Comments on: Messenger bag shop in NYC?

Question: Messenger bag shop in NYC?

defenestration — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:04:49 -0800

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!

By: zorro astor

zorro astor — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:14:35 -0800

manhattan portage.

By: bob bisquick

bob bisquick — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:15:51 -0800

R.E.Load Bags

available at:

MooShoes
152 Allen Street
New York 10002
212 254 6512
866 59 VEGAN (Toll free)
email: info@mooshoes.com

Trackstar
34 East 1st Street
(corner of 2nd Avenue)
New York
trackstarnyc.com

By: zorro astor

zorro astor — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:15:56 -0800

map

By: spec80

spec80 — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:47:12 -0800

Second Manhattan Portage. Or Brooklyn Industries, which my friend tells me "is the new Manhattan Portage. But with clothes."

By: xo

xo — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:51:15 -0800

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.

By: defenestration

defenestration — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:52:35 -0800

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?

By: defenestration

defenestration — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:56:22 -0800

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

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

Thanks again!

By: zorro astor

zorro astor — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:59:52 -0800

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.

By: MLIS

MLIS — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 20:08:27 -0800

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.

By: lia

lia — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 20:12:41 -0800

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.

By: muckster

muckster — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 20:50:33 -0800

Paragon Sports near Union Sq has a good selection.

By: zackola

zackola — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 01:40:08 -0800

2nd Paragon

By: From Bklyn

From Bklyn — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 02:48:12 -0800

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.

By: thejoshu

thejoshu — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 04:43:42 -0800

Happily using my first Manhattan Portage bag since about 2000.

By: JaredSeth

JaredSeth — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:17:51 -0800

Pretty sure Yellow Rat Bastard on Broadway carries messenger bags too.

By: klangklangston

klangklangston — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:23:23 -0800

"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.

By: defenestration

defenestration — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:58:19 -0800

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.