Commuting - Mission Rummy or Seagull Medium bag?

Sorry for the cross post but got no responses in another subforum.

I am trying to choose between these two bags.

I am biking less and less because I mostly transit these days but I find a messenger bag great as I can swing it around without taking it off on the train. I also really dislike messenger bags that hang by the hip, I must prefer a bag that can cinch tight on the back. Currently have an old chrome metropolis and looking to downsize.

I am looking for a comfortable strap (please dont say to get a two strap bag) and a nice place for my laptop.

I am worried about the roll top of the mission rummy. I really like just using velcro to keep the flap closed on my chrome but this is mainly to quickly get my laptop in and out of the bag. I think I can access the laptop pocket in the rummy with the top still rolled up but not sure about the pocket for the laptop on the rummy to be honest.

The seagull looks nice and its cool that I can customize the colours and get a laptop sleeve built in.

Price is about the same so not a big issue on that front.

Suggestions please

Though you've stated that you aren't interested in a backpack, have you seen some of Timbuk2 offerings? They have a feature called "Swing Around Access". I have my eye on the Phoenix (http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/phoenix-backpack), which may be too large for your purposes, but do check out the product overview to see what I'm talking about.

I have a Mission Workshop Rummy, my friend has a Seagull. I think the the Mission Workshop is the better bag overall. There are more compartments, and the rolltop feature offers more versatility in how one is able to carry things.

However, when I first got it, it took some getting used to, given there is no velcro to hold the main flap down- it has to be buckled over, or rolled up. Now I don't even think about it, but when I first got it, I felt it was a hassle, as I was used to the flap-down velcro on most messenger bags. (Again, now it doesn't bother me at all)

If you are looking for a great laptop bag, bear in mind Mission Workshop does not have a laptop compartment, nor padding on the back of the bag.

Seagull does offer these features (padding on the back of the bag is nice), and they have the big flap with durable velcro, but they have fewer compartments to hold things. There is a small pocket inside the main bag, but otherwise there are only two bellows pockets on the bag (though they are nice and deep).

I still think Mission Workshop is the superior all around bag, but a laptop isn't the main thing I'm carrying.

Have you checked out Bailey Works? They make excellent bags, The Super-Pro has way more compartments than Seagull, and offers an integrated laptop sleeve, which is so nicely padded, it acts as padding for the back as well. I also have one of these, and when I'm carrying my laptop, I tend to use the Bailey Works.

Another option, of course, is Timbuk2. They make bags specifically designed for laptops, with easy access and everything. Timbuk2 bags don't ride as nicely on the back as Mission Workshop, Bailey Works, or Seagull. Also, most are made in China or Taiwan now, if that matters to you. Mission Workshop (CA), Bailey Works (NH), and Seagull (OH), are all made in the US.

Can you compare the size of the seagull to the mission. Seagull doesn't list the sizing in CI or L for their bags. On paper the rummy looks like a much more compact bag which seems like a plus.

Have you checked out Bailey Works? They make excellent bags, The Super-Pro has way more compartments than Seagull, and offers an integrated laptop sleeve, which is so nicely padded, it acts as padding for the back as well. I also have one of these, and when I'm carrying my laptop, I tend to use the Bailey Works.

I love my Bailey Works Super Pro -- very comfortable, and instead of a second strap there is a small (optional) stabilizing cross-strap. Comes in a bunch of sizes (I actually have two -- a medium and a small).

The shipping to Canada on the bailey works makes it a no go sadly.

Have you considered these guys? http://www.ynotcycle.com/tag/bags/

I don't own of their bags but I know a few friends that do. They're local Toronto and have a popular following in the city. Shipping would probably cost less too and you won't have to worry about customs taxes.

Have you considered these guys? http://www.ynotcycle.com/tag/bags/

Ya, a good friend of mine works there.

According to Seagull-

Small Courier: 23L (1430 CI)
Medium Courier: 34L (2070 CI)
Large Courier: 53L (3219 CI)

I own a Mission Works Rummy and it is by far a better bag than any Timbuk2 that I have owned. Seagulls are also excellent bags, with tons of space and comfortable, and this holds true also of the Bailey's. Another bag you may want to consider are the Dank out of Seattle.

According to Seagull-

Small Courier: 23L (1430 CI)
Medium Courier: 34L (2070 CI)
Large Courier: 53L (3219 CI)

I think those sizes must be off base. Those sizes would work if the bag was perfectly square. I threw together a spread sheet to figure out common ratios of other brands versus square CI and actual and think that much more likely it s:

Seagull Small 1064-1215 CI
Seagull Medium 1635-1795 CI

FWIW

For example:

Chrome Citizen - LWH - 22x13x7 - 1587 CI
Seagull Medium - LWH - 22.5x11.5x8 - ? CI

Those are the specs straight from Seagull. You should email them directly if you have questions.

I think Seagulls Specs are off base. I have a large "black" bag and I squared it up and filled it with water. It held about 38L or 2320 CI. If you overstuffed the bag you could easily hold more but the actual bucket part isn't 53L.
Everyone seems to measure them differently.

Since you are already using a chrome I would say let the organization help you decide.
If you wish you had more pockets get the Mission (who looks to have a sweet pocket design)
If you only need three pockets (and possibly an extra small organizer) get the Seagull.
The Mission is also more clean cut and technical looking which can be either a plus or minus depending on your style.
I think either one would be a good choice.