Messenger Bag vs. Back Pack

[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. 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.