Hey guys. Long time lurker on here, first real post. So, let me start by saying I ride a mountain bike some days, ride my motorcycle some days, and sometimes walk, either around town or longer trips about 2 hours commuting to work.
I have read countless threads about picking the right bag, and I have learned a lot. But for the heck of it, I would love to hear some of your recent updated opinions on a few points for my next bag.
So, if you don't mind helping with some advise...
I am looking again for a bag, must be

messenger bag (already have tons of backpacks)
medium/large , could be an every day bag probably
Need for walking and riding! Top priority is comfort!!
I have a timbuk2 medium, and even light loads dig in pretty bad. I know a backpack is better, but this thread is more about finding the most comfortable mess bag.

I have looked at all the major ones, chrome, seagull, reload, bailey, etc. etc. etc.

So, as far as bring a skinny guy, I don't ever really need to carry huge bulky loads, more of a sweatshirt, sometimes laptop, books, type of stuff with the occasional odds and ends. Pockets are a plus, as is compression straps so I can flatten her down when only carrying a laptop or books on some days.

Money isn't really an issue, but comfort is, and aesthetics doesn't hurt either.
So, thanks for any advice that you guys have, that I probably haven't read in older threads. I do like the look of bailey works, reload, seagull, and chrome. So, thanks again, any help before I pull the plug on one of these is much appreciated.

Dave

i have a porter smoky that has served me well for a few years

I've got a Mission Workshop Rummy that is excellent. It's roomy but not huge, waterproof, and very comfortable.

Might want to look at these

https://www.betterscooterbag.com/messengerbags.htm

Okay, well I have it narrowed down to a couple. All in the mid/large range, my few I have it down to:

Chrome
reload
pac designs
bailey works
crumpler Barney rustle
seagull black bag

any advice between these? I'm only interested in these, to be honest. Thanks again


dave

Do you want to use it while motorcycling, too? I also didn't see waterproof as being a requirement, should it be?

Most regular bike commuters use a rear luggage rack with a single pannier.
Panniers take the weight off the rider and can be over-filled if you pop into the shops on the way back.
Rear racks are not popular on play bikes so most commuters have a dedicated work bike.

Hey guys. First, YES, I NEED it to be water proof!!! I do plan on using it some days just as a laptop and sorts type of bag, and I don't need my macbook getting wet.
And, no, racks are not my thing at all. I will be switching from different bikes and my cbr, so racks won't work. I am dead set on a nice new mess bag, and I really want to upgrade from my Timbuk2 medium, as it is not too bad, but just seems very lacking in some areas. I need the comfort in the strap, thats important. And, a good all around bag between the few in my list above, is where I really want to be at.

So, again, just really looking for an upgrade to my T2 mess, which I love, but an upgrade is needed, badly. And, all the bags in my list seem great, but I don't know, I just really want to hear some updated opinions between the few i have it narrowed down to.
Again: ReLoad, Chrome, Bailey Works, PAC designs, Crumpler, Seagull black bags. I would love to hear about these specifically, if anyone cares to just comment with pros/cons, pics wearing it, etc. Any and all opinions greatly appreciated. Im sick of watching youtube vids anyway. Some good opinions would be pleasant to read though.

dave

Crumpler isn't known for being super weather proof,at least not like those others. If you're looking for a bag for walking around,all the others have straps that work better with the strap cinched all the way up on your back. Timbuk2 really are the only ones that work equally well on and off the bike. Having said that,I prefer the strap system and pocket layout on the Bailey to Chrome's;that seat belt buckle really is just bling and extra weight. RELoad and PAC are pretty much custom,so you'll pay more and have to wait. I've heard good things about Mission Workshop,but have never seen one in real life.

If it absolutely,positively MUST be waterproof,then I'd suggest SealLine:
https://cascadedesigns.com/sealline/u...er-bag/product

I've got a small(should've gotten the large). They're kinda small(the large would be a medium to anyone else),and the material and closure system don't allow over packing,but anything inside will def stay dry unless you actually go into the water.

Most of the time these days I use panniers, but on occasion I still use my Chrome Metropolis. I give the Chrome Metropolis top marks; massive capacity, completely waterproof, and about as comfortable as I imagine a courier bag can be. The shape of the strap is more ergonomic that Timbuk2's and has decent padding.

I have friends who ride motorcycles and some of them use this bag. In fact, one used to be a motorcycle messenger and she used a Chrome Metropolis. The Chrome is completely waterproof, you'd have to drop it into a pool to get water inside it. I've used it for years in Seattle and never had any water inside it. Mine's nearly a decade old now.

You'd be amazed at how much capacity it has, and the added benefit of its waterproofing is that keeps hot items warm and cold items cool for quite some time. Chrome's unique strap makes it easy to get on and off once you get the hang of using it, which takes no time at all.

We have a couple of Timbuk2's kicking around the house, including a nice backpack one, but if I hop on a bike that lacks pannier racks or am looking for a bag to take on the bus or on a trip with me, it is the Chrome that gets the nod.

Reading your original post, it sounds like maybe the Metropolis might be a little large for you, but IIRC Chrome has a few other sizes. IIRC, someone mentioned in a thread recently that the quality of the Chrome bags has gone down recently, you might want to search for thread.

Another vote for Chrome!
I have been a loyal T2 user for decades. I just bought a complete bike from my LBS and got 10% off of accessory purchases, so I picked up a Chrome mini metro bag with a Bishop wallet, mini buckle keychain, and accessory pouch. Chrome blows T2 out of the water for ease of use and smart design with waterproof inner layer and many pockets. Easy to cinch tight and QR tab makes it easy to loosen so you can get your gear without unbuckling. Plus the actual release buckle makes on & off a snap. I can't say enough great stuff about my Chrome bag.

Well, if you want waterproof from a very proven name, you might want to add Ortlieb to your list. Their pannier bags are very highly regarded (I use a set, they're awesome), and it doesn't get much more waterproof than the roll-top closing system.

A 360 degree view:
https://www.ortlieb.com/spin/messenge...client=ortlieb
Product page:
https://www.ortliebusa.com/prod-53.htm

You can find them cheaper if you look around, too.

^^^That's a backpack. OP was asking about mess bags.

Ortlieb does make mess bags:
https://www.ortliebusa.com/prod-78.htm
https://www.ortliebusa.com/prod-60.htm

I've looked at the Sling-It's;was not impressed by the strap system,and it only has velcro to close it,so you can't over stuff. No interest in the Zip;the zipper closure limits how full you can stuff the bag,and they don't run very big anyway.

Okay, cool. Thanks guys for all the help so far. I kind of rushed into getting my T2, and have to admit, although i love the versatility of the bag and the way I can wear it, it just isn't very comfortable, unless I have like 2 pounds in it. Even just my laptop, I can feel the weight on my neck, and thats with the huge wide stiff shoulder pad, that I paid extra for. Now it seems, I have stumbled upon all these posts and stories of guys who switched to a better bag and were way happier. So, just to update.

I still like the bags above, but I am really trying to find the "best" one that can fit the task of getting used as my commuting/laptop bag, and also my edc bag. I didn't really care for the Ortlieb bag. I am really torn between the Seagull(i like the look), Chrome(seems to be the most common vote), or Pac designs and RELoad.
I love the others too(Crumpler Barney Rustle, Mission Workshop although looks bulky, and the Bailey works(it looks like it hangs on your back comfortably).
Wow, i didn't think this would be such a big decision. I guess I just have to look at some more pics, and just decide. This is proving to be a task though. They all seem to have their pros/cons.

Again, I like how some messenger bags seem to hang and conform to your back, as opposed to others that seem to be a large stiffer bag, that rests against the back. I hope that makes sense. I like the bags that i can compress down when only using it for the laptop and some books, but still look good even when filled up a bit.
Decisions, decisions.......


thanks again for all the help and suggestions.
dave