Men's messenger bags are a functional and stylish alternative to backpacks and briefcases. You may have seen them before--they are bags worn over one shoulder with a flap closure that fastens with a buckle. The shoulder strap is adjustable for a custom fit and often well padded for comfort. Men don't have many options when it comes to finding the equivalent of a women's purse that allows carrying around items that do not fit in the pockets without giving up style. With a men's messenger bag you can achieve a unique look while getting functionality you just don't get with a backpack. The design of the bag allows you to quickly reposition the bag to the front of the body for easy access to the contents without removing the shoulder strap. Some bags offer a quick-release buckle on the main strap to remove the bag easily without pulling the strap up and over your head which is useful when the contents of the bag are heavy. Many manufacturers have created urban inspired designs that offer a unique and expressive look that makes a great accessory to your wardrobe. They make great school bags to carry around laptops, books, notebooks, pens, water bottles, and everything else you need in a typical school day. While a backpack is useful to carry the same items, they all look very much the same and are a drag to take on and off to access the contents. There are also specialized types of men's messenger bags sometimes referred to as courier bags. These are bags designed specifically for the bicycle or motorcycle courier profession.
I couldn't believe it. I just bought this ultra, ultralight, high-tech tent and here's this big (5 1/2" x 3 3/4") label on the outside of the door advertising the tent makers page_seo_title. The label's weight was added to by the waterproof tape applied to its opposite side, on the inside of the tent. Needless to say, I removed the label and the waterproof tape, then sealed the needle holes with a light bead of SeamGrip. That label, itself, was not waterproof and, in fact, soaked up water like a sponge. In the field, that label would have added two to three ounces of weight to my pack (depending on whether it was dry or wet). Remove labels & apply a light bead of SeamGrip onto the needle holes, wherever possible--tents, packs, bags, clothes, even on boots (where they put those useless metal gore-tex tags). Two tips here. The first, definitely do it. The second, consider it a potential way to significantly reduce relative pack weight, but don't take it as gospel. Analyze your own situation, experiment, and do what's safe and healthful.
Firstly, on shoes and boots, I cut off excess shoe lace--for two reasons (1) excess shoelace means unnecessary weight and (2) excess shoelace means safety hazard in the bush. Ever have a big lace-loop catch on an exposed root or tangly bush ? After you cut them, scorch/burn/melt the ends so they won't unravel. And secondly, as your pack weight goes down, your requirement for heavy boots is reduced, as well. Since each pound on your feet is supposedly equivalent to 5 pounds on your back, you can reduce the relative weight of your pack by getting a pair of lighter weight boots. It's at least worth a second thought ! Instead of carrying a pillow, stuff your clothes in one of your larger stuff sacs--makes a dandy pillow. Your clothes will be dry & maybe even warm in the morning. Use dirt, moss, finger nails instead of soap & a scouring pad. No soap suds in the water & no dirty pad to mess with. Although camp shoes are considered a luxury item for neurotic minimalists, they have multiple uses, most notably, a haven of rest for weary feet.
If you carry them -- and I sometimes do -- look for lightweight water shoes, rather than lugging along your much heavier tennies or running shoes. I used to carry a pair of Speedo Surfwalkers which are several ounces lighter than the Nike Aqua Socks. Another solution, if you want something just for shuffling around camp, get a cheap pair of cloth night slippers from one of the local chain department stores. The slippers are practically weightless, and if you're lucky, they may even last an entire season. NOTE: If I'm on a venture which includes river crossings or swimming in shallow lakes, I'll still carry my Speedo Surfwalkers. Because batteries are heavy, I use my headlamp only for night travel or answering the midnight call. Otherwise, for in-tent activity, I use a candle lantern or, more recently, a candle-lantern converted to oil (it's lighter, cleaner, and lasts longer). Both can be purchased at just about any outdoor shop. In addition to providing light for reading and writing while in the tent, they are excellent for starting fires, even if the wood is damp. Keep in mind, this may not be advantageous to you.