Storm-proof Messenger Bag

by derte84

14K6012

Intro: Storm-proof Messenger Bag

The purpose of this project is to build a super strenght, waterproof messenger bag to keep your gizmo away from dangers when biking.

STEP 1: Materials

  • sandbag
  • a broken dog chain
  • 2 pieces of velcro
  • tape
  • used belt


STEP 2: Prepare the Sandbag

- clean the inside of the bag using water (a lot of remaining sand will be inside)
- make sure that the bag is dry (inside and outside)
- choose the worst side of the bag (the dirty one)
- cut out half plastic layer (see the first image).
- keep the cut part for next steps.


STEP 3: Add Velcro to Edges

- Add velcro to edges.
- Before attaching to the sandbag make sure that when the bag is full of things, the two sides of the velcro will match.

NOTES: I used self-adhesive velcro. If the adhesive is not so strong you can use some staples. If you use staples, keep in mind to waterproof the staples putting tape over them.

STEP 4: Add the Chain to the Bag

- put the chain on the center of the bag (where the bag will fold). Check that the chain is longer than the size of the bag (first photo)
- cut out from the remaining piece of plastic a rectangle wider three time than the chain anl longer as the bag
- put the plastic rectangle over the chain (third photo)
- attach the plastic rectangle to the bag using tape.
- fix all the holes on the bag using the same tape (last photo)

STEP 5: Add the Belt to the Bag

- attach the belt to the chain on both sides
- close the ends of the belt with a bolted joint
- try to wear the bag (empty and full) and adjust the lenght of the belt until you feel confortable

STEP 6: Decorate

- if you don't like in plain color you can decorate your bag
- i used spray colors and some DIY paper stencil. Spray paint works very well on this plastic.

12 Comments

Whales 14 years ago

I will try this. Although I will probably find a different color. I love orange,but that's the worst shade I've ever seen. So maybe spray paint if nothing else.

domestic_engineer 15 years ago

really neat, but where does one find a used sand bag?
i really like the belt for the strap. genius.

.happy.hippie. 15 years ago

an old 40 pound dog food bag works too.  they're a little easier to find
 

Whales 14 years ago

I think you might want to make it smell different though... cause i would hate smelling like dog food....

KMOM14 15 years ago

Nice upcycle of items and the cityscape design on on the front looks very chic.

sheen12 15 years ago

DUDE INTENTS DESIGN

LawnBoy1991 15 years ago

 I might consider making one but on step 2 for your first frame you said "cutted" when a simple cut would do. Cutted is not a word.

derte84 15 years ago

 fixed, thanks :)

Wasagi 15 years ago

EXCELLENT JOB!! This is great, and uses easy to get materials. The only thing that I can see that would cause a problem is  water getting in the sides, but that is pretty unlikely. I would be tempted to put velcro all along the sides , to add that extra bit of protection.

Again, Great Job!

emdarcher 15 years ago

this is great! so easy and simple, yet so durable and useful. And it requires little or no money at all! Exactly what I've been looking for. I'm going to try and make this.

definitly a 5 star rating on this one!