One of the Best Technical EDC Brands Just Fixed the Biggest Problem with Messenger Bags

Despite being associated with an active lifestyle, these iconic packs have a glaring issue. Dsptch has elegantly solved it.

DSPTCH Zero-1 Messenger EDC Bag closeup on bikeDsptch

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

For a long time, messenger bags have been closely associated with active lifestyles, especially those of bike commuters and city-goers. While this is likely because they combine convenience and versatility, these bags also have significant shortcomings.

However, that could become a thing of the past if Dsptch’s new Zero-1 messenger bag has anything to say about it. With its innovative carry system and some serious upgrades in materials and construction, this EDC bag solves one of the biggest problems with the category.

DSPTCH Zero-1 Messenger EDC Bag
The Zero-1 messenger bag has a litany of upgrades that make it better for EDCers and adventurers always on the move.
Dsptch

Harness your strength

So, what’s the biggest issue with most messenger bags? The strap. While an over-the-shoulder strap works well for speed and relative convenience, it’s hardly ergonomic.

Typically, these straps put the bulk of the bag’s weight on a single shoulder. That can cause discomfort for the user over time, especially when the bag is weighed down. It can even mess with the user’s center of gravity, which can throw off balance and be dangerous when moving at higher speeds (like on a bike).

DSPTCH Zero-1 Messenger EDC Bag on cyclist's back
The bag’s harness-style strap helps disperse its weight and stabilize the bag in transit.
Dsptch

The Zero-1 addresses this in a simple yet novel way. Instead of two connecting points, this one has three, turning it from a strap into a kind of pseudo-harness. This helps spread the bag’s weight more evenly across the back and stabilizes the bag in motion, a crucial element of commuting.

The strap itself is also wider, which (again) helps further disperse the load and increase comfort. As an additional bonus, it also has a small zippered pouch on it, which serves as a handy, quicker-access EDC pocket.

DSPTCH Zero-1 Messenger EDC Bag on person's shoulder
The Zero-1 comes in three colors: black, white and seafoam.
Dsptch

Weightless wonder

While the harness-like strap system is one of the Zero-1’s big highlights, it’s far from the only thing that makes this bag great. As if the load-bearing system wasn’t comfortable enough, the materials also help reduce its weight.

There are two versions of the bag. Two of them (black and white) are made from Dyneema, a synthetic composite known for being ten times stronger than steel by weight. The third (seafoam) is made from X-Pac RX30, a similarly strong and durable fabric.

Either way, the bag weighs a paltry 14 ounces in total, which is about as featherweight as it gets for a bag with an impressive 6.0-liter capacity. The intention was to create a bag that’s so ergonomic and light, it almost feels like you’re not wearing one at all.

Frankly, it seems like Dsptch has gotten about as close to its goal as possible. And it could change the category forever (and for the better).

DSPTCH Zero-1 Messenger EDC Bag on person's back on beach hike
Between its harness system and marvelously low weight, this bag is perfect for active folks of all walks.
Dsptch

Available now

The Dsptch Zero-1 messenger EDC bag is now available in three colors on the brand’s site for $248 apiece. The brand also offers a camera strap, which uses the same harness system, for active photographers, priced at $118.

, , , ,