The Michaux Zodiac bag is so stylish, I’ve used it off my bike as much as on, and it’s a very welcome addition to my cycling about town arsenal of kit. There are three main reasons why.

Firstly, the material the Zodiac is made from is waterproof without being nasty or shiny. It’s a luxurious bonded canvas, edged with leather and is super durable. It feels great to the touch, and marks brush off it easily.

Second is the way it sits on my back. A well-thought out strap that holds it in place on the small of my back and stops it swinging round, which can be the main annoyance of some other messenger/shoulder bags. When off your bike, simply clip the strap across the back of the bag and it’s neatly out of the way.

Third is the reflective embellishment. It may look like some simple and tasteful decoration, which it is, but it’s also highly eye-catching and light enhancing.

There are thoughtful useful additions throughout the bag too, such as a zipped pocket on the inside of the flap, handily placed for quick access to your Oyster card, phone or credit card, an internal zipped pocket and front pouch, and a lovely chunky metal fastener which is easy to use one-handed.

I also like that the flap is only secured in the middle so it’s easy to dig around in the Zodiac without having to undo the flap, yet the flap is big enough and the pockets deep enough that of there’s no fear of anything falling out.

I’ve been using the medium bag and it holds all my day-to-day essentials, including a 15” laptop, change of top, make up bag and lunch. Michaux makes a larger one if you want more space for a full change of clothes.

Admittedly the price tag is more than your usual, but the Zodiac is a thing of beauty, handmade in the UK, in a Lake District in a factory that’s been making leather bags for 300 years. The craftsmanship is clear, and combined with the styling this looks more like a beautiful handbag than your run-of-mill messenger bag. I for one am pleased Michaux has tapped into that heritage – I think the Zodiac is here to stay – I read it in the stars.

VERDICT

A stunningly crafted bag, which has all the practicality of a messenger bag and all the style of a designer handbag. It’s expensive, but you are looking at a hand crafted, made-in-the-UK item, and a lot of thought, research and inspiration has gone into it.

PROS

– Beautifully designed
– Very well crafted
– Good size – not too big, not too small
– Made in the UK

CONS

– Expensive

Size: Medium – H26cm x W34cm x D9cm
Colours: Black, Claret, Olive
RRP: £269
More info: Michaux Club 

What Michaux says about the Zodiac:

The perfect work-to-weekend partner.  A shoulder bag during the day, and worn across your body while cycling; the anti-swing strap keeps it secure to your body while on the road. Smart, reflective, waterproof. Adjustable anti-swing. Convenient zip pocket for keys and phone. Internal zip pocket and pouch pocket. High quality bonded canvas; waterproof and hardwearing, with a natural look and feel. Vegetable-tanned leather, perforated and backed with 3M reflective material. Adjustable 100% cotton webbing straps. Silver nickel fittings. Hand crafted in Britain.