I’ll be honest. I have a love/hate relationship with messenger bags. I generally prefer backpacks but occasionally I’ll see some twenty-something with a cool looking messenger and I get the urge to go single strap all over again. When I do, I’m REALLY particular about the bag I go with. It must have organization and not just be a dump pouch with a strap. Laptop protection is a must. Water resistant materials is a plus. And because I live in Chicago, having room for an extra layer is also a plus. Weather here can be unpredictable all year around. The Rickshaw Commuter 2.1 meets all of these requirements and more.
Rickshaw rebooted their Commuter design late last year and sent us one for Review. The Commuter 2.1 can be customized and one of the options we asked for was the X-Pac™ technical sailcloth exterior. According to Rickshaw, X-Pac™ is a special high-performance sailcloth for ocean-going racing boats manufactured by Dimension-Polyant in Connecticut. The high-tech laminate is lightweight, abrasion resistant and waterproof. And a special internal layer of tensile strands gives the fabric a distinctive diamond pattern.
Rickshaw Bagworks Commuter 2.1
The X-Pac lived up to it’s billing. As we detailed in an earlier Gear Diary post, it’s definitely sheds the elements when coupled with Rickshaw’s interior waterproof liner. It has also withstood several months of being thrown around during my commute into the city and still looks like new. The boot on the bottom of the bag is also waterproof and helps the Commuter stand upright when set on the ground.
One of the unique features of this bag are the patented magnetic “shhh” silencers that prevent the annoying ripping sound you get when opening a velcro flap. They also allow you to disengage the buckles and still keep the flap somewhat secure via the magnets for ease of access.
I was surprised to find a single row of PALS webbing under the flap of the Rickshaw Commuter 2.1. I attached a SOLED clip light there. There is also an attachment point for a safety light such as the Guardian DF pictured below.
Rickshaw “Shhh” Silencers
The Commuter’s dimensions are 15.75″W x 11″H x 4.75″ D. That’s a tad on the large size and a little briefcase-like. Rickshaw makes a smaller Mini version also. For me, the size was fine because I want the extra room to store that additional layer should I need it. If you don’t have that need and just carry a tablet then the Mini might be the better option.
The interior includes a removable padded 15″ laptop sleeve and a pocket that can be used to hold a tablet.
Rickshaw also makes drop pocket/admin panels for the Commute that can be added for additional organization in place of the laptop sleeve utilizing the two long strips of velcro. It also opens the door to the possibility of experimenting around with hook and loop accessories from other brands as well. I love modular design in my packs and it’s not something you find in many non-tactical messengers
The outer front pockets are identical and have two separate sleeves that are soft lined (for electronics or even sunglasses). Both have a fob clip for keys, thumb drives, or other small items.
Perhaps the best feature of the Commuter 2.1 is it’s admin panel. It runs the entire length of the bag’s back panel and can be accessed via a double zipper while wearing the bag. It includes a variety of different sized pockets (nine total) including two that are large enough to fit a multi-tool or even a large knife like my ZT 0300 folder. It’s one of the best integrated admin setups I’ve seen in a messenger bag.
The Rickshaw Commuter 2.1′s Outstanding Admin Compartment
The quality is uniformly outstanding. Parts of the bag are made overseas and then assembled here in the States. Rickshaw stands behind it’s products with a “No Reasonable Request Denied” Warranty policy.
The only major issue I had with the Commuter 2.1 was with the beefy Quick Adjust Shoulder Strap that comes with the Commuter. The strap is great but the pad is just horrible. For me, it constantly moved around and was not grippy at all. The end result was that the bag constantly slipped from my shoulder (unless I wore it cross body).
I ultimately addressed the problem by reluctantly swapping out the stock strap for a Tom Bihn Ultimate Strap. But, I would have preferred to keep the original on there because the Tom Bihn strap is thinner and it lacks the Rickshaw quick adjustment buckle.
One change on the 2.1 (compared to the 2.0 version) were the side pockets. Rickshaw went with low profile Cordura sleeves versus mesh. There were many complaints by fans of the previous version but I didn’t have any issue with the change and you can still fit a small water bottle or umbrella in there. They are also not snag prone like the mesh and it definitely makes the bag look a little more upscale.
CONCLUSION
The Rickshaw Commuter 2.1 is, without a doubt, the most EDC friendly non-tactical messenger that I’ve encountered to-date and for me definitely a viable option to a backpack. Given how much I love my backpacks, that should give you a gauge on how good the Commuter Messenger really is.
Rickshaw assembles to order and offers many color and material options to customize each bag to taste. The Commuter 2.1 retails for $180 and is available from their website. Upon order, each bag is shipped within 10-12 days.
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