Why not use a backpack?
 

This is more for the noobs I guess than anyone else:

To start off, I have a thing for bags/backpacks/messenger bags/etc. I own all kinds and several versions of each. But, I find that when riding my backpacks gets way more use than my messenger bags.

I'm not trying to start a posenger or style debate. I'm just talking pragmatically. For me, backpacks get the job done. In the past couple of years, my Chrome Metropolis has seen more time on airplanes as carry-on baggage than on my bicycle.

With all the bag messenger bag threads out there by usually non-messengers, I keep asking myself, "Why don't they just use a backpack?"

Here are a few reasons:So, for those interested in bags, before you drop $100 on that new messenger bag, consider a backpack.

most non bike-specific backpacks are designed for upright centre of gravity, not for leaned-over bike position

It really depends on who you are asking. On a bike, I like a messenger bag much more when carrying alot of things, because I can get it higher on my back. With a light load, its almost the same. I dont buy the expensive bags either. I have one i got for free, and another one I bought for cheap. If you make padding for the strap [old tubes acually work well] the cheap ones are pretty comfortable. I am thinking of making my own bag, so I can have a few of diffrent sizes for dirt cheap.

Good for you. Point?

The point is here:

i rock an ortlieb. ****in dope!

Depends on what/how much you have to carry. With a larger messenger bag you're usually ready for just about anything. I've carried a lot of weird **** that would never fit in a backpack, not even my black hole-capacity Ortleib.

i wish i would have had a backpack while messengering. that should would have been awesome. sure, you'd have to take it all the way off (OH NO!) when you need to get something out, but it's more comfortable, and better on your shoulder over time. you guys that aren't messengers try carrying 120 pounds in two copy boxes a few block with an over the shoulder bag. that **** KILLS. and remember kids...messenger bags are for messengering. not carrying schoolbooks.

i use a large freight baggage backpack for work, and its held more than any sling style bag ive had ever could (chrome kremlin/ xxl bailey works). ive had it full with 2 copy boxes and a few stuffed manila envelopes with it and it was comfortable. after riding with this bag, i wouldnt go back to a sling bag.

haha i ride with it and use it for school. eh, it works.

I use both, backpacks i like better actually

find me a decent backpack that will hold 3500 cubic inches or 50lbs and is easy to get inside, to ride with, almost waterproof, and comfortable loaded down and I will use one---other than the messenger specific backpacks good luck satisfying these needs..........and a regular messenger bag still works better

i sweat with backpacks

the messenger bag can be moved to a new location on my back to allow for maximum circulation.

That's what cargo trailers are for.

You like it? I think I'm gonna get one this weekend.....

http://www.chromebags.com/sultan.php

^^its only 2475 cubic inches, way too small

most backpacks are small, heck, my messenger bag is bigger than my backpacking backpack I use for 3-5 day trips into the woods

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...ory_rn=4500572

not sure about riding, though ;)

ya, cant have a hip strap like that, makes it very uncomfortable or impossible to ride

if you like backpacks, wear one, if you want to haul lots of stuff and do it all the time, you arent going to beat a messenger bag, just the way it is

**** chrome..get a reload backback. the big one. and i didn't have nor do i now have a cargo trailer. part of being a messenger is sacking up to get what needs to be done done. and i realize that the last sentence in my above post could have sounded not like i meant it...i meant that more to the kids that complain that straps don't break in fast enough.

You wanna tell that to the Breakaway kids who use the cargo trailer? ;)

if they have it that's great, but if they don't, you gotta step up.

There's no shame in a cargo bike/trailer. If you take your messenger job seriously and plan on being efficient for years to come, a long john/cargo-trailer equipped bike with disc brakes and 7-9 speeds in the back and two chainrings in the front is probably the best you can get.

Also, to Carleton. Most of the cheapie backpacks are hardly waterproof, sit awfully while riding (i.e. craning one's neck is nigh impossible when the bag rests high on one's back), and have little to no padding which makes for some painful loads if not packed perfectly. I think some of the messenger-specific backpacks out there are totally awesome (Freight, Ortlieb, Chrome, Reload, Seagull all look like good options), but they're going to be as expensive or moreso than a standard messenger bag.

I've found with backpacks that even a lot of the expensive ones aren't waterproof, just somewhat water resistant, and require you to buy a seperate rain cover for another $20. I can't lose built in waterproof.

most bags are just too big for my body, forget what they can carry.
and messenger bags are terrible for my shoulders.