Thanks to purses, the specter of femininity has always dogged shoulder bags, despite their usefulness for hauling masculine gear like laptops, soccer cleats, and strawberry-scented post-soccer chafing balm. Man up your messenger bag with OtisRein.

Made by two Ipswich artists in their North Shore studio, Rein repurposes actual army surplus bags used by British forces in the 40s (while freeing Europe) and the 50s (while losing a canal). Each 12"x10"x4" piece is augmented with magnetic snaps and fresh zippers, and was originally used either as a "bread bag" (held everything from rations to playing cards) or "gas mask unit", so what once carried lifesaving mustard gas protection can now carry Life Savers and mustard. Each bag's further adorned with Rein's signature crow-themed artwork, either an inked feather or a foreboding blackbird, a messenger of death for your messenger of bag.

Rein also carries a rough-edged, faux-vintage model and smaller "field bags" with antique brass buckles, plus crow-emblazoned ceramic mugs, plates, and napkins -- removing the specter of femininity from a fairly unmasculine activity, wiping the food off your face.

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Eyeball/Cop the bags at OTISREIN.com