I’m seriously dread the days of working at an office with a dress code. No more functional clothing, no more bug out bag next to my desk. And worst of all? No more Nikes. It’s an inevitable future for me. TAD Gear keeps office dwellers like myself in mind with their newest release, the Dispatch Bag. Although it’s a little too tactical for my liking, I can see the appeal. Most people of the suit and tie professions are relegated to rocking with a messenger bag or briefcase as suitable gear containers. Coming in with a crazy looking Kifaru or TAD pack would look a little suspect in some instances.

The San Francisco company combines tactical functionality with an urban twist. The area is known for bicycle couriers, so naturally TAD would release something for them, as well as the metropolitan crowd. The Dispatch carries anything you’d need for every day job duties (folders, books, cell phone, iPad) and then some. Obviously for a decent sized bag there’s also space and compartments to store emergency survival items, and if your laws permit, a concealed weapon. Multicam and a ton of Molle on a messenger isn’t very discreet in big cities, but clearly there’s a market for it and not all situations call for discreet anyway. I’m sure Jack Bauer and others of his kind carry one everywhere they go. Regardless of my own opinion, TAD’s quality hasn’t failed me yet and their customer service is great.

To be fair, TAD isn’t the only one offering up a tactical messenger. ITS Tactical has teamed up with Zulu Nylon (great companies, by the way) for more of a civilian inspired bag, but geared wayyyyy towards those living the tactical/law enforcement lifestyle. Molle is all but absent from the outside, but there’s a bevvy of compartments, an area for a blow out kit, and slots for rifle magazines. A velcro panel on the inside can also be used to stuff a pistol or rifle components in. There’s even a rubberized panel covering the bottom to protect the bag in the long run over prolonged use. There’s a hefty price tag, but I’m almost certain the bag will never fail you. There’s no doubt in my mind that this bag would serve well as an active shooter solution for law enforcement.

Maxpedition also has its own take on the Discreet Messenger bag, labeled as the Gleneagle. For more thrifty shoppers, you may want to try this one out. Bottoming out the prices among the three at around $135, you can give this bag a shot, and if you think a messenger bag is right for your lifestyle, move up the ranks if you feel the need to.

In my experience, you can’t got wrong with any of these companies. I haven’t had a failure with any of their gear yet (yes I own stuff from all of them) and the customer service was great in answering all of my questions in advanced. If I felt courier bags matched my dress, lifestyle, or specific survival needs, I’d look to them first. With the days of me donning a tie daily rapidly approaching, I may pick one up anyway and give you all a review. Of course, I’ll take donations as well. What? I had to take a shot at it.

TAD Gear Dispatch Bag: $195-250

ITS Tactical Discreet Messenger: $350

Maxpedition Gleneagle: $135