latexyankee

Here is what I need,

A small pack or messenger type bag to be worn maybe once a week. Only a handfull of things would be needed...wallet, towel, bodyspray, U lock etc. This would only be worn on some weekend rides or running errands when I maybe want to stop at the bar or store and lock my bike for a few minutes, or maybe ride to the pool in the summertime. It gets very hot and humid here so I'm looking for something cool (if that's even a possibility).

I've ridden with a backpack plenty of times and I'm trying to minimize the heat back there with something smaller and hopefully more airflow. Someone recommended a chrome mini messenger but that thing looks HOT. The material and price turn me off. I've never used camelpaks before so maybe a very small version? Perhaps throw it in the fridge and use the pack to cool the back while drink from my bottles?

I want to start using my road bike a little more for transportation, but I'm not interested in getting a rack, this will not be an everyday thing. Just simple things that are close the house and instead of driving while sitting in traffic, I'm going to just utilize my bike for more than long country rides.

Any suggestions or experiences would be awesome.

Thanks!!

screamtone

I have a couple of extra small Timbuk2 messengers that hold pretty much exactly what you describe. They're nylon and super small, so not super hot. I'm in a super humid climate (Ohio Valley), as well. Completely overpriced unless you find them on Chainlove, eBay, etc., so look there first.

gsa103

Yep, small Timbuk2 bags are perfect for that. Enough space for a laptop and notebook, or a change of clothes. I use mine for commuting and as a laptop bag for travel.

cale

I have a Chrome backpack. I picked it up on impulse at a Trade Show so I didn't pay anywhere near retail. I like the fact that it has a thick fabric-covered foam back has vents to make it more comfortable (less perspiration) and I can carry a full load of groceries without getting gabbed by the can of tomatoes. Haha. I think this is the one, https://www.bikebagshop.com/chrome-r...ck-p-2004.html

bikemig 

I was just looking at smallish backpacks today. This one from REI/Novara looks promising:

Novara E.T.A. Backpack - REI.com

hairnet

That's the big downside you can't really avoid. Chrome bags may be expensive but they are very very durable. I have had my Metropolis for six years with near daily use commuting to school and work as well as using it as my luggage bag for all sorts of trips. The thing very little wear except for the faded dye, dirt, and a couple tears that were my fault.

They have a clearance section which turns out nice stuff Sale | Chrome Industries

znomit

Revelate seat bag:
https://www.revelatedesigns.com/inde...Seat-Bags/Pika

If you must have a pack I find my little macpac works well.
AMP 12HR | Macpac New Zealand

CliffordK

I have a couple of bags that I can choose from depending on my expected load.

I picked up a Camelback that has the water bag, plus a couple of additional pockets. Nice for small stuff. I'm having troubles with the water bottle bosses at the moment, so water is good.

I'm not sure about the effectiveness of back ventilation, but a little extra padding in the back is lightweight, and very helpful for that odd awkward load that pokes one in the wrong spot.

Sorry, I don't have a favorite brand, just whatever was cheap and seemed to fit the bill.

kbarch

I've found that messenger bags and backpacks are generally far bulkier and take up more surface area on your back than they need to, and can be uncomfortably hot for that reason alone.

I have an inexpensive JanSport Sinder 15bag, which I didn't originally get to carry on the bike, but just to have something convenient for gym gear (shoes, shorts, t-shirt, toiletries), and it's just right for that. Turns out it's also perfect for stashing odds and ends on race mornings. It's not the most rugged thing and I wouldn't make a habit of carrying much weight in it (definitely not suitable for groceries or a laptop), but it is very light, compact, and has a small, narrow 'footprint' on your back.

pdedes

I have a timbuk 2 pannier bag that doubles as a messenger bag. On my commuter, i clip it on, and it has a flap to zip over the clipping hardware so I can use it as a messenger bag.

latexyankee

Anyone know of some xsmall varities that have a u lock holster built in? I have an REI nearby so maybe I'll go have a look

latexyankee

After poking around on the web this morning I discovered the timbuck2 catapult messenger, looks pretty perfect to my needs. Anyone use this model?

JeremyLC

I have a Chrome Metropolis, Chrome Citizen, and a Chrome Ivan. The Citizen is the one I like carrying best, but I use the other two depending on weather or load. I don't find my Citizen to be hot or uncomfortable at all, even in 100° heat. The Metropolis is so big that it gets warm, and the Ivan is a roll-top backpack, it can't not be warm.

chilidawgnv

I use a small Marmot day pack that I picked up from REI. I use it for riding to work with my change of clothes, lunch, etc. It's lightweight nylon and doesn't get real hot. Although I'm in Nevada and have significantly less humidity to worry about than you.

mrvrsick

I've got a camelback volt 13(?). I use it for commuting, mtb, hiking, and even on my motorcycle. Very narrow, never hot while commuting, and most importantly of all (to me), fits my laptop.

TenSpeedV2

Chrome Metropolis and Citizen user here. The price is equivalent to the quality of the item. I use mine to commute to work and that Metropolis holds a lot. My back does get warm, but it is all part of the ride. The simple fact that they are bomb proof and water proof is good enough for me.

latexyankee

I went ahead and ordered this

Timbuk2 Catapult Sling Messenger Black 742-6-2000 up to 13" - Newegg.com

thanks for all the suggestions

TenSpeedV2

If there is no side stability strap, you can expect that bag to move around on your body.

latexyankee

I received it today and there is indeed a side strap, although it is a little bigger than advertised, better than a backpack.

AristoNYC

Great bag, I have one and I love it.

Buffalo Buff

For anything I can't fit in a seatpost bag + my pocket, I use this bag. It attaches in 30 seconds using one hex bolt. The bag pops on and off the rack with the push of a button and has a shoulder strap for when you want to walk around with it.

Way more comfortable than using a backpack. I've tried both.



I commute on my Fenix 5 days a week and I really like this bag for holding my stuff for work & the gym.