Alchemy Goods

Pike Recycled Messenger Bag

The humble, utilitarian shoulder bag has long been every cyclist's friend, whether commuting to campus, the start line, or as a professional courier. With its Pike Recycled Messenger Bag, made from bicycle inner tubes, Alchemy Goods pays direct homage to this long-time relationship — with added stress on the utility aspect — while tickling your eco-conservation bone.

The Pike is made of 67% "upcycled" (Alchemy Goods' term) materials: tubes for the body and a seatbelt for the strap. We like to think that they use the term upcycled to highlight the fact that these materials aren't being reused in their original role; rather, they're being repurposed in an imaginative way that capitalizes on their inherent qualities. The tubes make the bag virtually impermeable to the elements, and the nylon strap, strong enough to hold an adult in an automobile, will easily tote your laptop, etc., without fear of fraying to death over the course of one or even five years of abuse.

The bag's interior features the now-standard 15-inch laptop sleeve, so it'll accommodate everything from a minimalist tablet to a full-sized, graphic design machine. It offers three pockets, one of which is external with a waterproof zipper for quick access to personal effects. Other bits of organization include internal pen sleeves and a key clip, which we especially like as it keeps our keys out of our pockets and eliminates the chance of them ending up on the road. Alchemy Goods also claims the Pike has a 20 can capacity, which we've been unable to verify due to the fact that most beverages come in multiples of six. (Eighteen cans fit easily, so we're assuming the 20 count is accurate.) Either way, you'll be a popular arrival at any social function. The whole package is rounded off with stripes of vertical reflective tape to help keep you visible to motorists in low-light conditions on your way home.

The Alchemy Goods Pike Recycled Messenger Bag is available in one size in the colors Black, Moss, and Royal Blue.