Freitag Introduces a Messenger Bag Made to Last from Recycled Materials

Recycled seatbelts, tarps from trucks, and plastic bottles now have a newfound purpose in an impressive carryall.

Remember the scene: a nimble cyclist elegantly maneuvered through the bustling traffic, halting effortlessly at a red light, maintaining perfect balance atop his fixed-gear bike. His crossbody bag was visibly overstuffed with urgent items. This was the '90s in San Francisco, a time when donning a messenger bag epitomized free-spirited urban life — backpacks were for the conventional crowd.

Freitag, based in Switzerland and established in 1993, initially captivated the market with its innovative messenger bags. Their latest creation, the F685 Henry, continues this legacy. Crafted from discarded seatbelts, repurposed plastic bottles, and tarps initially designed for European trucks, it distinguishes itself in a world of identical, mass-produced items.

Despite being crafted from what many might consider waste, Freitag bags are remarkably durable. A nearly two-decade-old Freitag messenger bag still serves me well for daily errands. I foresee similar longevity from the Henry, which I have recently trialed as a versatile gear carrier. Its $330 price tag becomes more justifiable with the promise of longevity and the assurance of a three-year repair warranty upon registration.

The Unique Qualities of the Freitag F685 Henry

The F685 Henry is a versatile 13-liter messenger bag that can expand to 20 liters, suitable for everyday use. Over recent weeks, I've tested it across multiple settings—walking, cycling to shops, and visiting gyms, trains, and coworking spaces.

As typical of Freitag, the bag is secured with plenty of Velcro and buckles, ensuring the components made from truck tarps are tightly held together. Although the sound of Velcro might be distracting, losing weight on its durability with repeated uses aligns well with Freitag's rugged aesthetic, each buckle providing a satisfying closure.

One standout feature of the Henry, akin to all messenger bags, is the ease with which the padded shoulder strap lets the bag swivel to the front. With a practiced hand, the top can be folded over to conveniently access outer pockets, including a secure zippered pocket with a key lanyard. Another side pocket allows for prompt access to essentials like wallets or phones.

The Henry bag offers extra security with a three-point strap system that holds it snug against your body. While not always necessary on safe bike lanes, the bag is designed with reflective strips from recycled truck markers, enhancing visibility at night.

Organizationally, the Henry functions best when supplemented with personal camera cubes or pouches. This prevents items from tangling inside the main compartment. Although the laptop sleeve is lightly padded, I exercise caution and gently place the bag down, rather than dropping it.

For those needing external carrying options, there's plenty of webbing to attach or secure items such as a U-lock or yoga mat. Additionally, its many straps can be tucked away into an external sleeve at the base for a neater appearance.

Why Choose the Henry When Weight is a Consideration

The Henry's primary drawback is its substantial weight due to its tough polyester material derived from recycled PET bottles. If it behaves like older Freitag models, it should become more flexible over time, though the weight will remain constant. Empty, it weighs over 3 pounds, making it heavier than some larger alternatives.

Despite the heft, its robustness promises enhanced protection for gadgets and belongings. Moreover, the bag has only started to soften with regular usage, indicating an increasing adaptability over time.

Messenger bags account for around 30 percent of Freitag's sales but are seeing a resurgence. Perhaps trendsetters are driving this renewed interest. For anyone in the market for a reliable carryall, the Freitag F685 Henry stands out as a solid choice, provided you can handle a bit of Velcro.