Commuting - Messenger bag, backpack, or rear rack?

What do you use/prefer? Why?

My friends insist that I get a messenger bag instead of my backpack, but they really haven't given me a good reason. Is there an advantage, or is it just a matter of preference?

I say preference to a point, I use my daypack (large North Face backpack) on my cummute, but during the spring through fall my back does get hot. If you dont want to have the whole rack set-up, a messenger bag will prevent your back from getting hot, but remember you are the one who is going to be riding with it, so it is your call

Back pack all the way

I have all three. They each have pros and cons.

Backpack:
Pro
Easier on the shoulders for heavy loads than messenger bag.
Can hold a hydration bladder
Weight shifts less than messenger bag.

Con
Sweaty back.
Doesn't handle oddly shaped loads well

Messenger bag:
Pro
No sweaty back
Handles oddly shaped loads
Convienient when getting on and off the bike
Easy access to items in the bag

Con
My shoulders fatigue after long rides.
Not good for heavy loads

Rack/Panniers
Pro
Best way to carry heavy items
Weight is on the bike not on you
No sweaty back
You can carry much more.

Con
Inconvienient short/multipoint trips, better for long point to point trips
Theft if left unsecured/unattended (panniers full of stuff).



I use a backpack most often because it suits the way I use my bike.

Dan

living in Va means hot sweaty summers for me. when i changed from backpack to panniers/trunkbag it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders:) teehee

topeak makes a small trunkbag that slides off the rack and clips in, I dont use it cause I am cheap, but a lot of my buddies due and it seems to suit them just fine for very small loads.

If you're going a distance then get panniers.

If you have to lug your bike up into your office, through doors, up stairs, through another set of doors etc etc then get a back pack or a messenger bag.

I used to have the rucksack - but found I didn't use it other than on the bike.
I got a Crumpler and it acts as a multipurpose hold all and I use it all the time. I now carry keys, wallet, digital camera, all bike bits (once I get off ) waterproofs, sunglasses etc all in handy compartments, I got sick of emptying the ruck sack to find 1 item - then sticking my head inside to eventually locate it. I don't commute very far and have to negotiate lots of stairs when i get there = messenger bag.

How about a trailer? I pull a bob trailer. It has an all weather bag that is about the size of a large gym bag. That way I can carry all my junk: laptop, bike tools, change of clothes and shoes all along with me back a forth from work. Works nicely year around in the midwest!

Carradice saddlebag for me. Easy on, easy off. Holds everything I need and has a laid back retro look.

Performance Transit Epic Trunkbag. Carries a light commuting load and is very aerodynamic. I went from a sweaty backpack to a large 'grocery bag' pannier to this Trunkbag. It is the best combination for me on my long and fast 38.0 mile round trip commute.

For small back-pack sized loads (20l) a Carradice saddlebag is the most effective way. It is lighter than a rack+ rack-top bag, and very aerodynamic. You can get quick-release mini-racks from carradice.
If you want to carry larger or heavier loads, then panniers. Modern clip-on panniers take a second to attach or remove. I use them for short trips as well as long hauls.
I use a backpack for very short trips (<2miles), when I am not carrying a heavy load.
Messanger bags are useful for large, lightweight loads and short hops, ie messanger type activity.

I just bought a new messenger bag. I haven't used it yet, but i'll give a review once I get my new bike(Specialized Allez Sport).

I have used both a bask pack and a home made trunk bag. the trunk bag consisted of a med sizrd cutting board anchored to a seat post rack (x-mart special both) and a larger gym type bag. looked odd but was both my own creation and hauled a ton of junk comfortably. the backpack is hotter, but can be taken wherever i go on or off the bike, and does not need to b removed for casual runs... by and large i think it is the type of riding you do that dictates what u use. back pack is harder to handle on long rides, trunk bags are unhandy to use on short runs.

I'm liking my new messenger bag (http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=5010&JServSessionIdroot=twe8pzawo6.j27001)

I just bought a new messenger bag. I haven't used it yet, but i'll give a review once I get my new bike(Specialized Allez Sport).

ohh.... please tell me you got the carbon one... the carbon one is soooo yummy! i wanted the carbon one.. but it was just way out of my budget :( but congrats on the allez!

what kinda messenger bag did you buy? i've seen many different type.. some of them are just too big for me.

back to the subject... i have a rear rack on my rockhopper (trying to add some slicks on there). so i normally just put everything in my backpack and strap it down to the rear rack. then on friday when i ride my sirrus.. i just put on the backpack... but then on friday i tend to carry lighter stuff.. so it's ok.

Sadly the full carbon isn't an option for me. I need a 62! You could say i'm tall... or am I thinking of the size limitations on the roubaix? I forget. Anyways I can't afford full carbon. I'm a poor teenager. Later on I might get a custom made frame.

Sadly the full carbon isn't an option for me. I need a 62! You could say i'm tall... or am I thinking of the size limitations on the roubaix? I forget. Anyways I can't afford full carbon. I'm a poor teenager. Later on I might get a custom made frame.

wow... still the blue one is nice as well. congrats though! now i need to buy a rear rack for my sirrus, because i took off the metal full rear rack and put it back on my rockhopper. i want a small rear rack so i can leave it on or off anytime... so i can ride faster.. hehe :D

Backpack ... I've experimented with other things and have found the backpack to be the most convenient. But my commute is pretty short too.

put yer backpack on a rack. on top that is.

put yer backpack on a rack. on top that is.

yup.. that's what i do too. when i carry light then i just wear it on my back. if it gets hot then i pull aside and put it on my rear rack and strap it down with mini bungy cord.

kinda off topic.. but merton.. did you find your bike yet? i remember you were looking for a bike before, so just wondering if you had bought a bike yet... kinda wondering what it would be.

rui :p

I use messenger bag, works great for me...

one of my favorite features of a messenger bag is the ability to access whats in your bag while riding. its really easy to swing it around to your front to be able to reach inside for whatever you need, even when using the waist strap. thats something that you cant do very well or easily using a backpack or racks.

put yer backpack on a rack. on top that is.

I'd like to do that also. I'm afraid the backpack straps will get in the rear wheel, do you do anything special to make sure that doesn't happen?

Put a milk crate on a rack, secure it with bungies, stuff your backpack in there. I doubt you will have to worry about straps falling into the rear wheel any more...

I'd like to do that also. I'm afraid the backpack straps will get in the rear wheel, do you do anything special to make sure that doesn't happen?

i just went to Target to buy some bungie cord (10packs for $3.99) and then use those to secure my backpack on the rear rack. then i can jump some curbs and what not in a parking lot with worrying it'll drop out or fall. :p

What do you use/prefer? Why?

My friends insist that I get a messenger bag instead of my backpack, but they really haven't given me a good reason. Is there an advantage, or is it just a matter of preference?

I've logged thousands of miles using a backpack. When I use it, I don't even notice I'm wearing it.

The only problem is when you switch to a backpack from a rack, or visa-versa. Your balance is very different, especially when you stand up to pedal. But after a few rides, you adjust.

i use a messenger bag. i used to use a backpack. i didn't really have any problems w/ the backpack, but it was just too small. the messenger bag is much larger, and quite comfortable to ride w/. i go on 30-40 mile rides after work carrying it(although i usually don't have much more in it than my day's clothes and whatnot) and it's fine. but it really comes in handy when i want to get groceries or cary stuff across town etc. it's great for that b/c it's so big and comfy.

I use a Camelback backpack, it holds a ton of stuff plus 70oz of water for the hot summer commutes. Your back does get sweaty but c'mon, when its 100 its gonna ge hot either way.

I have a back pack for one bike and a messenger bag that attaches to a rack.On my commuter bike I prefer a rack and panniers. I find backpacks hot, in spite of fact my Schwinn backpack says it has a coolmax lining about its exterior.
I find the messenger bag that attaches to a rack on my commuter bike does not carry enough stuff for commuting to work . Spring weather soon, When I do not have to carry a winter coat for morning ride home, maybe the messenger bag will work- when I end up carrying less stuff.