ok

I bought also this nice bag from REI

http://media.rei.com/media/t/1285646.jpg

It fits my lunch (not small) my dress pants, my shoes (size 13) my dress shirt, socks, etc ... and then its full

The thing i like is when i want to go fast on my bike it does not create that much aero drag.

Lightweight when empty too ...

my extra large classic timbuk2 bag has 4 times the capacity.

Both have their functions; but I wanted something smaller for going to work back and forth.

meow

The R.E. Load Deluxe is at the top of my short list for a new bag. They are really nice, I know a few people that have them. One guy has had Timbuk2, Chrome, among others and likes his Deluxe the best. Worth checking out...

http://reloadbags.com/bags/deluxe.php

If you're on a tight budget,Timbuk2. You can get mediums and larges on eBay for $50-60 shipped if you're not super picky about color. But if you've got the cash,Bailey Super Pro all the way. Awsome reversible strap,lots of room,lots of pockets,keeps rain out,very durable.

I used to have a Timbuk2 but didn't like the strap and how it adjusted. I then got a Chrome and love it. It easy to use, comfortable, holds a ton and has been super durable so far (had it about a year). The only downside with it (as others have mentioned) is that you can't really switch sholders. Not a big deal for me, but may be for some. I love it.

I got a medium black bag, and it's still fairly big. I use it for school and keep about 3-4 books in it plus a binder and it could definitely hold more. The first night I got it I bought $200 worth of clothes at the mall and rode home with it all in my bag, stopped at best buy and bought some ipod stuff and that went in there as well with 1 u-lock and 2 cables. The strap design they use is genius, it tightens and releases so easily, although the buckle was an eyesore at first it adds some character to the bag like the seatbelt buckle to chrome. Fits extremely well and was a very solidly-stitched bag, I'm extremely happy with it.

There's only 1 bag

http://www.demartinibags.com/

I still have mine from when Mr. Demartini was making them in Little Italy. You had to actually call ahead and tell him what messenger company you worked for before you picked it up. I had my friend call him and pretend I was him.

The original does not always mean the best.

That strap design looks unergonomic. Like a shoulder bag, which is what they were originally designed for.

You didn't say whether or not you want a built in laptop compartment. You might consider that in your search. Most of the above mentioned mfgrs make such a bag. FWIW I have the Timbuk2 with one and I really like it the dedicated laptop pocket.
Not sure I would get the Timbuk2 again. It's great quality but the handle ends up digging into my back and it's not exactly shaped to fit your back very well. Oh but once I had a large full bottle of water explode in there once and the outside remained dry...so I know it's waterproof at least from the inside!

I guess you've never rode with one for 25+ years and hauled a lot of stuff in it. The strap was the best thing. Nice and wide and it fit over the shoulder perfect. The heavy duty buckle is the opposite of what Timbuktu has. You can swing it around your front while riding and loosen it and get stuff out, swing it to your back and tighten it again.

The strap was long enough to accomodate very big and heavy loads and the entire bag sits right above your butt and just below your where your shirt would end. Really right in the perfect center of gravity where if you have 20 or more pounds of stuff in there, you really can't feel it cause its in an inert part of your back. If you pull on it and bring it up higher on your back, it really defeats the purpose of the design. Its meant to be ridden just above the saddle.

ooh. looks like dimartini wins. i want one.

I ride daily with a Chrome Kremlin (the huge one) and I've never had problems looking over my shoulder. I think it's really important to keep the flap strapped down tight, otherwise it can bunch up and get in your way.

Chrome makes great bags, though definitely not cheap. I lucked out and scored mine for $40 on eBay.

No complaints about my chrome. Only reason I chose it was because I saw a good deal on craigslist. It does get in the way a bit when looking to the left but I have never given it any thought as it is not obsctructive to me.

I don't believe that the minor differences between higher end bags warrant much thought - the only problem I have with all bags (except some of the suspension backpacks - might look into those but I am leaning toward panniers these days) is that they sweat up your back in the summer. Every other difference seems to come down to exclusivity, which I could care less about. So one material or clip or nylon doohickey is slightly more refined than another (a clip will perform for 20,000 openings/closings versus 25,000) - who cares?

This Demartini bag sounds like it works on different principles but I've no experience with it nor have I ever seen a bag worn in the way triplebutted describes and I live/work/go to school in NYC. I don't think he is making things up but this sounds like a trend of the past.

Chrome bags seem to be the choice of nearly every messenger here and the Metro seems to be the preferred size for most although a few other guys and I use the Kremlin which can carry an immense amount of stuff.

I addressed the issue of there being no back padding...

If you go to an outdoor supply store you can get camping rolls that are made of some very high quality and high density foam... I just happened to have an old one kicking around.

I cut a piece to size and slipped it between the liner and outer shell of the bag and it makes a world of difference in comfort when you are carrying a few bricks...it does make things a little warmer but that can also be good thing when one has to work / ride in sub zero temps.

I figure that one day I will probably pick up a Metropolis.

That addresses what I don't like about carrying heavy or dense loads in the Chrome. It's most secure high on my back, but it's not high enough to lift loads above the small of my back -- which really starts to hurt after a while. Shifting them further back and down like you mention would really help a lot.

Chrome Messenger Packs
 

After casually following this thread I decided to visit Chrome's site. I don't think there has been a mention of their Messenger Packs; http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/packs/ Seems as they would be a more comfortable option because the weight is evenly distributed over both shoulders. After spending six years as a wagon messenger I know time is money and the single strap bags are easier and quicker to get in and out of. Anyone have experience with the Packs? I could use a large bag for shopping trips.

I currently use a Osprey 700 cu. in. pack that works well with a 3L CamelBak bladder; http://www.ospreypacks.com/detail.ph...ab=description For short or sporting trips. When a little cargo room is needed I go to a North Face Exuinox with 1850 cu. in. that is discontinued and available at REI for a very good price; http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/773360. Nicely padded but no hydro sleeve.

I can only look at the guys I work with and see that among the 20 or so full time messengers here, one uses a chrome backpack and the extra time he might need to get in and out of his bag is made up for the fact he is also a Cat 2 racer.

My boss also prefers a backpack over the sling as he says it is more comfortable and even more water resistant.

I think it all comes down to preference and what one has to carry on a daily basis... if I am travelling light I don't use my Chrome bag but prefer a small rock climbing bag.

Upon further review their Roll Top Packs; http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/show/31/ Make even more sense for me. Dual straps, padded back and exterior pockets. But the $, ouch!

Freight Bags ftw! They run large..be aware!

Did you check out a pannier that converts to a backpack when you get off the bike? They are more expensive than a simple pannier or a simple messenger bag, but it's really worth it to invest in the perfect bag so it doesn't become a PITA. :)

While on the subjest of backpacks, which I don't use on the bike atm but am considering getting one for options in the future. Detours seems to have some interesting porducts backpack wise. http://www.detours.us/index.php/ and there's alway banjo brothers http://www.banjobrothers.com/

I really like my Under the Weather bag. I have had it for awhile but I have only been working with it for a couple of months and I have no complaints. It is a nice bag.

I have a Timbuk2 medium. Just got back from a ~20 mile ride with it. I like all the compartments and the fit and straps are fine for a light load for that kind of distance (water bottle, lock, wallet+phone, extra hat+gloves). However I got back pain after using it to haul a much heavier load back and forth to school for a few weeks, so I went back to panniers for that.

For extended trips with heavier loads, a rack / paniers are the way to go... having a really heavy load in your bag is hard on your shoulder, back, and knees if you find that you have to stand and hammer.

I have one client ( a huge legal firm ) that routinely sends out huge bricks of paperwork that maxes out my Kremlin's capacity and thankfully... it does not have to go far.

A also carry legal boxes from time to time and have a rear rack and bungees on my working bikes for this purpose.

I like messenger bags for when I have les to carry/distances of 15 miles or less. I feel more maneuverable,p can hop stuff, etc. Not that I need to do that, but when I ride my mountain bike especially, it's a way to make the commute more fun.

I will be building up a bike with racks and panniers soon though, if funds allow, because I want to start hauling more groceries than fit in my bag.

My next messenger bag will probably be a BaileyWorks.

http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FCBP

I'm pretty sure a friend of mine has this. It carries like a normal shoulder bag, but mounts onto a rack like a pannier. Definitely big enough for commuting.

REI.com has a ton of Timbuktu bags on clearance, just a FYI.

I don't know the other models mentioned here, but I can vouch for Cocotte Equipment messenger bags. They are pretty much among the best (if not THE best) messenger bag out there. EVERY messenger in Montréal use them all year round. They are solid (indestructible would be more appropriate), waterproof and very stable. They come in several sizes.

I started this thread, and glad to see it was so well received.

I went back to the Timbuk2 bag from the Seagull. The Seagull carried the weight a little bit higher, and though the bag didn't slide around much, it really just wore me out more when I rode with it. I don't exactly know why. I was carrying the same load; only the way the bags carried the loads was different.

The Timbuk2 is almost as stable, provided I have it cinched up just right and arguably more comfortable [or as comfortable] with a moderate load and the strap pad. Plus, the t2 bag worked better while at work [at school] and on the bus and most of the other times when I wasn't on the bike. I use my bag all day, but I am only on the bike an hour or so of most days. If you were a messenger, I think the Seagull would win hands down - lots of capacity, comfortable to ride with, easy to adjust on the bike. But I don't think most of us fall into that category.

A custom Seagull might provide me with more of the features I want that would make this bag much more versatile, and I would definitely consider that in the future.

Those seem very made with some nice features. I like the "box" design as opposed to the usual envelopes. I wish they had more photos of bag in action. I would like to see how they actually sit when worn.