A few months ago, more bags came in than Cole knew what to do with, so when I saw the MER bag, I asked to test it out. Cole was infatuated with his big ass Reload bag and said I could try it.

I am a much bigger fan of back packs than of messenger bags, so I rode everywhere with it for a little over a month. The bag was comfortable packed with groceries, and it never seemed too floppy when it was empty. It was just the right size not to need compression straps. The shoulder straps are pretty much foam wrapped in a really tough material, which I think adds to the comfort of the bag. There is a little padding on the back, and I don't recall anything poking me, so I'd say it did the job.

Cb: So what are your thoughts on this bag?

Zs: I think it's pretty sweet; it's comfortable and a good size. I rode with it for about an hour thru a thunderstorm and my things stayed dry. I like that it looks like a kindergartener's bag but bigger.

Cb: What didn't you like about it?

Zs: Not much… after about a month of using it everyday, I felt it was a bit big.

Cb: One of the things I noticed is the large flap on the front- did you have any problems there, or wanted more closure?

Zs: No, it's got Velcro that goes all the way down, so lots of places for the flap to catch, and it has straps if you've got a big load and the flap won't reach. The straps have Velcro on the ends so you can stick them to the bag and not have to worry about them hanging down and getting caught in your wheel. I thought that was sweet.

Cb: Any improvements you'd make to the bag?

Zs: Some people might like a sternum or stomach strap, but I thought it fit really well without either, and I never really had a problem with the bag shifting on me.

Cb: anything else?

Zs: I know Cole likes talking about the stitching and how well done a bag looks. In that regard I thought the bag looked great. Whoever is stitching these things knows what they're doing, that's for sure.