Commuting - backpack or messenger bag

What is the best bag for commuting, backpack or messenger? I wish I could put a rack on my road bike, but theres no where to attach it to the frame. I don't really need to carry much. I change into scrubs at work, I have a locker so I can store a few things. But would be bringing my lunch, lock, etc...

Seat post rack.

http://www.ebikestop.com/topeak_beam_rack_mtx_v_type_for_large_frames-RK2541.php

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/TMT%20BB%20Ride/Nice.jpg

I am a backpack person... The messenger bags wear on one shoulder causing some discomfort. Also I have a rack and trunk bag and took it off cause I could feel the weight when pedaling hard. my.02

Backpacks are too high up on the back. I prefer a mess bag (or really any shoulder bag) that has a long strap so that the bag is low, around my waist in a riding position.

i am now a backpack person. i use to use messenger bags, but the one strap on the shoulder with ~15pounds in it or more became to much of a hassle. moreso for quick stops the bag would swing around and would almost throw me off my bike. just the stuff inside moving around was anoying. so i switched back to backpacks, and then a rear rack with a basket and now i keep my bag in that. best soultion so far, back is free of sweat, less aches and pains(btw i'm 23) and really just makes sense. the rear rack has more uses. for rain i just put bag into a garbage bag. i havn't tried painners yet.

I like the idea of the seatpost rack.

I prefer messenger bag myself. Backpacks ride to high and feel more constrictive. Been using a Chrome Metro the last two years and really like it.

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/messenger-bags.html

messenger back has more style
seatpost racks swing

Seagull black bag is the best value for the best bag. Backpacks are too small, and put all of the weight on your shoulders, messenger bags put it on your back if they are made properly.

-Colin

messenger back has more style
seatpost racks swing

LOL at everyone jumping on the "wanna be" messenger bandwagon. Chop your handlebars down while your at it.

I like backpacks because they feel more comfortable to me. Perhaps if I had tried a higher end messenger bag I would have a different opinion. Also to the OP there are multiple ways to attach a rear rack to a bike. Their are certain rear racks that attach to the seatstays and seatpost.

actually I prefer a rear rack trunk. where there's a will, there's a way to mount it

What is the best bag for commuting, backpack or messenger? I wish I could put a rack on my road bike, but theres no where to attach it to the frame. I don't really need to carry much. I change into scrubs at work, I have a locker so I can store a few things. But would be bringing my lunch, lock, etc...

So you have a road bike and need to carry your commuting kit... you need another bike, of course! ...You need a Surly LHT :thumb:

I rode with a backpack for the first time a couple of weeks ago--- never again.

*cough*

-Messenger bags that swing around are not true mess bags. They are shoulder bags that lack the stability strap.
-Seat post rack will not support too much weight.
-"Backpacks sit up too high/too small" have never (probably) seen a Banjo Brothers Backpack (http://www.banjobrothers.com/products/cyclingbackpacks.php). They have some looong straps compared to other packs that I have owned over the years.

@OP- depending on your budget, you might want to check out Carradice saddlebags that attach to your saddle. Also, if you aren't too leary of buying from e-tailers, look into what the Europeans have to offer. Germany's Rixen and Kaul has some nifty products.

P-clips (http://www.bikecommuters.com/2008/07/19/p-clamps-are-your-friends/). About $2.00 at Home Depot, plus a few bolts.

Used to be backpack, but the sweat on my back and my hair getting smash and caught up in my backpack forced me to tried a messenger bag. Shoulder bag is OK if it is not too heavy. The bag used to keep swinging around from my side. I solved that by wearing the strap around my neck and attaching a bungee cord from the attachment ring where the strap attach to the bag. Then I wrap the loose end of the bungee cord around my back and then I hook the cord to a belt loop on my jean pant. When I am riding, the bag is not exactly on my back nor on my side, but rather in between out of the way and a sweat free back. During weekend ride, it is no bag whatsoever.

The messger bag for me is nore stylish as I can still use it as a large purse. There is more style for my choossing which is important in my POV. The only problem I really had from it was from transporting a Laptop. I solved that when I replaced that with a 2.5 lb netbook.

Shoulder bag is OK if it is not too heavy. The bag used to keep swinging around from my side. I solved that by wearing the strap around my neck and attaching a bungee cord from the attachment ring where the strap attach to the bag. Then I wrap the loose end of the bungee cord around my back and then I hook the cord to a belt loop on my jean pant. When I am riding, the bag is not exactly on my back nor on my side, but rather in between out of the way and a sweat free back. .

Sounds like a lot to go through... are we talking a "real" messenger bag here, or something styled like one?

I used to use a backpack all the time, but have had issues with one shoulder, and got a Chrome bag (Citizen) that goes across the other shoulder. Between the way it fits, and the stabilizer strap it goes nowhere.. without all the bungee stuff.

Sounds like a lot to go through... are we talking a "real" messenger bag here, or something styled like one?

I used to use a backpack all the time, but have had issues with one shoulder, and got a Chrome bag (Citizen) that goes across the other shoulder. Between the way it fits, and the stabilizer strap it goes nowhere.. without all the bungee stuff.

Had one of these: http://www.rei.com/product/765611

It was supposed to be a laptop messenger bag, didn't like it, got rid of it without ever trying it and got regular one of these: http://www.keenfootwear.com/product/fw09/bags/unisex/lifestyle/irvington/black%20!%20dark%20gull%20grey%20!%20golden%20glow

like the second bag more, hence reason for make shift cord :(

A messenger bag is easily adjustable for load, one strap and a big buckle.
Easier to load as it is wider, easier to find stuff in and will crush you lunch less, Thermos will fit crossways. Mess bag is stylish on the job site and around town. You will look and feel like a bicyclist, not a hiker. I am using a Timbuk2 bag.
It's really nice.

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/messenger/

Here's a medium for $54
Made in America

http://www.rei.com/product/782784

Lots of options here

http://www.amazon.com/Timbuk2-Classic-Messenger-Black-Medium/dp/B001DNV1V0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qlEnable=1&qid=1262416377&sr=1-2

Bill

Really depends on what I need to carry, what it weighs and what I ride. No one size fits all.

Most of my bikes have racks and by far I like the Panniers or trunk bag best. The weight is low. No sweat issue on the back. No shoulder and neck issues from the straps. Because it is not on you. The trunk bag in particular keeps my lunch from getting smashed. All my panniers and trunk bag (Topeak MTX) have at least a strap handle to carry them with when I go in somewhere.
On the occasions I ride one of my bikes without a rack I like a TRUE messenger bag with a waist strap if it is only a couple pounds I am carrying. From there it is back pack with waist strap to distribute the load more evenly.

I had a handlebar bag but it threw off the front balance of my bike; I have a carbon road bike so I can't/won't put a rack on the back. I tried a backpack but I just didn't like the feel at all; I now have a Bailey Works messenger bag which I love. I also like being able to swing the bag in front when I want to get something out; I love photography so I carry my camera in my messenger bag and can get to it easiy. My Medium Bailey Works bag is very comfortable and I can pack just about everything I need in it.

Your LBS can give you little loops that attach to your seat stays for mounting your rack at three points. I personally use rack for road bike (alum frame) and backpack for mtb. Just stylistic differences really. A road bike with rack and rack trunk is a pretty hard combination to beat for commuting imho. The very best combo I found though was leaving a duffle bag full of clothes at the office, and carrying nothing but water and tools on the bike.

like the second bag more, hence reason for make shift cord :(

Yeah, nice bags both of them. No stabilizer strap would be my only issue. Hard to find a bag you really like though, and once you do I can understand making it work. I was using a laptop backpack for the longest time, got so ratty everyone I knew was making fun of it... but it was comfortable as ca be!

Yeah, nice bags both of them. No stabilizer strap would be my only issue. Hard to find a bag you really like though, and once you do I can understand making it work. I was using a laptop backpack for the longest time, got so ratty everyone I knew was making fun of it... but it was comfortable as ca be!

Hard to part with something that works. Sort of like wearing an old comfy pair of shoes we fallen in love with:love: It's a shame though for the price they charge for cycling backpack and bag are so high and yet they sometime lacks the option of adding or improving accessories. It is nice if those $$$ pack have option such as add on stability straps, different selection of shoulder straps and even different mounting point for things like rear blinkie for those who have to attach their lights to their bags. Just makes it haarder for us to find bag we like, heck some bag I liked did not have enough width to fit a regular size Morph Road pump. I guess it comes down to whatever works for the individual needs.

I like where dedicated messenger bags sit, and I'm a little vain, so I also like how they look. :) I'm very fond of my Chrome bag.

I am all for using a messenger bag if it is the most comfortable bag for you... I dont agree with using them just to pose as a messenger.

Thanks for all the options. I don't need to carry alot, just my lunch an a few odds and ends. My hybrid has a rear rack, which I love, but for commuting to work I will need to use my road bike(36 miles roundtrip) and my road bike doesn't have the stays on the frame. I'll check with my LBS or maybe get some of the p-clips.

Something to check out are the Hi-Tails (http://detours.us/index.php?cPath=33) from Detours. Basically rack trunks with integrated seatpost rack that mounts using KlickFix.

I would say for a really light load, messenger would be best. If you get a decent one, it will have a sternum strap to prevent it from swinging round into your lap throwing you off balance, and will also lay high enough up on your back to take what little weight there is off your shoulder. It can be a little bit scary carrying like a soup or other liquid meal in a messenger bag as it may not sit horizontal to the ground and be susceptible to spillage (though I haven't experienced this.

Also, no one has mentioned this, but with a messenger bag, you can wear it over your right shoulder (or have it made for wearing this way) and will have no blind spot when looking over your left shoulder in traffic (if you live in a right hand drive country); with a back pack you will have a blind spot if you are riding on the hoods or especially if you are in the drops.

Finally, some messenger bags come it with a removable 2nd strap that can go over your other shoulder when carrying extra heavy loads. Check out Bagaboo in Hungary. Incredible indestructible bags. Have the 2nd strap. Usually I carry a light load, but carried a 30 pack of beer with the 2nd strap and it felt fine. Also it has a U-lock holster on the outside which is really convenient. Keeps the dirty lock out of the bag, and is easy to access for quick locking. I got the large, but wish I had the medium.

Anyhow, I would try to borrow both a backpack and a mess bag to try out. I'm very particular about my bag and how it rides, and after lots of attempts I think I've found the right one. Good luck.

I use a messenger bag, I will say get a good one. The cheap ones put the weight on your shoulder when you ride.

Backpacks can be ok, but I have not found one that fit just right, but if you buy one made for cycleing you will get one that fits right.

Sounds like you need a handle bar bag to me. Maybe a seat bag as well. The two should be able to hold your lunch, and tools for flats and such, a lock and probably even a change of cloths if the handle bar bag is big enough.

I use a backpack and like it a lot. Haven't used a messenger bag but I really like the even weight distribution of the backpack. Good luck with your search!

I used a backpack for a while, but airflow on my back was pretty bad. In the hot Florida sun, my back got pretty hot and there was no place for all the perspiration to go. So, I got a rear rack and put my stuff in a waterproof dry bag that I found in the kayak/canoe section of an outdoor store. I never tried a messenger bag, but I suspect that it would have the same problem.

If you sit upright on your bike, a messenger bag is fine if it can hold everything you want. When I switched from my cruiser to a road bike, the messenger bag kept shifting while riding, and it only took a minute or too before the bag slid from my back and was hovering on my side near the handlebars (in a horrible position). I've since switched to a backpack and couldn't be happier. Of course, I haven't tried strapping a bag to a back rack, as I don't have a rack.

camel back mule or any other large hydra backpack, carry bunch of stuff, comfy, and water on the fly!

If you own a "messenger bag" that swings forward or moves in any way, while you are riding your bicycle, then it is not a true bicycle messenger bag. Transporting items from one point to another securely, while riding a bicycle, was their primary intent when they came to be.

Modern quality messenger bags as we know them today, (Timbuk2, Chrome, Manhattan Portage, Bailey, R.E. Load, Seagull, Outlaw Earth, Zo, Pac, and others), were specifically designed and built by young men and women who had to depend on them to transport all sorts of items from one point to another, securely, while riding a bicycle for 8 or more hours during the course of a day. These bags should have, not only a main shoulder strap, but also a cross strap that secures the bag comfortably on your back and prevents it from moving. They should be sturdy, water proof, and a well built bag is definitely not cheap. If worn properly, and with a reasonable load, they should be very comfortable to wear.

http://www.timbuk2.com/static/images/perspectives/585/classic06/spring2009/4_f_nv-ball.blue-nv.jpg

If worn properly, and with a reasonable load, they should be very comfortable to wear.

So true WolfsBane.The retail stores think that they can put a strap on a bag and call it a "messenger" bag and people will buy them. Unfortunately they've been proven right. The sternum strap is key, as is good padding on the shoulder strap

And I'll agree, once I got my Chrome bag adjusted the way I liked, almost can't tell it's there. Carrying the same load in a backpack there was never any doubt.

The messenger bag I posted about yesterday actually was a Timbuk2 bag, WolfsBane. Don't get me wrong, I love the bag, but it frequently shifted into my bike while I was riding. Of course, I was not riding in an upright position, nor did my bag have an extra strap to keep it specifically from shifting. I do love the bag though... I'm about to pick up one of their backpacks because their products have thus far impressed me a great deal

I've tried both and prefer a backpack for commuting. Even load = more comfy for my shoulders.

For running errands, or on vacation at the beach, I use the messenger. Easier access to stuff. Also, my mid-size messenger holds way more than my lightweight/sleek backpack.

Panniers/front bag > backpack > messenger bag > wallyworld plastic bag > carrying that crap in your hands.

nor did my bag have an extra strap to keep it specifically from shifting.
Hmmm... and this was a Tibuk2? I've owned two and both had the sternum straps. When I first started using it the bag would move around a lot especially when I was standing on the bike. I eventually figured out which shoulder to best wear it on (which in my opinion makes a difference) and how to properly use the sternum strap (I wasn't tightening it enough). Ever since, I've had no issues with the bag shifting. Sometimes if I have a very light load and don't secure the strap well, I'll get a little shifting.

I just ordered a bag from Timbuk2. I figured I'd give it a try and compare it to my backpack. It should be here in about a week or so (currently doing inventory).

*cough*

-Messenger bags that swing around are not true mess bags. They are shoulder bags that lack the stability strap.
-Seat post rack will not support too much weight.
-"Backpacks sit up too high/too small" have never (probably) seen a Banjo Brothers Backpack (http://www.banjobrothers.com/products/cyclingbackpacks.php). They have some looong straps compared to other packs that I have owned over the years.

@OP- depending on your budget, you might want to check out Carradice saddlebags that attach to your saddle. Also, if you aren't too leary of buying from e-tailers, look into what the Europeans have to offer. Germany's Rixen and Kaul has some nifty products.

I have to agree with this advice too. Having used a bunch of different messenger bags (Timbuk2, Crumpler, R.E.load, Baileyworks, Chrome in that order of preference and fit) and backpacks, there is no ideal bag that works for me.

Depending on the weather and type of load I switch between a Chrome Metro (cool/warm weather) and a Banjo Bros backpack (cooler/cold weather).

My favorite carrying method is to put stuff in a small ultralight backpack ( I use an REI Flash 18) which goes into my Carradice saddlebag. Keeps my back bag-free, let's me take my stuff with me when I am off the bike, and gives me extra carrying capacity if I need it.

If you are not carrying that much, then you could try a small backpack (20L or less). Both the Metro and the Banjo Bros bags might be overkill. Deuter and Camelbak offer some nice small cycling specific packs.

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/backpacks/grubstake-backpack-v1

best investment ever.

I have panniers, and a trunk even. But that bag goes with me everywhere. I carry my mp3 player, sweater, extra anything in it and have NO issues.

I've used Timbuk2 messenger bags too, and I demoted it after 3 weeks to my 8 year old. He loves it for his second grade stuff.

^ And I thought my Banjo Brothers was skimpy on organizational storage:lol:.

What is the best bag for commuting, backpack or messenger?
I'm not sure if there's a whole lot of difference between them. As long as we're talking about real messenger bags and backpacks. FWIW, I use one of Chrome larger bags (Metropolis?), and love it - but 99% of real messengers I see here in Berlin wear messenger backpacks.

If you're in a very hot climate, messenger bag might be better than the same capacity backpack, but for me the difference was marginal (when I lived and commuted in Tel Aviv).

Others may know more though.

I just recently switched from backpack to a messenger bag (Timbuk2) with a stabilization strap. i will never use a backpack again

I do a pannier or nothing (I keep about 4 clothes changes plus toiletries, towel, etc. at work), but I don't mind using my Camelbak Trailblazer, in fact I used it exclusively for the first 6 months of 2008. Even though it's supposed to be a light hiking pack, not a bike pack, it's quite comfortable and if not stuffed to the gills, holds the weight down low.

Also, the "Air Director" back panel keeps *most* of your back pretty cool.

You're not carrying much, so either kind of bag is good. I guess choose on what you think looks coolest and is most comfy. I've used panniers, but only for things that I can't or shouldn't carry in my bag, such as wet paintings I have to carry around. It's not like I'm touring or anything.

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http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/1540442648.html