Messenger Bag
 

Does anyone use a messenger bag to carry their stuff? I just got this, https://www.sportsmansguide.com/prod...used?a=1929382 What do you think?

I do but I keep mine in a basket.

I use a Timbuk2 messenger bag and really like it. That one you have looks like a really good deal although a bit smaller than mine. Most messenger bags also have a second cross strap to keep it stable while riding. I don't see that on the one you bought.


Marc

I like WaterField Designs bags (https://www.sfbags.com). I use one of these when I carry a bag. But I stopped using a messenger bag when someone explained that if you get in an accident, it will get in your way. Get a rack for the back of your bike, then attach the bag to the rack or use some panniers. It feels much better.

Messenger bags are cool and part of the bike courier culture but I prefer back packs which is the change to this Waterfield design

I do use one. I recently converted from a backpack. They both have pluses and minuses. Overall, I think the messenger bag is more convenient but less comfortable.

I do have a Timbuk2 messenger bag, but I use it mainly for travel by airplane or automobile. For the bicycle I prefer panniers plus a back pack. My current favorite panniers are RakPaks from Ibera. Clip on, clip off, nice capacity, good enough to make me forget my old Rudy Project bags, which I used/loved to death. They were evidently a short-lived rebrand by Rudy Project, which is mainly known for things like sunglasses.

good color! I have added carrying capacity in addition to my rear trunk with a courier bag a handful of times. worked fine. sometimes I'll use a medium sized fanny pack in the same position, basically slung around on the small of my back. occasionally have to nudge it back in place, but very convenient for some items I use while riding w/o pockets or w/o feedbag, or valuables I don't want to bury in the rear trunk, like wallet, cell phone keys, camera etc. basically stuff I don't want t leave on the bike if I stop & go inside a business for refreshment or pit-stop

I like that brand. good quality stuff. I have a Timbuk2 Hunchback Rack Trunk which I guess came with a shoulder strap, which I chucked. nice roomy trunk for commuting

I use a Timbuk2 that i have had for, seriously, a shade over two decades. It is indestructible and still waterproof. I prefer to carry stuff in panniers so don't use it everyday, but sometimes i want to ride a bike without a rack and still carry stuff.

My one complaint, as I get older, is that it is too big. I can fit enough stuff in it to seriously hurt my back.

i might have one or two, but I am old and the best way to get one that fits is to make it.


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c186f66f5b.jpg

They don't make it anymore, and I don't use it 1/10th as much as I would like to, but I got a Timbuk2 Shift many many years ago. It's basically a slightly redesigned classic small, with pannier hooks on the back and a removable strap. I got the original version that just has hooks instead of Klckfix. Love it.

Also have a whole mess of other Timbuk2 bags too.

I own at least five messenger bags of different sizes and makes. I love em, but if it doesn't have a stabilizer strap that goes under your arm, forget about it. Without it, the bag just swings around and requires constant correction while riding. Fortunately, most "real" messenger bags, like those made by Timbuk2 and Chrome, have this necessary feature.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d4df482b9e.png

yup, spent lots of time looking at pictures of bags and that was the one thing i notice most of them had in common was some sort of under arm strap, the next was an adjuster in the back near you and the bag to make the circle smaller so the buckle was in one place in the front and keep it closer to your body ,

apparently r.e.load is still making messenger bags, i think getting a nice flap like they used to is tricky

Hip To Be Square
 

There is a lot of Messenger Bags on the market. Some are are using them just to be hip. Given their small size, wouldn't a Daypack be better?

They slid around too much for me when I am on my bike or motorcycle. I prefer a backpack with chest strap.

I use a Chrome Metropolis messenger bag and a Kriega R30 back pack & 10L pouch on a moto. The Metropolis is BIG & cool. The Kriega is ultra functional for moto use and has 100,000+ moto & bike miles. Both are WP and indestructible ..................... a friend gave me his TRASH VORTEX messenger backpack. This ia a giant messenger back pack with over a 130 L capacity and I only use it as a travel duffel but TRASH is a good product and if you want big Trash has some big bags and packs:)

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d5e1e40eff.jpg
METROPLIS
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3bbdc0bce.jpeg
R30 with 10L pouch

I've tried a messenger bag, but I got way to sweaty back getting to work! So if you don't mind that during the summers, it should be fine.

I also have a Chrome Metropolis that I got in 2004. It was their large 40L size which they don't seem to make anymore. It has a lot of bike miles and now it's my go to one bag for travelling. I like messenger bags over backpacks because I can swing it around to get access or to negotiate tight spots in the subway or store or elevator etc. without taking it off. I have a small Timbuk2 classic messenger (from 2009) that unfortunately had the lamination fail so it's no longer waterproof. They don't warranty the laminate.

I've got two timbuk2 bags, one is bordering on antique and they don't make them anything like it anymore, has a reinforced black bottom that keeps it looking too dirty which was great when I did archaeology. During the school year it held a 15" laptop and 3-4 books just fine and in the summers it could hang out in the trech and was good for storing bags of relics out of the direct sun. I really like the style though I'd probably never buy a new timbuk2 since they're not as custom well made as they used to be.