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Recommend A Messenger Bag

Gabe said:
Some of us are of a height that isn't conducive to backpacking. Especially when we're in a forward lean. The backpack bumps against our helmets and restricts visibility. The next time you see a short guy (or woman) on a bike with a huge backpack you'll see what I'm talking about.
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FWIW - I'm vertically challenged too.

If you have a back-pack that's hitting the back of your helmet, the pack is too large or set-up wrong.

But my point was that the absolute best option is a tank bag or a top case :thumbup

But then if looking the part is more important than being comfortable and safe, then there is no point to the discussion. :ride
 
OldMadBrit said:
So basically it becomes a badly designed back-pack :thumbup
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Wrong. A messenger bag, even one with a cross-body strap, has several distinct advantages over a backpack:

- Because there's only a single main strap, the bag can be rotated around your body allowing quick access to the contents without needing to remove the bag

- The flap-style closure allows easier access to the entire contents of the bag, as opposed to the U-shaped zippers on most backpacks which make access to the bottom of the pack difficult

In addition, most messenger bags have an extremely long strap which makes putting them on and taking them off when wearing a helmet or bulky riding jacket or suit much easier than a typical backpack.
 
Sure but...
OldMadBrit said:
Unless you are an actual messenger/delivery/courier and need repeated access to the contents - wtf would you want to put up with all the compromises that are inherent in a messenger bag??
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and carrying anything beyond a basic lightweight load, the backpack really shines over a messenger bag. OP already got something but my suggestion would've been the Mission Workshop Rambler. What I'm using now and at 5'8" experience none of the issues shorter people have mentioned. https://missionworkshop.com/products/the-rambler

Used messenger bags for many years/decades? with a bicycle as my main transportation. Not sure why I didn't question my choice sooner. But wish I did...

fubar929 said:
Wrong. A messenger bag, even one with a cross-body strap, has several distinct advantages over a backpack:

- Because there's only a single main strap, the bag can be rotated around your body allowing quick access to the contents without needing to remove the bag

- The flap-style closure allows easier access to the entire contents of the bag, as opposed to the U-shaped zippers on most backpacks which make access to the bottom of the pack difficult

In addition, most messenger bags have an extremely long strap which makes putting them on and taking them off when wearing a helmet or bulky riding jacket or suit much easier than a typical backpack.
Click to expand...
 
While I'm a hard luggage guy, I did use a wonderful bag from Rikshaw Bags in San Francisco for 2 years, daily, on the job, and it looks new.

Features I like:

1) Main overflap is held in place with magnets, so getting in and out is easy quick. (Also has straps/fasteners for highway speeds).

2) Shoulder strap has a way cool quick-adjust feature operated with a cam lock and string pull. Make it long so bag rotates behind torso and rests lightly on bike seat, pull to adjust so strap doesn't slip off shoulder. Then, when off bike and walking, make it short so bag doesn't flop against hip. I really like this system.

Bag also has waist strap for stabilizing, but I never found I needed it. (Chicken strips too wide!)

Useful assortment of pockets inside and out. Kept my stuff dry in the rain, but I always put my laptop inside a plastic bag for rain. Good people to deal with.

Factory 904 22nd St @ Minnesota SF
 
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LectricBill said:
While I'm a hard luggage guy, I did use a wonderful bag from Rikshaw Bags in San Francisco for 2 years, daily, on the job, and it looks new.

Features I like:

1) Main overflap is held in place with magnets, so getting in and out is easy quick. (Also has straps/fasteners for highway speeds).

2) Shoulder strap has a way cool quick-adjust feature operated with a cam lock and string pull. Make it long so bag rotates behind torso and rests lightly on bike seat, pull to adjust so strap doesn't slip off shoulder. Then, when off bike and walking, make it short so bag doesn't flop against hip. I really like this system.

Bag also has waist strap for stabilizing, but I never found I needed it. (Chicken strips too wide!)

Useful assortment of pockets inside and out. Kept my stuff dry in the rain, but I always put my laptop inside a plastic bag for rain. Good people to deal with.

Factory 904 22nd St @ Minnesota SF
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Thanks, Bill. It checks all boxes. And it's $99!
 
Final score.

After some very good suggestions, I had narrowed down to Rickshaw's Sutro Messenger, and Timbuk2's Transit Briefcase Messenger Bag. Since there was no hurry, I've been on the lookout for something cheap on CL and eBay.

Lo and behold, this BMW bag turned up on an eBay search with 8 minutes left to bid. I won it for $15.50 plus a little postage. Score!

And being BMW will fit perfectly with my Eurotrash personality. :laughing

It's in great condition, though darker than in the picture. The seat belt strap is a hoot.

A big thanks for all the suggestions.
 

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I have used messenger Bags for years and years. TB2 is great. The cross strap is a little awkward.

I eventually switched to Backpacks because of the even loading on the shoulders. and they are they are more narrow. I eventually developed the trap on my left shoulder more than the right. I have not worn Messanger bags and years, but I'm still lopsided. If I flex it is crazy how different the left is from the right.
 
I stuffed a Chrome Kremlin (the biggest one) with clothes and it wouldn't fit in panniers or top box, had to strap it to my back for a 80 mile trip. If you need to carry a large amount of gear it's nice that this size basically sits on the passenger seat.
 
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