Commuting - Messenger packs versus pure backpacks

I'd like to upgrade my carry system. (I already have panniers, but don't use them much as I generally have to carry my gear around during the day.)

I've been using backpacks without problem, and am thinking of upgrading to a better, more convenient one. I've never used a real messenger bag, but I did try shoulder-strap style bags, which seemed to swing all over the place when I was riding (really annoying).

Two questions for the diehard users:

1) Why a messenger bag over backpack? I agree they look "cooler", but functionally, any advantage?

2) Any backpacks to recommend? Important things for me are:
- High visibility reflectives
- A hook of some sort to latch a blinky onto. (I like 2 rear blinkies - one on my helmet & one on the bag.)
- Heavy duty
- Easily accessible useful small external compartments to store keys and stuff in.

I use a backpack just because I don't feel like buying a messenger bag. I put a basket on top of my rack because panniers got in the way, and it works great. I just drop my backpack into the basket.

I have used a messenger bag and I agree with you, they look cool. Easy to sling over your shoulder. But, I need to have that secondary strap on mind fastened to keep the bag from swinging out of place. Plus, having to adjust it to have it ride high enough so I don't sit on it when I come to a stop. I also switch on and off to a backpack (Jansport) which actually, fits better and more secure than the messenger bag. It is more compartmentalized than my messenger bag which I like. Once on, I forget the backpack is there. The messenger bag; no, because it tends to need constant adjustment as it wants to slide over to my side. My backpack isn't waterproof so I need to cover it with this rain cover I purchased seperately. I recommend a backpack. More secure during the ride. Not as cool looking though as the hipster messenger bag.

My personal preference is for a messenger bag because it tends to reside lower on your back side while riding and doesn't creep up onto your neck (as all the backpacks I've used tend to do). It's also easier to access what's inside at stoplights (or even on the fly) when you need to get/put something like glasses or gloves out/in. Messenger bags do tend swing from side to side a bit, but that's never bothered me much. I hear they now make bike-specific backpacks that carry the load lower on your back, but haven't tried any to see how they work. In the end, I think its just what you find more comfortable personally.

I use a mess bag. It's a chrome metropolis (which I know lots of people like to rip on because they're trendy or whatever but who gives a poop). I love it because it's comfortable. The one shoulder thing I love. I actually re-tried a backpack a year or so after I started the mess bag and I experienced major fatigue. It has attachment for a blinky, it's waterproof, and it holds all my stuff. I highly recommend at least a peak at this bag.

I use a backpack with a mesh back called Marmot Zephyr (http://www.trailspace.com/gear/marmot/zephyr/) for my main hauls. This works well even in the summer because my back still gets some wind while riding. Stopped at a light is a completely different story, just like any backpack, but the advantage of the wind while riding outweighs the con.

If I'm carrying light then I use a small duffle bag (http://www.outdoorproducts.com/proddetail.aspx?sku=236-) from Outdoor Products. This acts like a messenger bag except its cyclindrical and covers up less area of my back, keeping me cooler.

The other day i saw about 10 people with chrome bags... not sure how I feel about this one. I like my timbuk2 messenger classic which is holding up to a beating. I prefer messenger bags simply because i hate zippers and i'm too used to the single strap.

I prefer mess bags unless I'm hauling heavy loads like groceries. Real ones(T2,Baileyworks,Chrome) have proper straps that won't move when you ride.

For the OP,the backpack you want is a Timbuk2 Pro,the ones with the reflective center section. They're no longer made,but pop up occationally on eBay. The current backpacks they offer aren't as nice,but you can get them custom built with reflective materials. Also,I've never seen a single strap bag,and very few backpakcs,with a blinky loop that didn't point the thing skywards to signal aliens when you leaned forward on the bars. Highly recommend you use a seatpost/seatstay/rack mount for proper visability.

I prefer mess bags unless I'm hauling heavy loads like groceries. Real ones(T2,Baileyworks,Chrome) have proper straps that won't move when you ride.

For the OP,the backpack you want is a Timbuk2 Pro,the ones with the reflective center section. They're no longer made,but pop up occationally on eBay. The current backpacks they offer aren't as nice,but you can get them custom built with reflective materials. Also,I've never seen a single strap bag,and very few backpakcs,with a blinky loop that didn't point the thing skywards to signal aliens when you leaned forward on the bars. Highly recommend you use a seatpost/seatstay/rack mount for proper visability.


The timbuk2 classic messenger has a thing for your lights. It may seem like it would point up to the sky, but the weight of any taillight with 2 AAA batteries will weigh it down and therefore will face directly behind you.

Personally I'd say if you'll be carrying much off the bike, a backpack is the way to go. You can also get "messenger backpacks" nowadays that do a fine job. Generally they are more likely to be waterproof, and they taper towards the top so that they don't present a big visual obstacle when you are leaning forward and want to look behind you. Chrome makes a nice one, and I have one from Crumpler that I like (though it's not fully waterproof).

All that said, some people seem just fine with one strap. Works for me on a bike, but if I'm walking around more than a few minutes, it quickly becomes very painful.

The timbuk2 classic messenger has a thing for your lights. It may seem like it would point up to the sky, but the weight of any taillight with 2 AAA batteries will weigh it down and therefore will face directly behind you.

Still points up if you're leaning foreward,and if you wear it on the left shoulder like most people do,it also points toward the right.

I didn't like the two straps from a backpack tugging on my armpits while I was riding. The single strap is just more comfortable to me. I can still fit around the same amount of stuff in either, but the way things sit inside the messenger bag while riding seems to make me feel more balanced while riding.

I use a mess bag. It's a chrome metropolis (which I know lots of people like to rip on because they're trendy or whatever but who gives a poop). I love it because it's comfortable. The one shoulder thing I love. I actually re-tried a backpack a year or so after I started the mess bag and I experienced major fatigue. It has attachment for a blinky, it's waterproof, and it holds all my stuff. I highly recommend at least a peak at this bag.

i agree. i covered up the chrome decal with a patch. despite their trendiness, they are actually really functional. i rode 10 miles through pretty holey roads (thanks Queens county!) with containers totally filled with saag paneer, channa masala, rice, and nan. not even a leak. i don't think even think a grain of rice had moved. before my chrome bag, i tried all sorts of messenger bags and back packs including timbuk2, crumpler, quicksilver backpacks, etc. i will still ride with backpacks sometimes, but if i actually need to carry things, i will use the chrome bag.

Another Chrome Metropolis guy here. Why do I use that instead of a backpack?

Comfort: I don't like the way backpacks feel over my shoulders and under my armpits. The single strap on the messenger bag is just more comfortable for me.
Capacity: The thing is freakin' huge. I could fit two backpacks into it.
Quality: The Chrome bag will last longer than my knees, unless it gets stolen or lost, I'll never need to buy another bag.
Easy access: I can get inside the bag while still wearing it.

I use an Osprey Atmos 35 backpack. They go on sale at REI sometimes. A backpack may have a higher center of gravity versus a messenger bag or fanny pack. A simple chest strap between the backpack's shoulder strap will allow adjustment so the shoulder straps do not rub. Cargo cinch straps will pack the load securely so it will not flop around. A lot of weight up high in a backpack can be dangerous.

Still points up if you're leaning foreward,and if you wear it on the left shoulder like most people do,it also points toward the right.


Points directly backwards for me.

I'd like to upgrade my carry system. (I already have panniers, but don't use them much as I generally have to carry my gear around during the day.)

I've been using backpacks without problem, and am thinking of upgrading to a better, more convenient one. I've never used a real messenger bag, but I did try shoulder-strap style bags, which seemed to swing all over the place when I was riding (really annoying).

Two questions for the diehard users:

1) Why a messenger bag over backpack? I agree they look "cooler", but functionally, any advantage?

2) Any backpacks to recommend? Important things for me are:
- High visibility reflectives
- A hook of some sort to latch a blinky onto. (I like 2 rear blinkies - one on my helmet & one on the bag.)
- Heavy duty
- Easily accessible useful small external compartments to store keys and stuff in.

If by 'stuff' you mean very minimal odds and ends, then this (http://www.banjobrothers.com/products/cyclingbackpacks.php) will fill every one of your criteria and add waterproofness as well.

I've got the Large and it's almost too big. Thinking about getting the smaller one for day to day and keeping the bigger one for winter (for when I need a place to stash more clothes).

My Osprey Float messenger bag is fantastic for me -- but I just bring the day's clothes and lunch, don't carry laptop or anything really heavy.

What I like is I can cinch the waist strap down tight around the hips. The bag sits low, and most of the pressure is taken off the shoulder and put on the hip. It doesn't move around at all.

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:aRWMaqAIOgx-eM:http://www.shoes.com/ProductImages/SHOES_I1EC1194724.JPG

^Here it is.

I hardly use my Crumpler backpack at all.

Actually, does anyone know anything about telling whether zippers are sturdy?

The main (only?) problem I've ever had with all my prior backpacks is that one or more of the zippers would fail. I'd gladly spend extra for something with bulletproof zippers.

Right now, I'm leaning toward the BanjoBros backpack - those are schweet.

I've got a few mess bags, my vote is for the backpack.

I own and use both a messenger bag and an assortment of backpacks, and use them interchangeably (oh, and panniers too). I personally find the backpacks more comfortable. When I carry a heavy load in a messenger bag, my shoulder gets tired quite quickly because the weight is not distributed evenly. When I carry the same weight in a backpack, I hardly notice it. The effect is amplified for walking: I have a fairly big messenger bag, and even walking with an empty one is somewhat awkward. I also don't find it easy to get stuff out of the bag on the fly: I need to unbuckle the supporting strap, then swing the bag around, then open the huge flap, which then gets in the way, fish out what I need, swing the bag back, find the supporting strap, buckle it up... It's faster and easier to just take the bag off. Also, I like different compartments for organization, and in my experience most messenger bags don't tend to have a lot of pockets (though perhaps some do).

The main reason I do use the messenger bag sometimes is that it's the biggest bag I own (aside from a huge gym bag which is really not suited for bike riding). No backpack or pannier I have will hold as much as that bag. But then I don't want to travel long distances with all that stuff that can be loaded there, because, as I said, it's not that comfortable. So it's been useful for grocery trips and that one time I had to take a vacuum cleaner to the shop for repairs. :) Oh, and it's the only bag I have that's waterproof - and that's a huge plus. However, you can also get backpacks that are big and waterproof.

I think a lot depends on your riding position too. Most of my bikes are not very upright, but not super-TT-style-aerodynamic either. If I were leaning forward more on my rides, I may have found that backpacks ride up to my neck (I did experience that some even with the bikes I do own). And I may have found that my mess. bag just rests comfortably on my lower back and the weight is not pulling down on the shoulder much. Lots of people swear by their messenger bags, after all, and find them very comfy and convenient.

STOP WASTING BLINKIES BY PUTTING THEM ON BACKPACKS AND MESSENGER BAGS. PLEASE.

Sheesh... The few whose lights actually point towards drivers are rare and lucky, but almost all the ones I've noticed I only saw after I saw the person riding the bike (and even then, I probably saw their reflectors first... if they had any).

I'll have to try a backpack again sometime. But, with whatever I have on my back (whether messenger bag or backpack), I hike it up as far as it'll go, and backpacks tend to push against the back of my head.

I tend to use panniers most often, anyway. Definitely the most comfortable for my back.

Google reviews of the Osprey Talon or check the reviews for it at http://www.bikepacking.net/ It's a really nice pack for biking.

If I am only carrying a few small items I will run my camelbak Hellion, but if, like usual, I am carrying a bucket load of stuff I take my messenger bag. While I can carry lots of stuff in my backpack, it sticks way out off my back and feels somewhat awkward. My northface messenger bag spreads everything out across my lower back and I don't even notice the extra weight.

So, in response to your question, there is no perfect answer.... My suggestion is hit up a store that sells both and load them up and wear them to see what you like.

STOP WASTING BLINKIES BY PUTTING THEM ON BACKPACKS AND MESSENGER BAGS. PLEASE.

Sheesh... The few whose lights actually point towards drivers are rare and lucky, but almost all the ones I've noticed I only saw after I saw the person riding the bike (and even then, I probably saw their reflectors first... if they had any).

I'll have to try a backpack again sometime. But, with whatever I have on my back (whether messenger bag or backpack), I hike it up as far as it'll go, and backpacks tend to push against the back of my head.

I tend to use panniers most often, anyway. Definitely the most comfortable for my back.

Mine work. I've had friends check them out. Plus, the PB Superflash is bright.

I had one stolen right off my bike along with my small pack carrying my inner tube in an urban not-so-crime laden area. Not worth it to me to leave it on the bike.

I think the bigger issue than the one you mention though is the fact that 90% of the folks I see riding with blinkers out there have batteries that are old - I've seen PB superflashes that I could barely make out in pitch black darkness. If you keep your rechargeables hot, they are hella bright. I try to charge mine every 1-2 weeks - even though the light is rated for 80-100 hours, I'd say it still loses 30% of brightness after 1-2 weeks compared to a fresh set, as I have tested side-to-side (I have 2 PB Superflashes and a Mars 3.0)

^^^ Unclip it from the bike when you lock up, then. Takes two seconds.

I second the Marmot Zephyr. Great pack. Sternum strap keeps it in place on your back. Main straps are very comfy. Suspended mesh keeps the back cool. Narrow profile up top allows for excellent visibility when looking over your shoulders. Back flap for quickly stuffing a jacket in when you overheat as the day warms, or carrying large objects like skateboards, cable boxes, small computers, etc.

Cons: Narrow profile at the top translates into kinda a pain to load, but if you do more than 4 load/unload operations per day, you might wanna look at a messenger bag, anyways, as they excel in that area. No reflective bits whatsoever. It's a bit tall for my very short torso, requiring me to get it in exactly the right place to be comfy.

I used to try lights on bags, but they're really most reliable on the bike. LEDs have a fairly narrow beam. If a bag mounted light is pointing straight back on my road bike, it's not gonna be when I'm on my MTB.

^^^ Unclip it from the bike when you lock up, then. Takes two seconds.

Also forgot to mention - not sure where to mount a clip on my bike. The seatpost is occupied by a seatbag (I'm short, so there's no extra room to mount a blinkie there without squishing the bag), and my rear rack doesn't have a clip. (Why don't they put a clip on the back of these racks, anyway? Seems like a frightfully obvious and useful place to have a clip, yet I haven't seen a rack with one yet!)

My BP Superflash came with smaller clips that work on my seat stays, I'm sure yours did too. I think BP also sells an adapter clip/mount for racks.

My BP Superflash came with smaller clips that work on my seat stays, I'm sure yours did too. I think BP also sells an adapter clip/mount for racks.

Yes, it did - unfortunately, by seat is so low that the few inches of room between the seat stay and the rack is occupied by the rear bag. Doh.

Also forgot to mention - not sure where to mount a clip on my bike. The seatpost is occupied by a seatbag (I'm short, so there's no extra room to mount a blinkie there without squishing the bag), and my rear rack doesn't have a clip. (Why don't they put a clip on the back of these racks, anyway? Seems like a frightfully obvious and useful place to have a clip, yet I haven't seen a rack with one yet!)

Should've bought a rack with a rear mount, then. Or you could get some hardware bits and fabricate a mount. Planet Bike also sells (and sometimes includes with lights) a small-diameter mount that works fine on the tubing of a typical rack. Or you could use the mid-size mount that comes with the PBSF and mount it to a seatstay; that's what I do with my road bike.

Whatever problem you have, someone else has thought of -- and is probably marketing -- a solution. We're not totally isolated from outside help.

I use panniers for commuting, and this (http://www.deuterusa.com/products/productDetail.php?packID=speedlite20&sub=alpine&tert=speed) backpack for errands. It is a skiing backpack that I actually purchased for jogging to work a few years ago. Once I started cycling recently, it found purpose again :) It is very lightweight, does not interfere with arms, stays put, and has a springy mesh back which helps somewhat with sweating.

For extra visibility, I loop one of these (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=236987&cp=2367438.2367828.2651892) ankle reflectors through the outer "pocket".

Yes, it did - unfortunately, by seat is so low that the few inches of room between the seat stay and the rack is occupied by the rear bag. Doh.
Does rear bag mean pannier?

My best, most securely-mounted rear rack light: ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/BarracksSi/Bike/IMG_0610.jpg

That's ridiculous! What is it? I can't really read it. --something--octra

That's ridiculous! What is it? I can't really read it. --something--octra

It's a Busch & Muller Selectra, a generator-powered three-LED taillight that's hard to find in the States:
http://bumm.de/index.html?docu/320.htm

Bought it and a DLumotec Oval LED headlight last time I was in Germany, upgrading from the OEM Shimano halogen headlight that came on this dynohub-equipped Bianchi.

another chrome metropolis user here. In case anyone hasn't noticed or gone to chrome's website, it has a secondary strap to keep it steady even when you're whipping sick 45mph elbow draggers through drainage grates like I do /zeroHyperboleAtAll

It, like many other bags, sucks on hot days and makes your back a fine sauna. rack/bags make a good backup plan. The real value in the metropolis is the fact that you can stuff everything in it. I'm serious. You could smuggle infants in this thing and it'll still pass as carry-on for plane trips. I love a multitasker. between this and my 7 million dollar home, I had no troubles getting all my gear through my last flight pain-free and trouble-free.

throw the dense heavy stuff in a pannier, but leave the bulk to the metropolis. If you don't think it'll fit in the bag...it will, you're just not pushing hard enough :)

edit: also, my pb superflash lowrides on my seatpost when i have a seatbag, and up by my butt when i remove the seatbag because i'm running my rack/pan-EARs. this is on a small allez, which makes it a little more difficult to fit everything. grab the seatstay mount and start playing with it, or hell, try repacking your gear if you're already up to a seatbag, panniers, and a backpack. you might just be carrying way too much.

This topic's title came up just at the right time for me. I've been considering trying out a messenger bag as an alternative to my good old Jansport backpack. OK, I'm a bit on the cheap side; I got the backpack at a thrift store for $4.50 and today I picked up a pack I have high hopes for at another thrift store for $5. Here's a picture:

http://www.gemline.com/gemline/controls/img/items/alts/e1_5070.jpg
It's really designed for toting computers. It has a single strap and is carried like a messenger bag. I have yet to put it to the test with a real live commute, but it has great possibilities. It can slip to one side (I guess like most messenger bags), but it has eyelets that allow a lower waist strap to be attached.

This bag is produce by a specialty company called Gemline that produces corporate logo stuff. But, it looks like it may be available online in unit quantities ($20!). There are plenty of internal pockets and dividers. It appeals to me because I can stick my big and heavy ULock in the front pouch far away from my back. It doesn't flop open as wide as the Jansport but certainly wide enough. It's pretty well made with quality zippers and materials.
http://www.gemline.com/gemline/products/style-detail.aspx?productid=445&catid=1&subcatid=8&desid=0 It's known as the Spectrum Computer Mono Pack.
Hopefully it will work for my daily commute; it wasn't much of a monetary investment and I'm one of those people who love to find a bargain.

I've got a metropolis, too. It's the first bag I've ever used that didn't mess with my riding at all, whether a messenger bag or a standard backpack. The adjustment period to riding with it was zero.

I have to say, even though this isn't the biggest bag Chrome makes, from both form and function, I appreciate the large metropolis. I'm 6'2'', 250 lbs, and I've got a skeletal structure that makes my torso the size of a palatial landscape. Backpacks have never fit right and generally end up looking like those tiny purse-backpacks from the late 90's. It holds everything I need AND I don't look like some glandular fourth grader. So far it's been worth every penny.

Two questions for the diehard users:

1) Why a messenger bag over backpack? I agree they look "cooler", but functionally, any advantage?

Oh hellz yeah. I went from a backpack to a mess bag, and it's got a couple of advantages IMO:

Rides better. Load up a backpack and it's going to bind the shoulders, cause strain here and there, etc. Load up a mess bag -- and we're talking a real messenger bag designed for use on a bicycle, not a wannabee bag -- and it rides a lot better.
Ease of access. I often stop to do errands during my commute, and a messenger bag is easy to swing around so you can get at your stuff without having to take it off entirely.



2) Any backpacks to recommend? Important things for me are:

Backpacks or mess bags?



- High visibility reflectives
- A hook of some sort to latch a blinky onto. (I like 2 rear blinkies - one on my helmet & one on the bag.)
- Heavy duty
- Easily accessible useful small external compartments to store keys and stuff in.

That stuff's all pretty stock, but if you can find Baileyworks bags, I'd strongly recommend giving them a look (you can always order, but if you can see them retail, you'll get a good look at the quality). I've got a more basic Bontrager bag but I'm looking at Baileys with lust in my heart.

(a coworker of mine has a huge Baileyworks bag...we call him Wing Man because we were having a trashcan party at work and he went out and rode back with wings for 25 people in that bag)

I use a messanger bag, don't care much for backpacks on the bike. Riding with a backpack makes for lots of backsweat, the messanger bag is low enough to allow my back to stay cool. Plus I can always add a back pack with sports stuff or a computer bag.

After seeing a coworker's bag I bought a Pac Designs http://www.pacdesigns.com (http://www.pacdesigns.com/) Street Slim bag. It's extremely well made, comfortable doesn't move. Easy on, easy off when doing errands. The orange is really bright. Too many bags only in dark colors.

I couldn't get past the fugly metal car buckle on the Chrome bags.
(http://www.pacdesigns.com/)

On the topic of commuting bags, I'm looking for a suggestion. I'm using a backpack right now, but ideally what I'm looking for is a larger version of something like the Incase Messenger Hip Pouch. I don't want to move to a rack system at this point, and I would like to stop arriving at school with a sweaty back, even in the near-freezing weather we are currently experiencing. All I need to carry is a 10" netbook (which can literally almost fit in my jean pockets), my wallet, a cellphone, a road repair kit (including 2 tire levers, a small 15mm wrench, a spare tube and a small pump) and a u-lock loop would be an added bonus. Also, if it isn't a given, waterproof is a must, even though something this small will likely be underneath my raincoat for the commute. Is there anything commercially available like this, or would experimenting and sewing it myself be my best bet?

I use neither for anything too heavy, Broke my collar bone and it never healed properly, so putting any pressure on it for too long of a time can cause some serious pain. My panniers came with a dandy shoulder strap though, so if i need to cruise around with them i can strap it over my shoulder or clip em together and and use the handle strap built into them.

1) Why a messenger bag over backpack? I agree they look "cooler", but functionally, any advantage?


Only if you're doing messenger work, which involves constant reaching into the bag. Even then, a lot of messengers decide to give up the very substantial convenience of a shoulder bag for the comfort of a backpack. If you're going to be carrying a substantial amount of stuff all the time, consider panniers.

On the topic of commuting bags, I'm looking for a suggestion. I'm using a backpack right now, but ideally what I'm looking for is a larger version of something like the Incase Messenger Hip Pouch. I don't want to move to a rack system at this point, and I would like to stop arriving at school with a sweaty back, even in the near-freezing weather we are currently experiencing. All I need to carry is a 10" netbook (which can literally almost fit in my jean pockets), my wallet, a cellphone, a road repair kit (including 2 tire levers, a small 15mm wrench, a spare tube and a small pump) and a u-lock loop would be an added bonus. Also, if it isn't a given, waterproof is a must, even though something this small will likely be underneath my raincoat for the commute. Is there anything commercially available like this, or would experimenting and sewing it myself be my best bet?

I can put my 15" Macbook Pro in a sleeve and slip it into a Trek Basic Pannier that my sister gave to me. It seems like it doubles the weight of the rear of the bike, but I only notice it when I'm carrying the bike up and down stairs.

If I were to get a backpack for riding, I'd spring for a Deuter and get a model that has their spring-mesh suspension system. The part that actually touches your back is mostly mesh with a couple pads at the top and bottom, and the rest of the pack is held off your back by two long leaf springs. It's really pretty cool.

The other backpack I'd get would be the one from Ergon, although I'd like to try it in person first.

Any of those options would be better than an oversized messenger hip pouch, IMO. Those just look like overdone fanny packs... :innocent:

Only if you're doing messenger work, which involves constant reaching into the bag. Even then, a lot of messengers decide to give up the very substantial convenience of a shoulder bag for the comfort of a backpack. If you're going to be carrying a substantial amount of stuff all the time, consider panniers.

I've got a Metropolis. It's plenty big, pretty much bombproof, and versatile in its simplicity. I can keep a water bottle in one end pocket and some sunglasses in the other, etc. The buckle lets me put it on or take it off easily while wearing my helmet. I've carried a 24 of beer wrapped in a towel for insulation, and I've carried a Wii Fit in its box. I've taken it on vacation and on business trips.

On the bike, it's alright, pretty much. The one-sided design makes sure it stays in place. Off the bike... boy, my shoulder starts to ache after a while. Standing in line at the airport means that neither my back nor my hips is supporting its weight, so it's pulling on just one shoulder. If I switch shoulders, even considering that the Chrome bags aren't meant to be used on the other shoulder, it's still a sideways load on my body. It's just not that comfortable over long periods.

For what it is, it rocks. I'm having real doubts about whether to keep using it, though, especially after discovering how nice it is to use panniers (even cheap ones).

Yes, it did - unfortunately, by seat is so low that the few inches of room between the seat stay and the rack is occupied by the rear bag. Doh. You might be confusing some terms here. Seat stay is not a seat post and has nothing to do with seat height. Seat stays are a pair of tubes that run diagonally from the rear wheel hub to where the seat tube meets the top tube (at least in bikes with traditional geometry).

That said, I personally think it's fine to put a blinkie on a bag as long as it's secure and you're certain it points in the correct direction (and you don't shift around all that much).

I was wondering, does wearing a backpack while biking seem bad for your back? Do you guys experience soreness after a couple of miles? Does the extra weight interfere with maneuvering the bike? Also, would it be a good idea to just attach a backpack to a rack when riding (with something like bungie cords)?

You might be confusing some terms here. Seat stay is not a seat post and has nothing to do with seat height. Seat stays are a pair of tubes that run diagonally from the rear wheel hub to where the seat tube meets the top tube (at least in bikes with traditional geometry).

That said, I personally think it's fine to put a blinkie on a bag as long as it's secure and you're certain it points in the correct direction (and you don't shift around all that much).

No I am not confusing this. I literally have no room below my seat and the top tube because my seatpost bag takes up all the space. (I'm short.)