I prefer not to have anything on my back, but if that is what you are after and you are concerned about having something that is waterproof, keep in mind that you could use your backpack if you put things into a garbage bag first and then put that in the backpack (or messenger bag for that matter). Cheap, versatile and effective.

I went with a Seagull Seasonal Bag and used it quite extensively. I think for short trips to the market, it's a great thing to have and is less of a hassle than panniers. I wouldn't use it for long distance rides as it'll leave your back extremely sweaty and becomes quite uncomfortable (depending on the weight). The Seagull is a fantastic bag and I prefer it to many of the more commercial brands like Timbuk2 and Chrome. Not to mention, their customer service is phenomenal.

What is the advantage of a messenger bag over a backpack?

Just an observation: If that's how you're wearing the mess bag while riding you may find it's a lot more comfortable if it is adjusted so it sits higher on your back instead of hanging so low.

I have an old Timbuktu bag and if I were to go back to using a mess bag on a daily basis, I would get one with a better adjustment system than mine has.

Another observation I've made is that I don't think mess bags work very well if you have an upright riding style. That puts all the weight on your shoulders. You want the weight spread across your back. That's why adjusting the bag so that it sits pretty high helps.

There are two advantages in my mind. The first is that it's much easier to get at your stuff in a mess bag while still wearing it. Just unbuckle the cross strap and swing it around to the front. The other is the big flap and large opening. Again, this makes access to your stuff easier but it also helps if you need to pack something with an odd shape.

After injuring my shoulder a few years ago, I bought a cycling specific, waterproof backpack. I like it enough that I haven't switched back to a messenger bag though I've thought about it from time to time. I'd like get a really good one but they're not cheap.

Today I rode a hard 35 miles (one way) with the backpack carrying a spare change of clothes (including sandals, sunscreen, camera, etc). It was intended to be a more moderate ride but I ended up going out with the fast group. I wasn't bothered by the backpack at all but if the load were much heavier or if the ride was a lot longer (but slower), I would have preferred panniers. To me that's the important thing to take out of these discussions. Backpacks, mess bags, and panniers are all tools. Some lend themselves to certain situations better than others. Sometimes it just comes down to preference. There's not a wrong answer.

in me expeirence they both leave your back sweaty and to be honest i can carry my XL seagull with a 30 pack of beer for a 5 mile ride or load it with my daily gear for to and from work commuting 20miles round trip and dont find it any less comforatable then a backpack. if your going to go with a company like seagull customize it to your needs. cycling already saves money so spend a little on making the transport or various articles comfy. mine has a padded back, lock holster on outside, cell phone pouch ( from freight) polo mallet holder, and other various add ons that seagull allows you to do. I cant say that its more comfortable or less then that of a back pack as i havent used a back pack for over 3 years...personal opinion honestly. if you got a friend with a spare messenger bum it off em for a week or two see how it feels if dropping money on it and not knowing how you like it is. critique what you do and dont like about the bag borrowed and go with a company that aims to improve on the cons of said sample bag without compromising the pros of the tested bag.


Oh and TJSPIEL have you thought about using a messenger bag that slings over the uninjured shoulder?...most companies will make bags left/right shoulders...just looking for input as I have recently been looking into buying a new mess bag that slings over the opposite shoulder then my current just to even the wear as I am looking long term to commute via bike.

bailey works bags have removable/reversible shoulder straps: https://www.baileyworks.com/

No. That's how I walk with the Timbuk2. I sling it higher and tighter for cycling.

The newest cam buckle system from Timbuk2 is pretty nice. I like it a lot. Pretty easy to adjust, and no heavy metal buckle killing everything in it's path like on my Chrome.

Have a large Timbuk2, a medium Timbuk2 that doesn't get as much use, a Mission Workshops Rummy that is fantastic, and a pair of Ortlieb Classic Rollback panniers. I like the large capacity of the large Timbuk2, but the strap design is way outdated. With large loads, the pannys are the way to go, specially at longer distances. Shorter distances, the MW Rummy has a definite advantage in comfort, and the quality is superb. I'm working at getting a Seagull and a Dank.

I ride with a large Chrome bag. Fits everything. Padded shoulder strap makes it comfy. The inner lining is waterproof and nothing is affected by my sweat. Then it's fashionable for when I see hipster girls.

I use a 70s style messenger bag that has a zipper down the middle and no flap, which makes getting to the contents easy without taking off the bag. If the strap is not adjusted just right it is annoying to have the bag shift to side all the time. I deal with it since it is more comfortable than wearing the heavier backpack.