mid sized messenger bag reccomendation

[FishMan]

I'm thinking of getting my wife a messenger bag as a gift. We're both big pannier uses, but I'm thinking a small to medium sized messenger bag would fill in the gap between her purse and her commuting pannier. So I'm looking for something that could take maybe a lunch and a few books, or a laptop and... well usually a few books, or would perhaps do to pick up just a few groceries at the store (lets say, salsa and chips).

I really don't know much about messenger bags, any suggestions as to brands and models would be appreciated.

[Teamfubar]

FishMan,

My wife and I are sporting Timbuk2 messenger bags with good luck. I have the DeeDog (now boringly called a large) and my wife has the size now referred to as a medium. We went the custom route on both, so we got the center dividers and some extra pockets. My bag has been used for commuting on my bicycle and motorcycle, as well as camping and bike trips. My wife has used her bag for school, work, and as a diaper bag when our son was born. We have had them for about 4-5 years and they are still lookin' great. There is quite a difference in size between the two. If you're only going to use it for what you said, then a medium should be fine, but if you think you'll want to carry more, I'd go with a large. I'll put it this way, I can carry two 6 packs of bottled beer in my large bag. No dice with a medium without taking it out of the packaging. Hope this helps!

[vladamir]

Same story here. Wife and I both have a Timbuktu custom. We have used them since '03 for everything from daily commuting in every weather condition possible to grocery getting, diaper bag, book bag -you name it. They are both doing great. I had to hand sew an internal zipper track back on one of the inside pockets but I have not been very nice to this bag. Mu wifes bag has suffered no wounds.

I have the now "large" and my wife has the "medium".

Use the medium for a laptop & book bag or diaper bag & change of clothes or six pack & few groceries etc. Use the large for carrying a laptop, few diapers, change of clothes and two six packs at the same time:D You can carry two full paper grocery bags in the large (you must repack them so its best to never grab the paper or plastic to begin with and fill straight to the bag.

There are other nice bags out there. Chrome and Pac Designs both come to mind and there are others just as nice with different price points. I've looked but never had a need as my bag is still going strong and is still water proof.

[ttvrdik]

I have been using a Fux Deluxe for a few years of commuting to work and running errands. It is a very stable bag with an easy adjustable main strap and a stability strap.

Their web site is helpful in giving you an idea of the sizes of each of their bag with their dimensions in metric and english with pictures of their bags holding books or BEER.

The Fux holds three short neck 6-packs. It is a good size bag. Something a little small, The Barney Rustle Blanket holds two long neck 6-packs.

Crumpler has more choices in dimensions and types of bags than Timbuk2.

http://www.crumpler.com.au/index.php

A little help: There will be an object in the lower left hand corner of the frame. This will move the object and giving you some choices of style of bags.

[FishMan]

Thanks guys, i will check into these. I know there are a lot of brands of messenger bags out there, but the only two I know off the top of my head are Timbuk2 and Chrome. The Chromes are pretty cool with their seat belt buckle and all, but a little over the top. That custom option sounds like it might work because I'm sure my wife will only be happy with a bag if its purple.

And yeah, a medium (or similar sized bag from other brands) sounds about right. If there's much weight in it at all I'm sure she would just dump her thing in the pannier instead.


http://www.crumpler.com.au/index.php

That is the most bizarre commercial website I have ever seen.

However, I do really like the bold color schemes of the The Barney Rustle Blanket. Might be something I get for myself for Christmas he he he. Also their camera bags seem pretty sweet, I've been looking for a messenger style camera bag for a while, my camera bag is lame.

[FishMan]

is the medium timbuk2 bag big enough for a (light packer) weekend trip bag? Like for a pair of pants, two shirts, undies, a book a water bottle and a few tolitries?

[vladamir]

Yes it is. It will be nearly packed to full capacity wit what you plan on bringing.