no1mad 

why I should NOT be considering a messenger bag for school.

hxzero

Do whatever you want.

queerpunk

if it's a bike bag, hey? why not?

if it's an all purpose bag - and you might be walking around carrying it a whole bunch - it will strain your shoulder, since it puts weight on only one (and it's meant to be supported by your back while in a semi-horizontal position). it gets pretty ****in' uncomfy walking around or being upright with a messbag.

Jason762

Carry a messenger bag, who cares.

Only "reasons" I can think of is that around here, it's predominantly the gay folks and metrosexuals who use them. Not that there's nothing wrong with it.

If you have to walk long distances, it might be better to have a backpack, as the messenger bag will dig into your shoulder.

What bag are you thinking of getting?

patrickgh

I used a messenger bag for two years in school... I loved it compared to a regular backpack for the simple reason of how much easier it is to get stuff out of it while its still on your shoulders

rduenas

Yeah, pretty much.

~Stuart~

dont do it.

I have done it instead of a backpack and my shoulders are now crooked. I do have back muscles, i rock climb which requires back muscles.


unless you are taking it on and off all the time, stick with a backpack, they are built to be better for your back (spread the load, decent ones have belts that relieve stress on the back).

I get this opinion working at an out door store that outfits people with backpacks for big trips (a friend is gone for a month backpacking the rockies) so i deal with lots of people who have had bad experiences with bad/odd loads on the back, and then also from being a 19 year old with back issues due to carrying a messenger bag because i thought it was cool (SHOCK HORROR).

for the last 40 days i have walked close to 15km a day wearing my shoulder bag with 2L of water, a book and occasions a laptop, and food. Not much weight, but it does effect my back. Just personal experience.



but then again, do what the you want, in the end its your back.

chase.

it really depends on how much you carry on and off the bike, which bag you have, what your riding style/bike fit is, and a few other things.

i find that i'm happiest with only a couple things (sketchbook, paperback, pencil bag) if i'm going to be walking around with my bag— the extra weight isn't too awful when riding to and from class, but i wouldn't want to have a full bag on a recreational ride. i never carry my computer or lots of photo gear when i'm walking unless i use my [42L deuter futura] backpack.

no1mad 

Well, I need a bag that is waterproof, costs less than $100. So I was looking at Jandd's large mess bag (Iniki) and both the mess bag and backpack from Banjo Brothers.

I spent over an hour yesterday at Sun and Ski Sports (think REI, only smaller) looking at various bags from Osprey, The North Face, OGIO, Mountain Hardwear, tb2. None of them offered waterproofness in my budget, except for the tb2's. Also, damn near every bag I looked was so 'well organized/compartmented', that if I had to carry more than 2 textbooks, I'm screwed.

Thetank

You clearly want one, don't make a thread so people can justify your decision and have some conviction in your decisions and just do what pleases you. Its your money, spend it however you want.

Jason762

Get a non-waterproof bag within your budget and buy one of these: Dry bags.

It's what I do when I go backpacking in the rainy season. Bring a backpack, put my stuff in a dry bag, put the dry bag in my pack and off I go. Gear stays dry - no problema.

EDIT: Or use a garbage bag/grocery bag. Kind of ghetto, but it's super-cheap/free

OR buy used from eBay. That may be the way to go.

nerdsports

waterproof and has 2 straps for comfort when not biking.
https://www.fixedgeargallery.com/revi...njo/index.html

no1mad 

Thanks for the link. That review was more informative than the one on bikecommuters.com.

BTW, there was also a review of a new Larger (2000 c.i.) version of that BB backpack. So new, in fact, it's not even on the Banjo Brothers website yet. I want one. Now.

awristawful

the fact you need opinions of stranger you don't know from a bike forum

exactly, you don't need to hear reasons why you should or should not do anything.
think for yourself chum

awristawful

but if you do get a mess bag, you'd better alternate shoulders to make sure you don't get SCOLIOSIS

legstwelve

Get a Vaude backpack, they rest on your back with this mesh so when you get to where you are going you don't have a sweaty back.

PanFry

According to my sister who has her doctorate in Physical Therapy one shoulder sling bags can over time cause pinched nerves and overall unbalanced wear on the given shoulder. But they are cool, convenient and they more likely than not house alot of one's crap. I use a Huge Backpack but what do I know?

Take Care,

PF

calculus

bought chrome bag 3 years ago... year and a half ago got tagged broke left collar bone... now can't carry chrome bag with much more then tubes in it.....just don't break your left collar bone any time soon.. after that most messenger bags aren't very practical...

operator

Rack + pannier if you're carrying more than 5-10lbs of weight on a regular basis. The whole purpose of a messenger bag is to facilitate quick access to the bags contents.

None of which is necessary for going to school. You're shoulders and back will thank you later for using panniers for heavier loads. Yes you won't be hip, but at least your back and shoulders will still be intact.

nateintokyo

all great advice above.

I don't like to use one when I know I will be off the bike for any extended amount of time--backpacks are the way to go.

as for waterproofness--unless you are getting a super blingy Arcteryx, a waterproof backpack for $100 is going to be quite a bit heavier. I'd rather use a dry bag inside, or have a pack cover for rainy days.
also for school stuff messenger bags are often big caverns without my organizational help. IMO not so good for books/notepaper/laptop/pens/whatever mess you have to carry.

jdms mvp

because u are asking bike forums what u should be wearing...
that's reason enough.

onespeed89

you'll get made fun of and called a ****

kmart

Currently I commute to work in my work clothes and wearing a lightly loaded backpack. When I get to work my armpits are absolutely soaked because the backpack straps cover the armpits completely. Maybe a mess bag would solve this since it doesn't cover the armpits and lets the wind blow over them? However, after work when I go to get groceries (no panniers to carry them :/) I think I would regret riding with a heavy load slung over one shoulder instead of in a backpack with two comfy padded straps (I got enough back problems as it is). So, fashion issues aside, which seems like a better fit, backpack or mess bag? I've never worn a loaded mess bag on the bike so I have no idea if it's comfy or not.

p.s. This is the first thread on messenger bags I have seen in a long time that discusses the merits of bag fit and health issues rather than just which one looks cool/fits the most cans of PBR. In fact, I really did not see the point of mess bags until I read the part about being easy to access. Looks like this forum can still be useful

667

Consider it a giant purse.

cc700

you can find a higher quality bag for less money. that's really the only reason.