lasted in heavy use for longer than my other messenger bag, the one from the US Census, which crapped out after four years.
posted by klangklangston at 11:23 AM on October 1, 2007

So I stopped by the Token store and picked up a Manhattan Portage bag. It's the deluxe expandable messenger bag, SKU 1440. It's exactly what I was looking for; thanks all.

Now I'm on the train to Boston.
posted by defenestration at 2:58 PM on October 1, 2007