Story by Joshua Swanagon, Photos by Joshua Swanagon and Spyderco
Being an Editor and writer, for many years, I have to take my computer and iPad with me any time I travel. So, I am always looking for a protective computer bag that looks good and is comfortable to carry.
Not only is a solid bag important for traveling with my computer but is equally as important when I go to different trade shows. I always need to carry extra business cards, business materials, a portable charger, writing instruments, etc. – not to mention all of the catalogs and other materials I receive during the show. It can get really tiring carrying everything around in a handheld bag, so I have always opted for a good backpack of some kind.
In recent years I have started becoming a little more serious about messenger bags, because they are so much easier to access, without being removed. So, this year when I saw the new Spyderco by Vanquest Envoy-13 Messenger Bag, I knew I had to have one.
Constructed of 500-D and 1000-D Cordura nylon, YKK zippers and heavy duty stitching where it counts most, the Envoy-13 is built to withstand heavy duty use. With 22 pockets and slots there is ample room to keep your smaller items separated for easy retrieval. The shoulder strap features a thick shoulder pad and is removable, for more of a soft side briefcase feel.
The padded main compartment is a highly visible orange loop paneling, making it easier to see the contents of your bag for quicker item recognition. The loop paneling in the main compartment allows for the attachment of hook-and-loop accessories, for full customization and expansion of your bag – to better fit your lifestyle and EDC needs. The rear concealed carry pocket also features high visibility loop paneling, so you can attach the hook-and-loop holster of your choice.
Inside the main compartment is a laptop sleeve – with hook and loop securing strap – that can accommodate a 13-inch computer, while the main compartment itself can accommodate my 15.4-inch MacBook Pro. The front panel of the main compartment also features an external zippered sleeve that is the perfect size for an 11-inch iPad Pro and is protected by the main flap.
The main flap utilizes two hook-and-loop strips and heavy-duty UTX Duraflex buckles for extra secure closure. The top of the main bag, between the two handles, features a passthrough zipper for expedient access to the main compartment – without requiring the bag to be opened completely. On the front of the main flap are two small zippered compartments for quick access items, such as business cards, a passport, flight itinerary, tickets, etc.
Centered nicely on the front flap, as well as on the inside of the main flap, is an embroidered red Spyderco bug. Above the bug on the front is a generously sized loop panel – complete with Molle loops – to accept your company patch or additional accessory pouch. The embroidered Spyderco bug is set off beautifully by red loop zipper pulls, with the Spyderco logo embossed on each one.
The Envoy-13 also includes some well thought out extras that set it apart from other bags in its class.
Both ends of the bag include water bottle pockets that are expandable to accommodate 32-ounce Nalgene bottles. The top of the bag includes two handles, ensuring that the bag carries evenly, regardless of your load balance. On the back of the Envoy-13 is a luggage handle passthrough – with zippered compartment – allowing you to slip it over your luggage handle for easier transport during travel.
The Spyderco by Vanquest Envoy-13 is a very well thought out and overbuilt bag with serious hard use in mind.
In this video, Spyderco’s Michael Janich discusses the details of the Spyderco by Vanquest Envoy-13, and the reasons behind Spyderco’s foray into the EDC bag arena.
Much like the employees Michael mentions in the video I have a pile of different bags and packs as well – always on the hunt for the perfect computer/EDC/travel/show bag. Being a longtime fan of Spyderco, when I saw the Spyderco by Vanquest Envoy-13 I really wanted one.
One thing for sure is that this is not a bag for the minimalist, this is a bag for someone who needs a full featured EDC bag, allowing them to keep many various items on them at all times – whether for business or EDC reasons – and can hold up to a rough and tumble busy lifestyle.
If you are looking for a bag that provides a good combination of size and options, while displaying your favor for Spyderco products, the Spyderco by Vanquest Envoy-13 – available only through Spyderco – is definitely worth a serious look. K&G
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Exterior Size: 11 inches (H) x 16 inches (W) x 6 inches (D)Main Compartment (Interior): 10 inches (H) x 14 inches (W) x 5.5 inches (D)Weight: 2.65 pounds | 1202 gramsMSRP: $160.00
Spyderco(303) 279-8383www.Spyderco.com
Spyderco
Joshua Swanagon has studied survival in both urban and wilderness environments in Colorado and Michigan for most of his life, while also adding experience in harsher terrains abroad. He utilizes his experience and years of diverse martial arts and combatives training and real world application as a self-defense/combatives instructor, published freelance writer and Field Editor for various magazines in the fields of knives, survival, self-defense and tactical subject matters. Joshua also brings with him his years of experience as Editor of, and Subject Matter Expert for, Knives Illustrated Magazine.
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