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General: Messenger Bags vs Messenger Backpack

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    What do you prefer and why?

    I have been using a messenger bag for a while now and I can't help to feel that when I have a pretty heavy load, it restricts some breathing which is never any good. Yes, they are handy-dandy and easy to load and unload but so is the right kind of backpack.

    Just looking for some feedback on what people like the best.
    • CommentAuthordanvprod
    • CommentTimeAug 10th 2009
     
    What kind of messenger bag are you using. I was using a Timbuk2 for a while and I had the same issue, so then I got a PAC Design and the difference is night and day. I got the http://www.pacdesigns.com/ "Large street" model. I use it for commuting to work. It's nice because I can have it loaded up with food, my computer etc. and not feel constricted. If you are looking for a good, cycling-specific backpack I would recommend baileyworks or seagull bags. I had looked at some of the chrome backpacks, but the shoulder straps were WAY too wide. Also, Pac-Designs offers an "x-strap" option on their messenger bags, this helps to remove some of the load off of one shoulder. I have not tried, but I know a lot of people also use R.E. Load and Crumpler Bags. Crumpler has the same designed shoulder strap as the Timbuk2 and both the TB2 and Crum. have waterproofness issues (i.e. water can leak into the TB2) and the fabric on the crumpler does not have a vinyl lining. Finally if you want another good backpack suggestion, check out Ortlieb. They are 100% waterproof and I have used the panniers. Good Luck!
    • CommentAuthorthe rabbi
    • CommentTimeAug 10th 2009
     
    i'm personally looking at getting a freight backpack and when my funds can allow it, a seagull bag.
    i had a chrome backpack and the straps weren't too widr, but the backpack had to be ridden super low because it constricted my neck.
    • CommentAuthorMAVERICK
    • CommentTimeAug 11th 2009
     
    i use the coccotte "fred" and i like it
    definatly the most waterproof bag i have ever seen. rode 7 hours in a rainstorm and the inside was bone dry
    www.cocotte-equip.com
    • CommentAuthorNash
    • CommentTimeAug 11th 2009
     
    PAC Design +1. they are awesome bags and well worth the money. The bailey bags are pretty nice but I think the PAC bags are just bulletproof.
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    Messenger bags fucked up my spine pretty good by putting torque on one shoulder. Switched to a backpack and I feel much better. I wear a Hardwear Enterprise.
    • CommentAuthorhenrydec1
    • CommentTimeAug 11th 2009
     
    this is the best bag you can ever get. its soooo good. worth every penny. the back back on this site http://www.anchorbags.com/ handmade, water proof reliable, comfortable, the best hands down
    • CommentAuthorAaron C
    • CommentTimeAug 12th 2009
     
    man, i really want to like anchor bags... i just can't. i'm definitely a messenger bag guy (i hate backpacks,they dig into my back and i fidget way to much trying to get both straps "just perfect") and i just can't dig the shape of those bags.

    i'd love to own a seagull deluxe, i've only heard good things but out of my price range.

    that being said i can't speak highly enough of reload. great bags. great size, and super durable and not too expensive. well positioned strap thats super beefy, although it took 2years of riding everyday to really break it in.

    my only complaints are that because of the MN winters i've broken every plastic buckle on the bag (to reloads credit 2 1/2 after i bought it they hooked me up with new buckles for price of postage) and the poly coating on the liner has worn through/cracked where the bag opens (still water tight)
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    The only thing that really steers me away from messenger bags is that I have heard they can cause back problems after awhile with carrying heavy loads. This is due to putting pressure on only one shoulder which causes the spine to twist in a weird way. This of course is just what I read and heard from bike messengers. I can't be sure if it's true or not but it's spoken word.

    And yea, i'm the same, i just can't really get into the anchor backpacks. I have been looking at small technical and day packs by Northface with a top-load style and a hard shell in the back so whatever is in there, contours to my back. Those are looking really promising and they are super comfortable. We will see of course.
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    I had a chrome bag but the one shoulder strap was too annoying. Im rocking a hemlock double strap made by Timbuk2
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    Posted By: brooklynbombsThe only thing that really steers me away from messenger bags is that I have heard they can cause back problems after awhile with carrying heavy loads. This is due to putting pressure on only one shoulder which causes the spine to twist in a weird way.

    I used a large Timbuk2 messenger for a two month trip through Europe in 2001. About half way through the trip I mailed the bag back to Oregon and purchased a Lowe Alpine rucksack in England. The back pains caused by that fucker when fully loaded were ginormous. I have used in while riding occasionally since, but those bags are a chiropractor's dream.

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