shaqtin_a_fool

Hey,
I'm looking for a good quality yet cheaper backpack of a good size that can hold my books for school, a laptop and maybe a change of clothes. For now I will be using it to get to school which isn't too far and to do daily chores like pickup groceries. I in the near future I may be looking into becoming a bike messenger so I would also like a bag that could sustain that.
Any suggestions would be great!

TenSpeedV2

Cheap or built to last, pick one. A bag that is cheap won't last, and one that is built to last is not going to be cheap. I personally suggest something from the Chrome line. I have a Metropolis and a Yalta that I use daily. Waterproof, built extremely well, holds a bunch of stuff including a u lock....really cannot go wrong. Buy once, cry once.

Blue Belly

Goodwill is cheap

chas58

I have used timbuk2 for years. Like em so much I have more than one. If you are patient and shop around, you can get discontinued colors for half off. Here is an example for $47:
https://www.zozi.com/gear/14220?p=41...5ewRoCV2_w_wcB

Mine have taken a ton of abuse and wear and tear, and have held up remarkably well.

TenSpeedV2

^ does that bag have a stability side strap to keep it from moving around? That is an absolute must for me after using a bag that has one.

Cyril 

Push the Envelope...small company based in Toronto.
Reba Plummer is the seamstress and makes an excellent bag.

shaqtin_a_fool

Thanks for all of the quick replies guys! I have looked at the chrome bags and have found a couple that could work for me.


https://www.chromeindustries.com/us/en/bags/backpacks/welded-rucksack



https://www.chromeindustries.com/us/en/bags/backpacks/bravo



Do you have any personal experience with these bags or do you know anything about them? I also looked at the handmade bag bags in Toronto and they look great but I am looking for more of a backpack style.

BobbyG

I've used goodwill for inexpensive backpack solutions for biking and cameras.

TenSpeedV2

Here is mine, only I have the Night version. Absolutely love it. Yalta Rolltop Backpack | Yalta Bag | Chrome Industries

a1penguin

Perhaps you can get a decent quality messenger bag used on craigslist or ebay. But if you are going to tote laptop and books, the load might get a bit heavy. Have you considered panniers or a sturdy rack. You don't mention what kind of bike you riding. I tote a measly 13" mac book air and that's a PITA. I would not want to have 20 lbs on my back. What are you using now?

dynaryder

I have one of those as my walking bag. They are not proper messenger bags. The strap doesn't cinch down tight enough,and only the top flap is waterproof. I've had stuff inside get wet while walking with an umbrella. T2 knows how to make proper mess bags;that is a laptop bag,and shouldn't have messenger in the name.

Nope. No way to rig one either. I've used it on upright bikeshare bikes,but would never use it on any of mine. Plus as I said,it won't handle rain. The zipper on the rear compartment isn't waterproof and will leak,and the soft lining just wicks the water in.

This. Ebay is a great source for cheap bags.

chas58

All the Timbuk2 bags I have seen have an optional chest strap. Comes with the bag (check the bag's pockets).

DiegoFrogs

Ten years ago I bought a 2nd-quality Jandd Iniki in some toned-down colors and used it daily for at least the first five years. Recently for a small amount of money I replaced the strap-pad and some of the easily-replaced plastic clips with replacements from them after the originals started to fail.

After ruining some engineering textbooks in the rain with cheaper bags, it has been nice to have something waterproof and designed to last. The availability of replacement parts and accessories like the laptop insert, which I also have had for about ten years, is a huge bonus. I see now that the seconds are also $40, which is hard to beat. I never could figure out what quality issue affected mine.

RaleighSport

Considering the price my Bell messenger bag from *gasp* walmart has been holding up incredibly well for close to two years now. It's also semi waterproof and has a stabilizer strap. No beverage pouches though.. I dislike that.

dynaryder

The Commuter(from the link) does not. It's a computer/travel bag with a rear pass-through for rolling luggage,not a proper bike bag.

chas58

then get one of the classic messenger bags or something that does. That was just an example of one on sale. I have a couple of the classing messenger bags. They work great.