Freitag Jamie hip bag

Sometimes, when shopping online you get something that's not quite the size you expected. The Jamie bag from Freitag is a bit like that. On its webpage, it looks like a messenger bag, but in the flesh (or in the cloth and webbing) it's a bit smaller, like it's been in a hot wash.

The Freitag Jamie is beautifully made and feels like it will last for years, thanks to triple stitched seams and generous use of materials. Freitag use washed, recycled materials to create their range of luggage and this bag is made from truck tarpaulin and seat belt straps.

The features are minimal, as befits the size of the bag. There is one main pocket, big enough for a smart phone, wallet, snack, tissues and a multitool, with space for a few small items such as lip balm. A front zip pocket holds keys and cash, and is also large enough for a phone. There is even scope to tuck in a small pump over the main pocket. External to the main bag there are a pair of pen loops and on the other side of the strap, there is a holder for a D-lock. The bag is very waterproof, the flap large enough to cover the space to the internal pocket and the zipped pocket.

I found the bag comfortable to wear. It has a double strap arrangement, so that the bag hangs on a hip level strap from the main waist level strap, just like a pistol holster. Given the amount of weight the bag can hold you don't really notice it, especially if you don't use the lock holster. I generally leave my lock in work, so used it with a lock in frequently. Without the lock you can leave the bag, easy to access, on your hip, but then scoot it behind you if you want to ride a bit harder.

I'll admit I found it hard to find a space in my life for this bag as a regular companion. I need more than it can carry to take to work, and it's too small for a laptop, or even an iPad. When I ride at the weekend I wear a jersey, which holds the bits I need to carry easily.

I can see two situations when it will be really helpful. The first is, what I assume must be the core market, couriers, who need an indestructible bag for personal items, leaving a messenger bag for packages. The other is what I mainly used it for, riding, out of lycra, with my boys. It's just the perfect size for a few snacks and some cash over a merino t-shirt. I'm planning to use it on holiday too for short rides. I took my eldest to CC Hackney youth training several times, while testing this bag, in both hot sunshine and heavy rain showers and it was a perfect companion.

If I toured and cycled in touring shorts and a merino t-shirt or rode as a courier day in, day out, then this would be a constant companion. But I don't, so it's an intermittent use bag, that I'll enjoy when I pull it out of the cupboard.

Verdict

Perhaps the perfect hip bag, but very expensive