Messanger Bag Questions

[sulis]

In a few months it will be time for me to start commuting to work again. Last year I used a sling back pack for my gear and it worked great. However, it was absued and won't survive another season. I have noticed Messanger Bags around and wanted to get opinions for any of you that may use them. Is the waist strap sufficient to keep the bag put while riding (its scary when the bag shifts )? Anyone have a Timbuk2? I have been looking at these but they are quite expensive. Love the colors, but is the quality and style worth the $$?

Thanks everyone

[sydney_b]

I know folks go for those messenger bags, but coolness aside, I don't know what recommends them. I have to lug a laptop and clothes and it's just so much easier to hang 'em on the back rack. I also use my commute as my work-out, so often times take a long route home. Having a bag on my back, ew.

/s

[Blueberry]

I have 2 timbuk2 bags - the metro (I use as a purse) and the large size. I did use the large size for commuting to school for a while when I first purchased it. Quality wise, Timbuk2 really is nice. Their bags are well constructed and seem to hold up great (though they don't have as many options as they once did, which isn't so great)!

HOWEVER, I have not found any messenger bag to be comfortable with any amount of weight in it. They don't have padded backs, so you have to make sure to put something flat against your back to stop things from poking you... And they're hot. And they can make my back/arms ache from the extra weight there. They do stay in place, though.

Bottom line - if you don't mind carrying something on your back and aren't going to carry much weight, get a messenger bag. Otherwise, look seriously at racks and panniers. That's my *much* preferred option for personal comfort

[SadieKate]

I use the midsize one for errands around town. I have found that it doesn't like to stay on my back but keeps swinging wildly off to the side while big ol' Bubba's bag stays firmly in place on his back. I'm guessing it is due to the difference in our size. I now use a BOB trailer for errands most of the time, but a trailer seems a little overkill for commuting not to mention storage. I would rather use racks and bags or a daypack.

[Nanci]

I could _so_ get into going grocery shopping with a Bob. When I was doing trail construction, the guys would pull those on MTB's, over log jumps even! filled with chainsaws and other tools. They're cool.

Nanci

[DeniseGoldberg]

When I commute to work, I use a single pannier on my rear rack. I'm not carrying that much weight, so a 1-sided load doesn't cause a problem. But even with just a little weight, I wouldn't be happy toting my stuff in a messenger bag.

That said, I do have a Timbuk2 bag that I use when I drive to work and I have extra stuff to take in with me (like shoes on snowy days). The bag is very well made, and if you choose to build a custom bag, there are plenty of color (and feature) choices.

--- Denise