You could literally transport tropical fish in Polaris Aquanought courier bag thanks to its seamlessly welded, waterproof old-boots-tough construction. With 80s-style neon livery it's more akin to a pannier than a messenger satchel so you won't be an undercover cyclist once you hit the office.

Tipping the scales at a substantial 850g, the Aquanought is fashioned from sonic welded PVC that feels as though it would survive a nuclear holocaust, let alone mean city streets. There are no LED tabs or other refinements but the beefy webbed shoulder and waist straps could provide a home for lights. The yellow and black colourway and large, reflective lettering seem visible to around 250 metres. A roll-top closure locks out torrential downpours - even directing a pressure washer at ours for seven minutes couldn't breach the seals.

Inside there's a huge single compartment, which comfortably swallows camera equipment, tripod, change of clothes, armoured cable lock, A4 pad, two pencil cases (one for stationary, the other brimming with tools) full sized pump and substantial lunch.

Wide shoulder and waist straps keep sway to an absolute minimum and bike handling doesn't seem to be affected at all. Things turn distinctly sweaty in milder weather though, as the fabric is not at all breathable. Brushes with brickwork, buses and hedges have made little impression on the fabric, and grime is quickly wiped off with a damp cloth. It also survived a low temperature machine wash with soap flakes.

Verdict

Good value old school messenger satchel but there are better designs for desk bound nine-to-five commuters.