Mass Effect SR2 Alliance Messenger Bag from by BioWare Gear
Updated: Jul 20, 2022
Who else prefers messenger bags over backpacks? I was also curious about this one because there aren't many Mass Effect themed bags in general out on the market, plus my buddy Patrick Combs designed it! 💅✨ If you own any official merch from Mass Effect (or Fallout) there's a good chance you own something he's worked on!
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Disclaimer: Purchased by me.
FORM. FUNCTION. FRIGATE.
The Mass Effect SR2 Alliance Messenger Bag, like the spaceship it is based on, prides itself in its design and functionality. Right away, you’d notice that it evokes the look of the Normandy SR-2’s exterior. Inside, you’d see that the similarities run deeper:
It’s roomy. When you open the front flap, you’d find lots of space for your everyday essentials and more. Use this bag to bring your laptop, books, and devices to work or school; to carry your clothes and sports gear when you’re working out; or to keep all your essentials close while you travel.
It’s comfy. Ease of use is also a big part of the bag’s design. Small features like the zipper pocket, three pen pockets, and key holder go a long way toward keeping your stuff organized. The interior laptop pocket is padded and securable for extra protection.
It’s reliable. Whether or not you make the most of the bag’s weight capacity (45 lbs), the adjustable strap will keep you comfortable as you carry it. It even has a quick release buckle that you can easily fasten and unfasten around your body.
FEATURES
Stylish
Featuring colors and design elements from Commander Shepard’s Normandy SR-2
SR2 / NORMANDY embroidery on front flap
Embroidered Systems Alliance logo on strap
Top stitching details
SR2 CREW embroidery on front side
Large & Roomy
20.5 in (52 cm) wide
13 in (33 cm) tall
4.75 in (12 cm) deep
Bottom width tapers to 15 in (38 cm)
Comfortable & Easy to Use
Interior padded securable laptop pocket
Fits up to a 17 in (43.18 cm) laptop
Adjustable Strap: 40-50 in (101-127 cm)
Quick release buckles on front flap and strap
Organized
Front zipper pocket 6.75 x 6 in (17 x 15 cm)
Three pockets on the outside front panel 1.25 x 4.75 in (3 x 12 cm) each for pencil, pens
Key holder
Durable
35% Polyester / 33%nylon / 32% Polyurethane
Polyurethane & Nylon exterior
Polyester interior
Brushed Nickel hardware
Model Info: 6 ft (182.88 cm) tall, 235 lbs (106.59 kg)
MORE DETAILS
Accessories: Bag
Volume: 1140 cu inches (20.6 L)
Weight: 2.31 lbs (1.05 kg)
Max carry weight: 45 lbs (20 kg)
$72 using my discount code, with a regular price of $90. Released by BioWare Gear in April 2022.
Let's start by having a look at the exterior 🔍👀
Official measurements are listed as 20.5"W x 13"H x 4.75"D, with the bottom tapering to 15"W and I'd say it's accurate for the most part. The depth is measured from the outside, so the actual usable space is actually 4". It's not a huge difference but still information that's good to know IMHO, especially if you have anything bulky or wide you plan on putting inside.
Design inspiration is taken from the Normandy SR-2 with Alliance colors as seen in Mass Effect 3, which you can really see in the color palette. The front flap has the most amount of detail on it: embroidered NORMANDY and SR-2 logos in white and blue/black respectively, color block panels with white top stitching detail, and white/black top stitching detail on the sides. Also, before I forget I need to talk about how NICE the fabric feels, it doesn't feel cheap at all, even the lining feels nice.
The quick release buckles on the front flap are metal (!), I was quite surprised with how sturdy and heavy they feel. The straps, which are nylon webbing measures 10" long which I think is plenty to work with should you ever feel the need to extend it all the way.
The main strap has a different style quick release buckle, but still sturdy and heavy feeling which is really nice. The buckles don't feel cheap at all. The strap is adjustable from 40-50" I can confirm with my measurements that that's accurate 👍 the straps have some padding for comfort, and there's a Systems Alliance logo embroidered on the main strap.
Side note: This is the single selfie I took with my wig because wow, it was really warm when I took these selfies. LOL
I was kind of disappointed there wasn't a pocket or anything on the backside 😅 maybe I've just come to expect that because of other messenger bags I own? Who knows. I will never complain about having too many pockets on a messenger bag tbh.
Okay, time to look at the interior~
Behind the front flap are some more pockets! Specifically for things like 3 pens/pencils, a clip for a key ring, and a zippered compartment that measures 6.75"W x 6"H, with SR2 CREW embroidered on the very top panel. It also slightly tapers in the middle, I couldn't tell from the stock photos but in person it's noticeable! I think it's a neat detail!
I was hoping for some interior storage, but there's only 1 that's padded and meant for up to a 17" laptop, it does have an elastic strap with velcro closure to keep it secure so that's nice!
FYI it comfortably fits the awkward Wrex plushie measuring 17"L x 12"H x 4.5"D 😆💖 I'm sure this information will be useful to someone reading this, haha. It's also advertised as having a 45lb max carry weight, should I put that to the test and put my weights inside?! 💪 I'm kinda curious to test out a 40lb hex dumbbell tbh.
Anyways, now we've come to the awkward part of talking about what I really don't like about the messenger bag. I think it's MASSIVE AND LONG (that's what she said eyy~) 😅 and just kind of awkward to actually be useable? I don't like that it's really only meant to be worn crossbody, and you can't really wear it any other way. It looks weird if I wear it draped over one shoulder, and in a way it's kind of like a giant fanny pack. It looks great on their model, so maybe it's just not meant for tiny people like me?! Maybe I'm just cursed LOL I feel like if it were sized down, had different straps, and more storage I'd be completely in love it with it!
Even though I bought this specifically for review I still feel bad that I'm not in love with it 😥 FEELS BAD MAN. I'm pretty picky with what I do spend my money on, but hey, maybe this will help if you've been on the fence??
If this messenger bag is your jam and think it could work for you, reminder that you can purchase this on BioWare Gear for $72 (regular price $90) using my discount code 'BWS5' and works on all regular price items, reminder to peep my SHOP page for updated discount codes as it changes weekly! Please tag me or send me photos too, I'd love to see this modeled on another person because I swear I haven't seen anyone else post about this haha.
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