Waterproof Messenger Bag
When choosing a waterproof bag, of course it is important to pick one that has enough space for all one needs to carry. For my money, though, choosing a bag for how it protects one’s belongings is of even higher importance. The bag should be practically indestructible; made from materials that will hold up to whatever use (and abuse) the user will put it through.
Also, what if it rains? All of that hearty material is useless at protecting your possessions if it just soaks thru with water. For this reason, it is also of high importance to choose one that is waterproof.
Tucker & Bloom, a small company based out of Nashville, Tennessee, makes high-end organizational products with forward-thinking designs, but using old European craftsman techniques. Their aim is to organize people with a need to look professional, while providing an alternative to the norm. With thirty years combined in the bag business, they know how to make bags right, and they make them well. All of their products are produced domestically, from materials that meet their high expectations for quality, durability, and aesthetics.
Every waterproof product made by Tucker & Bloom is made in small batches. They start with an outer material that is very strong and durable. They use leathers that are byproducts of the food industry. Leather can provide a whole range of design elements, from highly finished to more organic in appearance, and has a timeless look and a natural durability. Another outer material that is used frequently is ballistic nylon, which features a basket weave. This weave makes it very tough and allows it to withstand impacts and punctures. Lastly, the customer can choose between several colors of 100% cotton duck canvas. Cotton canvas is soft and ages gracefully, but is also very durable.
The thing that I like most about Tucker & Bloom’s waterproof messenger bags is that they are all made with water proof material. This is what makes their bags differ from other brands. Other brands will make you rely on just the outer layer for water protection. While the outer layer may be water resistant, it is not water proof. Tucker & Bloom goes a step farther than all of those other companies by adding a layer of Taslan nylon, which is truly waterproof, to the inside of the bag. So, even if the rain does pour, this inner lining will prevent your valuables- all of your possessions even- very dry!
Tucker & Bloom has truly broken the mold with their products. Offering clients a choice between colors, sizes, and fabrics allows for individuality yet ensures that they can make a choice to protect their belongings. Making a real waterproof product is a great feat. Even if water does soak through the outer layer, the added Taslan layer will keep it off important papers and gadgets. When someone needs to get items of importance from one place to another, a waterproof tote is what they need on their back to carry them.
How I found out my old bag wasn’t waterproof – and how I know that my new one definitely is
As a professional bicycle courier, the bag that I use on a day to day basis is far more than some sort of fashion statement.
Not only does it have to look good to present a professional image to the clients and customers I deliver goods to on a routine basis, but it also has to be amazingly functional as well. This is not the kind of business that you can count on style points to win you extra business – you need to be able to deliver products, parcels, and paperwork quickly and efficiently – and most of all in the same kind of condition it was sent in.
Not all waterproof bags are waterproof – ask me how I know
I’ve also gone through 10 or 15 types in the past – all of them promising to be 100% waterproof, and only a fraction of them actually living up to that promise. My last bag allowed in so much water in a single rainstorm that I ended up sinking it right into the Hudson River, never to be seen or heard from again.
They say that’s where the mob used to dispose of their “messy business”, and I hope that – if it’s true – my bag sleeps with the fishes.
Regardless, after discovering that dozens and dozens of parcels in my care were soaked right through – some of them beginning to peel open because of the moisture – I knew that I needed to find a brand-new bag that actually was 100% waterproof. A bag I could rely on in any weather condition, a bag that I could trust to help me better perform my daily duties.
That’s when I discovered the Tucker & Bloom
A friend and mentor turns me on to Tucker and Bloom
I had been sharing this recent experience with a friend and mentor that really got me established in the bicycle delivery business, and he was telling the how he had had a number of those same kinds of problems in the past. They also told me how he had remedied the situation completely – and also helped 10 or 12 other couriers illuminate the problem forever – just by switching to Tucker and Bloom bags.
I had never heard of the brand before, but was eager to take my friend up on this recommendation – and begin to check out the different waterproof messenger bags this company offered.
So many to choose from – but so many of them offering exactly what I was looking for
The first thing that I noticed about the Tucker and Bloom website was that they had so many different options I could choose from. Obviously, this got me excited right off the bat, but once I discovered just how amazingly attractive and well-built each and every one of these bags were things get even better from there.
I knew I was sucked right into these kinds of bags forever – and that I would really struggle not coming away with one of their handcrafted bags mad in America . I ended up going with the North and South limited edition and I am proud to tell you that it hasn’t let me down at any point regardless of the weather that I’ve pushed it through.
This one’s never going to end up in the Hudson – but probably up on my mantle somewhere in 30 or 40 years so that I can reminisce fondly to my grandchildren about how well this bag performed.
Record Bags
Record bags made for DJs or record buying folks. DJ Backpacks and messenger bags meant for holding 7” records, 45's, LPs, 12" singles, and virtually any other vinyl record format you can think of.
DJs require a specific type of bag, and that’s why we make our bags to the specifications and needs of working class DJs. Large enough to hold all types of vinyl, and padded enough to provide peace of mind that your precious LPs will make it from one gig to the next, without a scratch. From our larger 45 bag, made to hold a large assortment of records, to our dj backpacks and dj messenger bags, that are able to hold records and other necessary items, like cables, and laptops, we’ve got all the needs of a working class DJ covered.
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The Backcue: Tucker & Bloom North to South Bag Review
August 13, 2015
Traveling can be a pain. When you’ve got to lug a set’s worth of vinyl and a laptop and drives, it doesn’t get any easier. For a while now, I’ve been able to survive carrying all that with the UDG creator bag. In the past couple years I’ve booked more gigs that require me to get on a plane and traveling with such a large backpack has grown to be a pain. Although it fits the airline’s sizes for carry-ons, I still had trouble getting through crowds at the airport plus a few zippers had worn out. I started looking for a new bag a little over a two years ago and came across the Tucker & Bloom North to South Bag. I decided to give it a shot.
Tucker & Bloom is a bag company that has operated out of Nashville for the past thirty year under the watch of father and son team, David and Case Bloom. The latter is also a working DJ. For the record, I’ve never been given anything from Tucker & Bloom and outside of a few FB messages with Case, I couldn’t say I know him very well. I say all this just to insure that this review is unbiased.
First of all, the North to South bears little in common with a lot of other DJ bags that seem to be going for a look that Marty McFly Jr. would love; Lots of mesh, 3M reflective bits, and neon yellow. It seems to be modeled after classic English bespoke game bags more so than contemporary messengers. Simple black ballistic nylon shell, leather trim, sturdy metal buckles. It’s something you wouldn’t be embarrassed to have on your shoulder if you ever find yourself in a job interview or a fox hunt at an English estate, which is great since we know that either of those things are equally likely to happen for a plenty of DJs.
This eye towards classic fashion runs across most of Tucker and Bloom’s bags. Everything has a clean, understated design. Any eyes it catches are earned honestly from good craftsmanship, not obnoxious colors or gimmicks. Their bags are a pair of Allen Edmonds in a sea of Ed Hardy sneakers.
I had my eye on it for a while, then a couple yeara ago I copped it while it was on sale for a day at the Tucker & Bloom site. A couple weeks later (each bag is made to order), I received it, and the next day I got on a plane for a nine day trip to California. First stop was San Francisco, which turned out to be the perfect testing ground. Every day I was there, I spent a good twelve hours on the MUNI or walking around town so I needed to carry everything I might possibly need while away from the hostel. In SF that included:
It held up well and never felt felt any discomfort even when it was weighed down by the aforementioned burrito. The leather and shearling shoulder strap broke in quickly to the shape of my shoulder, within a couple of days at most.
It’s become my go to bag for when I’m biking around town. Toss my u-lock in, my handytrax and I’m out for a quick record dig. The included bike cross-strap keeps the bag out of your way and it can be stowed against the side of the bag or removed when your off your bike.
I’ve had to put leftovers in it after biking around a couple times and as you might expect, there have been accidents. Turning it inside out and wiping down with a wet cloth was all it took to clean out all remnants of whatever juice comes out of a container of Mongolian beef. I’d still not recommend carrying food in your bag, I’m just letting you know it’s possible.
There’s one large compartment that is not padded for your laptop, records or larger items. This may be a concern for some but I keep my laptop in a separated padded sleeve regardless so it hasn’t been an issue for me. This is a bag small enough to be kept close to you at all times so I feel padding would be a little overkill anyway. For a larger bag that might get stowed away or handled by others, I can see the need for padding but not in this case.
Within the main compartment there is also a smaller, mesh zippered pocket. Good for pens, a phone, 45 adapters, small tools for fixing your electronics, business cards, etc.
If you’re someone that needs a thousand dedicated pockets for every single tool, this isn’t the perfect bag for you. You get about three pockets that are a pretty tight fit to hold your smaller items and a metal snap on the inside. I’m always afraid of something falling out or getting out of place if my bag tips or turns over but so far, that fear is unfounded. It gets tossed around a lot but things stay in place.
There is an unintended advantage to having the pockets be such a tight fit. Not having the dedicated pockets does require you to take a couple extra minutes and think about where you want things to go but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Being forced to think about your loadout really helps to pare down your gear by eliminating the things you never use. Once you find a packing strategy you’re happy with, you have little to worry about.
Everything is always in easy reach. This is huge when I’m traveling through the airport. It can just hang on my shoulder when I have to quickly unload getting through security. There’s also several places to put your documents that you can get to without ever opening the bag.
The Cosmo Baker edition, which is the one I went with, features two added inches of depth and about a half inch length. It also has a leather badge with Cosmo’s logo and a wolf. If you have qualms about another DJ’s name on your bag, I personally think it’s worth it for a little more room, especially if you’re the type that prefers at least a few extra 12″ records outside of your control vinyl and laptop. Also, a fuckin’ wolf bro. Honestly, you’d have to be quite the narcissist for a stamp sized logo to be enough to bruise your ego. I’ve found the leather badge to be very useful with the addition of a carabiner. Day to day, I attach my keys to it and for events, I attach my headphone case.
For a typical DJ gig, this is what I pack:
Since I’ve purchased it a couple years ago, I’ve used it for numerous gigs, both local and around the country plus nearly every time I leave the house. Other than some natural fading on the leather, it looks as good as the day I bought it. It’s held up perfectly and better than any other DJ bag I’ve had. I don’t plan on getting another DJ bag anytime soon and if I do, it will probably be another Tucker and Bloom.
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What I look for when choosing laptop bags
December 20, 2013
What I Look For When Choosing Laptop Bags
Deciding upon which to choose, from a group of laptop bags can be quite a challenge, especially if one is picky about certain technical features. Choosing the wrong one will ensure a real pain, in more ways than one, when it is truly time to use it.
For me, there are only a few qualities that I look for when I look at totes. I chose a Tucker & Bloom, for these reasons. They may be few but these things are still very important to me and, if my backpacks are not just exactly perfect, I am very liable not to ever use them again.
Construction
It’s very important what material they are made of! Construction and materials are the first things I look at when choosing the right one. Is it made of nylon? Or, maybe leather? Does it include foam, in its construction?
The material they are made of will give an idea of whether they will hold up to repeated use and abuse. Strength and durability are qualities that laptop bags get from how they are made and what they are made from. I prefer mine to be made of heavy ballistic nylon, because I treat all my gadgets as if they are weapons in my arsenal.
Capacity- What Can This Bad Boy Really Handle?
The next quality I think of when choosing the right tote is what can this thing hold? The capacity is immensely important to me! All of my totes and tools must serve more than one purpose. My case should have multiple pockets; one for my computer, one for a cell phone, and one for a notepad and pens, one for change and tickets, passport, etc. It’s the 21st century, folks, get with it.
Access and Ease of Use
This one is so very big- I need to have the ability to grab items from my tote quickly, while I’m on the go. What’s the use in having a cell phone pocket, if the phone isn’t easily reachable?
A lot of this has to do with good design of the laptop bags, in the first place. Placing that cell phone pocket on the strap with a little padding, at just the right location, can make all the difference upon whether the end customer just “likes” or genuinely “loves” their backpacks.
Where and who made them?
I know it may be a little strange, and it goes for tons of other items I purchase, not just laptop bags, but where these items are made- as well as who made and designed them- really makes a huge difference upon whether or not I will purchase them, as well. Does a company, or designer, that I’ve heard of, make the item in America? I want to ensure that the totes that I buy are well constructed, in places that are close to home. Tucker & Bloom makes laptop cases that fit all of these qualifications.
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Bicycle Bags play a huge roll in the bike messenger community
December 20, 2013
Bicycle Bags
Bicycle bags are very important to messengers in the city of Philadelphia and, without them, many crucial deliveries would not get made. They are typically well made of strong materials. Some bicycle totes can have different features that help the rider in their different daily tasks. The different colors and styles allow the user to express individuality.
The best are those that are hand-made of heavy ballistics-grade nylon. This material gives them high durability and strength, that helps the totes withstand heavy use and abuse. Many riders like bicycle backpacks that have leather trim and aluminum-alloy clips and buckles. Some kind of water resistance is also important, so that large rolls of drawings and plans do not get wet.
Another important feature of the best is multiple pockets, for holding all the essential items that a rider carries. A well-positioned cell phone pocket on the strap, or on the side, can make all the difference. More pocket space for an iPod, note pad, and headphones, as well as optional padded pockets, for laptops and such, are all very important choices to make when choosing a tote.
Some will look like classic messenger backpacks. Other styles are in different sizes, depending upon what the rider is going to use them for. Small, medium, and large size's even allow for different sized users. Different color choices for the internal and external fabrics offer the rider a chance to make own.
Hipsters love hand-made stuff, these days, and it is important to many of those people for the products that they buy to be made in America. Heavy nylon bicycle totes are in style, and many men carry them to work, to school, and then use them during recreation. Many people bike everywhere.
Tucker & Bloom are a company based in Nashville, TN. They make all sorts of different bags in various styles, including bicycle bags and messenger bags. They make and design all their bags in the USA, from quality materials, with old-European craftsmanship. Tucker & Bloom are a family business that makes high-end bicycle bags with style and great design.
One of the best things about Tucker & Bloom is that they make multi-use products. They make everything with cell phone pockets and built-in laptop cases. Laptop cases that also carry records. Theirs are totes that also carry laptops and cell phones. All products made by Tucker & Bloom are made from top-quality materials. All materials used must meet their high expectations for quality, durability, and aesthetics.
Lastly, all products should come with some kind of back up plan. What if you spend a bunch of money on it and it rips? Well, Tucker & Bloom have that all covered with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Tucker & Bloom will replace or repair your tote if it gets damaged or falls apart. That’s a real comfort, knowing that your belongings are safe from defects in materials and workmanship.
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