Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - R.E.Load bag appreciation thread

I just got my bag today (used courier off ebay). It's pretty ****ing dirty, but I really like it. Much more comfortable than the chrome bag I toted around a few years ago, and I don't have to worry about ******-bags (such as myself) pushing any buttons making the bag fall off my back. Big enough that I can carry a fat stack of records or go grocery shopping, and with the compression straps I can ride around with a couple books and hit the coffee shop (I did all those things today, and the varying loads were all comfortable). I'm going to make a few mods to it, such as sewing on a little mini-strap to attach a blinky to and adding some sort of partitioned pocket on the inside for ipod/phone/wallet. I'm going to make my own shoulder pad as well. I really like the bag.

I like mine quite a bit too. Tip: the loops for flap strap buckles hold a blinky very securely.

I <3 mine so much.

mines alright, should gotten a bigger one though.

switchin up to a bailey works, because we sell them at the shop i work at. and because i can.

i have two, they are both super solid and super pretty

I've had a reload deluxe since 2000. Been through a lot on several continents. Still strong. The buckle is a little bit worse for wear, but it has years left.

best bags out there. got a deluxe in 2000 also. neverfail

I use a midpack now - couldn't be happier.

I wish I had gotten the Midpack, kind of. The regular backpack is just too big. Otherwise it's great though!

I lubs my civillian

I should also mention that I've had a reload executive for a couple of years. It certainly looks OK in an office environment, but when you carry a laptop in it (like I do), it lays on your back rather flatly. It would be more comfortable if the laptop sleeve velcroed to the outer wall of the bag, which would allow my extra crap (usually clothes & such) to make the bag more form fitting. Otherwise it is a good choice if you will be biking to work with a laptop in the rain, and work in a formal or semi-formal office.

i have a deluxe, which is the bestest, biggest bag i've ever owned.
i'm probabaly gonna get a midpack this summer for smaller loads.

Personally I've always felt that reloads are overpriced and not terribly special. That said, I've owned two.

I definitely *heart* mine.

midpack ftw

midpack ftw

my midpack is probley my most prized possession, besides my bike of course. its been through alot; long story short it got stolen a month or two ago. inside were to name a few, my wallet, ipod, three cameras(school), tools, harddrive. etc. etc.
after heading to the police station, and looking everywhere, i was on my way home feeling like i just got mollested when i saw a black bag upside down in a bush off the street.(my bag does have black but it is neon green and pink as well.) i pulled up to the bush flipped the bag over and sure enough, it was my bag...with every single thing gone, including the ****ing removable strap that i had in the front pocket. after realizing all that was gone, i still couldnt help but smile, as the bag was the one thing that would have hurt the most to lose.

i've had mine for a year and have used it every day and is still as awesome as the day i got it. i wish i had opted for the sewn in strap pad though.

my midpack is probley my most prized possession, besides my bike of course. its been through alot; long story short it got stolen a month or two ago. inside were to name a few, my wallet, ipod, three cameras(school), tools, harddrive. etc. etc. How the hell did you let* something like that get stolen?

*I use that word lightly

i like mine a lot

i've got a custom deluxe and actually i'm not that happy with it. i find it tends to slide to my side too much instead of staying in the middle of my back like my chrome.

How the hell did you let* something like that get stolen?

*I use that word lightly

oh i dont know, i was feeling generous.:rolleyes:

I like mine, but don't heart it.

Good things:
-Tough goddamn strap. This thing's been through 2 years of courier hell (not my personal hell; a friend's), and not even starting to fray.
-buckle and adjustment is okay. The strap doesn;t slip, but it's not exactly easy to adjust on the fly. I find split strap / plastic buckle designs much easier.

Not so good things:
-the shoulder pad is too narrow, so when the strap shifts, sometimes it's not hitting foam, and biting directly into my shoulder instead.
-needs more pockets and pockets within pockets. Outer pockets could be 3-D. That'd be nice.
-it'd be nice to have a removable back pad
-no key clip
-the lid kinda rolls, so when it's raining, the bag's gotta be high up on my shoulder, or else water seeps in.
-heavy as f@ck
-no reflective tape on compression straps or lid.

This is my first real courier bag, so it's better than the Trager I've been rocking for the past decade. Not perfect, not by a long shot, but that's to be expected, as it was custom made for someone else. Still a pretty damned good bag.

love mine, had it for 6 or so years. say they're pricey if you want, but they are hand made by people who are paid fairly for their work, which is something anyone should be happy to support, given you can afford it. mine is currently in mobile bike mechanic mode. even fits a truing stand.

love mine, had it for 6 or so years. say they're pricey if you want, but they are hand made by people who are paid fairly for their work, which is something anyone should be happy to support, given you can afford it. mine is currently in mobile bike mechanic mode. even fits a truing stand.

Ironically enough, R.E.Load is probably the only American/Canadian bag company with actual questionable labor practices...

Had a civilian awhile ago and hated it. The shoulder pad was way too small and would dig into the side of my neck no matter what. Got an upgrade pad and it was comfortable for about a week before I hated that one too. Not sure why I bought the bag that day either, I must have been in a great mood. The owner was a total snob and their store just sucks anyway. Awesome dude, gold Nitto bars in a display case you can't buy, so envious. Lindsay was the best thing going for that store and she now has Girl.Bike.Dog anyway. I like this Seagull Bags dude, too.

Ironically enough, R.E.Load is probably the only American/Canadian bag company with actual questionable labor practices...

Elaborate?

Elaborate?

They don't explicitly say it any more, but my understanding was that besides the founder dude, they're pretty committed to only hiring women. I could be totally wrong about this, but that was kind of part of the schtick of the company as I understood it. Not an accusation, I will quite readily back off of this claim if somebody who knows better says otherwise.

Again, this may be something that people said rather than actual company policy, and they do only have like 5 employees, but I just get ridiculously tired of this whole "everything made in America is awesome, all factories elsewhere are sweatshops" BS line people keep parroting. It's like the Portland Cyclewear guy said when the too leftie to function crowd got fired up about him not revealing his suppliers, if you actually start checking out the factories where quality goods are made in Asia you'll find that most of them are nicer and have better hours that the workspaces the little indie US companies are operating out of. Hell, ask Dan or Isaac what their hours are when things get heavy, or whether the lighting in their shop meets OSHA standards.

They don't explicitly say it any more, but my understanding was that besides the founder dude, they're pretty committed to only hiring women. I could be totally wrong about this, but that was kind of part of the schtick of the company as I understood it. Not an accusation, I will quite readily back off of this claim if somebody who knows better says otherwise.

Again, this may be something that people said rather than actual company policy, and they do only have like 5 employees, but I just get ridiculously tired of this whole "everything made in America is awesome, all factories elsewhere are sweatshops" BS line people keep parroting. It's like the Portland Cyclewear guy said when the too leftie to function crowd got fired up about him not revealing his suppliers, if you actually start checking out the factories where quality goods are made in Asia you'll find that most of them are nicer and have better hours that the workspaces the little indie US companies are operating out of. Hell, ask Dan or Isaac what their hours are when things get heavy, or whether the lighting in their shop meets OSHA standards.

You measured their illumination to be less than 10 foot-candles?

They don't explicitly say it any more, but my understanding was that besides the founder dude, they're pretty committed to only hiring women.

Walk into the ReLoad shop in Philly on any day of the week and you'll see at least two dudes there. Dudes who aren't Roland. I can't speak for Seattle, though.

Walk into the ReLoad shop in Philly on any day of the week and you'll see at least two dudes there. Dudes who aren't Roland. I can't speak for Seattle, though.

I mean the people doing the sewing.

I've seen dudes sewing there.

Right, so much for that theory. Am I nutz here though? Wasn't it kind of reload's thing for a while that the bags were made by women, or was it just an impression people got because most of the crew was female?

Right, so much for that theory. Am I nutz here though? Wasn't it kind of reload's thing for a while that the bags were made by women, or was it just an impression people got because most of the crew was female?I kinda thought that too for a while but they definatley have guys there, well at least here in Seattle and there is also like 10 people that work there

In philly it's mostly guys and they sew right in front of you.... there's a little nook on the left side with the tables and machines.

I love my Reload Civilian. I added Double outer pockets, ballistic nylon base, Internal divider, messenger pad, & pen slots, to make it best fit my needs, and a star appliqué on the flap just fer pretty. I got it for Christmas, and it's become a part of me since then. I carried my old bag every day for 6 years, but I never got attached to it like I have with this one. I know the Courier is even bigger, but I'm always amazed by how much this bag will hold. It's like a magic bag. Clinging to me when lightly loaded, and expanding to accept all my work stuff, camera, a jacket, AND even a bunch of groceries if I should ask it to.

BTW, does anyone have an idea what kind of stock REload east has in? I want to get a Courier (maybe a Civillian) that's fairly plain today or tomorrow. Looking to spend under $150.

they usually have a bunch of plain ones hanging up, and some more elaborate ones. I'm sure you can find something if you just show up.

they usually have a bunch of plain ones hanging up, and some more elaborate ones. I'm sure you can find something if you just show up.

THANKS!!!

HUGS AND KISSES.

P.S. - wanna go to reload today?

I do WANT to cus my top tube pad is done, but I don't think I'll make it til tomorrow cus I have to go to NJ to take photos for work, and I didn't ride my bike today.

Hurr I have to go tomorrow to meet Dumpsterlife and offload my Baileyworks bag. Wanna meet up with me and him around 3 pmish tomorrow and then ride up?

Right, so much for that theory. Am I nutz here though?

Based on what you've said so far here? Pretty much.

Okay well here is my take

I own an under the weather Messential.. and my girlfriend owns a small civilian Re.Load

So since I get to play with both bags every day (and they both get used hard everyday) i'dd add my two cents in

I think the Under the Weather is a better bag.. infact, other than a PAC.. the UTH is the best damn bag i've ever seen, used, touched, smelled... First off.. the shape is perfect, the lid closes perfect every damn time... this keeps water out no matter how full/empty the bag is.. i love it. Second. The optional cordura protective liner that goes over the truck tarp is the bees knees.. I love not having exposed rubber on the inside of my bag.. Not only does it feel/look better.. but i'm told in the long run it really helps the rubber last.

Things not so good? Price.. mine ended up being about 80 more than a R.E.Load.. soo yeah it's more money... And art.. most UTW are pretty plain.. not boring . mine is freaking awesome.. but you can't beat the custom instock that R.E.Load has


Okay now the R.E.Load

saying I like the UTW is not saying I don't like the R.E.Load.. this is a very high end, quality bag.. I just.. will always buy a UTW if given the choice ;)

My GF's bag is hot. it's got some custom work that is just amazing.. it looks amazing.. so for many many people that gives it the nod right there.. i like how the pockets work alot.. it's a nice bag

Things I don't like? the lid doesn't close perfect everytime.. you have to make sure you pull it tight, and sorta align it up or little bits of rain can and will leak in.. again.. i'm lazy.. i like to throw stuff in.. pull lid and go.. no aligning.. Velco placement is not as good.. it doesn't seem to feel as shut as the UTH when not using the compression straps... and again.. you can't (to my knowledge) get cordura put over the Truck tarp.. this just makes a bag bomb proof in my opinion

soo yeah over all. I think these are the two best choices for anyone looking for a high end bag...

my GF wants a full full size bag now.. and even she said if UTW would has custom instock like R.E.load she would get the heavy gear.. but R.E.LOAD has a deluxe with some art that she is drooling over.. me? give me a black lid with baby blue stitches and baby blue pockets with steel lining and i'm a happy boy ;)

thats my little random opinion

enjoy
-m

pics for proof


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1235/965966333_1e5df11e2e.jpg?v=0
(the out side of the bags)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1029/966819100_df85c70c52.jpg?v=0
(the bags open)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1274/966819440_430ee87e34.jpg?v=0
(My UTW)(the badevilcow color too ;))
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1077/966819752_26f2debe90.jpg?v=0
(the R.E.Load)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1068/965967641_e3c235f314.jpg?v=0
(The inside of te UTW.. note the nice cordura.. this is the second protective layer i spoke of... and you can see the sown in backpad.. yum)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1031/965968457_0bc7091971.jpg?v=0
(the Inside of the R.E.Load.. nice.. but again.. naked rubber.. yawn ;) )
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1402/966821182_6042b85dcb.jpg?v=0
(the inside of the lids.. you can see why I feel the UTH stays closed sooo much better heh)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1400/965969159_e284c93c5e.jpg?v=0
(the UTW hidden pocket.. they always use two different colors of Truck Tarp.. so you always have a cool looking hidden pocket )

I should also add and i forgot to take a pic of the little pouch UTH's come with.. i use mine to keep my tools.. and it velcro's to the inside of the main pocket.. real nice touch

okay thanks for looking

;)
-m

They don't explicitly say it any more, but my understanding was that besides the founder dude, they're pretty committed to only hiring women. I could be totally wrong about this, but that was kind of part of the schtick of the company as I understood it. Not an accusation, I will quite readily back off of this claim if somebody who knows better says otherwise.

Again, this may be something that people said rather than actual company policy, and they do only have like 5 employees, but I just get ridiculously tired of this whole "everything made in America is awesome, all factories elsewhere are sweatshops" BS line people keep parroting. It's like the Portland Cyclewear guy said when the too leftie to function crowd got fired up about him not revealing his suppliers, if you actually start checking out the factories where quality goods are made in Asia you'll find that most of them are nicer and have better hours that the workspaces the little indie US companies are operating out of. Hell, ask Dan or Isaac what their hours are when things get heavy, or whether the lighting in their shop meets OSHA standards.

i'm friends with a couple people that work there and its mixed gender, and they're all nice as ****.
that being said i've had a civilian and loved it but needed a bigger bag for work and in january i bought a backpack and will never go back to a shoulder bag, durable, water proof, i love them.

Bump

ummm.. all thoes pictures and _no_ comments?

thats very un SSGF ;)

Just throwing this in there, I never force or even suggest that any of my employees work what is beyond reason/ preference. If any one is staying late it is me first. Also, I don't use lights. My shop is illuminated by our own feelings of self worth.

My shop is illuminated by our own feelings of self worth.

Ed Begley Jr.?
Is that you?!?

I love my R.E.load bag. Take it everywhere. It's covered in GWAR blood stains now, but that almost makes it even better. Thanks R.E.load.