LIFE BEHIND BARS ECHELON S: REVIEW
FOREWORD
There are so many brands that need no introduction and always seem to be listed in annual carry awards - Bellroy, Evergoods, Goruck, Mission Workshop, AER, A19, etc. In all this abundance of brands and the insane amount of products they release every year, smaller bag makers tend to be lost, undeservingly so. One of such hidden gems not yet known to the general public is a Jakarta-based Life Behind Bars (LBB) that has been pumping excellent gear for years.
I would like to introduce you to one of my favorite products conceived by LBB - The Echelon messenger bag.
Read on to find out what makes this bag special.
WHO IT SUITS
Those seeking a workhorse of a bag that is built like a tank and does not break the bank
Anyone ready to try something different from Timbuk2 or Chrome Industries that have been dominating the messenger market
Those looking for a capable EDC messenger bag that laughs in the face of the elements
WHO IT DOESN’T
If you carry heavy loads and have issues with your back it is recommended to go with the backpack, not messenger bag
ABOUT THE BAG
PRICE: $95
WEIGHT (bag only): 1090g (2.4lb)
DIMENSIONS: H: 32 cm W: 43 cm
CAPACITY: 22L (also there is 32L option)
The Echelon is one of the first products I discovered many years ago and I was always impressed by the features and build LBB offered at a very competitive price. LBB was also one of the first brands in my memory to start innovating with their buckles by incorporating magnetic Fidlock Slide buckles back in 2015! Even today, in 2022, the majority of brands are still using regular plastic buckles.
The Echelon comes in two sizes - S (22L) and M (32L) which should satisfy both male and female demographics with all kinds of body shapes and sizes.
There are three timeless color options - Black, Olive Green, and Legion Blue. The Echelon in my review is size S in vibrant Legion Blue color with a custom anodized Cobra buckle (a great option when placing an order!) and a Tiny Houdini utility pouch in Black which is also purchased separately but absolutely deserves attention on its own.
DESIGN & FEATURES
The Echelon has a traditional rectangular look of a classic messenger bag. The buckles are neatly placed under the main flap which offers a cleaner, minimalist look. The front of the bag has a tasteful vertical reflective strip for better visibility in poorly lit conditions. Despite having a somewhat utilitarian look the Echelon has all the features one could ask in an everyday bag. Some of my favorite features are:
Magnetic buckles. Life Behind Bars products have been rocking Fidlock Slide buckles for ages (to this day most of the manufacturers are content with good old plastic duraflex buckles) and I definitely appreciate the ease of use and just fun of operating these buckles every day.
Great laptop compartment. Unlike most of the messengers on the market, the laptop compartment of the Echelon faces outwards instead of being placed against the body which allows the bag to “hug” the body of its owner. Love it! The smaller 22L version of the Echelon can easily fit MBP13. If you have a beast of a laptop I’d recommend checking out the larger 32L version of the bag. Naturally, the laptop compartment is padded and suspended.
High visibility liner. The bright yellow liner is made out of a tarp which basically means you don’t have to worry about the durability of your bag inside and out. Naturally, visibility is one of the best I have ever experienced in my 10+ years of using all kinds of bags. Bonus points for the liner being floating which essentially makes the bag waterproof (not submergible though).
Top grab handle. The bag also features a top grab handle and it’s such a simple thing but I am somewhat shocked how many reputable brands still don’t include one on their top of the line messengers (yes, I am talking about you Mission Workshop with your Rummy/Mondy/Shed and of course Chrome Industries with Citizen messengers that have been around for as long as I can remember)
Minimal branding. There is very little branding on the bag - a small loop on the front of the bag, barely visible laser cut branding on the buckles, and an Indonesian flag inside the bag. That’s it.
Quick access pocket. The pocket is also concealed under the flap which makes it secure yet easy to use even with the messenger still on your back.
4-way strap external load system. Frankly not something I needed to use but the Echelon has cleverly tucked away straps that can be extended to secure a large box or a bike frame. It’s there if you need it and virtually invisible when you don’t.
Stabilizer strap. An absolute must in the messenger bag if you ask me and I am glad it comes out of the box.
It’s worth noting that the 32L version of the Echelon features a rugged rubberized bottom that elevates the abrasion resistance and overall durability of the bag.
Also, my review unit came with the AustriAlpin Pro Cobra buckle in a beautiful anodized finish. It is an optional upgrade that I highly recommend. Not only does it make removing the bag a breeze but also adds 1000 points to badassery (if you don’t mind a bit of extra weight)
The Tiny Houdini is a separate upgrade that I would strongly recommend. Not really part of the Echelon it seamlessly integrates with it and becomes a trusty companion, ensuring quick access to your phone, pen, card. If you are already adding any product on LBB website and ready to pay the shipping - add the Tiny Houdini to your order, it would be the best $29 you will spend. (as long as you have an attachment on the strap for it)
COMFORT
The ambidextrous strap has two distinct parts - a wide padded top and a regular strap on the bottom. The top section is substantial and ensures great comfort even with heavy loads and over extended periods of time. It is definitely not as comfortable as a good backpack that splits the load evenly on each shoulder, but it is the next best thing and one of the best messenger straps I had a pleasure to experience (coming from Timbuk2, Chrome Industries, Mission Workshop messengers in the past). Almost every bag will claim that its straps are ergonomic, but with the LBB Echelon, I can say it is the real deal.
What is also excellent is the stabilizer strap that is a must for any bike messenger to prevent annoying sway during active movement.
All in all, LBB has nailed the comfort of the bag, especially with how the bag naturally wraps around your body even when you carry a laptop.
MATERIALS & ORGANIZATION
I won’t bore you with details, but the materials used by LBB are great. If you need to know - the main fabric is 900d polyester with DWR finish, the zippers are all industry-leading YKK, the buckles are German Fidlock Slide buckles as well as Woojin Duraflex acetal (POM) buckles and of course, the optional AustriAlpin Cobra buckles that will last for generations. All the materials complement each other well and make the bag a joy to use and very much confidence-inspiring.
The organization is simple but effective. You get:
Cavernous 22L capacity inside the bag
Padded laptop compartment facing outwards
Decently sized horizontal pocket under the flap
Large pocket accessed by zippers on both sides of the bag (quick access pocket accessible even when the bag is on the back)
A few velcro secured flat pockets
Velcro loop to secure a u-lock
Some might miss a key loop of some sort but I personally found the organization just right.
The Tiny Houdini is a criminally underrated product. Unlike the majority of utility/phone pouches on the market, the Tiny Houdini is using magnetic closure instead of velcro which makes accessing the contents a breeze and also way more silent. It easily fit my iPhone 11 with a bumper case and a few cards in a small flat pocket. When I wasn’t carrying my phone in the pouch it was a perfect place for a pair of glasses or a small camera (soft-touch felt inner lining is surely a nice touch)
The pouch has both horizontal and vertical attachment loops which makes it easy to secure it on the backpack, messenger, or even a belt.
WHAT’S HOT
Excellent build and overall quality of the bag
Great comfort thanks to the substantial shoulder strap
A thoughtful organization with the right positioning of the laptop - away from the body so you don’t feel like there is a board pushing against your back
Quick access pockets that are also concealed - awesome stuff
The options to upgrade the messenger with the Cobra buckle and take it to the next level with the shoulder pouch Tiny Houdini is much appreciated
Superb value for everything you get, even factoring in the shipping from Indonesia
WHAT’S NOT
The opening of the bag is somewhat loud due to the velcro used to secure the top flap. Even though using velcro is a tried and true solution, it is definitely not the most silent (as a parent of a 2-year old I care about these small things)
Not the bags fault, but shipping from Indonesia is expensive so definitely a consideration for those who attracted to the very competitive price of the LBB products
With Tiny Houdini installed I found the pouch to be quite high on the strap which made accessing my phone somewhat inconvenient
VERDICT
The Echelon from Life Behind Bars punches way above its weight. The bag confidently rivals messengers twice the price and from the brands that have been around much longer. Excellent attention to detail, great build and materials, functional organization, and good comfort across the board - what else would you want from a bag? The Echelon might not be the sexiest bag but it performs exceptionally well and can easily become your workhorse for years to come. At $95 plus shipping, it is very easy to recommend and should absolutely be on the radar for anyone looking for a messenger bag to be used daily.
I am excited to see what else LBB creates and advise you to keep an eye on this interesting Indonesian brand.
