regulators

I sweat a lot when I used a backpack (I now put it in a milk crate).

Any of you folks using a messenger, do you sweat as much as when you carry backpack?


Sorry for such a "nasty" topic, but just curious. I've considered buying a messenger, but don't want to go back to sweating buckets.

MrCjolsen

depends on the bag. The standard Timbuk2 bags are not for those who are squeamish about sweat because they result in buckets of the stuff. But that's all I've used (I change when I get to work, so I don't care).

I have some Camelbacks that have vented mesh backs and those are a lot better.

huhenio

I use my messenger bag but I live in the desert ... so no long term stinky sweat

If i can avoid carrying anything i just avoid it.

Greg_R

I don't think the sweat will be different... just in a different place with the messenger bag. IMO stick with the crate or get a nice pannier if you want something that's easy to carry off the bike.

vaticdart

If you have anything pressed against your back you'll sweat more, period.

If you want to be able to carry stuff on your bike you can either carry it on your back and sweat, or carry it on the bike in panniers, a saddle bag, or a trunk bag. I don't like having to take stuff off my bike when I arrive at the grocery store, work, cafe or whatever, so I use a messenger bag that holds a lot, sometimes too much.

If I had a bike with a longer wheelbase (I'm on a Giant OCR) I'd probably be more likely to use panniers, but I didn't like the way the OCR handled with a rack and panniers.

capolover

Use a hipbone.

https://www.chromebags.com/products/accessories/show/51/

just got mine in the mail today.

vaticdart

Spiffy, if your grocery shopping consist of a can of soup and one cookie

visinoz

I have a chrome metropolis, and I sweat like hell when I commute! I wear "lycra-like" t-shirt that helps hiding the sweat , but if i wear a normal t-shirt, it's completely wet in the back and under the strap

capolover

dood, if youre going shopping you need some saddle bags and ****.

aley

Wow, that's expensive for a fanny pack.

Seriously, though, if I didn't need to carry more than that I'd just use a wedge pack. Come to think of it, that is what I use. The main downside is that I have yet to find one that's quick and easy to put on and take off the bike, so if you're constantly getting off the bike (like a messenger) then it might not be ideal. Me, I just ride to work and put the bike in the back room, so I rarely need to take it off.

capolover

I got it on the cheap on ebay. only cost me 30 and some shipping.

lil brown bat

Nope, I switched from a backpack to a messenger bag -- big difference. Also more comfortable in other ways.

slvoid

I've commuted almost exclusively with a mess bag. It works fine, sweat is the same as a backpack, just in a different pattern.

I have a marmot adventure racing backpack where the entire back is lifted off your back with a sheet of mesh and an aluminium x-frame suspension. It kept me nearly sweat free but didn't offer that much storage.

The one humongous easy to access pocket in a mess bag is great for stuffing stuff in and also taking clothes in and out of while changing at work.

vaticdart

Nah, a nice big mess bag or backpack is great. Agreed I'd want panniers if I was riding more than about 5 miles with a full 30 - 50 lb load, but I have a good grocery store a mile away.

Cal_Jordan

well, I use a Camelbakpack...it has a mesh type backing which helps keep the sweat off you and disperses it quick so it won't stay on the backpack either...kinda like Under Armor, but on your backpack...haha...

I love my Camelbakpack.

tbannin

I use a Timbuk2..the biggest one they have and I sweat some, but it's not bad...you sweat the same in a backpack if it's 100+ anyway as it is most of the time in Wichita Falls, TX in the summer. I love my messenger and wouldn't trade it for the world...alright maybe for a XL chrome...

ottawa_adam

This hardly compares to a messenger bag or a backpack. Not even close.

kyuzo

I have both backpack and messenger bag. Both bags have straps that keep the bag close to my body when riding. When I have a lot of things to put in the bag, the messenger bag is more stable and stays more centered in my back. Even if I am not carrying a lot, I still choose the messenger bag. I think this is more out of habit than utility.

fluidworks

I've always used a backpack, but recently decided to get a messenger bag, as I don't have a car currently and need a way to carry things around.

The talk about the messenger strap screwing up your should kind of dissuaded me though.

tbannin

What's wrong with one shoulder bigger than the other....nothing. If tennis players can have on arm significantly larger than the other then we can have one shoulder beefier than the other.

lil brown bat

A backpack will do this too, if you don't carry it properly -- parents now are cautioned against letting their kids load up their daypacks with lots of books and lug them everywhere they go. This has also been a problem that women have had with large handbags for years -- load 'em up, carry 'em everywhere, eventually it'll have an effect. Basically, any time you're carrying a lot of weight, or a somewhat lesser (but still significant) amount of weight for a long time, you really need to be concerned about ergonomics --
that's why experienced backpackers get pretty fussy when they're choosing a new pack, and fussy when they load it up.

littlewaywelt

My messenger bag sits on my low back. I hardly sweat behind it about 1/10th as much as a backpack. It's probably a little hotter than using paniers, but for the slight trouble, I can get right off the back and not have to fiddle with taking the panniers with me or emptying their contents.

hairlessbill

Stick with the backpack unless you really need the conveniences that a messenger bag offers (quick access to contents without having to take it off, less 'vertical' loading, one big cargo space). Heck, even the messengers are switching to backpacks these days.

Dude Abides

I use an inexspensive backpack I purchased from Target. When I'm riding home (9 miles) in the evening from work it can be 95 + with high humidity. I do sweat but not to much. They pack gets a little damp on the outside, but is dry soon after. Also, nothing seeps in to my office clothes.

cg1985

I just wish quality Messanger bags were cheaper!

I carry my clothes in a Crappy man purse since I am cheap, What I don't like about it is that wanders around on the back and I have to keep adjusting it.