Messenger Bag vs. Back Pack

[Ana]

So I know a lot of cyclist commute with a messenger bag instead of a backpack. I've always been partial to a back pack, although I may consider switching.

What are the advantages of a messenger bag and why are they so "useful"?

[Geonz]

They totally don't work for me. Boobs get in the way and I don't do well asymmetrically.

Backpack... or Xtracycle :D

[indigoiis]

I didn't like any of the cheapo messanger bag knockoffs I tried until I tried a timbuk2. It has a strap that keeps it in place. You could sew a support strap onto a regular messanger bag though, if you didn't want to spend on a timbuk2.

The timbuk2 holds a laptop and clothes, is water resistant, easy access, good pockets, strong material.

A backpack seems to ride higher on the back, which, when you're on a road bike, is kind of uncomfortable.

[flash]

I prefer a messenger bag over a backpack for cycling. The m bag rides lower & is in minimum contact with you, so you don't end up with a sweaty back.

[tulip]

I much prefer panniers over either a backpack or messenger bag. Keeps the weight on the bike and off my back.

[mimitabby]

If you're carrying a lot of weight, the panniers are best for your bod.
But for a medium amt of weight, the backpack does keep it more balanced.

[Geonz]

RIght. I'm also not on a road bike, so I'm not leaning over to give a nice back for the messenger back to rest on. And I'm not bothered with the perspiration problem - but that's an individual thing.

I got a timbuk2 backpack from steepandcheap that I *love.* it has a place for my laptop... nice pockets... *almost* as roomy as my 15-year-old LL Bean bag (oops... OMG... 22 years old... it was a masters-degree present...)

[Xrayted]

If it doesn't fit in my Camelback Mule, it goes in a pannier or a trunk rack.

[Beane]

has anyone else found that panniers make you a lot less aero? Mine sticks out a good 8" (I basically just put my messenger bag in the pannier when it's really heavy). Also with cross-winds it seems to be more difficult.

has anyone used one of those backpacks with the taut mesh bag (deuter makes one, as does osprey and a few other companies)? feedback?

I've found that the messenger bag is better at minimizing sweat than the backpack, but when it's really loaded down, I end up with a lot of back/neck/shoulder pain.

[7rider]

Backpacks, I found, put my center of gravity too high and make me feel unstable. I didn't care for a messenger bag, as it stuck me in bad places. Ouch. I did have a lot of luck with the REI Singular bag...a single strap, teardrop shaped backpack that sat low on my back, and didn't hurt. But then, I got rear-ended in my truck, ended up with a herniated disc in my neck, and now can't/don't ride with anything on my back (other than a Camelback when mountainbiking), and go with panniers. My panniers do stick out of the sides by a bit, but I don't worry about aero with them. Yeah, strong crosswinds are an adventure...

[tink]

my dealyo with bags is... never carry a bag bigger than you need. The true large messenger bag tends to be on the large side and more than a normal commuting cycler needs. Unless you are going to the food store. I have two bags... one for everyday and one for polo and shopping days. Check out

http://www.dankbags.com/

This guy is a champ. tell him tink form idaho sent you. He will make you whatever you need!

[out_spokin']

I think there's a bias towards messenger bags because they're "in" and not necessarily because they offer the best function....but then again I do agree that the center of gravity and less sweat thing can be nice. My problem was that by the time I put in lunch, laptop, and/or clothes for the day it got too big and heavy. Not too bad on the bike, though even with the Timbuk 2 strap once in a while it would want to swing around and mess with my balance. But I developed some shoulder pain and finger numbness from carrying it around and that was the end of that. I've kept it around for lighter/smaller loads because it's easy on and off and fun to have. I prefer panniers for most loads by far, and don't worry about the wider profile. However, for my current bike - bus - bike commute I found the panniers didn't work as well so I usually go with a lower riding backpack. I second the notion of keeping the bags as small as possible - it's too tempting to fill them up!

[cyclokitty]

If I have to carry lots of stuff I prefer panniers.

If it's a happy pleasure ride and I only need essentials I use my 5 litre Gregory Stimulus backpack (http://www.gregorypacks.com/prod.php?ID=63). It's incredibly light and holds a 2 litre hydration bladder with handy loops on the shoulder straps to hold the hose in place. If I can't fit it in the bag, it stays home.

[madscot13]

I keep a grocery pannier on my bike at all times. I just throw my bag/ backpack/ grocery bags in there at any time. I like it because I don't like things on me while I ride and because it is hassle free.

[shootingstar]

If forced to choose, a backpack not a messenger bag. I have hybrid bikes.

Small framed folks like me, just have less mass for a messenger bag to rest. I genuinely have a small back...my bra size is an example (circumference, not cup). I would be nearly embarrassed to say how narrow I am....

However I dislike anything on my back when I cycle. Pannier(s) ...the issue of aerodynamic is abit of a misnomer..when the pannier is near empty...for a good part of the ride.

As for weight balance, it's ok if balanced between 2 panniers. Add on front-loading and that's quite different.

I actually find some weight in my pannier(s) keeps me more steady on the bike, when it gets quite windy or when backdraft of transport trucks hit me. Well think about it, if a person is 100 lbs. and there is high winds...

[tulip]

has anyone else found that panniers make you a lot less aero?

I'm commuting, not racing, so I don't particularly care about being aero. That being said, I have a pair of smaller panniers that suit my needs fine. I balance my things in both panniers so one side isn't overloaded.

I also occassionally use my Arkel laptop pannier when I have to take my laptop with me. It unhooks from the bike and is an instant briefcase.

For small loads, a trunk bag on top of the rear rack seems the best way to go.

[GLC1968]

I've always been a fan of the backpack for the secure feeling and balance. I have a Timbuk2 laptop backpack that has a channel that runs between the pads on my back. When I'm riding, I tip my head down for a second and air rushes down that channel and cools me off...very neat! If you are in a very aero position on the bike, the center of gravity is a little high and makes it feel precarious. It worked for me with bars level with my saddle (even when I was in the drops).

That said, I've lately been using a messenger bag because it's much bigger (and I don't carry my laptop so much anymore). It's easy to get in and out of (like at the grocery store) and it holds a ton of stuff. Mine's a Timbuk2 large which is really too big for my frame, but with the retainer strap, it sits still and remains comfy. I also find that it actually works better when it's got some weight in it.

I'm no help because at this point, I'm torn. Of course, I haven't ridden in the heat with a messenger bag...or for longer rides...so technically, the jury's still out. ;)

Oh, and I'm editing to add that I prefer the bags over panniers because I switch bikes a lot. This gives me much more flexibility (as a couple of my bikes don't have a rack or even mounts to add one). If I only had one bike that I rode, I would likely opt for the rack and panniers.

[Eden]

If you're carrying a lot of weight, the panniers are best for your bod.
But for a medium amt of weight, the backpack does keep it more balanced.

I'll agree with your first point, but not with the second. A messenger bag carries the weight lower and if you are wearing it properly, better balanced than a backpack. A bag with a stabilizer strap, a good fit, proper packing and setting it up properly are necessary, but I much prefer a messenger bag for comfort and stability.

[Jen-Jen]

I have used both messenger and back packs. I perfer backpacks and only because the messenger bag strap sets smack dab between my breast! I feel very exposed when the strap pushes my shirt down and outlines my breast. I get honked at as I ride.

I am currently looking at the timbuk2 backpack.

[Eden]

I have used both messenger and back packs. I perfer backpacks and only because the messenger bag strap sets smack dab between my breast! I feel very exposed when the strap pushes my shirt down and outlines my breast. I get honked at as I ride.

I am currently looking at the timbuk2 backpack.

Those of us with A cups have plenty of room inbetween the girls for a strap ...... (and not much to outline either ;))

[Beane]

I'm commuting, not racing, so I don't particularly care about being aero.

I am also talking about commuting, but I still like the ride to be as easy as possible. I live at the top of a hill and 95% of the time my ride home is into the wind. Sooo, it's good that its this way since I get home (rather than into the office) sweaty, but still I would prefer a more pleasant ride (yes, being a bit of a princess here).

p.s. I have seen commuters with aero bars and thought it didn't seem like such a bad idea...

[NadiaMac]

chrome makes a bike messenger backpack that is designed to use while riding. My boyfriend got one after getting neck issues using a messenger bag, and it's been really great. The pack distributes the load on both shoulders, avoiding the messenger bag issue (single strap puts pressure on one side). He bike commutes and frequently carries laptop, groceries, etc. on his road bike. A lot of bike messengers use these bags.

[Eden]

Ortlieb makes a messenger backpack too - its *huge*, I could probably get inside and close it up huge, but its totally waterproof and probably bombproof too.
I have issues with one shoulder, so funny enough I prefer only have a strap on the good one. I do find, much like with the waist strap on a backpack, that properly positioned the chest strap on my messenger bag takes most of the weight off of my shoulder too, so its actually pretty comfy to ride with.