Re Load Baggage

I’m not a bike messenger nor do I play one on TV. If I were, however, I’d probably be able to write off bag purchases as a business expense on my tax return. Then I might have every model of bag that R.E.Load makes. Scary. (Don’t judge me, ladies. How many purses or pairs of shoes do you own?)
Since I can’t offer a professional opinion on these, I won’t. It’s probably unnecessary anyways. Let’s just say these bags are Quality (that’s right, with a capital «Q»). With a little poking around online, if you’re interested, I’ll bet you can find reviews of these bags by people who make their living riding bikes all day burdened with packages (or people who like to pretend that they do).
I have two R.E.Load bags, a single strap model (Civilian) and a double strap (Midpack). I’m using these bags for casual, every day use. I usually walk or ride my bike everywhere I go. I wanted something durable and I got it. These folks sure do make some fine luggage. Their bags are built to last a lifetime. I can honestly say I don’t think I’ll ever need to buy bags of this type again. Heavy Duty? Indeed. «Bombproof» I believe they used to say.
I bought my Civilian pre-​made/​off the shelf (not a custom job) and it came with their 215 (Two-​one-​five) strap. I’m not really a fan. If I had to do it all over again I’d go with the «old school» heavyweight strap. That’s just my personal preference. If the strap ever wears out I’ll get it replaced with an old school strap.
These bags are not only simply great for carrying things, they have other uses as well. I’ve found that my fully loaded Civilian makes a perfect armrest when placed next to me. Bonus. I’ve also used it as a book stand. (I guess that 215 strap is good for something.) Depending on what’s inside of it, it might make a good pillow. I guess you can always use it for what it was designed for, as a container to carry stuff, but that’s just kinda boring.
I’m still of the firm belief that there’s no hope for the NoLibs, but I can understand why R.E.Load would want to move back to their old digs on N. 2^nd St. It’s better for business and I think that they just really missed being so close to the 700 Club.
If I’ve heard one criticism of R.E.Load, it’s that their bags are very heavy. While that may be true, it’s also a moot point. These are messenger bags after all, high quality tools of the trade. I’ve found that the more stuff you put in your bag the less you notice the actual weight of the bag. Make sense?
So, why aren’t you carrying more stuff?

I am very satisfied with my Re Load messenger bag and I use it pretty much everyday. I want to chronicle my experience to assist others in their quest. For brevity I will assume readers have some familiarity with Re Load products.
After pondering color choices, different manufacturers, and the «one vs two shoulder question» I decided to go with a Re Load Civilian messenger bag. I wanted to support local industry and the combination of features and, craftsmanship sealed the deal. I decided to go for features over graphics and after taxes spent $ 224.
This bag looks great with my casual bike riding apparel and also when I am dressed in a suit and tie for work. My color scheme is midnight body and flap, olive pockets, dark gray bottom, burgundy trim and black thread, velcro and interior.
A long section about the strap…
I choose the old school strap (w/​pad) over the split strap. The strap took about a week to break in and is getting progressively more comfortable. Walking with the bag versus riding with it are two different experiences. When riding I wear it in the standard fashion, which placing the majority of the weight on the back. However when I walk I find loosening the strap is more comfortable because it places the weight on my rear. The best thing is that the pad is attached by Velcro to the bag so I can move it.
Double outside pockets — reserved for items that require easy access. U-​lock and steel cable in the right pocket (since my bag is left shoulder I can quickly access them) and bike tools, spare tube, pump, light in left pocket. These stay waterproof as well even when the bag is expanded.
Interior Divider Pocket — great for when I want to separate my dress shirt and suit pants from my lunch while riding. This makes it really easy to organize but it stays out of the way when you need to put something really big in there.
Compression straps — honestly not incredibly useful on a bag this size. I have since surgically removed them.
FBI pocket — I primarily use this pocket for storing dirty/​wet/​smelly clothes.
Ballistic Bottom — nothing much to say… really strong and will take forever to break in
Other thoughts on design and construction…
It is no joke when they say waterproof. I have ridden multiple times in the rain and nothing gets wet. Even when the bag is stuffed full of stuff.
Speaking of full — this bag is like the Tardis. Nice and streamlined when it is empty but expands to hold a solar system.
The construction and workmanship of these bags is incredible. They have obviously put a lot of thought into the design of their bags. My experience is that these bags take time to break in and get comfortable but they eventually mold to your body.
I recommend Re Load to anyone who ventures unto the city streets whether it rains or shines and those who value form and function.

I now have 2 of their bags. One of the monstrous backpacks and one of the civilian bags. Both of these will be the last of this style I will have to but for at least the next 10 years. These are some durable as hell bags, sewn to perfection by hand with care.
The backpack I designed myself and ordered over the web. The bag maker called me to verify everything and even had some suggestions on cutting cost while making it a better bag. Its huge, I can carry ANYTHING. 4 bags of groceries (stacked) is not a problem.
The 2^nd bag I just got was the 10^th anniv. courier style «civilian» bag. Its the perfect size for running errands, work and carry on travel. Not too big, not too small, just right.
If you are thinking about one of these bags and have the $$$$ then go for it, you will not be let down.
Why not 5 stars then Pete? Because they are so damn expensive and I can’t ever get anyone on the phone the first times I call.

I bought my reload bag back in 2001 (I think!) when the shop was on Arch Street and it was only Roland and Ellie running the show. The bag has been with me through my undergraduate degree, student teaching, my first «real» job as a Social Worker, 2 boyfriends and my partner (he’s a loyal Chrome guy– UH OH!), and now graduate school. The thing has been beaten to hell, but is still going strong. I wish I could tuck my friend Jenith in it and keep her with me all the time (I’m sure she’d fit in it!)

R.E. Load is probably one of the best things that has happened to messenger and bike culter in general in the Philadelphia area [as I’m sure it is as well in Washington].
My husband was a messenger for a little bit and we could never find a bag that both fit him well and was suitable for the packages he was carrying. His Bailey Works bag wasn’t cut right and the Chrome backpack just didn’t accommodate boxes the way he thought it would. Then came the R.E. Load backpack. It was perfect for both the job as well as a grocery run to the market or Whole Foods.
I was a little jealous so I bought myself the minipack for my many runs to the craft store and post office [since I have my own little business and all]. The mini pack is perfect for a small to medium female frame and the many pockets come in handy for someone like myself carrying around tons of little things.
I too, unfortunately for my wallet, found that my Bailey Works bag did not fit my frame well so I ordered a custom small civilian [nothing fancy, just the colors I like] because they were more durable and better fit my frame while cycling. I can’t wait to get it. This will make four R.E. Load bags, two side pouches, one radio holder, and a few tool pouches sitting in my living room! Not to mention some of the great t-​shirts and other accessories I’ve gathered from them along the way.
The price tag on some of the merchandise can get a little high, especially the custom order bags because they are all hand made. So the more complicated your designs, the pricier they will be. I think the most expensive thing I have seen there are the large custom stitched backpacks and they were in the low $ 300 range [you can fit a person in there though, I’ve done it!]. Anything basic is usually in the low to mid-​$ 100 range for the smaller bags, but they’re worth it. The bags are completely waterproof and more durable than any other bag I have seen.
If you’re not in the No. Libs area a few other bike shops are carrying their merchandise including Bicycle Revolutions on 4^th Street and Bicycle Therapy on South and 22^nd-​ish.

I can only put 4 stars since I don’t actually own a R.E. Load bag… but I wish I could afford one. Maybe not the messenger bag with the stuffed bear head, but someone’s got to want that thing!
Seriously, though… these bags are sewn by hand by some very talented people. They will even make a bag completely to order, down to the color of the thread. Plus, they just look really fucking cool.