I've been in need for a new device to carry things on my person, more specifically while riding a bicycle. I've always used backpacks and have never owned a messenger bag. Besides helping me amass multiple cool points amongst my hipster brethren, what makes a messenger bag better than a backpack? Having never ridden with one I'm curious about why so many people use them, and I hope there are more justifiable reasons than "thats what real messengers use, brah"...

thats what real messengers use, brah

Real answer, I use both. Just depends on how much im carrying and how far im going. Shorter rides and less cargo results in mess bag. Commute and more cargo means backpack. My backpack does have a water bladder in it though.

Depends. My pac designs bag is pretty comfortable on the bike with just about any load. Walking it sucks though.

I have a timbuk2 grubstake and walking it's ok, but on the bike the heavy part is pushing on your lower spine.

Looking at the reload flight pack lately. Also the mission workshop backpacks are really nice. But do like the versatility of my pac bag. Can carry just about anything with it.

If you are only going to own one bag, a messenger bag isn't better, to be perfectly honest.

Like Deshi said, I use the messenger bag when I'm not carrying a ton of stuff. I prefer it to my backpack because it fits closer to my body, and I don't have worry about it swinging around and hitting things/people (such as when I'm walking somewhere crowded).

I should also note that I got the small size (Chrome Mini-Metro) for this reason. If I want to carry a lot of stuff, I use a big backpack that I've owned forever.

A good messenger bag will be made to fit across your back while in riding position. It will be moldable to fit odd things into it, while riding, it will be easy to adjust while riding, and it will be accessible while riding without having to take it off.

All of them have last quality, lots dont have the first three.

I also use both. I also have a Pac Design bag and I use it as my long ride heavy load/ winter bag (as winters here mean carrying lots of extra stuff). And yes its great while on bike, it blows walking. I am actually making my own backpack as I have yet to find a company that has one with all the feature I need.

i have a Kemmer bag(L chrome copy) messenger and a timbuk2 swig backpack.

they're both good for different things, but if i could sell them both off and buy a vandal i would.

I used to sell those backpacks that had a mesh panel that sat against your back and the pack was raised away from your body. Solved the backpack/sweat issue entirely. I think Osprey makes them.

I use a chrome dually which is getting upgraded to a ranchero. I chose messenger style because of the water proof layer they bring. Not just a waterproof spray on the fabric

they only look cooler.
functionally, they're worse than backpacks, especially with heavy or unwieldy loads.

I use my backpack for hauling tons of stuff like groceries. Food seems to pack itself pretty well in a backpack, whereas it just rolls around (like apples or onions) and creates pressure points on my back in a messenger back.

On a daily basis, I use my medium Chrome. Books and sweaters fit pretty nicely in the bag.

It's not....they only work when you are riding and are awkward at most other times....like many others I have both and switch between them as needed

Messenger bags are worse for most people; they are designed to swing around in front. I’m not sure why anyone would want this to happen while riding a bike, with the exception for people who have to take stuff out (or put in) the bag while riding (i.e. messengers). If you are not constantly retrieving stuff from your bag while riding, get a backpack.

Easier to deal with the mess bag while out and about vs. a backpack. Especially in crowded places like a bar or music event.

Sounds like you are talking about the Osprey Manta:

https://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/MantaSeries

precisely, very comfy pack. I would use mine if I could find it, got it 4 or so years ago and it kinda disappeared...

My messenger bag makes me feel like a fancy lady carrying a purse. That's why I like it.

+1 to the reasons above.
mess for lighter, backpacks for heavier.

And also, wide to square-ish objects fits my mess bag better. Long objects goes into my timbuk 2 hemlock since it's a rolltop and fits anything tall.

I recently added one of these:

to the strap on my Timbuk2 messenger bag and it's made my life a lot easier.

Taking a bag off/putting it on over your head really sucks when you've got as much hair as I do.

Scrod, doode, your new avatar is so...so...Harry Potter.

hahaha I know!

+ to having a buckle.

I don't have a lot of hair but I regularly have a full load of school books, locks, random school accessories, clothing, shoes and misc bike parts sitting in my bag and lifting it over my head is a sonofabeach. Having a buckle makes it easy to take off and put on.

I guess i'm the odd one.. I hate backpacks in comparison to messenger bags, even for the heaviest loads. Groceries and pretty much anything else fits just fine without jabbing your back, but you do have to think about that kinda thing when you're packing it, you can't just toss it in there. I find if I put the heavy stuff towards the lower hanging side that works best. I've never had any problems with it swinging around on its own and I feel perfectly comfortable walking around off the bike with one. Also, backpacks make my pits sweat..

As someone who is usually carrying my laptop, a lock and some tools at most, I'm good with my messenger bag. I've ridden with a backpack a few times and can't stand it.