I use a messenger bag, I will say get a good one. The cheap ones put the weight on your shoulder when you ride.

Backpacks can be ok, but I have not found one that fit just right, but if you buy one made for cycleing you will get one that fits right.

Sounds like you need a handle bar bag to me. Maybe a seat bag as well. The two should be able to hold your lunch, and tools for flats and such, a lock and probably even a change of cloths if the handle bar bag is big enough.

I use a backpack and like it a lot. Haven't used a messenger bag but I really like the even weight distribution of the backpack. Good luck with your search!

I used a backpack for a while, but airflow on my back was pretty bad. In the hot Florida sun, my back got pretty hot and there was no place for all the perspiration to go. So, I got a rear rack and put my stuff in a waterproof dry bag that I found in the kayak/canoe section of an outdoor store. I never tried a messenger bag, but I suspect that it would have the same problem.

If you sit upright on your bike, a messenger bag is fine if it can hold everything you want. When I switched from my cruiser to a road bike, the messenger bag kept shifting while riding, and it only took a minute or too before the bag slid from my back and was hovering on my side near the handlebars (in a horrible position). I've since switched to a backpack and couldn't be happier. Of course, I haven't tried strapping a bag to a back rack, as I don't have a rack.

camel back mule or any other large hydra backpack, carry bunch of stuff, comfy, and water on the fly!

If you own a "messenger bag" that swings forward or moves in any way, while you are riding your bicycle, then it is not a true bicycle messenger bag. Transporting items from one point to another securely, while riding a bicycle, was their primary intent when they came to be.

Modern quality messenger bags as we know them today, (Timbuk2, Chrome, Manhattan Portage, Bailey, R.E. Load, Seagull, Outlaw Earth, Zo, Pac, and others), were specifically designed and built by young men and women who had to depend on them to transport all sorts of items from one point to another, securely, while riding a bicycle for 8 or more hours during the course of a day. These bags should have, not only a main shoulder strap, but also a cross strap that secures the bag comfortably on your back and prevents it from moving. They should be sturdy, water proof, and a well built bag is definitely not cheap. If worn properly, and with a reasonable load, they should be very comfortable to wear.

http://www.timbuk2.com/static/images...ll.blue-nv.jpg

So true WolfsBane.The retail stores think that they can put a strap on a bag and call it a "messenger" bag and people will buy them. Unfortunately they've been proven right. The sternum strap is key, as is good padding on the shoulder strap

And I'll agree, once I got my Chrome bag adjusted the way I liked, almost can't tell it's there. Carrying the same load in a backpack there was never any doubt.

The messenger bag I posted about yesterday actually was a Timbuk2 bag, WolfsBane. Don't get me wrong, I love the bag, but it frequently shifted into my bike while I was riding. Of course, I was not riding in an upright position, nor did my bag have an extra strap to keep it specifically from shifting. I do love the bag though... I'm about to pick up one of their backpacks because their products have thus far impressed me a great deal

I've tried both and prefer a backpack for commuting. Even load = more comfy for my shoulders.

For running errands, or on vacation at the beach, I use the messenger. Easier access to stuff. Also, my mid-size messenger holds way more than my lightweight/sleek backpack.

Panniers/front bag > backpack > messenger bag > wallyworld plastic bag > carrying that crap in your hands.

Hmmm... and this was a Tibuk2? I've owned two and both had the sternum straps. When I first started using it the bag would move around a lot especially when I was standing on the bike. I eventually figured out which shoulder to best wear it on (which in my opinion makes a difference) and how to properly use the sternum strap (I wasn't tightening it enough). Ever since, I've had no issues with the bag shifting. Sometimes if I have a very light load and don't secure the strap well, I'll get a little shifting.

I just ordered a bag from Timbuk2. I figured I'd give it a try and compare it to my backpack. It should be here in about a week or so (currently doing inventory).

I have to agree with this advice too. Having used a bunch of different messenger bags (Timbuk2, Crumpler, R.E.load, Baileyworks, Chrome in that order of preference and fit) and backpacks, there is no ideal bag that works for me.

Depending on the weather and type of load I switch between a Chrome Metro (cool/warm weather) and a Banjo Bros backpack (cooler/cold weather).

My favorite carrying method is to put stuff in a small ultralight backpack ( I use an REI Flash 18) which goes into my Carradice saddlebag. Keeps my back bag-free, let's me take my stuff with me when I am off the bike, and gives me extra carrying capacity if I need it.

If you are not carrying that much, then you could try a small backpack (20L or less). Both the Metro and the Banjo Bros bags might be overkill. Deuter and Camelbak offer some nice small cycling specific packs.

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/...ke-backpack-v1

best investment ever.

I have panniers, and a trunk even. But that bag goes with me everywhere. I carry my mp3 player, sweater, extra anything in it and have NO issues.

I've used Timbuk2 messenger bags too, and I demoted it after 3 weeks to my 8 year old. He loves it for his second grade stuff.

^ And I thought my Banjo Brothers was skimpy on organizational storage:lol:.

I'm not sure if there's a whole lot of difference between them. As long as we're talking about real messenger bags and backpacks. FWIW, I use one of Chrome larger bags (Metropolis?), and love it - but 99% of real messengers I see here in Berlin wear messenger backpacks.

If you're in a very hot climate, messenger bag might be better than the same capacity backpack, but for me the difference was marginal (when I lived and commuted in Tel Aviv).

Others may know more though.

I just recently switched from backpack to a messenger bag (Timbuk2) with a stabilization strap. i will never use a backpack again

I do a pannier or nothing (I keep about 4 clothes changes plus toiletries, towel, etc. at work), but I don't mind using my Camelbak Trailblazer, in fact I used it exclusively for the first 6 months of 2008. Even though it's supposed to be a light hiking pack, not a bike pack, it's quite comfortable and if not stuffed to the gills, holds the weight down low.

Also, the "Air Director" back panel keeps *most* of your back pretty cool.

You're not carrying much, so either kind of bag is good. I guess choose on what you think looks coolest and is most comfy. I've used panniers, but only for things that I can't or shouldn't carry in my bag, such as wet paintings I have to carry around. It's not like I'm touring or anything.

If you're a Republican here's one for ya :P

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/d...540442648.html

Backpacks are the best. Wider the straps the better. Messenger bags are wobbly IMO. Get one that has a chest strap and a belly strap for added weight distribution.

I got a North Face messenger bag a few months back and am really favouring it in the summer heat as it stops the sweaty back I used to get from a back pack. The stabalising strap is totally essential.

MESSENGER BAGS!!

Anchor Bags: http://anchorbags.com/
Banjo Brothers: http://www.banjobrothers.com/
Bagaboo: http://bagaboo.hu/
Bailly Works: http://www.baileyworks.com/
Black Tag Bags: http://blacktagbags.com/
Blaq Design: http://www.blaqdesign.com/
Blick's Bags: http://blicksbags.wordpress.com/
Burro Bags: http://www.burrobags.com/
Chicago Wig: http://www.chicagowig.com/
Crank: http://www.crank-tokyo.com/
Chrome Bags: http://www.chromebagsstore.com/
Cocotte: http://www.cocotte-equip.com/english.htm
CourierWare: http://courierbags.com/
Crumpler Bags: https://www.crumplerbags.com/
Fredrik Packers: http://www.fredrikpackers.com/
Freight Baggage: http://freightbaggage.org/
Lemolo Bags: http://www.lemolobaggage.com/
Meta Bags: http://metabagsinc.bigcartel.com/
Mer Bags: http://www.merbags.com/
Norman Porter: http://www.normanporter.com/index.html
Ortlieb: http://www.ortliebusa.com/
Outlaw Earth: http://www.outlawearth.com/
Pac Designs: http://www.pacdesigns.com/
Push The Envelope: http://www.pushtheenvelope.com/index.html
Reload Bags: http://www.reloadbags.com/
Resistant Bags: http://www.resistant.jp/
Rickshaw Bagworks: http://www.rickshawbags.com/
Sag Life: http://www.gaudi-sag.com/
Seagull Bags: http://seagullbags.com/
Trash Bags: http://www.trashmessengerbags.com/
Transient Bags: http://www.transientbags.com/
Under The Weather: http://under-the-weather.ca/
Velo City Bags: http://velocitybags.com/ (This Is My Bag Company)
Zugster Bags: http://www.zugsterbags.com/
87 Bags: http://87bags.com/main.html

Great batch of links lamarsen, thanks!

I use p-clips on this bike:
http://www.chipcom.net/bikes/bianchi_x.jpg

As an added bonus, the rack helps minimize road spray up your back on wet pavement.

So easy, even a caveman could do it. ;)

http://slog.thestranger.com/files/2007/05/caveman_1.jpg

I prefer a messenger bag. Always have. They are just more comfortable for me and I like how I can just swing it to the front if I need to get something out. You could always try a front rack, handlebar bag, or a bag that attaches to the back of your saddle. Its nice to go hands free some times.