+eleventy billion. I rode for a year with a decent backpack (North Face with sternum and hip straps). Then I won a BaileyWorks, and now I ride with that. Four main reasons:
1. Waterproof
2. Stuffable - if all of a sudden I need to carry a case of beer and a sleeping bag, a mess bag will be able to handle it. My backpack couldn't.
3. Ease - To get my wallet out of my Bailey Works, I just unclick the waist strap and swing it around. With my backpack I had to unclip both the sternum and hip straps, swing the whole thing off of my shoulders, and either hold it up with my hands while digging through it, or (more often) set it down in the muck and dig through it.
4. Style - I'm not going to front here, the Baileyworks looks cool.

The waterproof argument is bunk. There are plenty of waterproof backpacks out there.

I don't care either way though. I carry my ***** in pink Chinatown plastic bags on each end of my bars.

you win

Yeah but are they going to last 10 years and still be waterproof?

Most backpacks I see on the market are all zippers, bunches of plastic clasps, not enough padding, or too much padding, heavy, have that stupid mesh pockets everywhere, too many pockets, etc...

Breaking news: new model from Bagaboo

Here it is

With a couple of beefier features, and an X-strap. This might just be what I really want, but then it is most definitely overkill for me. Tamás hasn't put a price tag on it yet, but it doesn't look like it'll be cheap... Why am I wanting it???

You see people wearing typical street backpacks. If want fully waterproof, get a hiking daypack. I mean, this is overkill, but if you want it, it's out there.

i've been riding with a Chrom Ivan (1680cu backpack) for a while and i really like it. it's a rolltop so i don't worry about water seeping in through zippers. yeah the outside is cordura or somethings similar, but this is wrapped around a vinyl/waterproof inside. i haven't used it in a heavy rain yet, but it's been wet and nothing inside dot damp. even the flap pockets on the back that only close with a little loop stayed dry. it's plenty comfy but i can see how people with narrower shoulders might have issues with the straps. it's got enough room to carry a change of clothes, rain jacket, shoes, laptop, food, and biking essentials (small tools, tubes, etc).
it covers my back pretty well so i get sweaty, but whatever. if i'm riding somewhere with a full pack like that there's a shower at my destination. i could definately toss a sixer in there on a moment's notice, but odd shaped things aren't really going to work. i have full confidence in it's waterproofness so i don't even bother with a laptop sleeve; just pad it with my extra clothes. i guess the point is, buy what fits you, buy for your purpose. consider looking like a nerd and have a backpack :)

Dank sends its regards to all of you.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6...erymuchpq1.jpg

backpacks hit me in the head on a bike, or flop to a side, and are a pain to get into especially if you like keeping your lock in your bag and not your pocket

I find the single strap messenger bags are the best compromise for carrying a little vs carrying a lot. Just removed something big from the bag? cinch up the main strap, and you're good to go.
Backpacks tended to not be stable on my back, flop around, and interfered with head-checks.

the X-strap system is the best of both worlds, really. when it counts, you have the extra support (and hassle) of 2 straps. Otherwise, all the advantages of a mess. bag.

I really need to get some panniers for those times when i'm carrying a significant amount for a long distance. 30+ continuous miles with any serious load sucks with either a backpack or messenger bag.

that too..messenger bags sseem to pull the load against your back, where backpacks just pull the back of the pack against your back.. im not bored enough to think out the why's of this

when i was a messenger, i just gave everything to a little kid from my neighborhood that i carried on my back. i couldnt afford a bag, so i split my pay with him...

http://static.flickr.com/86/265421473_a2ce04839f.jpg

so since I've retired and gone back to school I should have to turn in my messenger bag with my messenger badge and gun?
Seriously, thats rediculous. I was a messenger, while I'm not now that I moved to a small college town, I still use my bag to hold 4 notebooks and 6 books so I don't have to go back home between classes. Should I also pull out my spokecareds since my last race was a few months ago?
I love my messenger bag because we have been together for nearly three years and its held up like a champ through crappy weather and crashes and daily hard wear. It's comfortable and can be even be a conversation piece occasionally.
That said, I had to change my shoulder placement because it pinches on the lump from my collarbone. I just moved it out a bit more on my shoulder and its still comfy.



Now that I've posted for the first time in a few months, things are good but busy, I miss you guys.

I can get it high on my back so it's not bumping my belt.

I also like having one arm/shoulder unloaded to do whatever with.

Also, I like the wide opening profile of my mess bag much more over that of my last LL Bean backpack, I can get more strangely shaped things into it.

ryand for the win.

http://www.chromebags.com/sultan_track_stand_350.jpg

backpacks make you trackstand better.
this proves it.

Because a messenger bag is more professional looking and works like a briefcase far better than a backpack.
I can walk into meetings with the strap over one shoulder, bag to my side, or holding by handle and not look like a student, hiker or world traveler who just walked into the meeting with one or two backpack straps over shoulder. The bag can rest neatly under table against chair or table legs without flopping around due to bulky shoulder straps.
It works like a briefcase, holding file folders and pens, laptop, etc. with easy wide access with one top flap to open.
Al

http://www.arcteryx.com/product.aspx?Arro-22

In a word, yes. There are these magical things called waterproof zippers now.

Yep. I just found one of my Christmas Gifts to myself.

Thanks, donkekus.

http://www.arcteryx.com/images/popups/Arro-22-Black.jpg

I have a similar one, and it is lovely. Their straps are perfect, and the back foam sits really well.

And honestly if I wanted a pack I'd go to Tough Traveler. Very nice people.

what size messenger bags do you guys use? can you show me photos of it on you and tell me how big you are? should i use it over my left shoulder or my right? this thread has turned sour, it is no longer any different than any of these threads, except instead of somebody that doesn't know any better asking a question thats been asked a bunch of times, its a group of regular posters arguing over a personal preferance.

I agree that it's turned a bit sour.

Those are good questions, good enough to start a fresh thread with.

;)

did bikeforums just get a stylesheet change or are my eyes decieving me?

it got some new girls jeans.
;)