VertX EDC Courier Review
When I left grad school, I became a Tumi guy when it came to my briefcase. But, I no longer live and work in an environment where leather briefcases are the norm, and I travel more frequently, to more 3rd world locations, than I once did. So as my old Tumi began to look the worse for the wear, I began to explore alternatives. I was leery of the “high speed” tactical look that I see on so many bags at SHOTShow. I knew that I wanted basic black, that didn’t scream tactical and would fit in any business environment. I also wanted it to be robust enough for my daily load (laptop, chargers, folders/portfolio, IFAK and should I choose, good weapons storage.
In the end, my search led me to Vertx’ EDC Courier Bag. I’ve had this bag for almost 5 months now and have to say I love this bag. It is good looking, robust and durable, comfortable and easily carries everything I need. Vertx came out with this bag about 4 years ago and it remains a strong selling staple in their lineup.
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This bag is a cross between a messenger bag and more traditional briefcase stylistically. It can be carried cross body, over the shoulder or by the solid top handle. There are plenty of pockets (zippered and non) as well as MOLLE attachment points. Fold away the front flap, exposing a MOLLE panel, and you can pretty much attach anything you want to it.
The main compartment easily handles my 13 inch laptop (though it easily holds a 15 inch laptop), a charger, a leather portfolio and multiple files and even the daily paper on a regular basis. Multiple admin pockets handle the rest of my kit, including headphones and phone chargers, pens, a knife, IFAK, spare hard drives, etc. Rounding out the pockets are a couple of water bottle pockets on the sides that carry my Nalgene or Yeti with equal ease (though they would benefit from being slightly deeper for better security of the bottles).
Between the thick padding that gives the bag a comfortable ride on your body, and the front compartment, is a hidden rear compartment, fully loop lined so you can carry whatever holster/mag combo you want. There is a large pull handle, which makes accessing that compartment super-fast and easy. I could easily see sliding a Kevlar panel in to this compartment as well for a little more versatility in EDC.
If I had any complaint, it would be the weight. Its moderately heavy empty, add a load to it and, well, it adds up. That said, it carries the load well and comfortably.
Whether to and from my car/office, or rushing through airports in the Middle East and Europe, the bag has held its own (and everything I need it to). All in style and comfort, without making me stand out in the crowd. I look forward to many years of continued service from it.
From Vertx, its features include:
- Sized to fit a 15″ laptop in addition to a full sized hand-gun
- Full fold, loop lined concealment panel allows for completely customized carry
- Hide-out convertible front flap acts as an additional load sling or stows away to reveal MOLLE field
- Insert compatible reinforced internal pocket
- 1919 modular webbing on shoulder strap provides multiple attachment points
- Large top handle for easy grab-and-go
- Ergonomic pull handle with optional name label and loop on main zipper
- Pockets line the interior of the front panel for storage of smaller gear
- Branded pulls on all secondary zippers
- BAG SIZE: 13” H x 18”W x 6”D, CAPACITY: 23 liters
- PRICE: $179.99
Doug Patteson – Hallwalker
Doug Patteson is a former Case Officer within the National Clandestine Service. He served for a decade on multiple tours overseas against a wide range of targets. Since leaving, he has spent the last several years helping multinational business with finance and strategy.