Looking for an uber small messenger bag
 

Hey Everyone,

I have the medium sized chrome bag right now, and have owned it for a few years now. I absolutely love it and have hauled everything from gallons of milk to a couple six packs, all the way up to my complete pista concept while riding my girlfriends bike to meet her somewhere (mine was lighter heh).

Only problem is... I have a part time job now and require simply a water bottle or two, a tshirt, and a small hand towel to dry my face off after the ride there. My back gets pretty sweaty with my bigger bag, not to mention I generally keep it loaded with tools and a pump. I just need something simple to get me a mile to work and back. I've looked at the Corsair and that seems like the closest thing to what I want, but I'd love to hear other options.

I'd also like to use this bag when I am doing a fun long distance ride to carry a pump and tools, so I wan't to get something significantly different than my current bag (smaller, lighter, etc...) that I can use for more than just my trip to work :)

And yes I know it's a 2 miles round trip, but I sweat a lot. I live in Hawaii and I'm a heavy guy =(

Totally serious suggestion: check out a Mountainsmith lumbar pack. Not a "fanny pack" (**** that term, anyway), as fanny packs aren't cool as hell. I've had mine 3 years and use it daily. Great for when I don't need a full-size bag.

I have this one: http://www.mountainsmith.com/product...bCategory2Id=0

why dont you try a purse?

It was only a matter of time.

How about a saddle bag/handlebar bag, and use a water bottle cage on the frame?

That might be a bit to practical to be hip though.

Timbuk2 makes a great little bag that is essentially a man-purse. It's called the Metro. It has all the features of Timbuk2 bags like bullet proof construction, good looks, a key tether and appropriate organizing pockets. Everyone in my family has one. They are great. I got them out at Sierra Trading Post for $20 a piece (with one of the endless discount coupons Sierra sends out in E-mail). But, Sierra is out and a quick Goggle shows them to be over $40 at most places. I'm not sure why Sierra had them on fire sale. Anyway, it's a great bag and sounds perfect for you as long as you are carrying a mini-pump.

You try checking out the REload site yet? I was just up in Philly last Thursday and got to stop by the workshop/store and they have a ton of different sizes. I picked up a small waist pack and I love it. It's just the right size for a spare tube, 15mm wrench, tire lever, tire gauge, EMT tool, cell phone, and one other medium sized object (cable bike lock for quick stops). Plus it has a U-lock harness built into the back of it, and you can put a small hand pump through the straps as well. Pretty convenient. Plus they're strong as hell. Might be something worth checking out.

Fanny Pack FTW!

a backpack. /thread

Cocette out of Montreal makes great bags, and the FRIDA is just the kind of bag you're talking about. Has "real" messenger bag features such as a good harness system, but it's teeny-tiny. Holds my mini-u lock, a waterbottle or two, a book, a shirt / shell etc. I've been able to cram groceries in there from time to time with some ingenious use of the straps, but it's designed for the uses you have in mind. Very well made, very comfy.

a murse, if you will. I feel you TS, i've been looking for a leather satchel for my casual riding, hard to find small and simple stuff.

sure, it's hideous looking, but the nashbar triangle bag is perfect for holding tools, tube, pump and a snack on longer rides when i don't wanna take my messenger bag. also it costs like $10, delivered.

would recommend again.


http://www.nashbar.com/images/nashba...BKTT-ANGLE.jpg

I just puked in my mouth^

lol is it really that bad? :backpedal:

there's this incase hip bag that holds a u-lock with a bag to carry tools and all the other things u were saying u need

http://www.turntablelab.com/images/c.../9/2/92664.jpg

qft

Thanks for the tips everyone ;) From all your responses the ones that appeal most look like the incase hip pack and the Cocotte Frida.

The Banjo Brothers Pocket Messenger Bag
http://banjobrothers.com/products/01120.php

That looked real nice until i saw the $70 price tag

get a wald 137 front basket

+1. I actually like front baskets.

It's not a mess bag, but it's small enough to have all the advantages of a backpack (stable, doesn't move around), without the disadvantages (can't hold enough to throw you off balance, mess with your shoulders).

Black Diamond Bullet climbing pack. Love it.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...fL._AA280_.jpg

Timbuk2 has smaller sizes...I have a medium but I have had my mother send me her small (or maybe extra small) when I was traveling and it was quite a nice size.

chrome mini metro?

I suggest you check out these guys from Germany:
http://www.fahrer-berlin.de/en/main.html

They make their stuff from recycled material, seems to be about the size you are looking for and it's bike-centric.