1. What do I need equipment-wise to be a messenger?

1. Hermes:
"The equipment one NEEDS to be a messenger in America is: a bike, a bag, a lock, and usually companies require you to have a helmet. If the company doesn't require you to use a helmet (and they'll make it clear whether they do or not) then it's a personal decision. Other SUGGESTED equipment would be a roll of quarters in NY, as you'll most probably start off calling your dispatcher from a payphone until they move you to a radio (if they use radios at all), and a map. If you're starting I recommend ALWAYS using a map. As time goes by perhaps you'll no longer need the map as often, but it'll save your ass many a time by shaving off valuable seconds from your delivery time, because you'll make fewer mistakes if you look up the addresses while you're waiting for an elevator."

2. TONE:
" In New York the first thing you'll need is a kryptonite three foot chain. I also recommend using an "American" or "Multi-Lock" instead of the little horseshoe lock most kryptonite chains come with. Definitely get a waterproof messenger bag (Manhattan Portage is standard, Chrome is better in my opinion).. and get a big one.. for those nice Oversized runs ($$). Of course you'll need a bike, but I recommend getting one with good brakes, unless you are a pro fixed rider. God knows how many times you have to stop and slow down in New York traffic. You should also definitely have a map. Get one of those foldable Manhattan only maps with the street numbers on it (Hagstrom is good). Along with that, get a clipboard to keep your map flat and your manifests crisp. If your company doesn't issue you a radio or you don't have a cell phone then you HAVE TO HAVE loose change and a pager. You want work, don't you? It's also very nice to have some serious rain gear. You want to be able to work 8-10 hours in solid rain. If you don't have good rain gear, you won't feel good, and your production will be slow. Courier companies love messengers who come in regularly especially in the rain. Just don't let them take advantage of you if you are a rookie."

3. PIT:
"Therer are more dope bags out there, I personally go for PUSH bags, from "push-the-envelope", Toronto..."