Standalone 

My Bailey Works bag was worth the extra cost. Handmade in USA, and it is waterproof with superb on-the-fly adjustability. Mine is black, and far better than the old Timbuk2 that used to belong to my wife's ex girlfriend.


I find backpacks to be very unwieldy and floppy when both loaded and unloaded. The adjustability of Mess Bags is a good thing.

puckett129

I've got a Manhattan Portage bag that looks a lot like this. I've had it for more than 10 years but it doesn't get much use at all. I think it's bigger than my large T2 bag (which also doesn't get much use). Both of those bags always struck me as good for someone who is actually running stuff around in the city, but too big for almost anything else.

Standalone 

The thing about good mess bags is that they are not bulky when unloaded. For an extra pound of fabric on your back, you have the capacity for all your commuting clothes, shoes, and even a six pack and a bottle of wine picked up on your way home on Friday evening. Especially with straps fully lengthened, a messenger bag can really hold a ton-- and it does so without swinging back and forth as a 2 strap backpack tends to do, at least with me.

The backpack/messenger bag debate is old though, and there are advocates for both sides.

And what are you using a bag for if not "running stuff around the city?"

If you're using the bag at all, that is what you are doing.

If it's not being used, then it's a fashion statement. Not that there is anything wrong with a bit of fashion. But why not ride around more-- and with stuff?

I'm 6'4" so y'alls experience of large bags may differ, of course!

steve t.

Any of you that might also be motorcycle riders will know the name Aerostich. They make motorcycle gear in Duluth, MN, and for years I've been able to personally attest to their quality gear. They started making a range of sizes of courier/messenger bags in the mid 1980's. Here is an example, and at the bottom of the page the story behind their bags. https://www.aerostich.com/bags/should...urier-bag.html

Full line of bags and extras, including straps. https://www.aerostich.com/bags/should...messenger-bags

Heck, their 250 page catalog would have tons of gear that would meet the needs of bicycle tourist/campers and even some commuters.

soze

While I commute with panniers now due to the amount of crap I carry, I swear by my beloved Reload mess bag. 8 years old now, and it has been on my back through all seasons in upstate NY and Boston. At one point it carried my MacBook Pro on a daily basis with no protective sleeve, and I had not a moment of hesitation even on the nastiest of days. The hot pink has faded a little, and there's some dirt that's never coming out. Other than that, it's just as strong and weather-resistant as it was on Day One.

It was $300 and a full custom job, but the investment up front has more than paid for itself as previously I killed a Timbuk2 a year. Good luggage pays for itself.

(edited because I'm derpy and can't read.)

surfjimc

I was a messenger in NYC in 90-91 and used one of these bags. It was the only bag messengers used then. They only made one bag then in two sizes. It was made of heavy canvass with a waterproof lining. That bag was indestructible; so much so that I still use it now and then. But I commute with panneirs

surreal

I've had a Timbuk2 for, like, 12 years now. It's served me faithfully, but the outer layer of fabric has ripped and it's time for a new bag.

I'm basically 99% sure I'm going R.E.Load this time. Mostly b/c they're local, and make top-notch bags.

Schwinnsta

A Fredex

dropbarcycles

Try these guys https://roadrunnerbags.wordpress.com/roll-top-bags/ BOMB PROOF bags!

soze

They are seriously fantastic, and nice people to work with to boot!

surreal

Good to know, @soze.

Rest_assured

Brooks make some beautiful messenger bags... If you have a spare million dollars

fietsbob

You can probably hire someone to make one for less..

LordMarv

I use one of these, Cocotte Messenger Bags out of Montreal. EXCELLENT bags.
https://www.cocotte-equip.com/

vja4Him

Well, I got my new Timbuk2 Custom Commute Laptop Messenger Bag!!! I have used it for riding around town, to work, to church, shopping at Wal-Mart, the Bank, and other stores. So far, I am really liking this Messenger Bag ..... I'm glad that I did not get a smaller one.