I have had a number of problems with my back since hurting it during a lift about 12 years ago - which have mostly gone away, at this point, through exercise, ergonomics, and posture control. I have to say, though, I have felt no back or neck pain using a messenger bag at all as opposed to a backpack. In fact, I wasn't even using a proper messenger bag previously, but a clunky Apple laptop bag from a software developers convention (that I did not attend). The Soma Folson bag I've just picked up is quite a bit more comfy than that Apple bag was... and hopefully more sturdy and waterproof as well. Certainly doesn't hurt my back.

Maybe you had too much stuff loaded in the stash pocket! :D

i havent had back issues from carrying stuff in my mess bag yet, and i do like to load it down a bit.

I think that has to do more with distributing the load than anything else.

Yeah, I've got over a decade of carrying too much crap in a zo bag on my shoulders..

Then again, I'm liking the hell out of my reload backpack..

Hi Straws!

First determine what this bag is for. If you will be doing more walking than riding (between classes, to classes, around campus etc) and wearing the bag a Lot each day while doing so you may well be better off with a backpack. Messenger bags are made for riding, their weight distribution is on one shoulder while walking upright and that can be painful and damaging if you have a heavy load or do it consistently. Messenger bags only distribute weight properly across the back while on the bike as they are meant to be worn high on the back and most riding positions mean this allows most of the weight to leave the top of the shoulder. At that point the strap w/stabilizer simply does its job of preventing your load from shifting in any direction. Many messengers spend almost as much time walking as riding but only for short times/distances (into the building and back to the bike) so it hardly matters, much more important is the quick access the bag provides and the other features high-end bags provide (durability, weatherproofing).
Mess bags certainly look cooler than backpacks but they are task specific. More than 15 pounds and using it on foot a lot is no good.
Now if you are certain you'll be on the bike enough to make it the right choice then let me tell you in my humble opinion that there is a whole other world out there beyond Chrome & Timbuk2 in regards to fit form fashion function, whatever. Happy hunting.

now what the hell is that? almost a year old thread someone revived? bah, start yer own next time.

Well I just wish the 37 year old soccer mom was out biking. Then she wouldn't be looked at with disdain as some kind of bi-product of sububan madness.

There's nothing inherently "wrong" with using a messenger bag while never biking but it just reeks of "outdoor materialism". It's like what Wendell Berry says when he describes the absurdity of modern Americans (I'm paraphrasing): The goal is to look tanned, healthy, athletic, fit-- but also like you've never lifted a muscle (clean, unaged, no calluses or signs of wear, no wrinkles). There are better bags to use if you're hiking, climbing, or just putzing around town but fewer more hip (at the moment).

Chuckie

Sam, I agree there is a lot more out there and in reading some of your thoughtful posts in this forum I respect your opinion. I was very surprised to see a lot (25+) of timbuk2 bags at a regional sporting goods store. It seems they've made the leap to a broader audience. Later that same day at the lbs they had chrome and timbuk2. Two or three years ago I got my timbuk2 there, only because I could try it out, see how it was made, feel it, etc. And I still got a bag I wasn't totally happy with. Back then they didn't stock the chrome often or ever because it was too expensive. Sorry, my point: there is a lot more out there, but consumers are being asked to lay out 80 - 150 dollars for something they can't even try on. Maybe that's why there are so many timbuk2's out there. But you can tell even from this thread that the backlash is starting. I guess we need a way for you makers to get stuff out there and into the world/our hands before we start ordering via internet. Hmm.

They have an x-strap option? Wow, I want one on my timbuk2!

To the guy asking about sweaty backs:

Deuter makes packs with a mesh/frame system that keeps the load a couple inches away from you. Got one at home, and it works good so far.


Going back on topic, there's also R.E.Load


Dunno if Dank bags are still in production - seems unlikely at this time tho.

Easy - we're not idiots.

Hey, speak for yourself. Personally, I just use mojo and juju.

It's about packing them properly...you have to keep in mind tha the soft stuff go in the back of the bag, and not the front, like most people do. What this will accomplish is the soft stuff will "mold" around your back, increasing comfort.

Now, when hauling groceries this won't happen, so just wear it lower than usual and let your butt take it all.

Also keep in mind running the bag low does screw up mounting/dismounting...so be alert when stopping.

I've carried well in excess of 90lbs in my bag this way....even rode 10mi to work with a 45lb stereo receiver in the bag that I was selling off to a coworker with a taste for 1960's vintage audio gear. Now I will admit, that hurt...but that was because I could not fit anything to pad the load in there.

The dankbags look cool. I'd order one if they had more info available on them.

Onto the chrome v. timbuk2. I love my chrome, and alot of people who have used chrome, timbuk2, and undertheweather have said the chrome is most comfortable, the built-in shoulder pad is probably the best feature. undertheweather is cool cause they do so much custom work.

man those "han solos" from dankbags is perfect! I'll have to buy one for those days I just go joyriding.

however the timbuk2 stays for my commuting....

Chrome is comfortable but kind of boring and not really that small of an operation (no offense Wanderer. I have a Chrome citizen size bag and I love it).
If you want to support a really great small company that makes custom, comfortable bags (you choose everything including the stitching color) check out Re-Load Bags. I just ordered one for my boyfriend with custom artwork and the price was awesome. You pay a little more for custom artwork, but it is worth it to be totally original.

http://www.reloadbags.com/

Hahaha!

I say if get what works...