The Gomatic messenger bag designed for everyday use

Andrea Thompson

ByAndrea Thompson

April 4, 2024
The modern urban commuter’s quintessential accessory, the messenger bag, has evolved from a mere functional item into a statement of style and practicality.The modern urban commuter’s quintessential accessory, the messenger bag, has evolved from a mere functional item into a statement of style and practicality.

The modern urban commuter’s quintessential accessory, the messenger bag, has evolved from a mere functional item into a statement of style and practicality.

Does the Gomatic Messenger bag live up to this and would it appeal to business travellers?

History

In 2014 cousins, Jon Richards and Jacob Durham from Utah designed a travel wallet.  They expected around 50 orders but were inundated with over 6,000 orders – why?  Their wallet was sleek, stylish, and efficient for travellers and that’s how the company started.  They are now the most crowd funded Company in Utah raising almost £13m and with over 50 items in their collection you can see why they are a lifestyle brand on a mission.

Function

A true messenger bag will have the means of closing securely to protect its contents. Offer space, versatility, looks and is made from good quality weather resistant materials.

Colour

This messenger bag only comes in one colour and that is black.

Style

This cannot be called a minimalistic messenger bag when it comes to its design.  It boasts 20+ features from removable internal inserts, various pockets, zips, bottle holders, integral sunglass case and retractable key fob.  The front in particular features little in the way of extraneous detailing, just the name – “Gomatic”. It simplicity offers space, versatility and is made from good quality water resistant material.  Another feature is the fidlock technology for the shoulder strap.  The custom flock strap with added padding and buckles that magnetically snaps into place.  Fully adjustable with a 360° rotation this can be worn across the body as well as over the shoulder.  The strap can easily be removed to convert the bag into a briefcase.

This year has been a great year for travel, I've woken up in jungle resorts to the hear the call to prayer, eaten hotdogs in NYC when really I should be sleeping, spoken to a Feng Shui master on the MRT in Singapore and met some awesome startups on the side of a mountain in Norway.

Dimensions

The outer dimensions are: (H/W/D) 30 x 42 x 14 cm, Laptop Compartment: 41 x 27 x 2.5 cm.  It is quite heavy at 1.7kg and being robust does not mould to your body as many messenger bags do.   I did find the carry handle a little small to hold comfortably.

Quality

Made from Tarpaulin, the finish of the product is excellent and is undoubtedly waterproof, sturdy, and hardwearing.

Interior

The bag has many difference compartments and opens in four parts with removable interiors.  Inside a hard glasses case, net compartments, and retractable key chain fob.  This is big enough to use for an overnight stay and space for toiletries and fresh clothes for business travellers.  The linings are black, and grey made from vegan material and 100% synthetic.  The lap top compartment unzips all the way round and is an TSA approved sleeve which is big enough to hold a standard sized laptop.  A particularly noticeable feature of this bag is that the fixings for the handle does not protrude into the interior space.

Details

One of the bag’s main features is its Fidlock technology. Where the straps snap into place.  They are very safe and can hold a substantial weight.  The strap is fully adjustable, removeable and has an extra padded comfort shoulder pad.

Verdict

It is hard to be negative about this messenger bag. It is a solid, straightforward messenger bag that is comfortable (albeit doesn’t mould to your body) but easy to use and versatile.  It really is a “go” bag ready for those unexpected meetings and overnight trips that business travellers may face.  If versatility, organisation, durability and of course style are what you are looking for in a bag then this one is for you.  It can be attached to your carryon bag and fits perfectly under the seat on an aircraft and worth the price tag of around £238.00.