Hazard4 Defense Courier And Sherman Laptop Bags

Now heading to work or in a trade show hall isn’t going to put huge strain on a bag, but when you’ve got one out in the field it’s going to have to be just that little bit sturdier than most to put up with poor conditions and dragging through muck, grit and grime. I quite often have to carry a laptop along with the camera as it’s not always that easy to see the quality of pictures taken during a range or testing day on the small screen. I’ve tried various options in the past, but when it comes down to it having the right tool for the job really makes a difference!

Over the past six months I’ve been trialling a couple of excellent bags from Hazard4 which really fit the bill in this respect; both are specifically designed with the usage I have in mind, and what a difference they make.

The Defense Courier tactical laptop-messenger bag is designed to be everything you could possibly need when you’re working outdoor or on the range. The webbing used throughout the bag is a top of the range diving-tank strapping that is extremely durable but doesn’t chafe when carried next to the skin. The front surface under the main flap is covered in MOLLE loops so that you can add extra pouches in a very personalised set- up yet keep them discreetly tucked away. The flap itself unzips in the front, to allow access to the main cargo bay without opening the buckles.

The main features are a padded, rear laptop pocket, and web sections to the front and side allow you to add a layer of custom gear. There’s an inside loop-patch for holsters, patches, and organisers, and a heavy-duty shoulder strap with pad and side stabiliser strap allows for a comfortable carry. The Defense Courier swallows all the gear you could ever need, and holds up to a 16-inch laptop securely and safely. It weighs in at just 1300g and the 500D Cordura fabric means that it’s going to stand up to all the abuse you could ever throw at it!

Built Like a Tank

Designed for professional laptop users who don’t want the added size and bulk of a full-sized messenger bag, the Sherman is a superb laptop carry solution for 14- to 15-inch laptops. Weighing in at 1480g due to the 1000D Cordura construction, its size and layout are designed for fast access.

The interior of the main compartment comes with four long wide Velcro strips, two side sleeve pockets, adjustable and padded divider, two corner nylon loops and two-way zip closure. The flap features a large zippered compartment with two sleeve pockets with a Velcro closing and two long straps for attaching extra MOLLE accessories. The interior area behind the front flap also contains an extremely large admin pocket with two separate full-size sleeve pockets, one full- size weather-proof transparent window for maps/documents and multiple smaller inside sleeve pockets. The admin compartment also features a two-way zip closure and two nylon straps which open to 90 degree angle creating a practical drop- down work shelf.

The back side of the Sherman Messenger bag features a large heavily padded fast-grab laptop sleeve carrier lined with quilted soft fabric, and a water resistant two-way zip closure. A wide adjustable shoulder strap is sewn directly to the sides with solid box stitching so there is no hardware to break under heavy loads.

The Defense Courier is priced at £144.99, and the Sherman at £139.99 and both are available in multiple colourways. Material and construction of both are first- rate, and it’s really just the size that will be a decider, as both do their intended job splendidly.