Foo - Why I hate messenger bags

1) They distribute weight unevenly. If you have more than a notebook in there, they will hurt your shoulders and back.

2) They're overpriced compared to ergonomically superior backpacks.

3) They typically make you look like a tool. Especially those TIMBUK2 bags.

4) I hate hipsters, and more often than not, hipsters are rocking the messenger bags.

Discuss.

My osprey sack has treated me fairly well. For school, it's far superior to a BD backpack I've been using for some years.

It's all about the fit and the intended usage. The bag itself is mostly irrelevant.

1) They distribute weight unevenly. If you have more than a notebook in there, they will hurt your shoulders and back.

2) They're overpriced compared to ergonomically superior backpacks.

3) They typically make you look like a tool. Especially those TIMBUK2 bags.

4) I hate hipsters, and more often than not, hipsters are rocking the messenger bags.

Discuss.

mine is well padded, and fits my back well. and doesnt hurt my shoulders or back.
mine cost about 40 bucks and can hold a full load of clothes.

doesnt this thread get started about once a week in some sub forum or another around here?

discuss.




oh and i like excuses to post pics of my bag

shamless plug
http://stupidhurts.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMGP4166.jpg%5Chttp://stupidhurts.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMGP4166.jpg
discuss

That's rather clean, isn't it?

okay, well that's actually a nice looking bag.

I hate messenger bags, except for that one c0urt has....

I agree, especially with #1 and #2.

They're not designed to be comfortable. They're more concerned about easy access (you can load/unload without taking it off). If you don't need those features, might as well get a back pack.

And like all other "cycling-specific" products, you're paying a premium.

okay, well that's actually a nice looking bag.

I hate messenger bags, except for that one c0urt has....

thanks!

that pic was right after i made it. it isnt that clean now. the blue and red parts dont show dirt really.

fk you and your timbk2....LOL! I've used both extensively and actually think my timbuk2 performs better than a backpack...but troll away!

I prefer them over backpacks. Backpacks makes me feel unfree. Best solution is panniers. Other than that buy a messanger bag that has straps to secure it to your side. It sort of floats freely over clinging to your back.

1) They distribute weight unevenly. If you have more than a notebook in there, they will hurt your shoulders and back.

2) They're overpriced compared to ergonomically superior backpacks.

3) They typically make you look like a tool. Especially those TIMBUK2 bags.

4) I hate hipsters, and more often than not, hipsters are rocking the messenger bags.

Discuss.

messenger bags were around long before those fg churning, pbr sipping, stupid tattoo decorated morons decided to become a 'sub-culture'.

I prefer them over backpacks. Backpacks makes me feel unfree. Best solution is panniers. Other than that buy a messanger bag that has straps to secure it to your side. It sort of floats freely over clinging to your back.

Panniers are convenient for those that meet the following:

1) don't park the bike many times a day in a place where poeple might go "searching for treasure" on your bike. (in this case, frequent unclipping/reclipping of panniers would get irritating)

2) Have space at your destination for them (some of us working folks only have a rather small locker to fit all our stuff in)

3) don't mind having all that weight over their back wheel (I found out after losing it on a few sand patches located at the intersections out here, that panniers are more of a liability for me than anything....unless you don't mind going really slow that is)

I'm not knocking them, my point is there is an answer for everyone....mine happened to be a messenger bag. backpacks pull at my shoulders in a way I don't like...it feels like my upper torso flexibility is being compromised. For me a messenger bag is the ultimate in comfort, convenience and practicality. Heck, I even use my Timbuk2 as a carry-on when flying (I just remove the reflectors and torso strap).

messenger bags were around long before those fg churning, pbr sipping, stupid tattoo decorated morons decided to become a 'sub-culture'.

Wait a second there, mister. You're telling me you're NOT a so-called 'hipster?'


Dangit all to hades. I'm going to have to return all my wardrobe to Hot Topic.


Where should I be outfitting myself these days to be a part of the correct 'sub-culture?'







;)

Wait a second there, mister. You're telling me you're NOT a so-called 'hipster?'


Dangit all to hades. I'm going to have to return all my wardrobe to Hot Topic.


Where should I be outfitting myself these days to be a part of the correct 'sub-culture?'







;)


here (http://www.vintagehipster.com/), here (www.urbanoutfitters.com), or billyburg.

here (http://www.vintagehipster.com/), here (www.urbanoutfitters.com), or billyburg.

I thought you were going to point me here (http://www.nashbar.com). Or here (http://www.walmart.com).

I guess this padawan still has much to learn.

My Badlands pack from SLC cost 120 bucks 8 years ago. I got that after my messenger bag drove me nuts and eventually broke. No problems with Badlands and their you break it we fix it warranty. Plus they are as comfy as can be.

I thought you were going to point me here (http://www.nashbar.com). Or here (http://www.walmart.com).

I guess this padawan still has much to learn.

i thought you wanted to go for the generic i'm a hipster look.

A messenger bag shot my pa in cold blood. Sheriff Taylor says that he thinks Barney can track him down at checkpoint chickey.

I just want to see at least one renegade messenger bag brought to justice.

my messenger bag got drunk and ate my glove last night

i can't stand riding with a backpack. i can't stand hiking with a messenger bag.

what do you wear if riding to a hike?

lingerie

what do you wear if riding to a hike?
messenger bag, with backpack inside.
.

I've been thinking about getting a TIMBUK2 bag for a while, because I get them at cost price :p.

REI has Timbuk2 bags for dirt cheap sometimes. Look at the outlet portion of the website. I see them in there pretty often.

I got a messenger bag a while back (Chrome Mini-Metro, the smallest model), and I'm really liking it a lot more than I liked using a backpack. Seems to hold a load better, is more comfortable to wear while riding, easy to get into, etc etc. The seatbelt-buckle latch looks really cool, but it's handy and reliable as well.

Okay, it makes me look like something of a hipster-doofus-wannabe, but whatever. *shrug*

I have both a Timbuk2 and a Chrome bag and I'm happy that I got both. Yeah, I look like a hipster (minus the tattoos) when I ride my fixed gear with my Chrome bag but I think my messenger bag is great. I tried riding my bike with a backpack and it was uncomfortable for I found myself over packing my bag and hurting my bag in the long run. Since I began riding with my messenger bag I only ride with my necessities which has saved my shoulders and back a lot of pain.

Finally, I'm with botto, messenger bags were used long before the whole FG culture became big.

1) They distribute weight unevenly. If you have more than a notebook in there, they will hurt your shoulders and back.




i guess if you don't know how to pack a bag properly, then it could hurt, but i often overload any one of mine, but knowing and understanding each bag and where to pack the heavy items, ie a little common sense, will totally cure any discomfort, that is unless you are using one of the lower end ones..

I have a Crumpler - it holds more than any backpack I've ever gotten and has held up to some serious abuse for over a year. Granted, I don't keep it on for hours on end but for 20 mins here and there it's been perfect for weekend trips or fill it up with groceries.

you know, i actually had to look up hipster on wikipedia today.

so to make matters worse. i was out at lunch and i sat down at a table with a kid in a clean pair of pumas and a pair of store bought patched up jeans he purchased from A&E, while i was wearing a dirty pair of pumas and a pair of jeans i patched up because i crash in them and i cant buy another pair right now.

I wanted to laugh and say something. but i decided to let it fly

Panniers are convenient for those that meet the following:



I'm not knocking them, my point is there is an answer for everyone....mine happened to be a messenger bag. backpacks pull at my shoulders in a way I don't like...it feels like my upper torso flexibility is being compromised. For me a messenger bag is the ultimate in comfort, convenience and practicality. Heck, I even use my Timbuk2 as a carry-on when flying (I just remove the reflectors and torso strap).

that's why my bike for hauling stuff is a touring bike. Wheels/ rims ready for weight plus a sturdy frame. now , my race bike- all I usually need is my jersey's pockets, plus a small handlebar bag.

messenger bags were around long before those fg churning, pbr sipping, stupid tattoo decorated morons decided to become a 'sub-culture'.


Botto, I have died laughing after I read this post and found out it was you!:beer::beer:


I thought, "what kind of poet wrote this?". And then I saw your name. I must give you props botto.

1) They distribute weight unevenly. If you have more than a notebook in there, they will hurt your shoulders and back.

2) They're overpriced compared to ergonomically superior backpacks.

3) They typically make you look like a tool. Especially those TIMBUK2 bags.

4) I hate hipsters, and more often than not, hipsters are rocking the messenger bags.

Discuss.

1) notebook? try up to 50lbs of paper plus weight of bag, my kremlin empty of freight weighs 12lbs, try getting in better shape, with it comes endurance and better load carrying ability

2) Oh I dunno, $178 shipped for my Chrome bag, it handles any weather ohio can throw at me and gets to go thru 70 stops a day 5 days a week and will haul just about anything I want to haul. At 3300 cubic inches it is occasionally too small, but they don't make a bigger bag :(

3) who cares, I ride for a living, how I look is the last thing on my mind

4) agree, its like the roadie posers all kitted out, all show and no go

The first mess bag I used was a borrowed Timbiu2 which convinced me that I liked mess bags and should buy one of my own. I bought a used Chrome from a friend and it's a 100 times better than the timbuk2 was, FWIW. I found that the timbuk2 worked better than a backpack when properly loaded and adjusted and the Chrome is even nicer. I also use one of the small bags I'm selling and it's great too. I love me some mess bags.

Catatonic, it sounds like you need to a) get a better backpack, possibly one that fits you properly and has all the needed straps. I find a chest strap is more than enough for packs up to 40L. Then b) learn how to load it properly. A quick google search or a trip to your local library can give you more information on this.

Plus, they're remarkably durable:

http://colin.bloodyflapper.com/images/random/pack.jpg

Some tent stitching and pack glue later, good as new. That was after flipping over my bars when I broke an axle hopping a curb on my Schwinn SS going about 20mph. No doubt the pack took most of the damage.


Oh, and if you're looking for a backpack that has larger capacity, focus on packs that are intended for climbing and alpine use as they tend to be more centered on the back, allowing a greater freedom of movement as well as a more stable fit.

At 3300 cubic inches it is occasionally too small, but they don't make a bigger bag :(Holy moly, the Kremlin is too small? Dang.

Holy moly, the Kremlin is too small? Dang.

yup

about a week or so ago I showed up for my scheduled 3pm pick with my bag already holding about 2 feet of paper, the 3 more feet of depositions wouldn't quite fit, so I ended up making an extra trip, that is not a good thing

when I'm doing my grocery shopping it can be a bit small too sometimes

I bought a Timbuk2 on sale at REI a couple of years ago. It works very well for carrying my stuff... don't get paid for it though. I think I'm too old to be a hipster, although I do remember folks being called that in the '50s. Do I need to get tattoos?

Only if it's a heart with a dagger through it that says "mom"

Or a star.

about a week or so ago I showed up for my scheduled 3pm pick with my bag already holding about 2 feet of paper, the 3 more feet of depositions wouldn't quite fit, so I ended up making an extra trip, that is not a good thingWow, if faced with that much to carry, I'd jump straight to a full compliment of racks and panniers. Though I suppose you're not just delivering it to the front door of your destinations, so that probably wouldn't be very convenient (or theft proof).

Damn, that's a lot of paper.


Or a star.I was going to add this if you didn't mention it.

The med sized Timbuk2 bag I bought is a bit bigger than I wanted but the small was too small. But I got a big discount so i bought it. It's been great. The straps are nice and large instead of the thin and small kind that dig into your shoulder.

It's just more comfortable than a backback to me and I can swing it around, pull out my book and swing it back instead of taking it off like I would a backpack.

I was on the train and guy with a Chrome bag forgot to buckle his strap and when he swung his bag it knocked the paper out of the guy's hand sitting across from him.

Damn, that's a lot of paper.
Lawyers....

Lawyers....

yup, they do generate lots of paper, especially domestic law