echocola

I was thinking about getting a water proof messenger bag, because I am tired of stuffing my work clothes in plastic bags and then putting them into my backpack. I was looking at the timbuk2 classic messenger bag in a size medium. I live in the northeast and expect some heavy rain/snow soon and I want something that will be completely waterproof. I work in an office and need my clothes/electronic devices to be completely dry. Would this messenger fit the bill? I will be bringing a change of clothes, a bike repair kit and an inner tube.

Any comments would appreciated, thanks!

max-a-mill

my crumpler bag is WATERPROOF

before that, i used an old handmedown timbuk2 and it was only drizzle/light rain proof. it might have been unwaterproofed by excessive washing/wearing before i ever got it though...

womble

Look at the Ortlieb products. They make the most seriously waterproof outdoor gear possible. Much of their stuff is proof to full immersion.

bandregg

Why not just buy a waterproof bag to put inside your non-waterproof bag. I use one to carry my wet things back from the pool, so that the dry things in my bag stay dry.

CBBaron

Ortlib make the most absolute waterproof bags.
Otherwise most messenger bags like the Timbuk2, Chrome, etc. are water proof in most normal situations. I like the Chrome bags better for thier fit and design.
Craig

echocola

Would you feel confident riding an hour in moderate-heavy rain with a timbuk2 or a chrome?

max-a-mill

i would with my crumpler....

the only way to really know is to take your bag and try it.

being from the northeast you should give baileyworks a look!

there bags look "wicked" cool!
https://www.baileyworks.com/

CBBaron

The liner on the messenger bags are completely waterproof so yes I would be confident. However the bags are not sealed, the top flap covers the opening so that water cannot drain into the bag but submersion or very heavy rain blowing in just the wrong direction may allow water to get in. By design Ortlib look to be completely waterproof unless punctured.
Craig

echocola

I just ordered the timbuk2 from nashbar for 60 bucks, hopefully it does the trick.

bikiola

get a real messenger bag; baileyworks, reload, and even chrome. forget the other fashion messenger bags.

Lectron

Two pairs of Ortlieb. Front roller plus & back roller plus. Great quality. Waterproof.

If their messenger bags are anything near in quality, witch they are of course, their the one to get.

I've also noticed that's what the bike / MC messenger services' using around here.

Cyclist0383

All the messengers here in wet, rainy, snowy Riga use Ortleib messenger bags. They wouldn't use them if they didn't keep the contents dry.

deathintransit

I switched from the Chrome metro to the Ortlieb classic.

It's watrerproof and bright orange. Good for when dear hunting season starts.


Also: 2 shoulder straps are way better than one.

Satyr

Something oft overlooked these days is oilcloth. You could possibly construct an oilcloth bag. I've only experienced oilcloth coats and panniers. The panniers (Carradice Super-C) kept everything I had completely dry on my last tour, where I repeadly encountered days with long spurts of intense rain.

Corse25

Crome is the way to go. These bags were built for professional messangers. I've had my bag for 3 years and it's been great through the rain, snow, and sleet.

joelpalmer

my old timbuk2 (was stolen from my truck a few years ago) went with me on a canoe trip and was dumped with me into the water. took 4-5 min to get the boat righted and then fish our gear back in, nothing in the bag got wet.

jst

Manhattan Portage; I 've been a "Waterproof Bike Messenger Bag" daily for the past 2 years. Great design, very waterproof, wraps around your back. <$100 !

slvoid

I've worn my timbuk2 medium orange/yellow bag commuting in hurricane rains, sun, sleet, rain, for the past year nonstop, my stuff inside hasn't gotten wet yet.
Though if you tend to really use your stuff and abuse it, the thing's apt to start developing spots of wear that leak water after a while.

FraAngelico

go with a chrome, the strap is real good

threephi

The Timbuk2 is a nice sturdy bag; I've used one as an every-day tool bag at work for about 18 months and it's stood up very well. But as has been noted, it is not absolutely waterproof since the top flap will not form a compete seal if the bag is full.

catatonic

My timbuk2 has kept things dry as well (used it for nearly 2 years now), and I've rode in some outright nasty stuff. As in rain so hard that you can barely see much of anything, let alone 20 feet in front of you....plus you don't really care about anything more than 15feet anyways since you are moving so slow due to the wind.

I wouldn't call it a "fashion" bag, as it's served me very well, and is still doing so. The only things I could have wished for was some padding on the back of the bag, and deeper/wider inner pockets.

secondimpact

No man, if you want 110% waterproof youre going to want Chrome Bags, theres a small gap where the sides close on a timbuk2, the chrome seals those up.

Its also made of 18 oz. PVC Truck Tarp, timbuk2 uses 14oz.
The Chrome is also made in the US where as the T2 is made in china..

jim-bob

Are you sure about that?

slvoid

Yikes! Better get the T2 then, the Chrome's gonna fall apart on you real quick.

swwhite

If you have a minute...

I am currently trying to decide between those very bags, the Chrome Metropolis and the Ortlieb messenger. I have been leaning toward the Chrome, mainly because of the coolness factor and because it seems like it could do some double duty for running errands--flipping the bag around to the front, fussing, flipping it back again, etc. (whereas the Ortlieb would require taking it off, unrolling the top, etc.)

You have had the Chrome and have switched to the Ortlieb. Were there any other interesting reasons besides the two shoulder straps?

Thank you.