This weekend, I paid a visit to Defy Bags during the grand opening of their new Showroom and Workshop located in the Ravenswood neighborhood of north side Chicago. The space was an industrial loading dock before Defy converted it into a Midwest mecca for the bag obsessed. Every sample of their hand crafted, American-made gear was on display.
Defy Bags Chicago Showroom and Workshop
Despite stopping by unannounced, Chris Tag (Defy’s Founder) generously took the time to introduce me to his team and show me around the shop as we discussed his design philosophy and some of Defy’s current and future projects. It’s obvious in talking with Chris that he’s doing what he loves and part of that is experimenting with different materials.
In addition to recycled M-35 Truck Tarp and bike inner tube rubber, Defy also uses leather from the world-renowned Chicago-based Horween Leather Company, Martexin Original Waxed Twill, and 1000D Cordura nylon.
Limited Edition Defy Bags made with Horween Leather
It’s also clear that Defy listens to its customers. Chris said early on Defy made a change to their messenger flap design when bike messengers complained that an open gap on each side of the bag allowed moisture to get inside the main compartment in inclement weather. They also recently added a zippered compartment to the exterior of the Recon Large Messenger when customers provided feedback that the bag needed more pockets.
I asked if Defy had plans to include more EDC friendly pockets or even MOLLE webbing to some of their designs. Chris said its something they are definitely looking at (Defy did add some webbing to their new Verbokel Rolltop Backpack). But overall, it sounded like he tends to prefer a clean aesthetic when it comes to bag design and it’s hard to argue with success.
After my conversation with Chris, I switched gears into shopping mode and spent some time checking out all the cool gear. It was a lot to take in. There were racks of bags…
On a back table were one-of-a-kind and discounted items that had been discontinued.
A book shelf with bag accessories and Defy swag…
There was even a cabinet that contained Horween leather goods.
I felt like a kid in a candy store. In the end, I decided to restrict my purchases to a new messenger bag. I picked the model that Chris said was one of his favorites – the waxed canvas edition of the Defy Recon Messenger with Austri Alpin quick release 2″ Cobra buckles.
My new Defy Recon Messenger Waxed Canvas Edition
Expect a review of the Recon in the next month or two.
If you find yourself in the Chicago area, I highly recommend taking a side trip to check out Defy’s new Showroom. It’s located at 4527 N. Ravenswood Ave, Suite 105, Chicago.
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