Hazard 4 Messenger of Doom (M.O.D.) Tactical Reviews, Deals, Problems and Guides

I'm a corporate executive that's used a messenger bag for 30 years, from back in the day when people called them man-purses when they first burst onto the scene through catalogs like Lands End. Over the years I've had four or five of them and they always seem to get better and better accommodating more and more features. With the MOD (love the name), I would have to say this bag has everything I need and more.

Pros:
- tons and tons of space to store everything I need. From the outside messenger flap pockets to the exterior "supplies" section with foldout document holder to the interior major pockets - this thing has it all.
- zippers and attachment points are extremely well thought out.
- the material is first class Cordura fabric - the real deal, not some knock off - incredibly durable stuff
- attachment points and extra pockets abound - if you're not careful, you'll find yourself putting stuff in there and then forgetting where you put them. I suppose you could think of that as a con - but in the age of travelling with power supplies for electronic devices, memory sticks, documents, computer(s), etc. you need pockets and the MOD doesn't disappoint in that regard.
- if you're an EDC person and carry an assortment of "kits" - this bag will have a pocket or attachment point for just about anything you're likely to carry on a day-to-day basis.
- It's got a sleek look and while it's not your board room shiny leather type (I have the black version), it carries so much stuff in the slim profile, I've gotten a ton of compliments on it (especially after I keep pulling stuff out of it).

Cons (and frankly, these are nits)
- No business card holder (that I've found...yet...) - I ended up using one of the small pockets in the "supplies" section - they fit perfectly but I was looking for something with a clear window in it. For all I know, the place I put them is where Hazard 4 wants you to put them.
- the large interior compartment (not the padded computer pocket) could use another set of "sealed pockets" for holding medicine or something. The sealed pocket in the "supplies" area does this for me, but it could be bigger. I'm not complaining about the space availability - just where it's located. Lots of space...
- I'm not sure why the have the messenger flap removable. I'm sure someone has a need for that - but not me. Not really a con - just a question.
- shoulder strap - while very comfortable, could be longer. I like my bag to hang down a little lower than what this strap allows even at maximum extension.

Overall, I love this product. I would definitely recommend it. And while all the pockets, attachment points can take a bit of getting used to, the accessibility, durability and ease of use are fantastic. And it's a great product for the price.

I absolutely love the Messenger of Doom (MOD). Like the other reviewer, I've had a messenger bag briefcase for thirty years when Lands End had their bag on the market. Since then, I've had a variety of others but have always been dissatisfied with them for one reason or another. So, when I saw the MOD, I was excited. I bought it over a year ago and have been waiting to write a review pending some use in my environment. This bag has everything for the "tactical guy" who needs to run around with a computer, maps, quick access to a weapon and a flak plate out in the field, but it also excels if you're a company executive like me who above all needs to be organized and carry a LOT of stuff. As far as messenger bags go, being organized means pockets and other thoughtful features which make a HUGE difference in allowing me to be effective. The MOD has pockets and thoughtful features galore and I can't imagine having a better bag for my purposes.

Specifically, the padded laptop/tablet storage is great. There's plenty of padding (including on the bottom of the bag!) to ensure that your laptop is safe - even when you drop it straight down onto the ground. My bag gets abused a bit and I've never had any concern about my laptop being damaged. The cavernous center bag is fantastic because it's almost (almost) rigidly rectangular and can store a very wide variety of things in there. There are a few useful inner pockets in there including two webbed pockets on either end that are great for storing everything from power bricks for your laptop to a regular sized water bottle. A really great feature of this large center pocket is the dual/mono zipper. The zipper on either side of the compartment comes attached and for a long time I kept it that way but realized that it wasn't an optimal solution for the way I use that compartment. But lo and behold the people at Hazard very thoughtfully enabled that dual zipper can be separated! Thanks for that, guys. That same thoughtfulness appears on the very bottom of the bag too. There's a very rugged strip of synthetic material that gives the bottom of the bag enormous durability. I've dragged this bag along the ground multiple times and a normal messenger bag would have worn through in that area - even from normal wear and tear. The front pocket has pockets galore...a large velcro pocket, a large zippered pocket among them. I went and bought a couple of small Grid-Its to store wires, cables, power supplies, etc. so that these pockets don't become the equivalent of junk drawers. The pen holders and smaller pockets all have easy access and great utility. There's a large transparent pocket in this front area that's ostensibly for a map or something similar that requires easy visual access. On occasion, I put my surface pro 3 in there set on Google Maps and with the little attachments that prevent the pocket from falling flat (stays at 90 degrees) it makes for a useful and visible tool. The transparent material allows you to interact with your pad/surface through the material - a useful feature. The separable messenger flap has a large pocket that is useful to get quick access to just about anything you need. I have had occasion to use the "reach through" feature on the flap that allows me easy access to the large inside pocket.

This bag is incredibly durable and it looks like a tactical bag if you want that. If you're trying to be covert - you'd stand out because of all the velcro and molle-like attachment points all over the place. It's true that the black on black velcro/molle and bag material blend together reducing the visual cues that this is a tactical bag but anyone looking closely will notice. I did add a really small pouch on the side so that I could carry some easy access medications (advil, tweezers, etc.). My only complaint is that the exterior side pockets don't allow for you to put a water bottle in them. In short, though, this is the best messenger bag out there - I love this thing.

Working in the industrial world, finding flexible & rugged equipment has been a challenge. I am constantly on the moving, knowing that everything is exactly where I put it makes me more efficient. Having lost of individual compartments, things stay in place. The MOD looks good and wears great. I did upgrade to the strap pad due to a bit of discomfort at the end of the week but this has solved the problem. I also have more confidence that my electronic equipment is protected properly with the padding provided. I’m very happy with the MOD and will be purchasing additional gear from HAZ 4.

It's a durable and easily accessible travel case. Plenty of compartments and room, to which it is sometimes difficult to find things. Made for a magician because things do disappear at times and reappear later. Over all, very satisfied thus far.

Lots of room with plenty of configuring options. This is my first Hazard 4 bag and it wont be my last.

Outstanding piece of equipment. Exactly what I wanted in a messenger bag.