Commuting - Messenger bag-trying to decide.

Being a confirmed backpack user for the past four or so decades I am considering purchasing a messenger bag. My daughter gave me her used Old Navy bag and I like it but it does not have the extra stability strap so it moves around a bit too much for me. I was wondering if anyone has tried the Nashbar Messenger bag http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=66&subcategory=1237&brand=&sku=14180&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename= I am thinking of trying this one and if I like it then spending the $100.00 or so and getting a Chrome bag.

I use a messenger bag from Manhattan Portage. It doesn't have an extra stability strap, but it's big enough that I never needed one either.

I swear by Messenger bags...but don't go cheap. You need a beefy strap system to make it work right. I have three bags in varying sizes from Push the Envelope...they are sweet.
http://www.pushtheenvelope.com/

I swear by Messenger bags...but don't go cheap. You need a beefy strap system to make it work right. I have three bags in varying sizes from Push the Envelope...they are sweet.
http://www.pushtheenvelope.com/


Hey, how do the straps on those work out for stability? I have found my timbuk2 moves around alot when I am airborne and f*cks up my balance.

Can't say I'm getting much air...
You can tighten up the straps quite nicely. They have really good connectors that make it easy to pull it tight and loosen up as required. Its kinda hard to describe...What I really like is the freedom of movement in the shoulders.

Canadian secret: $50 bag that's probably as good as a whichever 100+ one if you're not a messenger using it 8 hours a day:

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441895105&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693337&bmUID=1128004920172

I've used mine for daily haulage for 3 years, including most grocery runs. I've also used bags bigger than this one (your max capacity is two six packs, a bottle of wine and some airplane sacks of peanuts, plus your usual assortment of tools, pumps, etc) and find that the size is ideal for most things (e.g. lunch, lock, clothes, book, and that package you keep meanting to bring to the post office on the way to work) and doesn't get in the way when it's empty. It has most of the features of the nicer ones (sternum strap, adjustable shoulder pad, zillions of stash pockets, straps for securing e.g. a sleeping bag to it, but not a detachable or reversible shoulder strap). Only after 3 yrs are the velcro strips that secure the main flap (in addition to buckles) are beginning to come undone and will eventually need to be replaced.

It's not cool looking though, which is a plus for me, not that I don't dream of a cocotte bag.

Can't say I'm getting much air...
You can tighten up the straps quite nicely. They have really good connectors that make it easy to pull it tight and loosen up as required. Its kinda hard to describe...What I really like is the freedom of movement in the shoulders.

Well nothing crazy, I am not taking my commuter on the half-pipe... I have just found that after hopping a curb or something my current bag can decide it wants to be 4 inches to the left (or whatever)..

when dropping into traffic having your center of gravity shift can really suck... was just wondering if the bag stays put

thanks!

I use one of these for carrying tons of stuff (groceries, computer parts, 25 lb. bags of rice, etc.)

http://www.manhattanportage.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=57&products_id=92

Doesn't shift on me although the strap can get annoying if the load's heavy, like the bag of rice.

I am a cheapskate and didn't want to spend $100 for a bag but wanted something with a good system of holding it in place. I went with a small bag from Jandd and surprisingly got a very nice bag with all the features of the more expensive bags. I paid $41 for the closeout Beulah bag (smallest). They also have some larger bags.

http://www.jandd.com/search_results.asp?txtsearchParamTxt=&txtsearchParamCat=10&txtsearchParamType=ALL&txtsearchParamMan=ALL&txtsearchParamVen=ALL&txtFromSearch=fromSearch&iLevel=1

i just got a bag from a street vendor in boston, and it blows all these away for 15 dollars.

All I'm saying is...look for the three point strap rather than the single loop strap you see on most "messenger bags". The loops are okay...but I find I spend all my time shifting the bag around on my back. The three pointer locks into place much like a regular backpack would...only with the benifit of more shoulder room.

All I'm saying is...look for the three point strap rather than the single loop strap you see on most "messenger bags". The loops are okay...but I find I spend all my time shifting the bag around on my back. The three pointer locks into place much like a regular backpack would...only with the benifit of more shoulder room.
Bags like the Chrome avoid this problem by making the strap "asymmetrical." The upper part of the strap has EVA foam padding and is very fat (perhaps four inches wide) where it meets the bag. It tapers down to the buckle in the middle of the chest. The lower part of the strap is thin and uniform. The taper on the upper part of the strap causes the bag to "find" a consistent place on my shoulder, and it barely moves at all from that position unless I pull on it.

The Chrome bag also has a stabilizer strap, but I've never needed it except when carrying a load that was so large in volume that the bag became more round than flat on my back.

- Warren

I tried a small Timbuk2 bag... it was TOO small. Then I tried the medium size... it was TOO big. I'm kinda short so to get the bag where it was comfortable on my back I had a huge amount of looping strap under the clamshell buckle thingie. Another minus was the lack of padding on the back of the bag which made carrying anything but the flattest of items quite uncomfortable. I just don't think the traditional messenger bag is for me so the search continues for the perfect bag to haul my gear. I've got a couple from Jansport on order to try. If they don't work out, I think I'll try Ieatrats's suggested Canadian bag - it looks like it would be very functional.

I use a large Timbuk2 pro line bag. Plenty big enough for my work clothes, laptop, etc. Even more indestructable than the regular line bags. I especially like the EXTREMELY large reflective panel and blinky attachment strap as many of my commutes are in the dark. I cinch the shoulder loop relatively snug and then use the stabilizer strap - it never moves an inch. I also have a non-slip Timbuk2 shoulder pad that seems to further stabilize the bag. As far as back comfort goes, I pack my clothes near my back and I have never had a problem.

I use a large Timbuk2 pro line bag. Plenty big enough for my work clothes, laptop, etc. Even more indestructable than the regular line bags. I especially like the EXTREMELY large reflective panel and blinky attachment strap as many of my commutes are in the dark. I cinch the shoulder loop relatively snug and then use the stabilizer strap - it never moves an inch. I also have a non-slip Timbuk2 shoulder pad that seems to further stabilize the bag. As far as back comfort goes, I pack my clothes near my back and I have never had a problem.


I have a large timuk2 bag also, with pad and stabalizer strap. everything about it is great except when I have to hop something.. then push the bag back into place.

Perhaps my hopping needs to get better.

I have a large timuk2 bag also, with pad and stabalizer strap. everything about it is great except when I have to hop something.. then push the bag back into place.

Perhaps my hopping needs to get better.

I use a large Timbuk2 and I find that if I keep the main shoulder strap short (so that the bag is higher on my back) and pull the secondary strap tight it stays put pretty good. I've noticed that if I don't take the time to get it on right it does move around a lot. I don't do much hopping and stuff though.

By the way... ummm... What is that thing in your avatar??? :o

I use a large Timbuk2 and I find that if I keep the main shoulder strap short (so that the bag is higher on my back) and pull the secondary strap tight it stays put pretty good. I've noticed that if I don't take the time to get it on right it does move around a lot. I don't do much hopping and stuff though.

By the way... ummm... What is that thing in your avatar??? :o


It's a baby Aye Aye.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aye-aye

I used a backpack for years, tried switching to messenger bag. Even securely strapped, the uneven pressure on my two shoulders really messed me up. I didn't really notice until it was too late, that was like a year ago and I'm still stiff on one side. Some people love 'em, I'd just pay attention to your shoulders & general symmetry.

Consider this company.....

http://www.courierwareusa.com/

I like the USED bag I bought from them a LOT!!

Yes, used. This company will take one of the bags they
make (no other brands please) in trade for a new bag
if it's in decent shape. They will then re-sell that bag
at a used price,but you have to call and ask what they
have on hand.

The bag I bought retailed for $115 new but I got it for $30
plus shipping. Threw it in the wash and had a clean "as new"
bag.

go chrome

go chrome

I dunno, I can't get over that dorky looking seatbelt clasp :)

I used a backpack for years, tried switching to messenger bag. Even securely strapped, the uneven pressure on my two shoulders really messed me up. I didn't really notice until it was too late, that was like a year ago and I'm still stiff on one side. Some people love 'em, I'd just pay attention to your shoulders & general symmetry.
When I'm actually on my bike, I tend to be bent over pretty far, placing the weight more on my back than on my shoulder. I also appreciate that my Chrome bag keeps the weight centered over my mid- and lower-back, versus backpacks that generally seem to keep the weight very high on my upper back. If I loosen the backpack straps enough to get the weight down off my upper back, the backpack ends up swinging around wildly.

Perhaps a messenger bag is less comfortable than a backpack when walking normally, but the messenger bag wins in every respect when on a bike. At least, in my opinion.

- Warren

screw mess bags! they're hard on the back... use a backpack!

Chrome.
I ride 20-30 miles a day 7 days a week 52 weeks a year. I have a dozen bags, leather, cheap, old army, back pack, panniers. I use the Chrome the most. It is expensive, but I put 24 hrs worth of stuff in it and up to 40 lbs of crap, for casual use it's not worth it. For long term use it all works, its got a seatbelt! I filled it full of ice for 2 days at Tahoe and dumped it- it dryed in 2 hours, no smell, after 1200 miles still great! Chrome.

I use a large Timbuk2 pro line bag. Plenty big enough for my work clothes, laptop, etc. Even more indestructable than the regular line bags. I especially like the EXTREMELY large reflective panel and blinky attachment strap as many of my commutes are in the dark. I cinch the shoulder loop relatively snug and then use the stabilizer strap - it never moves an inch. I also have a non-slip Timbuk2 shoulder pad that seems to further stabilize the bag. As far as back comfort goes, I pack my clothes near my back and I have never had a problem.

I have a medium that I ordered on line so it was made in SF and I got the color I wanted and added the grab-handle option too, I like it, the blinkie loop is great, and if I tighten the straps down right it doesn't move around if I jump a curb, bunny-hop massive potholes, etc.

The mass production timbuks have changed, they're more of, as one bike shop guy called it, "lifestyle" bags now, ecch. And made in China. So if you get one, get one on line and you can order the colors you like too.

I dunno, I can't get over that dorky looking seatbelt clasp :)

yeah, the seatbelt clasp can cause trouble. when i first hit the button on it, the thing swung down quickly almost hitting my toshiba. but it's worth the risk.

Okay so I picked up a chrome bag yesterday and I gotta say it's a big improvement over the REI daypack I'd been using. First I'm carrying the same gear (tools, laptop, clothes) and the weight distribution is considerably better than the backpack.

But HOLY HUGE BAG, it covers my entire back! I went w/the metropolis b/c everyone - EVERYONE - I read/spoke/queried about which size to get either is happy w/the metropolis or wants one cause the citizen is too small.

http://static.flickr.com/28/47996392_91c353e56e.jpg

I am sure I'll be glad when I go to the grocery store, but man this thing is huge.

And I like the seat belt clasps.

citzen works for me

NOW you citizens speak up! ;)

I am sure I'll be glad when I go to the grocery store, but man this thing is huge.Be careful that you don't go overboard and make it weigh a ton.

Be careful that you don't go overboard and make it weigh a ton.


Nah, I have gotten tons beer and steak home in my large timbuk2 bag. Don't listen to Grumpy Pig... unless the store is far away and you like having 2 serviceable shoulders :)

I just ordered a Kremlin 3000 cubic in mess bag at ebags for $103.
Good luck with the choice, also checkout mtbreview for ratings.

Canadian secret: $50 bag that's probably as good as a whichever 100+ one if you're not a messenger using it 8 hours a day:

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441895105&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693337&bmUID=1128004920172

maudit. just when i'd convinced myself i didn't want anything else for biking, you have to go remind me.

Hey, how do the straps on those work out for stability? I have found my timbuk2 moves around alot when I am airborne and f*cks up my balance.

I found the Timbuk2 shifts when any of the following conditions are met:

strap tension is too low

bag is not resting flat on the back

bag was not sitting high enough on the back

Once all of those are dealt with, the bag is pretty stable. On another note...if you are going airborne constantly, maybe a messenger backpack is more up your alley. The problem is if any of those conditions are not met, then when you go airborne, your back changes shape briefly, causing enough loss of friction, to allow the bag to go whereever it wants.