Commuting - Messenger bag recommendation?

Í'm about to start commuting to class and I'll need something to carry my books in. I've tried a backpack and it gets really hot. So I'm thinking a messenger bag would be the ideal solution. There seem to be so many out there at so many different prices. I'll need something probably considered "large". 20"x5-6"x15" or something along those lines.

I'd like to spend less than $50 if possible. But I don't really know what they typically go for. I guess I could swing $80 if I really had to.

I ordered a ripstopracer from Yak Pak (http://www.yakpak.com) and after getting it it was tiny, there's no way I could use such a small bag. I don't really like the material either, it's like a thin nylon. Something that'll stand up to wear and tear would be nice.

Chrome bags (http://www.chromebags.com/Messengerbags.html) seem to be really nice, and really expensive. like $120 or something. I really like the straps on those things.

What else is out there?

Thanks guys!!
dave

I have a TIMBUK2 El Ocho. I don't use it to commute ( my commute is freakishly short and I ride in my work clothes ), but it is very useful for trips to the LBS, grocery or book stores. And you get to design your bag. www.timbuk2.com

i saw the timbuk2 and liked it. but i think if i'm going to spend that much i might as well go with the chrome since i like the strap on it a lot.

do you think it's worth the $70 or whatever you spend on your bag?

A small Timbuk2 bag works fine for me. As the bag gets larger, the load gets heavier, very bad for your neck and shoulders in the long run...If you can't fit what you need in a small messenger bag, I recommend using panniers instead -- that way the bike carries the load, not your body. For really large loads, use a trailer. BTW -- you're going to sweat under a large messenger bag same as under a backpack, although maybe in a slightly different location.

can you use panniers without a rack?

I purchased my bag from Nashbar on sale so it was well worth the price I paid. As far as the panniers, I think it would be much eaiser to carry your books around campus in the messenger bag.

Edit: I just checked Nashbar and they do not list any TimBuk2 products at this time.

If you can find a Zo bag, go for it. Mine's over a decade old and still in great shape.

Originally posted by Ritalin
can you use panniers without a rack?

No, you pretty much need a rack for panniers.

The chrome bags are very comfortable. I was using a timbuk2 for a while but switched and am happy with the chrome. I'm not sure how often they update their 'factory seconds' page, but maybe you could find a deal there.
http://www.chromebags.com/factory_seconds.html

I highly recommend a timbuk2. I received one this past xmas and use it every day. I love it ... you can fit a ton in it, weatherproof, tons o pockets, customized look, and the warrenty is killer. I really suggest looking at them harder. If you have any questions let me know.

looks like the timbuk2 is a popular choice. i seriously thought about getting one then tried to customize the look... i couldn't do it... too many choices!

so i just ordered a chrome... we'll see how that is... hopefully it'll be worth the $$$

I have a bag from Aerostich. They make motorcycle riding gear and sell gear for motorcycling, some of it can cross over to bicycling. Their courier bags are extremely tough, have a well padded shoulder, available in different sizes/colors and have a wide reflective strip.

Aerostich Courier/Dispatch bags (http://www.aerostich.com/riderwearhouse.filereader?3f53c8fd0306ccb8271dd1f0ec070676+EN/catalogs/1034)

Aerostich/Riderswearhouse (http://www.aerostich.com/riderwearhouse.store)

Hey, update us on this when you get a chance.

Ok! Well I got the bag yesterday via UPS. It's a really nice size. and the materials and craftsmanship seem top notch. (I ended up with the Chrome Citizen). Black bag, yellow stripe. It was hard to decide which color sine they didn't have examples of each color on their site. If I had to do it over again I think I'd have gotten the black with red stripe but I thought they were out of stock. I don't want to deal with waiting or having to spend the shipping again so I'm just keeping it.

The buckle/strap on this thing is really nice. It's basically a seatbelt buckle, so it's pretty easy on and easy off... and very comfy. Here's what it looks like.

http://webpages.charter.net/notjohndavid/bagfront.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/notjohndavid/bagback.jpg


So.. what do you guys think? You can lie to me and tell me you love it even if you don't, since I spent so much on it.

looksalot like my timbuk2 bag, only with a bada$$ buckle :-)
i dig thebag, let us know how it holds up to what you put it thru.

Looks like you made a great choise. I'm sure you'll get many years of service out of it. And the black and yellow may make you more visiable to the steel cagers.

Looks like you made a great choise. I'm sure you'll get many years of service out of it. And the black and yellow may make you more visiable to the steel cagers.

Any updates? I'm looking to get a messenger bag type, but want something a bit bigger and also waterproof. Sometimes I carry bulky things that arent too heavy.

Any updates? I'm looking to get a messenger bag type, but want something a bit bigger and also waterproof. Sometimes I carry bulky things that arent too heavy.

If you're looking for a serious bag (i.e., you don't want to spend $70 now and then find out it isn't quite good enough), take a look at Baileyworks. That's what's on my Christmas wish list.

Any updates? I'm looking to get a messenger bag type, but want something a bit bigger and also waterproof. Sometimes I carry bulky things that arent too heavy.
Wow, as a noob you managed to: bring forth a zombie thread, and somehow got the search to work for ya. That or you have way to much time to be able to find a thread that is over 6 years w/o being posted to without a functioning search.

Other than that, you might want to check fixedgeargallery.com. They have a comparison of different manufacturers.

EDIT: My apologies, I was going by your post count and not your join date when I called you a noob. FYI, the BFSSFG forum might be have more info on mess bags.

My local REI has Timbuk2's on heavy discount... $120 bags selling for $50-60. (Clearance, perhaps?)

They look really nice.

Try your nearest REI

+1 for Timbuk2. . .I use a medium that is plenty roomy, settles well, is well designed and well made. The chrome stabilization strap looks to be fixed in one spot and fairly high under the arm pit. . .the Timbuk2 stabilization strap connects to a movable tab so you can position it where you want. . .

I have a Pac Designs Street Slim bag. Triple layer, wather proof, visible. Pricey, but built to last a lifetime. http://www.pacdesigns.com.

Having used both, I personally prefer the Chrome for very heavy loads (the chrome has a much wider, padded strap with a wide connection at the shoulderblade), and consider it fairly comparable to the timbuk2 otherwise. If it came down to buying one of the two, it would simply depend on whether or not I planned on using the bag for 8 hours a day as a messenger, or an hour or two as a commuter. There is no doubt in my mind that i'd rather wear the padded chrome for 8 hours, but the timbuk2 is a very comfortable bag for casual use.

That said, I would not use a messenger bag for very heavy loads either way. I'd use something that the bike carried the weight of.

Any updates? I'm looking to get a messenger bag type, but want something a bit bigger and also waterproof. Sometimes I carry bulky things that arent too heavy.

Updates? These guys graduated, got married, raised a family and died years ago.

I'm all about zombie threads, so here you go:

I have a Timbuk2 that is pretty much ancient-- belonged to my wife's ex. I never picked it up until about 5 years after we were married. I put it through hell. Carry 12packs of saranac. Live out of it to and from work, and shopping on weekends, including trips to Lowe's or Home Depot. I've never had another bag. But if they're making Timbuk2's as well as they were in the '90's, I'd say that's the way to go. I wouldn't trust fancy buckles and so on. Maybe even try to track down a used bag?