UTG Multi-Functional Tactical Messenger Bag

I spent a lot of time reading reviews and looking at videos before finally deciding to get the UTG bag rather than one of the competitors. I knew I wanted this style of bag. For daily use, I favor cross/shoulder bags with lots of internal organization and the ability to add on/attach to. Yes, for extended trips when you carry everything, you need a backpack, but for everyday I always come back to the convenience of the side carry.I concur with many things mentioned in previous reviews: the clanking zippers came off immediately (thanks to Ace Hardware for loaning me their cutters) and were replaced with paracord. I wish the top pocket and the concealed pocket had two zippers each like everywhere else. The keyper in the inside pocket is laughably wimpy. Meanwhile the main buckle, and also the quick-release buckle on the strap, are so huge, they're almost too big for one-handed operation by my small hands. I also wish it had a handle just to pick it up by, and a waist belt for extra stability when loaded up and for longer periods. But I'm definitely going to create the latter, and possibly the former as well.A quick word on the orientation of the bag. I'm a leftie who carries on my right shoulder, so the bag's on the left side. This bag is supposedly designed to be carried on the right side off the left shoulder. This can be seen, for example, because the quick-release buckle of the strap would thus be at the front and accessible, and arguably the other side pocket should be at the front and not the water bottle. But I actually prefer the water bottle at the front. And I experimented a bit carrying the bag on either side, and I actually found it more comfortable on the left anyway. (So I'm glad I didn't shell three times the amount for the "S" version of the competitor!)For my case, there's one more thing that wasn't applicable for most reviews I've read, which is the adjustment/sizing issue. For me, the note that this bag is a bit smaller than the major competitors was actually a positive. I'm 5'4" with a short torso, and I'm narrow/small too. Aside from some tools, my stuff is generally smaller as well. I've needed to shorten the strap on just about every bag or purse I've ever had, and I was fully expecting to have to do so with this one, since most users seem to be men and nearly everyone is bigger than me.Well, I took my time over doing it. The shoulder pad is large and excellent, and I used it, together with a couple strong safety pins, to take a big hitch in the strap, and for the first couple days I walked around with it first mostly empty and then gradually loaded up fuller and fuller. I was impressed by how much I could stuff into it, and I was impressed by how comfortable a carry it was even before I'd completely adjusted the strap. The design means that the weight is well distributed. I had read (or watched?) someone say he wished that the strap on the main buckle were longer so that it could be loaded fuller and still closed. Seems to me that maybe this comment was heard, as mine has quite a long strap, and I was still able to close it (with some tugging) having loaded the bag proud of its top.I measured many, many times before I cut the strap down. And I ended up cutting off 20 inches!!! Of course I burned the ends, and I stitched them together with fishing line. Sounds like drastic surgery, but it's so comfortable and stable now; it's really worth getting the adjustment right. And I might use some of that 20 inches of nylon to fashion a carry handle. And I've ordered these straps to attach as waist straps: OP/TECH USA 1301012 Uni Adaptor Loops (Regular) - System ConnectorsMy smartphone is a fairly standard size, 3x5.8, and it doesn't fit very well in any of the quick-access pockets (except for the concealed carry pocket). It squeezes into the side pocket, but I kind of want that spot for a first-aid kit. I'm thinking I might go with a velcro pouch attached on top.Attached photos: the first one shows the cut/reattached strap. The second shows a pocket knife attached in the webbing on the water bottle side of the strap. The third (sorry it's sideways) shows that a large pair of scissors -- these ones Fiskars 01005692 Cuts+More, 9 in. Length, 3-1/2 in. Cut, Black/Orange (FSK01005692) will fit in the side pocket behind the "main" side pocket, so it's impressively deep. Also a shopping bag attached to the webbing with some twist tie (bit of an orange/black theme going on).The extra strap to secure the water bottle is an interesting touch I haven't seen before. It will only go around the neck of a narrow bottle, but it will happily go through the handle of a klean kanteen or nalgene type handle. The water bottle compartment will also easily fit a container stack like this one BlenderBottle GoStak Twist n' Lock Storage Jars, 4-Piece Starter Pak, Black in case you want modularized storage rather than water.So far, I'm very satisfied, and I'm glad to have joined in on the quest to modify the bag so that it's perfect for myself and to share how that goes.

Great bag, well constructed and durable. It's been in my trunk as a 'Go Bag' for a few years and looks no worse for the wear. Wears comfortably over the shoulder with the padded strap with easy access for your strong or support hand depending on which side you prefer. The backside of the strap has a grippy texture to minimize movement on your shoulder.Lots of external pockets, one large main pocket and an internal zipped pocket for storing a large frame pistol, er, iPad or other tablet. Side pockets have drawstrings to cinch tightly plus a drain hole. Zippers for all other compartments. The flap secures well with a large buckle that can be manipulated easily with one hand.Would function equally well as a fashionable diaper bag for the tactical father.It holds, with room to spare:Four 30-round AR magazinesSix Glock 22 MagazinesGlovesTourniquet + Isreali BandageLinesman's pliersDoor stopsSharpiesDuct TapeZip TiesBottle of water + snackSafety glassesUSB charger...and more that I'm forgetting. You're only limited by the amount of weight you're willing to carry swiftly.

I bought this bag after much internal debate and reading of reviews. I wanted a medium sized shoulder bag with lots of pockets, and this one fit the bill. It's sturdy, with strong zippers and a lot of storage space. I ended up buying several extra pouches to affix at the MOLLE sections, and in the end I had at least 10 pounds of gear in and around it. The bag bore up marvelously. I had to knock off a star because the grommet that the cinch cord on the main compartment feeds out of pulled free of the skirting early on, but it almost seems unfair because the bag performed above and beyond the call of duty in every other way. The PALS webbing took a ridiculous amount of weight without threads loosening, even though I took full advantage of MOLLE modularity to remove and rearrange my pouches several times. In the end I realized that it was turning into my "everything I'd need to survive for 10 days" bag, and that it didn't have quite enough room, so I took my extra pouches and attached them to a small assault pack, and passed this bag on to my partner. You should buy it. As extra incentive...it arrived in two days, and I always go with free shipping. I marked it as 4 stars, but let's say I'm giving it 4.6. I didn't need that stupid grommet anyway, and the skirting didn't fray at all after it came away. I really recommend it.

While it might just hang around a lot (tossed in the back of the car or hanging off a rack) when it is used it is abused. Being in IT this bag is stuffed with gear: crimps and connectors, wire cutters/strippers, testers/toners, misc tools (screw drivers, clippers, wrenches, knives, etc) and it holds up great. The various pockets and clip points are perfect for hanging gear off of (headset, wire spool, etc) and stuffing smaller stuff in (multi-tool, flashlight, headlamp, etc). Even a couple flat ones for things like wire labels, pens, pads, USB cables, etc. The padding on the back is enough that all the pointy and heavy stuff doesn't bruise you through the bag when it is slapping against your side and the padded strap is great for lugging it around, even overloaded.One suggestion for a great companion purchase is some paracord. It is always nice to have around but in this case it is great since it is a perfect way to extend the clips and loops spaced around the bag. One example being the bulky wire spool for punch downs. Hanging it frees up lots of space and hanging it is easier to pull off wire as needed.