For over a decade, San Francisco’s DSPTCH has been quietly perfecting the art of utilitarian bag design, building a reputation on military-grade materials presented with minimalist aesthetics. Founded in 2010 by Richard Liu with a simple camera strap, the brand has consistently prioritized function over flash — but still has plenty of the latter too. Now, with the Zero-1 Collection, DSPTCH aims to be virtually weightless so that you won’t even realize it’s there until you need it.
A Harness System to Lessen the Load
The messenger bag’s single-shoulder design has always been its Achilles’ heel. Load it up with a laptop, books, or camera gear, and you’re asking for shoulder strain and balance issues, which is especially problematic when cycling or hiking. DSPTCH’s solution feels obvious in hindsight: transform the traditional strap into a three-point harness system.
Available in black, white, or seafoam, the Zero-1’s sling strap distributes weight across your back while incorporating a chest stabilizer that prevents the dreaded bounce of a typical messenger bag. A wider strap construction further disperses the load, while an integrated chest pocket provides quick access to essentials without disrupting the bag’s stability. For anyone who’s felt encumbered by a loaded messenger bag on a bike commute, this might be your new favorite bag.
Materials Front and Center
DSPTCH’s decision to construct the Zero-1 from 5.0 oz Dyneema Composite Fabric (or X-PAC RX30 for the seafoam variant) saves a ton of weight, with just 14oz on your person regardless of the 6-liter capacity. Moreover, Dyneema’s strength-to-weight ratio has made it the gold standard in ultralight outdoor gear, typically reserved for high-end shelters and sails. Best of all, these bags are made entirely in the USA.
Adding structure and breathability, the mesh-bonded perforated EVA foam backing precludes the sweaty back syndrome that comes with extended messenger bag wearing. This is combined with a magnetic buckle closure, which doubles as a compression system when the bag isn’t fully loaded.
Willingness to Perform
The Zero-1 represents something of an evolution for DSPTCH. While the brand has always emphasized durability and utility, this collection explicitly targets “active use cases” in ways their previous offerings didn’t. The “close to zero” design philosophy of making gear feel nearly weightless suggests they’re willing to expand beyond their photo and tech accessory roots into legitimate performance territory. As such, the Zero-1 is incredibly versatile, working equally well for a midday coffee run as it would a day hike on the weekend. At 6L, the bag works well for minimalist packers but can also be paired with a camera strap add-on for urban photographers.
Spec Sheet
Model: Zero-1 Bag
Materials: 5.0 oz Dyneema Composite Fabric (Black/White) or X-PAC RX30 (Seafoam)
Capacity: 6L
Weight: 14oz
Dimensions: 13″ x 9.5″ x 5″
Features: Three-point harness system, magnetic buckle closure, mesh gusset pocket, chest zip pocket
Colors: Black, White, Seafoam Green
Price: $248
Pricing & Availability
The DSPTCH Zero-1 Bag is available now through the brand’s website and their San Francisco studio for $248. Buyers can also choose between right or left shoulder orientations for the strap system, and replacement accessories are available separately.
Recap
DSPTCH Zero-1 Messenger Bag
DSPTCH aims to reinvent the messenger bag with a new three-point harness system that lessens the load for all-day wear. These 6L bags are made from either Dyneema or X-Pac and weigh just 14oz.
