A research project funded by the United States Postal Service surveyed lett
er carriers to evaluate three alternative satchel designs and the current s
atchel. The evaluation consisted of both held surveys and a laboratory stud
y. Each satchel had positive and negative attributes. A two-pouch system (s
atchel C) that distributed weight on both sides of the body, proved to be t
he best alternative in the laboratory study. However, concerns regarding th
e use of satchel C for defense against a dog attack made its desirability q
uestionable in the survey. The study showed that none of the four satchels
was a universally accepted alternative. Recommendations are offered to impr
ove the satchel design.