Commuting - Is This Bag Safe?

Hi y'all. I'm looking into getting a new messenger bag for commuting, and was liking the Crumpler Complete Seed. However, I noticed there are no reflectors or a place to attach my blinke? Should I still get it, or go for another bag? Here's a link to their site: http://www.crumplerbags.com/Cart/index.php?catId=6
http://www.crumpler.ca/Cart/Resources/CartResources/185_res/b185_o1.jpg

Thanks for the help.

Why not just keep a blinkie on your bike? That's what I do. As for the bag? Looks safe to me. Unless I saw it sitting unattended in an airport Starbucks. Then I'd spazz out and evacute the terminal. Don't become complacent!

well crumplers are top notch bags and as for reflectors why not just have some swe on or as was suggested why not just put a blnker on your bike.

Ok. So maybe "safe" was too harsh of a word. "Well-suited" is more appropriate. But thanks for your help and keep the input coming.

Crumplers are excellent bags... and if you're lucky enough to hit the "Beer for Bags" sale, so much the better.

That bag looks like it would rob you at gunpoint and then get drunk and drive home.

That bag looks like it would rob you at gunpoint and then get drunk and drive home.

I was afraid of that, I've heard stories. Let me guess, you found out the hard way?

The more directional a blinkie (and the high output ones like the SuperFlash and LD-1000 are very directional) the less useful it is if attached to a bag. I've seen numerous bag clipped-on blinkies that are pointed up, right, etc. but not straight back and level with the ground. No matter how good your plan is to keep it level, sight body position changes, changes in the load in the bag, etc. are enough to aim it wrong.

Best is to mount the blinkies to the bike.

Al

The more directional a blinkie (and the high output ones like the SuperFlash and LD-1000 are very directional) the less useful it is if attached to a bag. I've seen numerous bag clipped-on blinkies that are pointed up, right, etc. but not straight back and level with the ground. No matter how good your plan is to keep it level, sight body position changes, changes in the load in the bag, etc. are enough to aim it wrong.

Best is to mount the blinkies to the bike.




+1

The more directional a blinkie (and the high output ones like the SuperFlash and LD-1000 are very directional) the less useful it is if attached to a bag. I've seen numerous bag clipped-on blinkies that are pointed up, right, etc. but not straight back and level with the ground. No matter how good your plan is to keep it level, sight body position changes, changes in the load in the bag, etc. are enough to aim it wrong.

Best is to mount the blinkies to the bike.

Al

Bingo! I'm also a Crumpler fetishist...

The more directional a blinkie (and the high output ones like the SuperFlash and LD-1000 are very directional) the less useful it is if attached to a bag. I've seen numerous bag clipped-on blinkies that are pointed up, right, etc. but not straight back and level with the ground. No matter how good your plan is to keep it level, sight body position changes, changes in the load in the bag, etc. are enough to aim it wrong.

Best is to mount the blinkies to the bike.

Al

I do both. Smaller blinkie on the bike, and that giant triangular one on my bag.

I do both. Smaller blinkie on the bike, and that giant triangular one on my bag.

As I get better blinkies, the older ones migrate to my body (helmet, bag, etc.) But my primary and best blinkies are on the bike.

Al

As I get better blinkies, the older ones migrate to my body (helmet, bag, etc.) But my primary and best blinkies are on the bike.

Al

+1

Looks good, and I know this isn't what you asked... but you might check out the Banjo Bro's messenger bag if you want the aforementioned features. It has a large reflector strip down the front and loops for the blink.

Looks good, and I know this isn't what you asked... but you might check out the Banjo Bro's messenger bag if you want the aforementioned features. It has a large reflector strip down the front and loops for the blink.

Well I was debating between this and the Bailey Works Super Pro medium. However, I like the more versatile strap on the Crumpler as it can be worn more than one way on both shoulders.

If you're concerned about the lack of a reflective strip you could always go to the smaller Barney Rustle Blanket or a size larger and go with the Fux Deluxe. Both of these have a reflective strip on them. I have the Barney and I like it, but it's a little bit on the small side. Good for a change of clothing, but gets a bit full if you try to stuff shoes in there too.

Well I was debating between this and the Bailey Works Super Pro medium. However, I like the more versatile strap on the Crumpler as it can be worn more than one way on both shoulders.

Super Pro's strap can be move to either side. I moved both of mine because I wear my bags on the right shoulder. They're also better suited to carry heavy loads and can be tightened/loosened with one hand. The buckle on the Crumpler is the same as a Timbuk2;you need 2 hands to work it and it's a pain to use if you wear your bag on the right shoulder.

I picked up a Crumpler from REI's online outlet,but returned it. Not as many pockets as a Super Pro,and they don't claim to be waterproof. Baileys have a proper tarp lining,and are waterproof.

+ 1 on the Banjo Bros. Nice bags. I actually just picked up a large Messenger Backpack
by Banjo Bros. Completely waterproof, even zipper material is waterproof, and the liner is
removable.

The Crumpler store in NYC (west side) will customize messenger bags. You could have a reflective strip and blinky tag put on if you wanted (for extra).

Any Crumpler bag is safe, apart from the carbon fiber ones, which are lethal.

The Crumpler store in NYC (west side) will customize messenger bags. You could have a reflective strip and blinky tag put on if you wanted (for extra).

Any Crumpler bag is safe, apart from the carbon fiber ones, which are lethal.

Yeah. A good idea, however, when I called them they told me that this wasn't feasible as I'm out of state, and the option to customize won't be on the website "until sometime next year." I went with the Bailey, but I really appreciate all your advice and feedback. Thanks again.

Bal