In preparation for the upcoming spring and summer months, I decided to check out some local shops in the hope of finding a new bag for my bike trips around Edmonton. I had a few requirements for the ideal candidate:

1. Must be comfortable.
2. Easy to put on and take off.
3. Sufficient room for a camera, extra lens(es), bike lock, a magazine or two, and some odds and ends.
4. Something that does not cover my entire back.  After hours of riding, a full backpack causes my back to sweat like crazy, soaking my shirt and earning me the occasional strange look when I stop somewhere for a break and my clothes are almost dripping.
5. It’s gotta look good.

I ended up at Easy Rider trying to find a Dakine Messenger LG bag that I had read about online.  When I asked John at the front desk, he showed me what they had in stock (not much) but told me he could bring in a bunch the next day to let me test out. Very nice guy.  Easy Rider has a great atmosphere.

I went back the next day and he had five bags set aside for me to check out. Two colourways of the Burton Mess Pack, a Burton DJ Bag, the Burton Promoter and one other one.  After trying on the Burton Mess Pack, I knew right away it’s what I was going to leave with.  With a leather and cotton construction, beefy metal/plastic buckles, a thick padded strap, and all the bells and whistles I was looking for, it met every criteria on my checklist.

Features include:

1. Brown and Tan colour combination.  Classy yet casual.
2. Integrated iPod jack in the strap
3. Ratchet snowboard binding on strap allows for easy adjustment and quick release
4. Secondary cross strap for stability
5. Laptop compartment, large storage compartment, and two other pockets

I’ve tried this pack out on a few walking trips and it has met my expectations.  Even when loaded down with 15lbs of camera gear, magazines, iPod, wallet and other stuff, it doesn’t get uncomfortable.

VNDRL Rating:  6/7