Need recommendations for sling packs

[cherinyc]

Hi ladies - first of all, I cannot say enough how thankful I am for all of you who participate in this forum. Being a new rider, there are things that I have learned from here that I could not have learned any other way. This forum is the first place I go for answers to every question - and I mean EVERY QUESTION - especially the embarassing ones.
So, I have recently started communting to/from work on my bike - and I love it. I created a little bag of stuff that I leave at my desk - so I don't have to carry toiletries back and forth, but I carry my outfit with me. I have found that the most comfortable way to carry anything, is in a mono strap, sling pack type of back pack. The regular double strap backpacks seem to either cut into my armpit level, or if they have that clip in the front that clips the 2 straps together, I feel like I am chocking. The thing is, I created a mono strap pack by unclipping one of the double straps and clipping it in diagonally to the other side.
It works, but now that I know I like the style, I am looking for one that is supposed to be like that. I am sure it will be even more comfortable if it is made that way to begin with. But of course, I am having a hard time finding one that has a waist strap as well. I hate when the bag shifts while I am riding, so the waist strap is pretty necessary.
Does anyone have any experience, or recommendations about these? In case I am being confusing, here is an example of what I mean. I like this bag, but there's no stabilizing waist strap. Maybe it doesn't need one?

http://sherpani.us/ProductDetail.cfm?Catalog=128&ID=114

[DeniseGoldberg]

If you're looking for a messenger bag with a stabilization strap (hooks around your waist) - you might want to look at the Timbuk2 messenger bags. Check for the strap though because the smaller bags don't have them.

Timbuk2 bags at TE: http://www.teamestrogen.com/brands.asp?brandID=65

Timbuk2 web site: http://www.timbuk2.com

There are other manufacturers out there too.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Sherpani makes a nice one, and yes it's got a waist strap, and it's designed for women:
http://sherpani.us/ProductDetail.cfm?Catalog=128&ID=114
I got one for my daughter and she loves it.

[pooks]

You might also look on http://ebags.com. They often have free shipping and good prices.

[cusepack]

I second Denise's recommendation for the Timbuk2 bag. I recently purchased the small messenger bag (thanks to the great advice I received here!!), and I'm so happy with my purchase. It's perfect - not too big, and not too small, and, it has the waist strap. I actually just used it as my "purse" on a recent flight to NY and it held books, mags, water bottle, snacks, my wallet and a few other odds and ends. It's very durable and I'll probably end up purchasing another just for airline travel, and use the one I now own strictly for cycling.

[SouthernBelle]

Aw, man. Some of those are so cool. Something else to spend money on.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

In case I am being confusing, here is an example of what I mean. I like this bag, but there's no stabilizing waist strap. Maybe it doesn't need one?

http://sherpani.us/ProductDetail.cfm?Catalog=128&ID=114

Actually, it DOES have a waist strap. Read further down the page. I bought this bag for my daughter who rides bike, and it DOES have a stabilizing waist strap, and seems like a great bag. Large enough to hold a sweater, some books, a lunch...

[pooks]

And it's only 53.99 at ebags w/free shipping. Now I want one, too.

http://www.ebags.com/sherpani/capri/...?modelid=64108

[cherinyc]

wow - good find pooks!!!!
I really had no idea when I got started in cycling - just how many things there would be to spend money on. The sucky part, is that some of the costlier things, you have to use before you know they won't work - and you often can't return them.
I am really struggling with jerseys and shorts. I have HATED most of the shorts I have tried on, so I am terrified of ordering them - same for the jerseys - the women's are all too short. Don't even get me started with sunglasses - and now a bag. Oy vey!!!!!