Originally Posted by
AlmostGreenGuy
I use a backpack (Dakine Apex) for my long commute to work. I carry a lot of stuff (laptop, iPad, change of clothes, breakfast and lunch, portable hard drives, lots of keys, etc) so the weight really requires a backpack.
I bought a Chrome Civilian messenger bag last year, and have tried many times to like it. Lighter loads present no weight issue, but heavier loads are quite uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the straps always feel like they're squeezing and choking me to death. The stabilizer strap in my arm pit makes me crazy. Too bad. I really like the construction quality and waterproof nature of the bag.
I got a custom Timbuk2 classic mess bag this year. Again, the mess bag can't handle my heavy work load, but I really like the bag for light loads. It's not waterproof, but it is comfortable enough to ride with, and very comfortable to walk with. Much nicer looking than the Chrome too. Good construction quality, but not waterproof.
Just an observation: If that's how you're wearing the mess bag while riding you may find it's a lot more comfortable if it is adjusted so it sits higher on your back instead of hanging so low.
I have an old Timbuktu bag and if I were to go back to using a mess bag on a daily basis, I would get one with a better adjustment system than mine has.
Another observation I've made is that I don't think mess bags work very well if you have an upright riding style. That puts all the weight on your shoulders. You want the weight spread across your back. That's why adjusting the bag so that it sits pretty high helps.
What is the advantage of a messenger bag over a backpack?
There are two advantages in my mind. The first is that it's much easier to get at your stuff in a mess bag while still wearing it. Just unbuckle the cross strap and swing it around to the front. The other is the big flap and large opening. Again, this makes access to your stuff easier but it also helps if you need to pack something with an odd shape.
After injuring my shoulder a few years ago, I bought a cycling specific, waterproof backpack. I like it enough that I haven't switched back to a messenger bag though I've thought about it from time to time. I'd like get a really good one but they're not cheap.
Today I rode a hard 35 miles (one way) with the backpack carrying a spare change of clothes (including sandals, sunscreen, camera, etc). It was intended to be a more moderate ride but I ended up going out with the fast group. I wasn't bothered by the backpack at all but if the load were much heavier or if the ride was a lot longer (but slower), I would have preferred panniers. To me that's the important thing to take out of these discussions. Backpacks, mess bags, and panniers are all tools. Some lend themselves to certain situations better than others. Sometimes it just comes down to preference. There's not a wrong answer.