Backpack, Rack, or Messenger bag??

[INTENSEe]

What do you guys use to carry your gear? Every day I use a backpack but im thinking about getting a rack or messenger bag so I can really get rid of my car and carry bigger stuff. Would a Q.R. seatpost rack work that can hold about 25 pounds?
Thanks for the help.

[Andy in Wi]

dude, those post racks are alright and all, but if you go with a rack, go for the the bolt on type racks, the one that fit on the fender eyelets. They haul.
Otherwise, mess bags feel alright on the bike, and you can always strap ackward sized items to the external of the bag, and carry stuff on the inside. Otherwise, that Xtracycles free radical carries loads of cargo and I think it can do passengers, too.
It's up to you, dude.
-WiBA

[Browne]

Hey,

Good question... I've been riding for years with the messenger bag. I never liked the idea of the rack until I got a designated commuter bike. Now that I have one, I'm using a Sci Con waterproof dry bag-style rack-mounted bag. So far, I miss the organizational capacity of the mess bag/backpack, but the extra 20 pounds on one side of my bike hasn't bothered me.

I also like that I now have air flow over my back.

I hope to put the bag through a good rain season before I write it up....
good luck!

[jagur]

get a messenger bag.they are by far the best for commuting.leave the racks for the tourers.

some are better than others.i have a ZO BAG but good luck ever getting one of those unless you kill somone who has one.ZO makes the best but god know if hes still making them.

Timbuks bags are okay but they tend to leak in heavy rain and the flap is smaller than it sould be.make sure to get the Hypolon inner if you get a Timbuk.

PAC bags from Canada are very nice and very expensive.well worth the wait and money. http://www.pacdesigns.com/

Jannd garrantee's there bag to be water proof but ive never used one.

[INTENSEe]

thank you all for your help, I think im going to go with a messenger bag, but if i do any huge distance or big loads im thinking about getting that sweet xtracycle thing. Timbuk 2 has a very cool custom bag program on their website. I just checked out the pac bag and have to say they are very cool, their straps look much better then timbuk2.

[jagur]

Originally posted by INTENSEe
Timbuk 2 has a very cool custom bag program on their website. . yep,thats their bread and butter.they can sell alot of bags to non-cyclists because of their custom color thing appeals to a bigger market.

unfortunatly they have never figured out that a really good bag needs to be a parallelogram and not a rectangle.since an M-bag sits at an angle on your back,a slight parallelograming design just fits better.

its important to also say that many of Timbuks new features are copys of PAC's past design innovations

examples: removable back pad,divider,balistic nylon boot etc.

good luck with your purchase,there are so many M-bag choices out there now.someday they will make backpacks extinct for portage in the city.i even see them on women that 4 years ago would have a Gucci bag ;-)

[Spamula]

I use a Lowe Alpine Contour backpack. I was previously of the camping obsession before turning over to biking so I have lots of packs. This one is small, conforming, and has mesh pockets on the outside that are perfect for beverages or my bike lock (that way I don't have to have to dig for it in the pack).

Plus, it catches the leftover slush my fender misses:)

[hairygrump]

I agree with everything Jagur says, but I feel like I should take up the T2 bag's defense. Devil's advocate and whatnot...

I've had a T2 for a while now and it's a good light-duty messing bag. It's served me pretty well, but I did decide to get myself a more messenger-specific bag from Chrome and haven't regretted it at all. I didn't hate the T2, but I thought I could get something more weather-resistant and big load-resistant. I use the T2 when I don't (expect to) carry a lot or when the weather isn't going to be too bad. It's made from lighter material and it's smaller so it's not as hot on my back, but the Chrome is my everyday bag.

Also, if you go to ReLoad you'll see some customizing potential there that makes Timbuk2's customizing options laugh-out-loud funny.

So, anyway, T2 bags aren't bad at all. There's thousands of cyclists and professional messengers that have been rocking those bags for years. But I think our idea of "professional grade" messenger bag has evolved a little bit and T2 got left behind while they were exploiting the consumer market. Good for them, I say. They're the ones that strenghtened the market for all those innovative bag manufacturers like PAC, Chrome... whoever made yours. They make good bags, but they're just not as cutting edge anymore.

[INTENSEe]

I am now inbetween pat pac's and crome, the crome bags look sweet and the seatbelt snap looks way better. What size is the next question, what do you use hairygrump?

[hairygrump]

I'm not a messenger, so I don't earn money by being able to haul 3000 ci of stuff around. I briefly considered getting the 3000 ci model, but I got the 2000-what is that... Metropolis?-and have only very rarely thought I could use anything bigger. I rarely carry that much stuff, and having that much flop on my back all the time wouldn't be worth how often I need the extra room. I don't carry way oversized loads that often (sometimes for laundry day or picking up big boxes at the post office), and the bag rides okay when it's just keeping something attached to your back, as opposed to containing something. If you're just hauling some papers and clothes and lunch to work and back, with enough groceries for 1 man every week, I would think 2000 would suit your purposes fine. Grocery shopping (frequency and typical load) is a good thing to think about. I pretty much eat bread, cheese, oatmeal and Hamburger helper, so I can feed myself for 2 weeks on food that packs well into a messenger bag and would survive a pretty severe crash. Your needs might be different though.

[kennbenny667]

For general around town use, I use a Timbuk2 El Ocho that has been my faithful companion for about 4 years. For commuting to work and school, I use a camelbak H.A.W.G.(the newer model) in the summer and an ancient Jansport in the winter.

[Andy in Wi]

To put it in measurements we all can understand, the Metropolis can haul 30 cans of Schlitz (according to this cute girl I used to work with). The Kremlin has space for a lenies 12 bottle box and other stuff you might be happening to carry, or a 24 bottle case if you have barely anything else. Also, I can stuff 2 big loads of laundry in the Kremlin and strap my (citrus biodegradable) detergant to the outside.

And the buckle is sweet, albait a target for mischief.
-WiBA

[hairygrump]

Originally posted by Andy in Wi
To put it in measurements we all can understand, the Metropolis can haul 30 cans of Schlitz (according to this cute girl I used to work with). The Kremlin has space for a lenies 12 bottle box and other stuff you might be happening to carry, or a 24 bottle case if you have barely anything else. Also, I can stuff 2 big loads of laundry in the Kremlin and strap my (citrus biodegradable) detergant to the outside.

And the buckle is sweet, albait a target for mischief.
-WiBA

See. What I said about your needs IS the deciding factor. Do you drink your from a can or a bottle?

[jagur]

i just checked out Chromes site,they have really emproved there bags in the last couple of years.when i first saw a Chome bag it was to viynl and to boxxy.they look real nice now.

its interesting that they are making messenger backpacks,when i went to the 1998 World messenger champianships in SF all the euro's had bags like that.
http://www.chromebags.com/backbone_back_detail.jpg

the ones Chrome is making look pretty nice i must say,i think i might have to get one just to see.they could never swing around as fast as a true M-bag though.

it also looks like Chrome has copied Pac's cam feature,putting the strap adjustment on a D-ring in the middle.

you can get a seat buckle on a Pac bag custom if you want,i asked once.

[INTENSEe]

So my final choice is to go with about the 2000ci size and im either going with Chrome Metropolis or Pat Pac Delux,
what would you guys say
CHROME?
Or
PAT PAC?

[jagur]

the Pac bags are more money but they have all the bells and whistles and there made by a women :rolleyes: for whatever thats worth.

acually ive met her and she's an awesome gal.

if you got the extra cabbage,go with Pac.

[hairygrump]

Which one... wish you hadn't asked that.

I have a Chrome and I love it and think everybody should buy one. They kick ass and come at the right price.

On the other hand, if you buy the PAC you can get it custom as hell and you have all the extra gadgets like the X strap and other stuff that'll make even the goofiest loads disappear when you're over the bars. Plus, if you get the PAC, you can tell us all how much you like it and give us the recommendo. I've never had one and I'm dying to hear how they ride.

I say it's a customizing decision. If you want to spend the money on a bag that is guaranteed to not be carried by another human being walking this earth (worth it if you have it), go with the PAC. If you're not interested in the extra wait and money then I think a stock Chrome is probably a better value for a commuter than a stock PAC.

[INTENSEe]

Hey thanks for your help, I have not completely decided which one to go with yet but I'm all for getting the best I can even if I have to save for a long time. The way I look at it is we are doing our best to never drive a car no matter where we go or what we have to do, I decided along time ago that my car cost me about 1000$ a year to keep up and stuff so instead of spending that money on an old car why not just buy a really really nice bike(merlin) and all kinds of cool gear and ride the hell out of my life. So I guess im going to get about 240$ together and get the best bag I can and Ill tell you all about it! Thanks again for the help.
and as always GET THE BEST LOCK!!

[jagur]

i took $20 bucks to a tent and awning store (they have big sewing machienes and loads of Cordura) and put togrther a length of strap for them to sew on my Zo-bag.now my Zo has an X-strap.

[INTENSEe]

That is very cool, I am in aw that you have a real Zo-Bag! If you don't mind me asking how on earth did you get one? those are the bags that pat Pac's were inspired by.

[jagur]

Originally posted by INTENSEe
That is very cool, I am in aw that you have a real Zo-Bag! If you don't mind me asking how on earth did you get one? those are the bags that pat Pac's were inspired by. i got it from the man Eric Zo himself when i was at the world messeger championships in 98.

these things are a collecters item now,i dont know if there even being made anymore.ZO has no web site and he never answered my letter to his PO box.

the funny thing is Eric never wore one,he rode a Long John load carring bike and didnt need a bag.

[BlueSkies]

I commute to and from work and school with approx. 20 pounds worth of books every day. I used a backpack for a while, but as it was gnawing on my back the whole time, I got some serious back pains. I bought me a pair of Ortlieb (http://www.ortlieb.com) mini-biker light bike panniers and have never been happier.

The mini-bikers are made of heavy waterproof cordura and fit almost any rack like a glove.:D On my daily route I dide both on and offroad. These bags take the beating like no other. As they are completely waterproof you can fill them up with beer cans and ice cubes and enjoy the good times anywhere.

I'd never trade a messanger bag or backpack for my Ortlieb panniers. They kick ass!

[i8urbrain]

I own a chrome metro, and a chrome Backbone, I used the Metropolis for commuting, and messenger work for things that need to be delivered out of the shop I work at, including frames, wheels, and anything in-between. However my ride just became 16miles to school in VA and I bought the 3000cc backbone, so I could more weight. The twostrap design of this bag supports more weight and is more comfortable although, not as "cool" as a single strap messenger bag. If your constantly pulling things out of your bag, to make deliveries, or worried about looking cool, get a single strap bag. If you want to carry as much stuff as you want, and stay comfortable over the long haul use a two strap bag. The Chrom bag rides lower on your back then a backpack made for walking. Most of the messengers that I know who make good money use more then one bag. Proof that one bag is not perfect for all things. But that is just my opinion. Anything Chrome will make you happy, and with the two strap, my buddies cannot drop my bag with the push of a button. T2 bags have been around for a long time, but chrome would be my choice for just a few dollars more, and if you call them and ask really nice, they will make a custom bag for you.

[Pedro]

Yeah, the PAC bags are excellent, however mondo expensive. The chrome bags are very cool, how could you not like the seatbelt buckle?

Personally though, I have a T2 that I have been toting around for a good amount of time and it has served me quite well. They may be the big guys of the m-bag scene, but they are still little guys. Americans making a quality product and even giving you a little choice in the matter.
He just got a bath, so it is unnaturally clean in this pic, and unfortunately Marley couldn't fit in the picture:(. I threw a little extra flair onto mine with the name; could also use a cars-r-coffins patch, but that will have to wait.

Word

[loki]

I got a great deal on a chrome citizen at e-bags.com It was thiry percent off last week. Should get it by the end of this week.

[SSCYCO]

I've got a Re-Load bag. I had it made custom; they even added my initials (my design). I had a bunch a things added to it - compression straps, inside and outside pockets, divider... plus I got to pick all (I mean all) of the colors. It's 101% waterproof - I tested it. I'm very happy with it - mainly because of its huge capacity (the compression straps keep it manageable) and bike messengers make them. The person I talked with from Reload made my bag, then delivered it (via bicycle) to UPS to be shipped.

[Pedro]

The cool people get their names and stuff on their bags ;) SS - I'm heading W for spring break, but we shall definitely have to ride when everyone returns. Hope you had an awesome St. Patty's.

-Pedro

[SSCYCO]

Pedro - we'll have to have a contest who can carry more beer in our bags - give me an email when you get back, and we'll go for a pedal.

[jagur]

i can get three 24 can suitcases and a 40oz'er on each side in my Zo Bag.it hurts like hell but hey,I fly they buy :rolleyes:

[Biggles]

I have a T2 size large wich I can vouch can and will carry as advertised a case of beer and two 40s the strap was unpadded so I bought some fabric and found someone sober enough to operate a sewing machine and havent looked back yet my only regret is that i didnt get the XL size and im glad i got thier rubbery type liner its good and waterproof but i cant imagine that bag being worth a hoot without it it would just seem flimsy. Ill ahve to post you a picture of my sack....its classy

[Pedro]

I don't know if we want to see your sack or not ...

[Biggles]

I cant get pictures on here so your lucky you dont have to, but its all black with a sleeve over the shoulder strap, long Bright orange fur (its probably an inch long) that sticks out to the sides and is on the under side and almost as long neon green with black polka dots running down the center of the strap, it makes the entire strap look as if its 5 inches wide and makes it a lot more comfy then safety pinned to the back i have my "punky monkey" named vincent he is a tye dye monkey that has a squeeze bulb in him he used to be a dog toy but now he has piercings all over and a two inch long metal spike jutting from his...private area....oh and an obnoxiously bright orange monkey on the left side of the bag (so he hangs on my back when worn) that screams obnoxiously when you squeeze him.....this sack gets a lot of looks form a lot of folks, i feel like a boy named sue wearing it but I love it especially when weaving through standstill traffic on a chopper or on my 69 schwinn typhoon with 24" apehangers and a banana seat, cars hate being passed by cycleists even more so when they are on a bike that only a true bike rider can even ride, and still barely control.

[Pedro]

Sweet! I need a monkey for mine. Props to ya.

[Biggles]

the monkey (vincent) is a pimp to he gets chicks all the time they want to pet him ad hten when they find out that he squeks too well....he gets more action than I do *jealous sobs

and remmebr its important that the monkey make obnoxious noises/and or be an obnoxious color

[jagur]

you sould really get a pic of this bag.i keep trying to imagine the sleeve thing you are talking about.

beware! a bigger bag will only bring on bigger monkeys...

[Biggles]

I can take a pic but i dont know how to put it ont he forum...short of putting the picture of it on my website and then posting the link? wait i think i figured it give me 5 minutes

[Biggles]

Ok i have the ics how do i post them in a post? do i have to upload them to my site and then link?

[hairygrump]

Do the "attach file" thing at the bottom of the composing window.,

[crazyGoNuts]

somebody dredged this thread up on another board. I thought I would share with y'all

http://www.chromebags.com/kozmo.html

if you have a fuzzy sopt in you heart for the long defunct kozmo.com you can get em with the logo

good bags, for a nice price, and you can get em with out the logo - as long as you like orange. can't justify buying one myself right now, but I thought i would pass it along.

[MrTB]

Recently got a Crumpler SeedyThree for 74 bucks shipped, got one for the kid to. Suits my needs well

[jagur]

im still using my Zo bag....over 6 years now, no leaks!

[funnytanlines]

i use a wxtex courier bag. waterproof. great stuff.

http://www.pacoutdoor.com/index.cfm?action=product&productID=48&groupID=13&familyID=2

[spidercyclist]

I use the timbuk 2 deedog messenger bag. I just bought another one. I like them they are made in the U.S. And you can get them for a good price. I tried backpacks and racks. But I like messenger bags best. Thanks.

[onegear]

If you go with a rack, go with and Old Man Mountain rack. They're a little expensive but probably the best out there. I have friends that tour across the country every year and they swear by them.

http://oldmanmountain.com/

cheers!

[hawkxc]

I can't say enough about Ro and Ellie at Reload. I bought one of their bags (the civilian) when I was just commuting during the summers but now that I've ditched my car for good I ordered a Deluxe. Both are completely customized to my spec, including, say, the superfat marks-a-lot holders behind the front pocket. They're expensive, no joke, but nothing in the big-bag market can touch them for handmade fancy goodness.

[eugarpst]

I have an Ortlieb messenger bag, the smallest one they make. So far, I have never seen another one like it, which is good (red, white, and blue). It is quite waterproof, and it has a padded laptop pocket, which is also good padding to shield your back from sharp stuff. Sometimes I wish I had gotten the next size up, but for most of the commuting I do, it is perfect. Initially I was skeptical of the velcro-only closure, but I've it a year and it's been solid as a rock.

[sols]

I read a lot of these posts but I didnt see any about handlebar or seatbags.
I think, unless you are a messenger or your commute is less than 7 miles than a messenger bag or a back pack is very uncomfortable and hot. There are nice large saddle and handlebarbags out there made by carradice and rivendell that dont require racks and disperse weight a lot better if you carry anything heavier than a pair of shoes a jacket and a couple of powerbars.

ps. they dont require a brooks saddle and will absolutely work on a hardtail mountain bike. I am a 18 year daily commuter.
To check out the bags do a search for rivendell bikes.

[Rev.BudGreen]

I had two Yakima steelhead bike mounts, a set of Q towers, two pr of Q clips and an 8pak of lock cores shipped to my office address. I bought these for a buddy through a "connection" in the bike biz. Anyway, they arrived yesterday. I commute to work on a cyclo-cross bike. I've equipped it with a Blackburn rear rack. I rarely use my panniers (only when carrying lots of samples to or from the office. I'm in the shoe business), but use my messenger bag every day.

At any rate, it was hilarious to see me with a bike rack for a car lashed down to my bike's rack as I was heading home. The best part is that my cyclo-cross bike is a Steelhead brand (http://www.steelheadbicycles.com/pages/viewspe1.html), and I was carring Yakima Steelhead racks! I had to ride in the middle of the lane as the racks sitting on my rack were sticking out about 2 feet on either side.

Well, at least I find it funny. But, to answer the initial question, a messenger bag and a rack work great for me. Again, I thow the panniers on for big loads.

Peace........Rev

[longhaultruker2]

i have a bolt on rear rack,somewhere.took it off when i moved outta town back in the boonies.so most road ridin i do now is just road ridin.if not wearin my camelback,use a backpack offroad,and for the times i do make the trip to the po or (non)convenience store,i have both the large and small dirt rag/chrome messenger bags (the large is HUGE).

[xjoex]

I have been on a quest for the perfect commuter bag for years.

14671
When I was in college the timbuk2 dee dog (which is now the classic) was perfect. A jacket, u-lock and some notebooks for class. It also worked during my brief courier period. Totally waterproof and good in a variety of stages of how stuffed it is. Empty, just sinch up the strap... full then let it hang out...
It really has no faults, except a thin peice of foam along the back would be great, you know, so things don't jab your kidneys. Its a little small with a laptop and change of clothes in it, in fact, its bustin at that point.
Full review: http://robonza.blogspot.com/2006/11/review-timbuk2-deedog-now-classic.html

14672
I used it for 10 years until someone gave me a Chrome Metropolis. The metropolis is a step bigger than the dee dog. Has a ton of pockets, comes with a padded shoulder strap (have to buy that for the timbuk2). I really like this bag. It can fit some tools, u-lock, laptop, clothes, and some other crap and it does not bounce around when I hit the singletrack on the way home.

Full review: http://robonza.blogspot.com/2007/01/review-chrome-metropolis-courier-bag-we.html

14674
Then I tried the Vaude Sienna. I hate to say it, but this bag works the best. It does not look cool. But it has it all. It uses an arched frame to keep the bag off of you, I think it's for cooling, but really it keeps all the hard things in your bag from digging in to your spine. It has pockets on the outside to put your shoes in, a helmet holder, built in rain cover. Its 1800cu but it can hold a ton.
Review:
http://robonza.blogspot.com/2006/12/review-vaude-sienna-40.html

14673
Then there are the panniers, don't mess around just get Ortliebs. Panniers are great for grocery shopping, going to work with a ton of crap, camping... For me the draw back is jumping curbs is too hard, for me... and you end up banging up the rear wheel more than with a backpack. But if you have a lot to carry panniers are great. And ortliebs are the benchmark for quality.

Review:
http://robonza.blogspot.com/2007/01/greatest-panniers-ever-ortlieb.html

-Joe

[Ripp]

I bought a Pac bag in late 05. They were in process of moving facilities and ended up losing my order. Long story short we figured out what happened and about 7 months after I paid for my bag I recieved a PAC Designs Ultimate bag (Pat gave me a free upgrade to the Ultimate from the Deluxe w/ X-strap upgrade I had paid for.) It was well worth the wait! I sometimes grocery shop on the bike and it's big enough to accomodate a bunch of food. I've carried a 12 pack of bottles, an 8 pack of 16oz gatorades and some assorted grocery items at the same time, with a little bit of cinch strap room to spare! If the load is heavy enough I use the X-strap to make it more comfortable, if not it attaches out of the way. If I have a smaller load there are 4 straps to cinch the bag up reduce unneeded flapping. It carries a pump on the outside to save space too. It is a bit heavy, but I'll be able to give it away in perfectly usable condition in my will!

I highly recommend PAC's products, if you can swing the cost:eek: .

[Scott G.]

What do you guys use to carry your gear? Every day I use a backpack but im thinking about getting a rack or messenger bag so I can really get rid of my car and carry bigger stuff. Would a Q.R. seatpost rack work that can hold about 25 pounds?
Thanks for the help.

I have gone the whole quiver on ways to truck gear around. I do have to say the Messenger bag route is my favorite now, it is just easier to stow gear and get to it quicker. Plus they have use OFF the bike as well!

[plume_mtb]

I don't have a commuter bike, I use my CX bike so I rock the back pack. If I had a roadish type bike with fender mounts, I'd be rocking them...

[rockhound]

...Then there are the panniers, don't mess around just get Ortliebs...

-Joe

Joe,

What bike is that?

[phlatlander]

Joe,

What bike is that?

See here... (http://robonza.blogspot.com/2006/11/review-planet-x-kaffenback-great.html)

[WunSpeedWunder]

Big bags on my back sh!t me!! so if it ain't gunna fit in my MULE it goes in the B.O.B trailer,those things carry all sorts of stuff,just don't go over 40 lbs. & you'll be fine and if you don't need it you just un hitch & away you go ,no problemmo!!!

[myron]

Big bags on my back sh!t me!! so if it ain't gunna fit in my MULE it goes in the B.O.B trailer,those things carry all sorts of stuff,just don't go over 40 lbs. & you'll be fine and if you don't need it you just un hitch & away you go ,no problemmo!!!

PECKERT!!!

[WunSpeedWunder]

Myronius,What is your problem,ain't you ever B.O.B'd ? They're the Ducks Guts ,man:D
And what's Carlito doin on your post?

[rockhound]

See here... (http://robonza.blogspot.com/2006/11/review-planet-x-kaffenback-great.html)

Cool. I like the Kaffenback.

[longhaultruker2]

here's mine.woulda posted em last month,but i think that wuz b4 i got my lil cheap digicam.if i ever move back in town somewhere,i'll be usin these way more than in the past,since i'm no longer a long haul driver and am home every day...hmmph,gettin to commute by bike is almost worth losin this place out in the boonies:p

[xjoex]

Cool. I like the Kaffenback.

Thanks! I like the bike. Its a great commuter. The ONLY I and I mean only thing I can take from it, is that it won't fit studded tires and fenders. Beyond that I like the ride, like the fit, and I like the graphics.

I just got a new pack, the Cannondale Cypod laptop pannier. I am pretty happy with it. It fits a laptop in a padded sleeve, has a nice full rain cover and is pretty well made. If you find it on sale, its a nice pannier, but its not worth the $120 they want at full price. REI has it on sale for $49.

15351

Here is a full review of it over on robonza. (http://robonza.blogspot.com/2007/03/cannondale-cypod-laptop-pannier.html)

rock on,
-Joe

[monkeyboy]

I've read all the stuff on this thread with interest and have come to the conclusion that a backpack is what I'm chasing.
I've checked out the vaude sienna online but would like to have as many quality options as possible when I go to buy.
I'm interested in what you guys out there think about the advantages/disadvantages of backpacks and any recommendations you may have. They seem like the logical choice to me if regular access is not required,and you're not on a long ride. My ride to work is only around 5km. The one's that have airflow around the back seem to be the go I think, cause its still summer here and my crappy backpack is way to hot at the moment.
Any tips much appreciated
cheers

[mimbresman]

I live only 2 blocks from work, so I usually walk. This year, I'm carry my laptop in a laptop specific backpack. In the past I've always used my large Timbuk 2 bag.

In the afternoons, when I don't have the car (wife has it) and need to do errands and shopping, I go back to using the messenger bag. It can hold a lot and is comfortable. I've even hauled 19 L (5 gallon) water jugs in it, but I usually carry stuff like cereal, eggs, milk, OJ, etc.

I sometimes will do the El Morro ride (where everyone rides here) before doing my errands with the messenger bag, or if I don't have a heavy load and don't feel like going home right then, when everyone else is wearing their full kit. My point is, Monkeyboy, the messenger bag is comfortable for even on longer rides, and is way more versatile than my smaller laptop specific backpack.

[dave66]

my commute is 25-35 k each way and ablut a yr ago i switched from a commuter specific back pack [fram holds it off your back for airflow etc..] to a low end messenger bag [50 bucks at good ol MEC.ca] and it wins hands down
more stable on the back
holds more
what it holds is mor accessible
easier on back/shoulders
only drawbacks [bordering on nitpicking] is that on real hot days i will get a little heat rash near my neck where the strap rides and the bag overall is a little hotter than a backpack. get a messenger bag as it is also easier on/off for the short haul.

[manwebi]

Monkeyboy, my only gripe on the suspended frame backpacks is they seem to sacrifice storage capacity to reduce overall size. If you don't carry much that may not concern you, but I felt like the increased bulk of the pack vs. less storage space didn't compensate for the moderate cooling effect. After years of commuting with various backpacks, I've also converted to a messenger bag. Even when I take the long way home (25 mi), it's stable and I can always adjust it to a comfortable position depending on the size/weight of my load. It's especially convenient for shorter trips or ones where I combine errands, as you can get in and out of the bag easily without taking it off. I'll still wear a backpack occasionally (a Camelback TransAlp) if I'm on the mtb and want to hit the dirt after work, since the backpack is more contoured and won't snag trees, rocks etc.. Other advantage to the backpack is I have my bladder in it - good for really hot days or longer rides, but not necessary. For basic commuting I pick the mess bag any day.

[spankye]

I may be late on this but i prefer the Chrome messenger backpack. I have a traditional Chrome messenger bag as well but for the 34 mile roundtrip commute each day the single shoulder strap can get uncomfortable. The backpack however is super comfy and like all things chrome, built to last. only complaint about it is low visibility when peeking over your shoulder.

[monkeyboy]

:confused:
It seems the messenger bag might be the go then.
I guess the thing I'm not sure about, having never used one, is the weight distribution. The two straps on a backpack seem to spread the load pretty evenly but most of you guys like the messenger bags. They don't look as comfy to me. But what do I know. I guess it comes down to personal preference and what I'll use it for. I'll check out what Crumpler does. I saw a courier today using a Crumpler messenger bag [basically the same as a chrome and other brands] and it looked pretty good. I would have asked him but he took off.
I think I might get both. Can always use a backback for other stuff.
cheers guys
:D

[spankye]

The Crumpler stuff is really nice. Several friends of mine have bags. But as far as load stability goes i don't think they match Chrome. They are also not completely waterproof which may or may not be a big deal to you.

[bomberitobrian]

my comute is 10-15ml one way, depending on route. I use either a framed backpack, aset of racks and pannier, or a T2 messenger bag. MESSENGER bag all the way. the only problem now is I used it as a last minute diaperbag the day of a cross country trip with a 13month old and I haven't seen it since. Wife even gave up Winnie the Pooh diaper bag to use T2 full time.

[monkeyboy]

Ha ha, there will be no poo in any of my bags under any circumstances if I can help it!
You guys in the States and Canada would have a much bigger range of goodies than what we have down here. I'll have a look at some online catalogs and see what's out there. The chrome gear is looking good and that other one that was mentioned earlier that are made by that chick in Canada. But whoa they are freaking exy!!!!!
Especially with our meager exchange rate. Maybe I'll go local and support the Aussie industry.

[Scott G.]

I'm partial to the Alchemy messenger bag. 73% recycled product, including seatbelts for the strap, and used bike innertubes for the entire bag which are stitched together and then seam sealed on the inside to be virutally waterproof....also has killer reflectivity.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and then Cycle :D

[longhaultruker2]

my comute is 10-15ml one way, depending on route. I use either a framed backpack, aset of racks and pannier, or a T2 messenger bag. MESSENGER bag all the way. the only problem now is I used it as a last minute diaperbag the day of a cross country trip with a 13month old and I haven't seen it since. Wife even gave up Winnie the Pooh diaper bag to use T2 full time.

well that was a crappy thing to say:p

[bigpedaler]

big generic hydration pack. going into its fourth year, and only one problem EVER -- buckle came off, zip-tied it back in place 2 1/2 years ago, still holding good. 2-liter capacity, can carry shoes, raingear, pumps/tools, a couple magazines/books.... if i need to haul bigger, i have a trailer (twice this winter hauled 50lb dogfood bags). works for the nephew, too. puts him to sleep like nothing else.

[xjoex]

I just got a new pack, the Cannondale Cypod laptop pannier. I am pretty happy with it. It fits a laptop in a padded sleeve, has a nice full rain cover and is pretty well made. If you find it on sale, its a nice pannier, but its not worth the $120 they want at full price. REI has it on sale for $49.



Just to let you know, I returned this pannier. I could not get the bottom piece of velcro to hold the pannier on my rack well. The ortlieb classic is just the best way to go for a pannier. I still use my courier bag mostly. I try to go away from it, but I always come back....

-Joe

[Jahnov]

Check this shoot out:

http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/reviews/messengerbags/

I have the Baily Works SuperPro 2000 in the Medium size and the "safety orange" shown. Love the visability. http://www.baileyworks.com/. I also have the smaller 253 bag from the same company. Both are great. I sometimes wish I got the Large but no big deal. I can still carry 24 bottles and 6 king cans safely. The strap is very comfortable, and it can be right sling or left sling. Hand made in Portsmouth, NH.

[automatica21]

I have several Baileyworks bags. I think the unflashiness and solid construction are the way to go. (not to mention supporting a locally owned and operated biz gets you good bike karma). Check out the website for more details. There are several designs to choose from and they all are custom made to your order.

~

[Lorax]

I would look into http://www.baileyworks.com/catalog/product.cfm?id=1

very sturdy carry weight well are comfortable and waterproof I have used mine for years and it is still going strong. Boston messengers all seem to have one. I also toured France with just the large size for 2 weeks...



What do you guys use to carry your gear? Every day I use a backpack but im thinking about getting a rack or messenger bag so I can really get rid of my car and carry bigger stuff. Would a Q.R. seatpost rack work that can hold about 25 pounds?
Thanks for the help.

[emzed]

I may be late on this but i prefer the Chrome messenger backpack. I have a traditional Chrome messenger bag as well but for the 34 mile roundtrip commute each day the single shoulder strap can get uncomfortable. The backpack however is super comfy and like all things chrome, built to last. only complaint about it is low visibility when peeking over your shoulder.

I've got the same pack - at least I think so - is that the middle sized one? The reason I ask is because mine doesn't have the reflective cross strip. Did you add that? what is it?
the pack is replacing my MEC brenta bag and it's way better for riding with even a moderate load.

[50 Mission Cap]

I dig my rack... packs get too cumbersome / hot.

[Spottynick]

I have to agree. Bags get hot and move.

[hairygrump]

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