killtheaquitted

I'm looking into getting a commuter bag, and I am interested to hear everyone's pros and cons between messenger and backpacks for cycling. Also, I've been looking at those Chrome bags but they are super pricey. Anything justify that cost over something like timbuk2?

agmetal

Rear rack + Ortlieb Downtown pannier (can be taken off quickly and easily, and carried like a messenger bag when you're off the bike, but gets the weight off your back when riding)

wolfchild

I use two types of messenger bags. One of them is a roll-top backpack and the other one is strap across chest type of a bag plus it has the stabilizer strap so it doesn't shift ... I prefer the backpack , it's more comfortable especially if you have to walk somewhere.
Messenger bags are more comfortable on bikes with more aggressive geometry, handlebars below the saddle where you lean forward more, they are uncomfortable on bikes which are more upright.
My bags are also 100% waterproof. Messenger bags are convenient and easy to get things in and out fast that's why messengers use them, unless you're working as a messenger I would recommend a backpack.

RoadTire 

If you must use / or prefer a backpack, consider it flopping around when you ride or getting onto / off the bike. I currently use a North Face backpack with waist strap and chest strap to pull the shoulder straps in. This works very well to sling low and rest on my hips when riding, especially in the drops, not on my back so much.

I would prefer a lighter weight backpack, with the suspension holding it off my back, but wouldn't sacrifice the waist belt. If I had my druthers I would have detachable panniers for commuting.

Fastfingaz

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Look into Banggood.com, I don't need a bag but after looking at all they offer, I just might get one!! backpack.....

79pmooney

I find messenger bags slip off to the side (and I ride with a lot of forward lean) so I will only use backpacks. I have seen some that were really god and some really bad. My current favorite (and most comfortable I have every used) is the smallest, cheapest Black Diamond. Wore it yesterday on a 60 mile charity ride with two tough climbs and never thought about it.

I usually modify my bags to carry a U-lock neatly. The Black Diamond has a slot at the top for one leg of the lock. A couple of simple loops of 1/8" polyester cord and the lock is completely secure with its weight balanced.

I haven't priced either the Timbuk or Chrome, so I have no idea how the $30 I paid at REI compares.

Edit: this backpack has both chest and waist straps, features I would insist on.

Ben

bmwjoe

I have had great luck with a back pack. I ride a road bike with drops and this pack has served me well for years.
Kelty Redwing 44 | Panel Loading Trail Backpack 44 Liter
I removed the waist strap, but always use the chest strap. It is stable even when I am cranking over 150 rpm on my fixie. I often load it with a couple of gallons of milk when shopping and it is still fairly comfortable. The one modification I had to do is bend the spine at the top so my helmet did not hit it. It was a 5 minute job.

Ride Safe,

Joe

RoadTire 

I love Osprey backpacks, wish I owned one. Might own one someday just for commuting. I see bmwjoe uses a classic reliable Kelty pack, and others have mentioned the chest strap / belt requirements, so I feel justified using my North Face daypack. Wish it had a rain cover. But still, check out Osprey commuter packs. Includes a rain cover.

Spin Series - Osprey Packs, Inc :2015: Official Site

GeneO 

I have an Osprey Ozone for carrying my laptop etc. around my site at work and a MW for commuting. The Osprey is not suitable for commuting but works great around the campus.

For commuting I use a Mission Workshop VX Sanction. It is very light and waterproof and cleans off easy. I have a 30 mi RT commuter and can't imagine fussing with a messenger bag all that way.

VX Sanction 20L rucksack with Arkiv closure system by Mission Workshop.

But that was a gift at cost.

CharlyAlfaRomeo

When I was a messenger I had a custom messenger bag made and it's awesome, for working as a messenger.

These days if I have to carry anything on my bike I use a rack and pannier(s).

If I had to use a bag it would be a good quality backpack with waist and sternum straps.

BobbyG

I just shared this on another thread, but I thought it may be helpful to help decide your bag/backpack dilemma. I mainly commute and use a backpack to carry work clothes, extra bike clothes, and supplies that don't fit in the saddle and frame bags. When I had one bike it had a back rack and I used to use a gym bag/duffel bag bungeed to the rack, but found it more convenient to use a backpack which keeps my hands free when I walk out to the bike, walk in from the bike, walk into stores without shopping carts, etc. When I got my road bike a few years ago, I wore the backpack. At first I wore it tight and my shoulders ached, my skin chafed and my back sweated. I eventuall learned to leave the straps long and merely rest the bag on the small of my back which allows more air to cool my back. It doesn't seem like it should be stable, but it is. I've "cycled" through three backpacks in the last 15 years and they have all worked this way. My next bag may have a waist strap, but I don't know if that would help or hinder; however I now have two out of three bikes with rear racks. Some have suggested a pannier with straps to wear as a back pack.

MAK

I have a literally new Chrome Kremlin that's been used only once or twice. It's not sold by Chrome anymore but it's huge. I'm not sure if it's appropriate to deal via threads so PM me if you're interested.

soze

Once upon a time I wore out a Timbuk2 a year. Now I ride either Reload messenger bags (I wore my first out after 9 years, was so impressed I went right back and had them magic me up a new one!) or Ortlieb panniers + rack. It really depends on my riding needs; do I need to zip around and make a lot of stops? I'll take the mess bag. Am I trucking to work or doing heavy-duty shopping (groceries, Target, etc)? Panniers.

Whatever you choose, make sure it's reasonably waterproof so you're never surprised while out and about. Bags should either be lined with Hypalon (sewn as a bag-in-a-bag) or with RF-welded seams. Panniers should basically be Ortliebs unless you want to have to put a nylon baggie over them.

Edit: Also, if you choose to go messenger bag, don't fear the cross strap. Properly tightened, it'll keep the bag from swinging around. Tighten the main strap so that you can wear it as high up on your back as you can.

09box

In regards to a backpack, does anyone use a Green Guru Backpack like this?:
Commuter 17L Backpack Recycled Upcycled Bike Tubes Made in USA : Green Guru Gear, Made in the USA

Wallonthefloor

chrome bags are nicer than most timbuk2 bags because they have one or more "stabilizer" straps to keep the messenger bag for sliding off of you and throwing off your balance. Also everyone knows messenger bags are cooler cause they are just more "aero". 8D