The Arc’teryx Courier 15 was unveiled at Shot Show earlier this year and it’s been one of the most hyped messenger bags in recent memory. Carryology called it a “beautiful execution of clean form following function and minimalism”. Pack Config labeled it a “clear winner”. I took advantage of a Black Friday sale and acquired my own Courier 15 for just over $200. At that price, I couldn’t resist grabbing one so I can form my own opinion. Once in the stable, one of the first things I did was replace the utilitarian ITW flap buckles with magnetic Fidlock buckles. Fidlocks are showing up on higher-end bags with increasing frequency because they are easy to use, relatively lightweight, cool as hell and very secure. Why Arc’teryx didn’t use them on a bag that retails for $279 is a mystery. But most people I know who buy this bag do the “Courier Fidlock Upgrade” out of the box. If you’re considering it or want to do a similar mod to another bag, then here’s the steps I followed. Note: We are not responsible for bag damage or personal injury caused by following the procedure outlined in this article. Proceed at your risk!
I started out with some 25mm Fidlock Sliders, a small screwdriver and a pair of wire cutters.
I purchased my Fidlocks from Sabukan. Fidlocks are hard to find unless you order in bulk. I’ve done two orders through them without any issues. Highly recommended seller.
The 25mm version of the buckles come apart and install without any sewing but it can be tricky if you haven’t done it. There are two tiny tabs you have to disengage to pull them apart. The first tab is located under a panel along the side of the buckle. I’m using the smallest screwdriver I could find. One I’d normally use to tighten the screws on a pair of eye glasses.
The key is to pry up and push forward at the same time; taking care not to exert so much force that it breaks the tab. You can’t be too gentle so I’ll say ordering an extra buckle or two until you get a feel for it is not a bad idea.
Once you’re able to get the blade of the screw driver under the panel, it just pops up.
Here’s a side view of the panel so you can see the tab.
The second tab is on the slider.
This one requires you to push the tab forward while bracing it on a hard surface.
With some force, the slider will push through and the buckle will come apart for installation.
Notice the scratch mark on the slider where the screw driver slipped. Easy to do, but it doesn’t matter because that part of the buckle will not show when you install it.
You then need to remove the ITW buckles. That wasn’t easy either on the Courier 15 because the nylon loop was very tight around the buckle and ITW hardware is notoriously stout. Being very careful not to puncture or otherwise damage the material, I snipped the buckle at its weakest point in two places.
That leaves part of the buckle in the loop.
Carefully grab one side of the buckle without snagging the loop and twist back and forth until that side breaks. The rest then will slide through the loop.
The female part of the Fidlock buckle will slide in where the ITW buckle is no longer. Snap it together, install the male end on the bottom nylon strap, and you’re done!
Hope this helps those of you who are considering this mod. It’s a bit scary at first but becomes second nature with practice.
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