messenger bags?

[Becky]

Good to know -- I will make a side strap mandatory on my search. I looked for the Crumpler Super Snipe online, but it looks like it may no longer be in production? It looks kind of small in the pictures, not that I can *really* tell since the pics I've found don't have them attached to people.

Yep, I'm pretty sure that particular model isn't made anymore. The SoupandSalad is probably the most similar in the current models. And yes, it is small- just big enough for clothes, shoes, and some other odds and ends. I'm one of those "pack it til it's full" people, so a "kitchen sink" bag wouldn't have been a good choice for me

[VeloVT]

When I first started commuting to work/school I ordered a big beautiful custom Timbuk2 messenger bag. Turns out I really don't like riding with a messenger bag (sketchy unbalanced weight), nor do I even really like carrying one if I"ve got lots of heavy stuff in it (even worn properly, high on the back and worn tightly across the body with cross-strap, the heavy stuff sinks to the bottom corner and bruises the lowest couple of vertabrae on me).

I'm a huge fan of The North Face backpacks. I have this one (which has been replaced with a newer model): http://www.bobwards.com/products2.cfm/ID/793/c/daypacks

and this one:
http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/...K5&language=en

Both are very comfortable and stable, with thoughtfully designed panels/pockets/compartments. Plus both have a helmet panel that actually fits my helmet, and they both have integrated/hidden rain flys and safety whistles !

I've tried on some of their other technical packs (which are a completely different line from their campusy packs) and have been impressed with those as well.

But no, they're not as stylish as messengers ...

[Trek420]

My first Timbuk2 messenger bag says US Postal Masters Cycling team on it. When Lance went to Discovery and then retired from racing folks started asking me if I could pick up their mail and "I just have this one letter could you ...."

I don't work for the USPO " This bag is now my dog's luggage. That dog has more and better luggage than me.

So I got another bag ... but then one day on SAC appeared a WSD Timbuk2 back pack in brilliant lime green, with a slot for a laptop which is perfect for my sketchbook

That is my commuter bag of choice now.

[elk]

i like the timbuk2 commute bag...for the simple reason that I just can't fathom a messenger bag that does not have pockets for my coffee and water bottles.....

and the commute is the only T2 bag that does....NONE of the crumplers have them....

and i know my bags...i'm a bag FREAK!

I have a backpack (its out in the car) that I use for when Maude and I go on therapy visits...it's by North Face it's called a BOREALIS...and it's really nicely engineered. http://www.ebags.com/the_north_face/...LAID=108281950
plus it comes in GOOD colors.......
(I'm with the dingster on ebags..... although I often find it there and then go check ebay...)

[bounceswoosh]

I called the local REI and Performance shops today to see if they had the backpacks I was interested in ... long story short, I was able to look at both of them in person. The Performance one was definitely bigger, possibly less comfortable. I bought the REI (Novara) one after testing it by stuffing all I had with me into it at the store -- a ski jacket (which is just a shell, no liner), a mini backpack, and an empty, large canvas tote. Tomorrow I'm going to stuff a test set of clothes into it to see if it can manage. Really I need to pack lunch in there as well. If it doesn't seem big enough to do the job, I'll return it and possibly pick up the Performance one.

Neither of them were made out of what seemed like incredibly durable material, I guess due to weight concerns. The Novara has a waterproof cover tucked into a zipper at the bottom; I'm surprised it wasn't just made waterproof to begin with. I guess maybe this also saves weight, or is cheaper, or something.

[madscot13]

I think waterproof material feels kind of funny and I bet they don't breathe so well. i have an REI backback, the discontinued vagabond, and it has seen the world with me and carried a lot of weight in the form of science textbooks and my laptop. I love my backpack!

[bounceswoosh]

So just to wrap this up, I bought the Novara Commuter Backpack for $70. It looks small, but I packed a heck of a lot into it -- lightweight dress, lightweight jacket, several tupperware containers for lunch, sandals, towel, toiletries, wallet and phone, various other bits and pieces. I think I'll be happy with it.

[sundial]

I think these are just darling. If I commuted to work, I'd use these bags and panniers.

[madscot13]

I agree! I am going to try and look at some first hand on my trip to Germany this summer. Also has anyone heard of zwei bags? I think they look cool too.

[Evora93]

I have a two mile commute, so I don't have to carry something very far, but I have a small Mountainsmith messenger bag that I love. It has a bottle pocket on one side and a fleeced cushioned pocket on the other for cell phone or mp3. There is a handy pocket in the back for my keys. The strap is very comfy and non-slip. There are lots of pockets, and it expands. I use it as my purse too, because I am always hopping on my bike to run to the store. I also used it to carry lots of stuff on a recent weekend trip to Chicago by train. Depending on what you normally carry it may be a little too big, but it is a very handy size for just about anything.