Born in New York back in 1980, Manhattan Portage started to design and manufacture virtually indestructible, 100% waterproof cordura messenger bags for the growing bike messenger community in NYC. As these rugged street messengers became more and more visible in Manhattan racing between taxi cabs and pedestrians to delvier their packages on time, so did the gear they carried on their backs.

A local following emerged around this urban bicycle messenger subculture, and soon designer John Peters adapted the one-strap messenger bag style to a wide variety of utilitarian shoulder bags made for hip and practical new Yorkers as an alternative to the traditional double strap backpack and leather briefcase.

In the town that embraces the designer-of-the-moment and has no time for has-beens, Manhattan Portage has survived fad after fad, withstanding the test of time because our bags do. Built with the latest in hardware, high-grade components, and detailed craftsmanship, Manhattan Portage bags have gained a solid reputation for outstanding quality and durability. Each bag is easily recognized by its little red label featuring the skyline of downtown Manhattan.

With over 400 different designs produced over a 25-year lifespan, Manhattan Portage continously innovated and expanded their line to reflect changing demands of its customers by contributing many innovations to the bag industry. The "Expandable Messenger Bag", the "3-way Carry Messenger Bag", and the "One Shouldered Backpack" are all Manhattan Portage originals.

Manhattan Portage is city-born, and our bags serve urban life in all its forms. Whether you are a DJ transporting your vinyl, a cell phone-toting investment banker, or a starving student hauling expensive textbooks, Manhattan Portage has designed an authentic messenger bag that everyone can carry with style and pride.

Fabric

Invista Cordura plus Nylon: 1000D Noted for great abrasion resistance and tear strengh. Urethane coating guarantees water resistance.

Zippers/Hardware

100% of the buckles and zippers on Manhattan Portage bags are made by YKK. Construction

All seams are double-stiched with ultra resistant nylon thread. Stress areas are triple-stitched. All seams are bound for a clean travelproof finish.

Webbing/Binding

Webbing is made from the finest industrial-strength Polypylene and Nylon. Binding edges are made of Invista Cordura plus Nylon.