The Carry Awards :: Best Active Messenger Results

1st Place 

Trakke :: Wee Lug

“Glasgow is the perfect city to develop messenger bags in – it rains lots, the road surfaces are hell to ride over, and there’s a no bullshit vibe that keeps brands grounded. The part we love about Trakke is that they then draw on their Scottish heritage, incorporating classic Scottish fabrics and aesthetic influences.”

It’s a hoot watching a bag-nut play with a Trakke for the first time. From compelling fabrics to unique hardware and resolved patterns, you can see them disappear into an appreciation vacuum. I personally got my hands on one of their waxed-cotton Lugs and it’s safe to say I’ve developed a peculiar crush. The Wee Lug could medal in ‘Work’ or ‘Active’ messenger categories, with a versatility and beauty that make it a very deserving winner (and a very popular one at that).

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Highly Commended 

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honour, we bow our heads in the upmost respect and kudos. If this were a dias, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And I’m sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Timbuk2 Especial

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When we reviewed the Especial, we noted how fun it can be for a price-pointed carry brand to let loose with a high-end concept piece. Available in 2 sizes, the Especial makes commuter life more comfortable, with plenty of features and all the basics covered. Loads of votes and lots of respect.

Crumpler Wren 

Active messengers don’t have to be monstrously large professional courier bags. The Wren brings a cute and colorful approach for the girls, without compromising the basics of a great messenger. Our panel especially love the slightly tweaked proportions, the expressive stabiliser strap, and the hidden strap padding. Great to see personality for the girls.