diff --git a/code/datums/storage/storage.dm b/code/datums/storage/storage.dm
index d0a8400e209..a35efc2083e 100644
--- a/code/datums/storage/storage.dm
+++ b/code/datums/storage/storage.dm
@@ -328,6 +328,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(cached_storage_typecaches)
 		return FALSE
 
 	if(locked > force)
+		user.balloon_alert(user, "closed!")
 		return FALSE
 
 	if((to_insert == resolve_parent) || (to_insert == real_location))
@@ -336,16 +337,16 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(cached_storage_typecaches)
 	if(to_insert.w_class > max_specific_storage)
 		if(!is_type_in_typecache(to_insert, exception_hold))
 			if(messages && user)
-				to_chat(user, span_warning("\The [to_insert] is too big for \the [resolve_parent]!"))
+				user.balloon_alert(user, "too big!")
 			return FALSE
 		if(exception_max != INFINITE && exception_max <= exception_count())
 			if(messages && user)
-				to_chat(user, span_warning("Too many large items already in \the [resolve_parent], can't fit \the [to_insert]!"))
+				user.balloon_alert(user, "no room!")
 			return FALSE
 
 	if(resolve_location.contents.len >= max_slots)
 		if(messages && user && !silent_for_user)
-			to_chat(user, span_warning("\The [to_insert] can't fit into \the [resolve_parent]! Make some space!"))
+			user.balloon_alert(user, "no room!")
 		return FALSE
 
 	var/total_weight = to_insert.w_class
@@ -355,37 +356,37 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(cached_storage_typecaches)
 
 	if(total_weight > max_total_storage)
 		if(messages && user && !silent_for_user)
-			to_chat(user, span_warning("\The [to_insert] can't fit into \the [resolve_parent]! Make some space!"))
+			user.balloon_alert(user, "no room!")
 		return FALSE
 
 	if(length(can_hold))
 		if(!is_type_in_typecache(to_insert, can_hold))
 			if(messages && user)
-				to_chat(user, span_warning("\The [resolve_parent] cannot hold \the [to_insert]!"))
+				user.balloon_alert(user, "can't hold!")
 			return FALSE
 
 	if(is_type_in_typecache(to_insert, cant_hold) || HAS_TRAIT(to_insert, TRAIT_NO_STORAGE_INSERT) || (can_hold_trait && !HAS_TRAIT(to_insert, can_hold_trait)))
 		if(messages && user)
-			to_chat(user, span_warning("\The [resolve_parent] cannot hold \the [to_insert]!"))
+			user.balloon_alert(user, "can't hold!")
 		return FALSE
 
 	if(HAS_TRAIT(to_insert, TRAIT_NODROP))
 		if(messages)
-			to_chat(user, span_warning("\The [to_insert] is stuck on your hand!"))
+			user.balloon_alert(user, "stuck on your hand!")
 		return FALSE
 
 	var/datum/storage/biggerfish = resolve_parent.loc.atom_storage // this is valid if the container our resolve_parent is being held in is a storage item
 
 	if(biggerfish && biggerfish.max_specific_storage < max_specific_storage)
 		if(messages && user)
-			to_chat(user, span_warning("[to_insert] can't fit in [resolve_parent] while [resolve_parent.loc] is in the way!"))
+			user.balloon_alert(user, "[lowertext(resolve_parent.loc.name)] is in the way!")
 		return FALSE
 
 	if(istype(resolve_parent))
 		var/datum/storage/item_storage = to_insert.atom_storage
 		if((to_insert.w_class >= resolve_parent.w_class) && item_storage && !allow_big_nesting)
 			if(messages && user)
-				to_chat(user, span_warning("[resolve_parent] cannot hold [to_insert] as it's a storage item of the same size!"))
+				user.balloon_alert(user, "too big!")
 			return FALSE
 
 	return TRUE
@@ -756,6 +757,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(cached_storage_typecaches)
 	var/obj/item/resolve_location = real_location.resolve()
 
 	if(locked)
+		user.balloon_alert(user, "closed!")
 		return
 	if(!user.CanReach(resolve_parent) || !user.CanReach(dest_object))
 		return
@@ -987,7 +989,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(cached_storage_typecaches)
 
 	if(locked)
 		if(!silent)
-			resolve_parent.balloon_alert(to_show, "locked!")
+			resolve_parent.balloon_alert(to_show, "closed!")
 		return FALSE
 
 	// If we're quickdrawing boys
diff --git a/code/game/objects/items/storage/backpack.dm b/code/game/objects/items/storage/backpack.dm
index 5b5b9218362..6e57eedeb6b 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items/storage/backpack.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items/storage/backpack.dm
@@ -387,9 +387,10 @@
 	inhand_icon_state = "duffel"
 	actions_types = list(/datum/action/item_action/zipper)
 	storage_type = /datum/storage/duffel
+	// How much to slow you down if your bag isn't zipped up
 	var/zip_slowdown = 1
 	/// If this bag is zipped (contents hidden) up or not
-	/// Starts enabled so people need to figure it out to use the thing
+	/// Starts enabled so you're forced to interact with it to "get" it
 	var/zipped_up = TRUE
 
 /obj/item/storage/backpack/duffelbag/Initialize(mapload)
@@ -427,6 +428,7 @@
 	playsound(src, 'sound/items/un_zip.ogg', 100, FALSE)
 	var/datum/callback/can_unzip = CALLBACK(src, PROC_REF(zipper_matches), TRUE)
 	if(!do_after(user, 2.1 SECONDS, src, extra_checks = can_unzip))
+		user.balloon_alert(user, "unzip failed!")
 		return
 	balloon_alert(user, "unzipped")
 	set_zipper(FALSE)
@@ -443,6 +445,7 @@
 	playsound(src, 'sound/items/zip_up.ogg', 100, FALSE)
 	var/datum/callback/can_zip = CALLBACK(src, PROC_REF(zipper_matches), FALSE)
 	if(!do_after(user, 0.5 SECONDS, src, extra_checks = can_zip))
+		user.balloon_alert(user, "zip failed!")
 		return SECONDARY_ATTACK_CANCEL_ATTACK_CHAIN
 	balloon_alert(user, "zipped")
 	set_zipper(TRUE)
@@ -457,7 +460,6 @@
 	zipped_up = new_zip
 	SEND_SIGNAL(src, COMSIG_DUFFEL_ZIP_CHANGE, new_zip)
 	if(zipped_up)
-
 		slowdown = initial(slowdown)
 		atom_storage.locked = STORAGE_SOFT_LOCKED
 		atom_storage.display_contents = FALSE
@@ -620,14 +622,14 @@
 	resistance_flags = FIRE_PROOF
 
 /obj/item/storage/backpack/duffelbag/syndie
-	name = "tactical duffel bag" //SKYRAT EDIT, was "suspicious-looking duffel bag". It's just a black duffel.
+	name = "tactical duffel bag" //SKYRAT EDIT CHANGE, was "suspicious-looking duffel bag". It's just a black duffel.
 	desc = "A large duffel bag for holding extra tactical supplies."
 	icon_state = "duffel-syndie"
 	inhand_icon_state = "duffel-syndieammo"
 	storage_type = /datum/storage/duffel/syndicate
 	resistance_flags = FIRE_PROOF
-	special_desc_requirement = EXAMINE_CHECK_SYNDICATE // Skyrat edit
-	special_desc = "This duffel bag has the Syndicate logo stiched on the inside. It appears to be made from lighter yet sturdier materials." // Skyrat edit
+	special_desc_requirement = EXAMINE_CHECK_SYNDICATE // SKYRAT EDIT ADDITION
+	special_desc = "This duffel bag has the Syndicate logo stiched on the inside. It appears to be made from lighter yet sturdier materials." // SKYRAT EDIT ADDITION
 
 /obj/item/storage/backpack/duffelbag/syndie/hitman
 	desc = "A large duffel bag for holding extra things. There is a Nanotrasen logo on the back."
@@ -652,9 +654,11 @@
 
 /obj/item/storage/backpack/duffelbag/syndie/surgery
 	name = "surgery duffel bag"
-	desc = "A large duffel bag for holding extra supplies - this one has a material inlay with space for various sharp-looking tools." //SKYRAT EDIT, to match the security surgery bag
+	desc = "A large duffel bag for holding extra supplies - this one has a material inlay with space for various sharp-looking tools." //SKYRAT EDIT CHANGE, to match the security surgery bag
 	icon_state = "duffel-syndiemed"
 	inhand_icon_state = "duffel-syndiemed"
+	special_desc_requirement = EXAMINE_CHECK_SYNDICATE // SKYRAT EDIT ADDITION
+	special_desc = "This duffel bag has the Syndicate logo stiched on the inside. It appears to be made from lighter yet sturdier materials." // SKYRAT EDIT ADDITION
 
 /obj/item/storage/backpack/duffelbag/syndie/surgery/PopulateContents()
 	new /obj/item/scalpel/advanced(src)