Rickshaw Bagworks has introduced a new custom fabric, Reflective Tweed, which the company has added to its bags in a new collection. We recently received new versions of the company’s Sutro Backpack ($279-$379) and Medium Zero Messenger Bag ($179-$259) featuring the fabric. Reflective Tweed is an American-made fabric on Rickshaw’s American-made bags — it’s made from polyester and 3M Scotchlite reflective yarn. Rickshaw raised more than $81,000 on Kickstarter to develop the fabric bags.
Sutro costs $279 for the striped version of the pack and $379 for a solid version. The striped-solid difference also explains the pricing on the Medium Zero Messenger Bag; there’s also a Large, Small, and Mini Zero Messenger bag using the fabric, as well as a Hip Pack. Sutro Backpack can carry up to a 15” MacBook, while Medium Zero Messenger Bag — which can be bolstered with separate accessories including a laptop sleeve and zipper pocket — can easily handle a 13” MacBook.
It’s clear the Reflective Tweed is the star of these updated bags, and it’s a very nice fabric — shining a light directly on the bags reveals the reflection. Night walkers and cyclists will likely take a special interest in these bags, which add a safety factor while still looking hip.
They’re designed more for active users, rather than the type of people who need to lug around a ton of gear. Sutro has a side zipper for quick access, a front pocket, and an inner pocket for a MacBook along with the larger pocket. Medium Zero Messenger Bag offers one large main compartment and two front pockets. So, no, they’re not packed with pockets and zippers like other bags we’ve seen, but they’re also much lighter than most of those offerings.
