Zugster bags has been featured in the December 2008 issue of San Francisco Magazine, along with other local San Francisco bag makers Lovelife, Ramblin’ Worker, Timbuk2 and Satchel Studio.

THE UTILITARIAN

Designed specifically for peddlers, Zugster Bags sit snuggly on your upper back, eliminating that annoying flopping factor. Owner Adam Alpern creates a custom-sewn design for each purchaser. Customers bring him ideas—a photograph of a tiger, say, or a drawing of a peace sign—that he re-creates by sewing fabric directly onto the bag. Alpern is a hobbyist with a day job, so he has only enough time to make four dozen bags a year. He’s currently booked up until the spring, so start thinking now about next year’s holiday gift list.

(the editor in me can’t resist pointing out that cyclists are pedalers, not peddlers).