This bag defies the elementsThrilled I could find a high quality messenger bag that is made locally and designed to hold up to this crazy Chicago weather.They made it super easy to make a selection from all their sweet lookin bags and to make minor adjustments to the one I selected.Nice place, friendly owner, a classic Chicago business!

I am a bag collector from many brands and countries Defy definitely top of the list for there style and attention to detail definitely great bag company Ive bought bags triple the price from high quality companies that cant come close to Defys customer for life I just with they would go back to making there bags with different leather like a few year ago!

Just received my Defy mask in the mail. It is totally badass. Fits comfortably and looks incredible. If youre looking for a large mask that will comfortably contain your beard, this is the way to go. They add a bit of additional cloth to cover your nose and under your chin. The drawstring is solid and helps adapt to any size noggin.Customer service is also really impressive. First time dealing with his company and they shipped super fast and responded to my emails even faster.

STAY AWAY!!WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!! THEY DON’T CARE ABOUT YOU AS A CUSTOMER, ONLY YOUR MONEY!! ANY ISSUES WITH SHIPPING OR YOUR ORDER AND ITS YOUR PROBLEM NOT THEIRS PER THEIR POLICY.Placed an order, and paid extra money for 2 day expedited shipping. Placed order on September 28th. They verified order that day. As of October 5th I still had not received my order. Reached out to customer daily for an update. They blame the issue on UPS. UPS said they never received the package. After 8 business days and my constant status communication, their automated email suddenly said it shipped. It showed the next day:I asked them for a shipping refund, and they want me to contact UPS to get a refund on my expedited shipping.THEY TRULY COULD CARE LESS. I WILL NEVER SUPPORT THIS HORRIBLE COMPANY AGAIN AND WILL TELL FAMILY AND FRIENDS THE SAME.

I discovered DEFY about 4 years ago and have loved their products ever since. My first bag I use for work daily and it’s just as good as the day I got it. Messenger bag, Fanny pack, stash bags, hats, backpack and even a lunchbox later, this gear is unbeatable on many levels.

Stopped by their shop last week while in Chicago and picked up an Insidious Sling Bag. Perfect size for my small laptop and looks rad while taking trips on my GS. The reason I’m taking the time to write a review is during my trip back to St Louis yesterday I rode through 3 hrs of torrential downpour. This thing actually keep my laptop and other gadgets dry and safe! Well done on the design guys. I truly dig the product.

One of the most unique and successful bag boutiques in the city. All handmade. Store is part of a small business building. People behind the scenes are fantastic. Quality is amazing. Rub that big puppys belly

Part of buying a Defy bag is your proximity to your producer — get in touch with them and you can tell these guys are jazzed about what they do and take a huge amount of care making and shipping every piece. The two leather work bags I have are exquisite and the attention to detail and quality is painstaking down to the finest detail. I expect with commonsense care Ill have them forever. People ask me about them all the time when Im out and Im happy to talk up a local business thats great to work with, proud of their products and always trying new things.

I searched this place out after looking for a cycling backpack. This is more of a studio/workshop, though I believe they will sell you a bag at this location if it is in-stock. I didnt actually purchase their pack and that wasnt because of the quality, rather I was looking for a specific feature not available (waterproof inner-pack). I would say give them a look if youre looking for some handcrafted (in Chicago!) bags for men or women. Everything looked very nice, there is an absolutely massive dog who will happily greet you upon entering. Enjoy

Just back from their showroom in Bucktown! Really happy to have met the people behind these amazing bags! I received a very warm welcome and I find the perfect gift I was looking for! If you are looking for a genuine chicago product, its worth every penny youll spend! And Im pretty sure it will last for a long, long time!

Exceptionally well crafted and handmade bags manufactured in Chicago, unlikely those cheap bags that other vendors mass-produce from factories in China.

I wish there was a way to rate this company as 0 stars. The person who answered the phone was a completely rude and hung up on me. I believe his name is Chris Tag. I received a gift card to this company and it has expired. 1. Why would you put an expiration date on something that is prepaid. So now someone loses out on $300 and the company gains it. That doesnt make sense. 2. He allowed other people with an expired gift card to use theirs. Overall the experience I received from Chris was very poor. All I was expecting was an explanation so I can understand why I wasnt able to use the gift card.

Their collection is wonderful and their products are great. The owners are passionate about their craft and it shows.

I have and have had many bags both large production (Osprey, Arcteryx,) and hand made (R.E. Load, Timbuk2, Filson) and I really feel that Defy is the best value I have seen. Their bags are in the price range of higher end mass production but have every bit or quality and innovation and the boutique hand made shops. I would buy these bags anywhere I lived, but living in Chicago, it is great to get hands on the bags before purchase with 1-1 service and you support local economy! Last but not least, its the coolest retail space ever.. they buzz you in, you walk down a long hallway and go into a brick showroom that looks like a Capone liquor cache.. true Chicago experience (also posted on Yelp)

Chris workshop is full of beautiful well-made bags.

They showed unprofessional attitude.

Awesome shop