Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Trouble deciding on a bag (Mission Workshop v. Chrome)...

Lately, I've been growing rather tired of my current bag (a squarish backpack originally designed for carrying foam-lined miniature cases) and have been going over the options available for carrying stuff around.

I'm looking for a bag which is large enough to carry dead hookers, while usuable enough for daily transport and grocery-getting. While not a bike messenger, I do find myself regularly (multiple times a week) carrying large quantites of packages and envelopes to the local FedEx or USPS, and would like to use the same bag for both pack-muling and carrying a change of clothes and laptop on my work commute.

Now, I have looked at dozens of manufacturers and tons of different bag designs, and while I've seen stuff I really like (PAC Designs stuff looks awesome... and awesomely expensive), I think I've narrowed it down to these two...

Chrome: Berlin
MissionWorkshop: The Shed

Both bags are pretty massive, have comfortable-looking strap systems, and come with lifetime warranties, but the question is... which one? Hopefully, someone here has used/tried both and can help me make my decision.

If there's another bag that seems to fit what I'm looking for, and you think I may have overlooked it, let me know! Especially if it's cheap!

If youre interested in something relatively inexpensive, I myself have been interested in getting a bag called the Timbuk2 Hemlock backpack. It's not a messenger back, but a rolltop backpack and it comes in a small and medium size.

http://www.ebags.com/product/timbuk2/hemlock-medium-laptop-backpack/148342?productid=10127198

$80 for the medium size. There is also a video on youtube which reviews it if you were curious about how the insides looked.

chrome messenger bags are like a big flat envelope. don't get it.

I have only heard great things about Chrome bags.

I just got a large Manhatten Portage. It is an incredibly well made bagfor $60 with free shipping. (the shipping is fast..not 7-14 days like they say). These bags have an excellent reputation.

go here:

http://www.departmentofgoods.com/manhattan-portage-vintage-waxed-messenger-bag

I looked at the manhattan portage bags, but the straps look super uncomfy (kinda like a laptop satchel... ick!), and the timbuk2 isn't water-resistant, so would suck for commuting (especially in FL, where it can be super sun-shiney then p!ss all over you in the span of 10mins.).

what about burro bags? they are based out of jacksonville. i have one of their rolltops and its great!

The hemlock is definitely water resistant. It may not be completely waterproof, but I've gotten it soaking wet before, like caught in a huge downpour and not a single item in the bag had a drop of water on it. Now, this could be complete luck, but it's happened a few times now, so my guess is that it's pretty water resistant. Though it doesn't shed water as well as a raincoat.

chrome messenger bags are like a big flat envelope. don't get it.

problem? I've been using them for six years and they are incredibly well-built. Their design may not be for you but that doesn't make them "bad"

they have a shoulder pad that is super padded if you needed it. I got one coming actually.

The hemlock is definitely water resistant. It may not be completely waterproof, but I've gotten it soaking wet before, like caught in a huge downpour and not a single item in the bag had a drop of water on it. Now, this could be complete luck, but it's happened a few times now, so my guess is that it's pretty water resistant. Though it doesn't shed water as well as a raincoat.

This sounds good. It was definitely something I'm a bit concerned about but It's probably nothing a good poncho can't help.

And not to mention for the price, it seems like a steal

I haven't tried a Mission Workshop messenger bag, but I do have a Chrome Citizen. To be honest, though, if I were able to do my purchase all over again, I would probably buy a Mission Workshop backpack, because if I have enough stuff in my Chrome Citizen to fill it up, it's usually so heavy it hurts my shoulder a lot.

i can fit all of your family members, AND the machete in my rambler.

it's huge. i seriously don't think i could love a pack more than this. i want a rummy too but that's not because the rambler isn't perfect, it's because i like their other designs too.

I've had my Chrome Metropolis for more than a year and I can attest to its durability and quality. Also, the bags are completely waterproof and has protected my belongings throughout the year in the Pacific NW.

problem? I've been using them for six years and they are incredibly well-built. Their design may not be for you but that doesn't make them "bad"

They're too flat. I like my bag more like a bag and less like an envelope. The quality is decent, the cut is not really my favorite. I really like Bailey works.

OP had said he's looking into buying the Chrome Berlin, which doesn't have the maligned envelope shape of other Chrome bags. That said I'd still go MW were I to buy a new bag. A LBS around here stocks Chrome and MW bags next to each other and the MW bags are way nicer.

I'd look into Bagaboo Bags. Better at carrying packages than a Chrome, reasonably priced, and cheap custom options.

It uses a similar design on the sides as PAC which allows for a voluminous capacity for carrying larger items (ie: dead hookers). Compression straps on the bottom keep it tidy until you need the space.

I've had several Timbuk 2, PAC, and Chrome bags. Bagaboo for the win.


http://bagaboo.hu/

i have a chrome berlin and i'd say if you're not getting the berlin go with MW. i've had the metropolis, the backbone, and the citizen and the only one I really like is the berlin. the others were big but if you actually filled them to their full capacity you'd be in severe pain. so yea, if you go with chrome, get the berlin, if not go with MW, they've got some sick ****

Put my vote down for Mission Workshop. I've got the 'Rummy' size and it's huge, the Shed must be massive! I use it for a variety of purposes, including carrying multiple textbooks and my laptop computer around campus, grocery shopping, as luggage on short trips of a few days (I can fit multiple changes of clothes in it), and whatever else comes up. It's very well made and I've been caught in some heavy weather with sensitive items in it that came out perfectly dry. Reasonably priced for what you get, and the color customization options are nice.

I have an extra Knog Pig Dog (brand new) that I'd sell you at a great price if you are interested.

It's an excellent, big, waterproof bag.

I can vouch for Chrome, I have a fully insulated Kremlin that works so wonderfully. I can pack it out with ice and ride around with a 30 rack of Pabst. This thing holds up to ANY abuse.

Manhattan Portage on the other hand isn't that great. My large bag is barely large enough to hold my laptop and books. Still, it's probably the cheapest option for a decent bag.

Anybody have any backpack recommendations for under $100? Rolltop is nice but not necessary.

If you're going to be carrying a lot of stuff I'd consider a backpack. I have a MW vandal and I can carry huge loads relatively comfortably. I have yet to fill it up completely. I think the berlin looks nice too though

a decent cheap backpack is the banjo brothers one. I don't have any personal experience with it but i've heard good things about it, only $90 too.

Everyone has Chromes everywhereeeeeeee

Anybody have any backpack recommendations for under $100? Rolltop is nice but not necessary.


I have the Timbuk2 Hemlock very comfortable though next time I will go custom because I want a bag that can carry a skateboard



what about burro bags? they are based out of jacksonville. i have one of their rolltops and its great!


what do you normally carry? what do you like/dislike about it

(comparatively) low cost backpack with comfort and decent capacity -> recommend Chrome Ranchero.

if you have the cash and want "the one bag" -> get the MW Vandal.

I have both, like both.

I have heard many good things about Misson Workshop, and especially the Vandal. I may even pick one up myself.

For now I use a Chrome Citizen (medium) and I absolutely love it. Stable, stylish, and durable.

Dang, those mission workshop bags are pretty expensive :eek:

Dang, those mission workshop bags are pretty expensive :eek:

Yes, but the money you spend makes up in quality.

im on another forum that deals with every day gear, and i know ex-military guys that carry chrome bags and swear by them, (good build quality, large cargo space available, and a plethora of colors.)

They're too flat. I like my bag more like a bag and less like an envelope. The quality is decent, the cut is not really my favorite. I really like Bailey works.

I agree. I have a Chrome Metropolis and a Bailey Works Super Pro and prefer the Bailey Works by a long shot. Although, I recently bought a Mission Workshop Vandal and like it more than both the others.

The problem I have with bags like the ones from Manhattan Portage is they way they affix the strap. Any bag with the strap attached to the top edge is extremely annoying to me. Though I know that is a traditional design, I find it to be more well-suited to carrying the bag on the hip like a mail-carrier, as opposed to your back, and as stuffed full of crap as I keep a bag, that just doesn't work well. I already have to pay attention to idiots and road hazards, I don't want to add a bag which likes to swing around by my ass into the equation.

My smallest loads contain at least six 11" x 8.5" x 5.5" boxes, often with large padded mailers and such as well, so I tend to fill even the largest of bags to a degree, and can often find myself strapping an extra box on as well, so anything that doesn't lay flat across my back when filled just feels too awkward and distracting.

I am not averse to a more traditional backpack (as some have suggested), but it should be easily swung to the side and accessed as I'm impatient and having to take a bag off to get anything out sucks.

I'd look into Bagaboo Bags. Better at carrying packages than a Chrome, reasonably priced, and cheap custom options.

It uses a similar design on the sides as PAC which allows for a voluminous capacity for carrying larger items (ie: dead hookers). Compression straps on the bottom keep it tidy until you need the space.

I've had several Timbuk 2, PAC, and Chrome bags. Bagaboo for the win.


http://bagaboo.hu/
+1 bagaboo is the ****.

I love my chrome. Its a bomb proof carry all. Get one.

The problem I have with bags like the ones from Manhattan Portage is they way they affix the strap. Any bag with the strap attached to the top edge is extremely annoying to me. Though I know that is a traditional design, I find it to be more well-suited to carrying the bag on the hip like a mail-carrier, as opposed to your back, and as stuffed full of crap as I keep a bag, that just doesn't work well. I already have to pay attention to idiots and road hazards, I don't want to add a bag which likes to swing around by my ass into the equation.

My smallest loads contain at least six 11" x 8.5" x 5.5" boxes, often with large padded mailers and such as well, so I tend to fill even the largest of bags to a degree, and can often find myself strapping an extra box on as well, so anything that doesn't lay flat across my back when filled just feels too awkward and distracting.

I am not averse to a more traditional backpack (as some have suggested), but it should be easily swung to the side and accessed as I'm impatient and having to take a bag off to get anything out sucks.

I have been using mine all week since I got it and I know what you are saying. For me , I never have the bag swing to the side UNLESS i have a very light load in it. Then it does sometimes. For that, I just overcorrect it more to the left side and it is fine.

When the bag has a medium to large load, this is a non issue. It is great because I never even think about the bag anymore and just ride. It just kind of wraps around your back naturally and stays there. For $60 shipped, it was a steal for me. already got stuck in a downpour with it and had nothing even damp inside.