COSMO BAKER NORTH TO SOUTH MESSENGER

I would love to write a review about the bag, but I haven’t received it yet…It shipped on November 8th and sat for a week in Miami. By the time it was on the move again, a postal strike started and it is still ongoing. The customer service link on the shipping notice message from Tucker-Bloom does not work and no one has responded to a message sent directly to them on November 15. Today is a week later, November 22!

Floored by the build quality. Nifty straps on the bottom left and right corner of the bag allow users to adjust the size of the base of the bag and make the size contract or expand depending on the amount of records you need to carry. I’d estimate this thing can hold around 25 12 inch gatefolds or 35-40 non gatefold jackets .

Buying a soft shell (messenger type) bag for 30/40+ records isn’t as easy as you’d think. Options are limited and it’s the usual suspects, many of which just didn’t feel right for me. Quality and design just didn’t feel right.

I’d not heard of Tucker & Bloom but found them on Instagram and the ‘Cosmo Baker North to South’ was instantly a no-brainer. My only issue, I’m in London and they are in Nashville (I think). Before I pay the bag itself some due respect, I wanted to mention the customer service. ‘Exceptional’ doesn’t quite do it justice as this was above anything I’ve experienced online. With this being an international order and duty and taxes due on its transit to the uk, the cost did ramp up but I would say this was off-set by the outstanding level of contact to a great many questions from me on delivery (I needed it here quickly) and the additional costs with Duty and Taxes. Everything was explained and I never needed to wait long for a reply to any question. All of which were met with helpful and patient responses.

The bag itself is great. Materials and quality are excellent, it held enough for nearly a 2hr set (somewhere between 35/40 records (some gatefolds with just the vinyl and sleeve and not the heavier outer card sleeve). Plus a bunch of 7”s. I’ve seen reviews of 20+ records but it can take a lot more if you are careful in how you pack it.

Once it’s really full it can be difficult to close as the excellent metal latched have a fixed length so no adjustment option. To be fair to T&B, I’d overfilled my bag on first attempt and once I’d removed some heavy sleeves, it was fine.

Carry handle has some padding which does the trick and the handle feels strong enough to last and take some weight.

If I had one comment and I appreciate it wouldn’t technically be a messenger bag with another handle, I’d prefer an additional shorter carry handle to not have it over my shoulder at all times. There is a waist strap which is designed to stop the bag moving around when riding but for me, some sort of short ‘hands-held’ carry handle would be more useful. I’m looking to find criticism here though and this is a 9/10 bag for sure. I can see it getting a lot of use and I’ve already had comments on where it was from.

Thank you Case at T&B for all your help and especially in getting me the bag here in time.

I bought this bag specifically to transport my records on the go. It will be put to good use when I travel and visit record shops wherever I go. The bag is the perfect size and holds upwards of 20+ records with sleeves comfortably. It is very well made and it seems the quality of materials used is very durable and will last a very long time. There are also a lot of pockets to hold other personal things. I highly recommend this bag to anyone who collects records. You will love it as much as I do!

I've carried records awkwardly while traveling via every crappy medium possible. Paper bags, odd sized back-packs or messenger bags, record bags that are inappropriate for work trips that made me look a damn fool, you name it. In July of 2022 I said "no more" and bought the Cosmo Baker North to South.

This bag is awesome, I got a mix of 30 lp's and singles in there easily enough with some room to spare. Your results may vary.

Don't let the lack of a "handle" on top deter you - they're fools gold and this bag is smart enough to know it.

Timely shipped for my next work trip too, great staff high recommend. Thank you T&B crew!