Freitag’s newest messenger bag is made from trash to last

The Verge - Apr 13th, 2025
Open on The Verge

Freitag, a Swiss-based company known for its durable and eco-friendly bags, has launched the F685 Henry messenger bag. Made from recycled materials like worn seatbelts and plastic bottles, the bag offers unique designs since no two are identical. While its $330 price might seem steep, the bag's longevity and three-year warranty make it a worthwhile investment. The Henry is a 13-liter bag that can expand to 20 liters, making it versatile for daily use. It features Velcro fasteners and buckles, a padded shoulder strap, and several pockets for easy access, though some users might find the Velcro noise and weight a drawback.

Freitag's new release taps into the nostalgia of '90s San Francisco messenger culture, appealing to those who appreciate both style and sustainability. The bag's construction ensures it can endure the rigors of daily life while providing visibility at night with reflectors. Although messenger bags currently represent only 30 percent of Freitag's sales, their popularity is on the rise, suggesting a renewed interest in practical, stylish carryalls. Freitag's commitment to using recycled materials highlights the growing trend towards sustainable fashion, which resonates with environmentally conscious consumers.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides an engaging and detailed overview of the Freitag F685 Henry messenger bag, highlighting its unique design and sustainability features. It excels in clarity and readability, making it accessible to a wide audience. However, the article lacks balance, as it predominantly presents positive aspects without exploring potential drawbacks or alternative perspectives. The absence of direct sources or citations affects the credibility and transparency of the claims made. Additionally, the article could benefit from a broader discussion of sustainability and its relevance to the public. While it captures attention and provides valuable insights into the product, it falls short in encouraging reader engagement and driving meaningful discourse on sustainability. Overall, the article is informative and well-written but would benefit from greater depth and context to enhance its impact and relevance.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story provides a detailed description of the Freitag F685 Henry messenger bag, emphasizing its unique design, materials, and durability. The claims about the bag being made from recycled materials like worn seatbelts, plastic bottles, and truck tarps are consistent with Freitag's known practices. The story mentions that no two bags are identical, which aligns with the company's use of individual truck tarps for production. However, some claims, such as the exact percentage of sales attributed to messenger bags and their recent growth, would benefit from specific data or citations to enhance verifiability. Overall, the factual elements presented are largely accurate, though they could be bolstered by more precise sourcing and data.

6
Balance

The story primarily focuses on the positive aspects of the Freitag F685 Henry messenger bag, highlighting its durability, unique design, and environmental benefits. While it mentions some drawbacks, such as the weight and the noise from Velcro fasteners, the overall tone is favorable toward the product. There is little to no exploration of potential negative aspects or alternative perspectives, such as consumer complaints or comparisons with competitor products. This creates an imbalance, as the narrative leans heavily towards promoting the product without a comprehensive examination of potential downsides.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the features and benefits of the Freitag F685 Henry messenger bag. The language is descriptive and engaging, making it easy to visualize the product and understand its unique attributes. However, some technical details, such as the specifics of the materials used or the exact dimensions and weight, could be presented more clearly. Additionally, the narrative occasionally assumes familiarity with Freitag and its products, which may confuse readers unfamiliar with the brand.

5
Source quality

The article does not provide direct citations or references to external sources, which limits the ability to assess the credibility and reliability of the information presented. The narrative appears to be based on the author's personal experience and observations, which can introduce bias. The lack of diverse sources or expert opinions makes it difficult to evaluate the authority of the claims. The article would benefit from incorporating data or statements from Freitag or industry experts to enhance its credibility and provide a more balanced view.

4
Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding the basis for its claims, as it does not disclose the methodology used to evaluate the Freitag F685 Henry bag or any potential conflicts of interest. There is no mention of whether the author received the bag for free, purchased it, or has any affiliation with the company. This lack of disclosure can impact the perceived impartiality of the review. Providing more context about the author's relationship with the product and the company would improve transparency and trustworthiness.

Sources

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU7xTMd2rbw
  2. https://www.soluzioniplastiche.com/post/freitag-crafts-from-truck-tarp-and-pet-bottles
  3. https://www.t3.com/active/outdoors/freitags-new-recycled-bags-are-made-for-urban-explorers-and-they-reflect-that
  4. https://freitag.ch/mission/about-freitag
  5. https://www.carryology.com/liking/buyersguide/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-worlds-best-messenger-and-shoulder-bags/