Quote Originally Posted by OakLeaf View Post
Does a messenger bag remain stable and not bounce during climbing out of the saddle, or does it fly off to the side during cornering? That's my main reservation about them.
Any good messenger bag should come with or at least have an option for a stabilizer strap - it goes from the shoulder strap across your body back to the bag. It not only keeps the bag from sliding around your back when you turn, it also takes a lot of the weight off of your shoulder and puts it on your hips - much like a waist strap on a backpack. If you don't have a stabilizer then yeah - messenger bags will tend to want to swing around. With one they are nice and stable - better than a backpack if you ask me, as the weight is lower on your back and gives you a better center of gravity.

btw - I use a medium size Timbuktu myself. It holds my clothes (no shoes, I keep those in my locker at work), my lock, and my SLR camera (I'm a photogrpaher) with plenty of room to spare. I've put a case of cat food in there in addition to the other things at times...... (no I don't go far that way - it weighs 20lbs )