25th Anniversary Edition — Cargo Laptop Bag

THE MESSENGER BAG MEETS THE BOARDROOM

The Cargo's design combines the convenience of a messenger bag with the organization and look of a briefcase. The half-moon pocket unzips with one hand to reveal an array of frequently-accessed items. 

"The design is genius and quality outstanding. It can be small when I need it to be and stuffed when I need it to be." - Hensley M. B., Lexington, US.

THE PRODUCT THAT LAUNCHED THE COMPANY
 

When the original WaterField Cargo Bag first hit the market in 1998 at the height of the Dotcome era, it differentiated itself from the all-black ballistic nylon bags (the norm for high-end computer bags at the time) with an airline seatbelt buckle and bold colors. 

Modeled after Gary's beloved bike messenger bag that he used for carrying packages, the Cargo Bag was designed to be flexible and indestructible like his bike bag, but with the organizational pockets needed in an office setting.  The eye-catching design leaves a lasting impression.

The bag has evolved over the years but still holds true to its original intent — a reliable, stylish carry for those who chart their own paths. And it's still made in the USA, in our workshop in San Francisco.

IT STARTED IN 1998

"After a life on the bike, I landed an office job that required me to carry more items to work. I was never comfortable with standard-issue office bags, so when I struck out on my own, I had an idea of what my first product would be. 

I remember how much I loved the bike bag that I used for delivering packages in Boston. But its open, cavernous interior wasn't ideal for the office. So I added organizational pockets, made the look more professional, and the Cargo Laptop Bag was born.  I chose the airline seatbelt buckle and industrial-grade textile to withstand the rigors of business travel —  it turned out they were also great conversation starters. 

I was lucky to be living in San Francisco during the dotcom years when tech entrepreneurs, looking to make their mark, were ready for a work bag that was more in line with their character.  Thanks to them,  the Cargo Bag had a receptive market."

- Gary

HOW I BUILT THIS

"When I started, I showcased the products in a small booth at one of the Retail Shows attended by storeowners looking for products to carry. 

My small, do-it-yourself booth was supplied by Home Depot — the backdrop was black material held with clips, a foldable ladder for displaying bags, and a small table. A friend made screenprints of the logo to show I was a real company. The neighboring booths were decked out to the hilt. 

I displayed the Cargo Bag, an early sleeve called the Thinsert, and an early version of the Finn Wallet. I also laid out a few brochures from the local printer. Then I sat behind the table and waited. And waited. And waited. 

The few who dropped by were more interested in the folding ladder holding up the bags than the bags themselves. The seat belt buckle on the Cargo was a great conversation starter though. It seems that retailers weren't looking to stock up on unique tech bags.

It was then I had my epiphany — I would sell online where I'd connect with tech-savvy users who were hanging out on the web, socializing on forums and blogs, and working on their own start-ups. There was no Google or Facebook — we were still using FAX machines, the Blackberry, and flip phones. It was an exciting time to start a business on the internet. 

To this day, we sell exclusively online — an early “digital native”. If you own one of these Cargo bags, I want to shake your hand. You've given me the confidence to forge on, and your continued support keeps me going." -Gary

EARLY CARGO VIDEO - 2010
 

Longtime customers are used to seeing Gary's videos explaining the company's products. Several know his opening line by heart “Hi, this is Gary of WaterField Designs…” 

As the Cargo bag's design evolved, so have the videos (and Gary, too). We hope you enjoy this bit of nostalgia.