i currently commute to school (2+ miles) everyday and i always end up at class with a sweaty back from my bookbag. i've been thinking about getting a messenger bag to switch things up.

my question is: will a messenger bag leave my back less sweaty than a regular bookbag?

thanks, any opinions appreciated.

No.

But a milkcrate on the rack that the bookbag drops into should and is def cheaper.

+1, your back is still going to be sweaty. I've got a Chrome messenger back that leaves one of my shoulders and half of my lumbar untouched by a bag...there's still a lot of back/bag contact.

If you settle on a messenger bag, make sure to use the under arm strap so the bag doesn't rotate around your torso.

A bag that attaches to a rear rack is best, if a rack will work for you.

I guess you could say I am for the crate:

Actually, the correct answer is "Yes". Note that "less sweaty" != "sweat-free" (although where I live, as the weather gets cooler, it's not much of an issue).

Another Chrome user here. You still get sweaty. Personally I just fine the messenger bag more comfortable, and a bit easier to deal with. Plus, that Chrome bag just looked badass in the store.

if you have a rack and a bungee chord or even string, you can lay yoru bag on the rack, tighten it down with the chord/string and be happy... a co worker has been doing this for nearly 30 years, he has never, ever had a problem and for the last 15 years he has been carrying lap tops this way, no worries and no sweaty back.

robi

thank you everyone for their input