I knew the fabric used on the strap was starting to fray from the edge binding and something needed to be done. Either buy a new strap, which is available through Mission Workshop for 50€ or do one myself and take the opportunity to upgrade to a Cobra Buckle (this upgrade is an extra 65€ from Mission Workshop).
![Fraying shoulder strap](https://myog.sulfitesgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/fray-shoulder-strap-missionworkshop-664x498.jpg)
I bought a second-hand Mission Workshop Shed Messenger bag for 75€. I know how good are these bags as I already own a Sanction backpack and sold quite a bunch of them when I worked for Bicyclestore.fr.
THE BAG
I never really liked messenger bags therefore never bought one. Except a Freitag F17 Joe I got as a gift but never really used it. Sold it. But as I also sold my T-Level Infinity Rolltop, I need another bag for groceries. The Shed is a 35L Messenger bag, it’s the largest messenger bag from MW. Its dimensions are 51x30x15cm and can be opened/closed the regular way or through a rolltop system. The fabric is some Cordura-like 1000d Nylon with some PVC tarp on the inside for waterproofness. Total weight is 1.6kg.
![Mission Workshop shoulder strap](https://myog.sulfitesgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/shoulder-strap-shed-664x469.jpg)
THE STRAP
As they built the bag to be used on both shoulders, the strap is detachable. That’s a great idea and that’s the only reason I could imagine making a spare one. The aluminium hardware is nice, the plastic one is from Duraflex. On the scale it is 175g. The padded section is 41x8cm, the security-webbing is around 80cm. There is a triglide at the end of it to manage the extra length.
![Hardware comparison](https://myog.sulfitesgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/hardware-shoulder-strap-664x498.jpg)
THE NEW STRAP
My idea is to make a full new strap, using roughly the same dimensions as the MW strap. Rather than using the aluminium adjustable hardware, I’ll use a Cobra buckle which is heavier with 75gr but I want to have this “full open” option and let’s say it, it’s stylish. I’ll use the rest of the hardware, especially the little square to re-attached the strap to the bag. Also, the free the full-length of the webbing, I add a 50mm D-ring on the Cobra buckle ladder lock.
All is cut, time to choose the fabric. I’ll go with VX21 X-pac. As I only have my Juki DDL900 a-S, I only used a strong mesh, make all the construction, and fit some foam last. The end result is 180gr so only 5 more grams than the original.
![New shoulder strap with Cobra Buckle](https://myog.sulfitesgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cobra-buckle-shoulder-strap-664x465.jpg)
![](https://myog.sulfitesgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/sulfites-shoulder-strap-664x467.jpg)