so my right shoulder (im left handed) and right back have been killing me from weekly runs for cases of beer etc. I want to move to a backpack 3500 cubic inches or there abouts, but i want a bag that i can use as a daily carrier . the great thing about messenger bags is that they hold alot, and when they arent holding anything, they compress.

if people could post their pics of their backpacks compressed (using the straps they came with etc) id appreciate it. i have looked through a dozen threads and the emphasis always seems to be around the bags when they are full

i have a deuter futura 42ac (42L, 05/06 model) hiking pack. it's a standard top pouch, draw closure main, accessory lower backpack, with waist belt and internal suspension. i use it when i have to carry camera gear plus sketchbooks and laptop for school, which would make my freitag too heavy/bulky.

while i don't have any photos, i can say that it compresses down to about 4-6" thick in the middle portion, and the top pouch then folds over so it doesn't stick up so far. the lower section doesn't compress, but i like this because i can fill it with heavier things and the weight stays lower on my back.

it's comfortable and versatile on a bicycle, but you have to adjust the shoulder and waist straps to compensate for riding posture, and be mindful of packing it such that the top pouch doesn't stick up too far, or it'll prevent you from raising your head all the way. it's really annoying to get everything loaded and start riding, only to discover that you've got to stop and repack, or deal with a neck cramp.

hope this helps.

The Ortlieb Velocity Backpack:

https://chicagowig.blogspot.com/

The ortlieb nice, but not as big as what you want by a long shot.

that wig bag is huuuuge but looks like it definitely compresses nicely.

that wig bag is probably the coolest thing i've seen all day

this bag is perfect... packs down for daily use, but seems HUGE! i hope they start selling them soon.

Isaac at WIG makes bags by request. email him and things will start happening!

+1

That thing is amazing!

call isaac he will make you one he is working on mine now they are expensive and well worht it I got my mess bag from him almost a year ago and have been in two accidents where I slid down the street on my bag and it is still in great shape and the thing is bloody huge

the older back pack desing was also a little smaller than the new one it was araound 3000 cubic inches if I remmeber and cheaper than the new one

here is an email from isaac


mind you he and I both measure I think in the mid 40 inches around the chest

the bag is huge wendy is 5'10" so that will give an idea of how big it is

Huge capacity there, but a bag like that is going to kind of suck if the load isn't square. Also, why are all the straps a foot too long? There should only be a little bit more than what is needed at maximum extension, otherwise the thing is going to be a total medusa when cinched. I also disagree with the usage of buckles rather than just adjusters for the cinch straps, why would you ever unbuckle them? Just adds weight and something to break.

Go get a deuter, arcteryx, mountain HW, osprey, or even a jansport. I'll get flamed (again) for saying this, but the backpacks being made by the mess bag companies are straight up cave compared to the ones from real outdoor gear makers.

My qualm with backpacks is that they're hard to see around in traffic.

my qualm is having one huge pocket

makes it difficult to pack sometimes

it takes much time to balance weight

and sort items to avoid backstabbing

Holy crap that's amazing! I've never seen a bag do that.

dude the comp straps are quick release so you can expand the bag quickly it is built to be a work horse it has 1/2" thick back padding or is it 1/4" as for non square items that is why it has straps on it I ordered mine purely out of utility I haul wheels bankers boxes and big flat documents as well as school books all week long you will want this back pack when you have a 40+# bankers box on your back

don't think about asthetics think about utility

For incredibly large boxes, I would insist on a front rack similar in style to the CETMAs, but for things that aren't so bloody heavy, it seems like a backpack (and maybe a hiking version) would be a good solution to centralized pressure on one shoulder. As for seeing around a bag in traffic, I would imagine that hiking backpacks would be more difficult to see around due to their height. Sure they're better stabilized and pack nicer, but if you're more sensitive to being able to see over your shoulder in exchange for taking a couple minutes to find something at the bottom of the bag, I'd say a messenger backpack with some nice stability would be more appropriate. If we're talking about daypacks, I suppose that's a whole different matter.

Then again, now that I compare hiking and messenger backpacks a little more, the width is what matters. I've never worn a gigantic backpack in traffic, so I guess this is all supposition anyway.

3500 cubic inches is a big bag. Really big. When I backpack, I don't carry that much. Check out a Dana Designs Bombpack.

When you get a backpack that size you really need straps that go around your hips, like a backpacking backpack. If you're filling the thing up it could weigh 60+ pounds and all of that only on your shoulders is gonna suck. If I needed something like that I'd pay whatever extra cash for a nice waistbelt to distrubte the weight better.

there's a reason why they're called "custom jobs." you don't have to order anything that big, you can ask for whatever strap length you please, and add as many stabilizing straps as your cycling hearts desire.

Isaac customized the strap on my bag to accommodate large tits and narrow shoulders. I'm sure he can make your backpack dream come true.

jees guys didn't I state above that alot of his initial designs are for big dudes me and Isaac are pretty big dudes and well you guessed it he makes the bags to fit him then modifies them to fit smaler people he has lotsa firiends that don't mind being guinea pigs

I've had the 32 for a couple years & I'll cosign. I use it mostly for hiking, but bikes sometimes. The built-in raincover & hydration sleeve are +s. <$100

That's tight, kisha!

I'll take one of my reload when I get home..