I have a problem with backpacks.

Well, not the packs themselves- there are plenty of attractive and functional packs on the market- but with owning more than one pack for more than one occasion. On the one hand, there is my day-pack to carry books and a light vest, or to hold a few items from the grocery store. Then a large carry-on pack for an overnight trip. And a discrete, small messenger, perfect for business or a restaurant where a day pack is a tripping hazard and an awkward dinner companion.

Why not just own three packs? Well, it means constantly shifting my everyday carry items, like chargers, pens, keys, energy bars etc, back and forth. Often stranding those items hiding in its numerous small pockets. And always wasting valuable time.

What I desire is a pack where the EDC is detachable. And where the main compartment can be expanded from day-pack to overnight.

Now, there are tandem detachable packs on the market. A few of the nicer and well-thought out designs include the Adv3nture, a earlier model from Hynes Eagle, and too many molle and Kickstarter "modular" backpacks to mention. But none of these are based around a messenger, and in most cases the pack is so sculptural and rounded, it tips onto the floor. Or the modular pockets are too precious and cluttered.

So I made one myself in just two hours.

For the messenger I chose the Swiss Gear 2657. The right blend of pockets and dimensions- just large enough to hold an iPad. The straps are permanently connected, so I cut them off and sewed on a plastic web loop as an attachment point for an old messenger strap from my collection of odds and ends:

For the bag I chose a simple pack- after all, most of the pockets are in the messenger. A great choice is a Timbuk2 Division pack. Basically it consists of a large central compartment, a dedicated laptop slot, and a few pockets. Straightforward quality construction, plus a flat front face:

The Division pack incorporates two side compression straps, and a Timbuk2 label that is really a small handle. These features turn out to be very convenient for modding.

First, cut off the compression strap and sew it onto the messenger. This enables the messenger to snap into, and hang from, the remaining front buckles. I also added an internal stiffener plate to the Division, so the face of the pack remains flat even under tension from the messenger.

But you also have to secure the bottom of the messenger, or it will flop around as you walk. The easiest solution is sew a hook and loop strap onto the Swiss Gear and wrap it around the Timbuk2 label (a better solution might be a zipper that wraps around the entire messenger):

After about two hours effort, here is the functional and not bad looking result:

I was unable to locate a buckle to match the Timbuk2 dimensions- otherwise, I'd use that to connect the messenger strap instead of a snap hook. And, I wish the Timbuk2 had an expansion gusset. But over all, the design works, and works well. Plus it stands up straight, and is well balanced

Until Timbuk2 or another manufacturer offers a similar design, this Detachable Tandem Messenger (DTM) brings a smile to my face. And simplicity to my life.