Do you guys like shoulder/messenger style bags, or backpacks? Why do you prefer one over the other?

Backpack all the way.

never heard of em.

Of the two choices, backpacks. Messenger bags don't fit my body and if I'm carrying a bag it's because I need the extra room generally found in a backpack.

That said, I hardly ever use a regular shoulder bag. 99% of the time I use a small hip bag and if I need to carry more, a handlebar bag. The only things I regularly carry that don't fit in my pockets are locks and booze.

Backpack. 2 Straps provide better support.

I voted for messenger (Chrome Mini-Metro), but really the answer is "it depends."

My backpack has a much larger volume than my messenger. When I need to carry more crap, I bring the backpack because it is both larger and more stable.

For example, if I am just commuting to work, I bring the messenger. If I am going grocery shopping, I bring the backpack.

sigh.

I prefer having no bag.

The North Face Bandwidth backpack. It holds a Camelbak 74oz. bladder or laptop in a separate inner pocket, and tools and a spare tube in a bottom entry pocket.

broken left scapula that sticks out further than my right,
so i prefer i right shoulder messenger bag.
plus i can dig through my bag with my left hand with out taking it off
for puling out camera gear and shooting with my right

What, are you tired? Maybe you need a 'nap'sack. See you on another thread.

Cargo bike.

/thread.

+1 QFMFT

If I need the storage, backpack all the way; the only thing coming close to a messenger bag for me is my chrome citizen and that's just for comfort in design and sheer volume of space and the simplicity that is actually more.

eunuch ????

for me it depends on what I am doing, sketchbook and wallet, small shoulder bag, light load I have a small backpack, Big heavy load and I have a Timbuk2 Bolo thats about a decade old that works just fine

I use a messenger bag when I go on long rides or when I have school other than that I use no bag feels different but a good kind of different? Interpret that anyway you want to.

I guess that makes me a eunuch?

If I don't need my bag but still riding in normal clothes then I just use a hip pouch to carry my stuff. That said, I have had no issues taking my Chrome bag on long rides

Which Chrome bag? hahaha

This, size L. (But the size M is quite serviceable as well.)

Backpacks just feel more restrictive to me.

Metropolis. It's pretty huge for most people but fits me well

I'm all about the fanny pack these days, mine holds a jacket, tools and a drink.

Whoah, what jacket?

yeah. I nabbed a Chrome fanny pack when they had that big discount code sale a while back that everyone was ****ting about.

messenger by far. I forget I have my chrome mini metro on sometimes. However, it's also the best one for making my back get covered in sweat and leaving a giant strap sized sweat stain across my chest.

if I'm wearing pants with belt loops and don't need anything but my tools then I throw on a belt and put on my chrome hip bag, even better.

I absolutely love my Seagull Bags hip bag. It fits all my stuff for a spare, my u-lock, my wallet, and my iPhone. I can even shove a bottle of water in it, and once I'm on the bike, I don't even realize the pack is there. I really don't care that it's just a fancy fanny pack, not having a hot backpack on my back is wonderful.