June 20, 2013

Lots of Baggage: San Francisco Messenger Bags

Standard Commuter Bag by Rickshaw

Bicycling in San Francisco has increased by over 50 percent since 2006, so it’s no wonder that the quintessential urban cycling accessory – the messenger bag – has increased in popularity as well. An urban fashion trend to some and necessity to others, the messenger bag is now a staple within the cycling community and among non-cyclists alike. Read on to find one that’s just your style.

Known for their extreme versatility, messenger bags are not only practical, but have other perks as well: most of those made by local companies embrace the spirit of the many alternative transportation-loving, eco-conscious, sustainably-minded Bay Area consumers who wear them. For example, Rickshaw produces custom bags onsite in San Francisco’s Dog Patch neighborhood and has developed a process that produces zero manufacturing waste. We suggest you try out the label’s recycled polyester: it’s waterproof, eco-friendly and locally made (you can even watch them make it).

Each company below has a different style to fit your needs. Many offer custom designs. Check them out online or in various stores throughout the Bay Area:

Here are San Francisco messenger bags sources worth checking out:

Rolltop Bag by Freight Baggage

The Shed by Mission Workshop

Citizen Buckle Bag by Chrome

Commute 2.0 by Timbuk2

Photography courtesy of individual companies

Support the Locally-Made Movement: SFMade Fundraiser Launch Party

sfmade-logoSavvy follower of local fashion and locally-made products that you are, you probably don’t need us to tell you that there are companies right here within San Francisco city limits producing everything from horizontal-wale corduroys to artisan chocolates and kombucha tea.

But what you may not have heard about yet is SFMade, a new non-profit organization whose entire mission is supporting and promoting the companies and manufacturers behind these products, as well as the much-needed jobs they create.

“Since opening our doors in January, companies have been coming to us in droves. They identify with being part of the SFMade community, and they are looking for very specific assistance and resources to help them  run their manufacturing enterprises. We have really tapped into a need, and we’re the only organization focused entirely on supporting and building the manufacturing sector in San Francisco,” says SFMade Program Director Janet Lees, who founded the Fashion Industry Network program at San Francisco’s Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.

On June 9, SFMade officially launches its presence in the City with Ramp It Up!, a fundraiser soiree honoring Anchor Brewing Company Chairman Emeritus Fritz Maytag at the SoMa headquarters of Ritual Coffee Roasters. With a host committee chaired by Mayor Gavin Newsom, the party promises an opportunity to meet and shop local purveyors from the fashion, food, eco and home interiors industries while mingling with some of the most influential folks in the City.

The evening offers further enticements for local style hounds in the form of exhibits from labels such as Rickshaw Bags, Cordarounds, Baby Leo Designs, Couture by Juliet and Slainte Bags, among others.

We dare say it’s a not-to-be-missed event for anyone who supports the locally-made movement in San Francisco.

SFMade Ramp It Up! Fundraiser and Launch Party, June 9 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Ritual Coffee Roasters, 1050 Howard St., SF. Tickets ($35).

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