May 3, 2013 Gear Review: Lat 56 Small Messenger Case
I don’t normally review briefcase style messenger bags because they really don’t fit into the true onebagger philosophy. However, I know there are many of you out there who must travel with lots of equipment for work purposes including, in some cases, two laptops. I realize that it is impossible for some, because of the requirements of their work, to be the ultimate onebagger but are doing their best to reach it.
So, why not include that group by introducing some bags that would help with the load.
Today I want to talk about the Lat 56 Small Messenger Case.
Anyone who follows this website knows that we have reviewed quite a few products by this company. Based in Scotland, they are known for their Military grade EVA material which I describe as sort of a rubbery, plastic material. (I’m sure they hate that. But it is what it is.)
Measuring 15.7” x 12.2” x 3.9” (40cm x 31cm x 10cm), the Small Messenger Case weighs 2.2 lbs (1kg). It holds approx 12L (732 cu in.)
On top is a padded handle with a D ring for the included padded shoulder strap and a loop for your brolly on each side. (Not sure what a brolly is? Google it. Okay, I’ll give you a hint—I’m not surprised it’s included considering the bag is from a British company. )
But I digress.
The back has a zippered pocket for magazines, files, etc. or can be unzipped at the bottom as well to act as a pass through should you wish to slide it on to the handles of a rolling case.
(Photo courtesy of Lat 56)
Once opened, the Messenger Case has a front organizer panel that includes a full length zippered pocket, two smaller pockets and three pen holders. (Note, while the picture shows one small magnet closing pocket and one small zipper closing pocket, my bag had two small magnet closing pockets.)
Inside the main compartment, there is a separate laptop section that will hold a laptop up to 13.3” and has a full length magnet closing top for extra protection. There should be enough room in the rest of the main compartment to hold an additional laptop. The entire compartment is lined with memory foam for extra protection but if you put a second laptop in the front portion of the main compartment, I would protect it with some type of cache just to be sure.
The bag is nice and definitely looks like it belongs in an urban environment—more briefcase than manbag/murse yet could easily be carried by a female in a nicely in a button down corporate or high tech world.
The Small Messenger case also offers a compromise for those who feel a soft messenger bag may not have enough protection for their electronics but also don’t want the weight and bulk of a hard sided case.
If this bag is not big enough, Lat 56 does offer a larger version.
The Lat 56 Small Messenger Case sells for $199.00
Lat 56 supplied the Small Messenger Case for review.
Reader Comments (2)
I wrote to lat56's warranty service, sent a photo and was told they were going to replace the bag.
That was in February, this year.
Nothing happened, each time people at lat56 promise they will provide a replacement, but this never happened.
Too much scottish blood to replace a defective article??