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Waterproof Messenger Bag for Laptop Computer

SUCHITOTO, El Salvador- By definition, a messenger bag is vessel that is made to transport newspapers, mail, or other items that should not get wet along delivery routes that operate through all types of weather. By definition, a messenger bag should be waterproof. I found that a messenger bag is the perfect pack to carry [...]

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SUCHITOTO, El Salvador- By definition, a messenger bag is vessel that is made to transport newspapers, mail, or other items that should not get wet along delivery routes that operate through all types of weather. By definition, a messenger bag should be waterproof.

I found that a messenger bag is the perfect pack to carry my computer and other electronics in while traveling.

If you travel with a laptop computer or other electronics, you need to keep them dry — an occasionally strained chore when wandering in regions of the world prone to regular bouts of heavy rains. I use to use a float bag for this purpose — the kind that rafters take with them on river trips — and I would just put my electronics and other items that feared the rain inside of it, and then put it all into my backpack. Now I use a waterproof messenger bag.

Waterproof messenger bag

Messenger bag specs

It was made by North Face, I picked it up on sale one year before going on a bicycle journey across Eastern Europe a few years ago. It is big enough to carry all that I need it too, but not so big that it is a hassle to move with. The messenger bag can be worn on the front or on the back, there is a shoulder strap and a waist strap for comfort. The outside of it is made from rubbery plastic that is overtly water resistant, the material is tough enough to have not have torn yet. It is a comfortable bag to wear, it does its job, I paid $50 for it.

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I was in a cafe last night in Suchitoto. It is the rainy season in Central America, and on cue, the early nighttime sky broke and the rain fell. I sat inside of the cafe waiting out the rain, though it proved to outlast me. I lost, I went out in the rain, and found myself completely soak at the end of my 20 minute walk to my apartment. Though my computer and electronics were completely dry: they were in the messenger bag.

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I do not want to be harnessed by my computer when traveling, I do not want to feel as if I cannot go places because my electronics may get ruined — I do not want to fear the rain, snow, cold, or humidity. I want to go into the jungle, come out, and be able to type about it. I need a bag to carry electronics that is practically waterproof.

If I were to drop my water resistant messenger bag into a lake, it would sink and leak — it is not a float bag — but, speaking practically, it will keep the rain and water off of my equipment under 99% of the circumstances that I should find myself in. If walking out in the rain, no water will get through the thick plastic exterior of the bag, my gear will stay dry.

Wade with North Face messenger bag

Waterproof messenger bags for travel

Filed under: Travel Gear

Filed under: Travel Gear

About the Author:

I am the founder and editor of Vagabond Journey. I’ve been traveling the world since 1999, through 91 countries. I am the author of the book, Ghost Cities of China and have written for The Guardian, Forbes, Bloomberg, The Diplomat, the South China Morning Post, and other publications. has written 3699 posts on Vagabond Journey. Contact the author.

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VBJ is currently in: New York City

4 comments… add one

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  • ZsaZsaMcFierce May 13, 2010, 7:24 pm

    have u guys gone to Casa Museo de Alejandro Cotto yet?!

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    • Wade | Vagabond Journey.com May 13, 2010, 11:42 pm

      Not yet, do you recommend it?

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  • Louka September 21, 2010, 1:32 pm

    Hey mate,

    I havent read the rest of your blog yet, but it sure looks cool.

    I’ve just ordered this bag! wooop! Cheers for the reccommendation… you should north face sponsorship or something? lol.

    Good luck on the travels mate!

    From a guy in England

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    • Wade | Vagabond Journey.com September 21, 2010, 7:09 pm

      Great, man, this is the reason why I post these articles. I still stand by this bag, it is made pretty well, and has not leaked or let up yet.

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