As spring approaches, we at senses.se are revisiting the topic of bike commuting. Whether you’re contemplating your inaugural ride or simply resuming your routine, the addition of new equipment can provide the impetus to get back in the saddle.
This time, we’re evaluating the Osprey Metron 18 Messenger. While we remain enthusiastic about the Osprey – Radial, the Metron 18 Messenger presents a distinct set of features and diverges in several key aspects. Our assessment reveals both advantages and disadvantages, novel applications, and well-considered design elements. So, let’s delve into the details.
From Historical Use to Modern Cycling
The messenger bag, a design with historical roots, offers easy access while maintaining a secure position on the back, allowing for freedom of movement. The Metron 18 Messenger embodies this core concept, enhanced by practical experience and intelligent design solutions. While the Metron 18 Messenger doesn’t offer the same carrying capacity as a backpack, overloading it during a ride may cause discomfort on the left side due to its design intended for left-shoulder carry.
The bag’s capacity aligns well with seasonal needs. In warmer months, when less bulky clothing is required, it can comfortably accommodate essentials like a change of attire. The suitability of the bag ultimately depends on the length of your commute and the necessity for a change of clothes upon arrival.
Material Quality of the Osprey Metron 18 Messenger
The bag incorporates reliable YKK zippers (size 5 and 8) with glove-friendly loops. The exterior is constructed from coated nylon fabric (500D recycled high tenacity nylon), providing water resistance and durability. This fabric is frequently employed in outdoor and military gear due to its robust nature and low weight. The interior utilizes a light red, seemingly scratch-resistant material to improve visibility. Fastening is achieved via zippers, Velcro closures, and robust metal hooks.
Design Features
The shoulder strap features a series of loops (quick access) for attaching items such as a padlock, sunglasses, or a carabiner. As mentioned previously, the bag is designed for left-shoulder use. This is due to the shoulder strap’s attachment point, which is intended for comfortable chest positioning, and the inclusion of a stabilizing strap that secures under the left arm. This prevents the bag from sliding forward when bending, a particularly useful detail when retrieving items or leaning forward while cycling. However, the design is not reversible for right-shoulder use.
A lamp attachment point is included, and a high-visibility rain cover is stored at the bottom of the bag (neon-orange in the Concrete Tan color option). Note that the lamp cannot be attached when the rain cover is in use.
Interior Organization
The Osprey Radial offers notable interior organization, which is facilitated by its larger volume. The Metron 18 Messenger, while lacking a dedicated shoe pocket, provides a comprehensive array of smaller pockets suitable for a phone, power bank, headphone case, and writing implements. It also includes a laptop compartment, a notepad/paper compartment, two medium-sized compartments designed for a bike lock (or a notebook), and a larger main compartment with a bottle holder on each side.
The main compartment can comfortably accommodate a pair of jeans, underwear, a shirt, and a sweater. Additional space remains at the top, but the bag’s capacity is limited, and excessive weight can become a concern. An additional compartment on the front provides easy access to smaller items without requiring the main compartment to be opened.
Using the Osprey Metron 18 Messenger While Cycling
When properly loaded, the Metron 18 Messenger performs well during cycling. Unlike a backpack, the messenger bag allows for greater freedom of movement, as it doesn’t restrict both shoulders. The under-arm strap effectively secures the bag in place, and its quick-release mechanism facilitates easy removal.
The Metron 18 Messenger is suitable for use in public transportation, unlike the Radial which may be too bulky. Its size allows it to function as a conventional messenger bag. This broadens its usability beyond cycling, making it a versatile choice even outside of the warmer months. Even when fully packed, it can be comfortably held on your lap in crowded environments.
Areas for Improvement
The bag’s numerous features, straps, and hooks necessitate careful management to prevent excessive dangling. Designated storage solutions for unused straps are lacking, though users may devise their own methods. We also found ourselves wishing for a user manual to clarify the purpose of a particular hook. After contacting Osprey, we learned that this hook at the end of the shoulder strap is intended to secure the strap, preventing it from interfering with the bike – a simple but initially perplexing solution.
A design concern lies in the placement of the laptop compartment, which is not located closest to the back. Carrying a 16″ laptop in a messenger bag is already challenging, and positioning it further away from the back increases the strain. The rationale behind this design choice is unclear, and it reduces the overall carrying capacity before back strain becomes an issue. *(Osprey’s product development team provided an explanation after reviewing our test, which is detailed below.)
The inability to switch the bag to the right shoulder is also a limitation. However, the design elements that optimize its performance on the left shoulder are commendable. If right-shoulder use is essential, the Metron 18 Messenger is not the appropriate choice.
Commuting Solution or Everyday Bag?
The Osprey Metron 18 Messenger is not a comprehensive bike commuting solution capable of matching the weight distribution of a backpack, particularly during colder months when bulkier clothing is required. However, it excels for shorter distances or in warmer weather. It provides greater freedom of movement and improved ventilation compared to a full backpack.
The material selection and interior organization are generally satisfactory, with the exception of the laptop compartment’s placement. The bag offers ample organization, allows for packing slightly beyond recommended capacity, and provides easy access to contents.
In conclusion, the Osprey Metron 18 Messenger is a capable messenger bag suitable for both on- and off-bike use. As long as it is used within its design parameters, it performs effectively as a cycling companion.
*During the Osprey Metron 18 Messenger’s prototype phase, the computer compartment was initially positioned directly against the back, aligning with our initial expectations. However, after a team member experienced a broken laptop following a commute with the prototype, Osprey recognized the need for a buffer. The compartment was subsequently repositioned further out to provide necessary protection. We appreciate Osprey’s team for providing this insightful explanation.
Osprey provided test samples for this review. Material providers do not influence our editorial evaluations.
