zigmin

I need one of those osprey packs! The only thing I don't like about backpacks is the sweaty back, that aside I think I'm gonna stick to the backpack. What I'm gathering from this thread is that people use messenger bags because they look cool...

dsh

Took you long enough.

I mean look at this sexy thang:

vw addict

Well when I'm carrying stuff I want to get at quick it's not to unbuckle and flop my messenger bag to the front, flip the lid and get at what I want. I don't really care about the "cool" aspect. When I'm carrying a big load there is nothing better than a well designed backpack.

s00ngtype

I much prefer a backpack. Stays put, can hold a camelbak bladder, better for carrying heavy loads, evenly distributes weight on both shoulders.

I tried a messenger bag for a while but it's just not for me.

dsh

There is absolutely no rational line of thought which could conclude that a backpack is more quickly accessible than a messenger bag.

The backpack has tons of advantages over the messenger, but quickness of access is not one of them.

zigmin

Blicksbags are what made me question my loyalty to the backpack in the first place.

JesusBananas

Where is blicks anyway?

ichitz

around? working hard? iono... all i know is i have a bag coming from her on monday. Excited!!
not a messenger tho

JesusBananas

The new backpack? Or the Tremont one with the zipper on top?

I would definitely get a custom blicks if I didn't already have my Chrome . . .

yummygooey

That T Level backpack with the suspension mesh looks pretty sweet:

evangelinegale

i've owned both. for large loads, longer trips, and altogether daily use i like my chrome backbone(backpack). i also have a chrome mess bag and i love it as well but it's just simple logic that a load on one shoulder will always feel more heavy than a load on two. it's easier to get stuff in and out of and just trendy as hell. but in fact many messengers use backpacks too. there are certain backpack considered messenger backpacks such as the chrome warsaw and the ortlieb messenger pro.

ichitz

u'll have to wait till monday (or later if i get lazy)
hint: it's on her blog

evilcryalotmore

If your swinging your bag in front of you 100 times a day.

If you caring a chair

If your pregnant,

Messenger bag.

vw addict

Yeah not sure what happened with that response, busy at work. I MEANT that the mess bag was way more convienent for small items, I use it for quick trips around town. Commuting is done with my Dana Designs rucksack, can't beat it.

Nick The Beard

How about price? I'm looking for a new bag now and it looks like backpacks tend to go for more.

nickpoiron

I use a messenger bag because I can fit a ton more stuff in it than my backpack, I find it to be more comfortable and more stable while riding. plus I look awesome with it on.

Xgecko

I sewed a seatbelt buckle from a 65 Rambler into my shoulder strap years ago....makes putting heavy loads on over motorcycle leathers/helmet so much easier

math is fun

+1 for blicksbags
I have the little brother of that bag and I have to say that it is easily the best bag I have ever owned. I liked it so much I ordered a larger one to replace my backpack for larger loads and carrying books to class.

Austinnh

I've been wearing backpacks my whole life and recently switched to a messenger bag.

much easier to take off and put on and less in the way for carrying everywhere. Also I find that backpack straps get in my armpits and make them even more warm and moist than they already are. My messenger bag is more of an everyday man purse for me, and fills this role better than a backpack due to ease of accessibility.

Definitely NOT because it's cool.

geej

i have the chrome mini metro.. bought it cuz i read in some blog about this guy carrying his 13" macbook and his SLR with room to spare which is what i always carry around. and it's frickin waterproof. been out in some nuts downpours (in hawaii, and we've been getting some serious rain lately) and my laptop and my camera stay perfectly dry. i've worn backpacks forever, and always got annoyed at how the straps dig into my neck and around the armpits. switched to the messenger back and realized how much better the weight was spread across my back and no more digging in weird places. and best of all, you can get the chrome in custom colors! oh, and you get that awesome seat belt buckle

JesusBananas

What? But people have been mostly saying how they like the messenger bag for carrying less stuff and prefer backpacks for hauling a lot.

What the -- oh . . . forget it.

ScottRock

Ha, was going to ask just this question.

Has anyone had experience with 'waterproof' messenger bags? How well do they work?

Build your own

Just like others, I use my old Timbuk2 for daily small to medium loads and my Ortlieb Pro for heavy hauling.Scott, I've been through plenty of downpours with both bags and everything stayed nice and dry.

yummygooey

My Chrome has gotten me through a down pour before. If you're riding, make sure you close the flap down tight so water doesn't splash up the flap. Other than that, everything inside the water proof liner stayed nice and dry.