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Looking for an uber small messenger bag

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Old 09-29-09 | 05:38 AM
  #1  
whalesalad's Avatar
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From: Honolulu, HI
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 =(
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Old 09-29-09 | 06:08 AM
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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: https://www.mountainsmith.com/product...bCategory2Id=0
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Old 09-29-09 | 06:10 AM
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Bikes: Eighth Inch Scrambler V2, Scott Sub 20

why dont you try a purse?
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Old 09-29-09 | 06:10 AM
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From: Saitama, Japan

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It was only a matter of time.
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Old 09-29-09 | 06:13 AM
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Bikes: Bianchi San Jose, fixed

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.
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Old 09-29-09 | 07:38 AM
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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.
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Old 09-29-09 | 08:28 AM
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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.
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Old 09-29-09 | 08:43 AM
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Fanny Pack FTW!
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Old 09-29-09 | 08:50 AM
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a backpack. /thread
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Old 09-29-09 | 09:01 AM
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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.
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Old 09-29-09 | 09:16 AM
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Bikes: Fiori Fixie powder blue w/ granny bars

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.
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Old 09-29-09 | 09:28 AM
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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.


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Old 09-29-09 | 09:32 AM
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Bikes: Fiori Fixie powder blue w/ granny bars

I just puked in my mouth^
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Old 09-29-09 | 09:40 AM
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lol is it really that bad?
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Old 09-29-09 | 09:49 AM
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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

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Old 09-29-09 | 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by 667
fanny pack ftw!
qft
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Old 09-29-09 | 05:17 PM
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Thanks for the tips everyone From all your responses the ones that appeal most look like the incase hip pack and the Cocotte Frida.
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Old 09-29-09 | 06:33 PM
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PoN
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Bikes: 1979 Nishiki International, 1989 Dahon folder, 1999 Nishiki Backroads, 2009 Dawes SST

The Banjo Brothers Pocket Messenger Bag
https://banjobrothers.com/products/01120.php
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Old 09-29-09 | 09:15 PM
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Originally Posted by ichitz
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

That looked real nice until i saw the $70 price tag
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Old 09-29-09 | 09:36 PM
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get a wald 137 front basket
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Old 09-30-09 | 05:59 AM
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Originally Posted by shubonker
get a wald 137 front basket
+1. I actually like front baskets.

Last edited by Dr Fu Manchu; 09-30-09 at 06:02 AM.
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Old 09-30-09 | 09:04 AM
  #22  
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Bikes: '06 Pedal Force RS

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.

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Old 09-30-09 | 09:47 AM
  #23  
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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.
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Old 09-30-09 | 10:01 AM
  #24  
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chrome mini metro?
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Old 09-30-09 | 11:27 AM
  #25  
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I suggest you check out these guys from Germany:
https://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.
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