Messenger Bags Vs Back Packs

[Brian C]

I like leather messenger bags/briefcases because they look cool. That's good enough for me.

[panpan]

Hi, one more thought on this: museums usually force you to check backpacks but not messenger bags. When I holiday in NYC I spend much of my time walking - for that a backpack would be best. But I often go to museums where I might want access to my tablet, journal, pens, paper, etc. Also checking a bag is a hassle. So when I travel, my walk-about gear is always in a small leather messenger.

m

I think the messenger you are talking about is a bit different than the one Blade is thinking of. I could be wrong.

 

I never thought about that though. a shoulder bag type messenger looks more like an attache or briefcase. I guess there is no threat to steal anything.......

[MizzouCowboy]

I'm old fashioned, I still use a battered old briefcase.

 

I still use a leather briefcase as well, one made by Saddleback Leather. It is heavy, weighs about 6 pounds empty but then again, I use it and carry quite a bit in it. It's also not much of a burden considering my size.

[Blade Runner]

I'm not carry heavy loads on my commute. So weight isn't a major issue. I think the mess bag may be superior for my purposes, because as someone said earlier, they tend to be shallower, so easier to visualize contents whereas one would have to dig deeper in a back pack. On the other hand, some back packs zip out extensively to fully display its contents, and they don't have that big flap to negotiate.

[wallylynn]

I like to think of a messenger bag as a large hanging folder. Things side by side, horizontally.

A backpack is more akin to a shopping bag, things atop each other vertically.

[ac12]

They are tools. Choose the right tool for the job.

 

I like the messenger bag design in general, as I can keep an eye on my bag.

With a backpack, a thief with a razor could slice open the backpack without you knowing, or in a crowd open and pick your backpack.

 

BUT sometimes a messenger bag is a PIA. What I mean is when I am moving about crouching down, etc, like when shopping, the shoulder strap constantly slips off my shoulder and/or the bag swings forward into what I am looking at (which is bad if you are looking at a table full of glasses ). Obviously I don't have the knack of dealing with it as women do with large purses.

 

For going to the office, it is a fiberglass briefcase and my rolling computer case.

Sometimes I get away w/o the briefcase if all the paper fits into the rolling computer case.

I take the soft nylon brief case style when I travel, as I can pack it into my suitcase when traveling and take it out at the destination.

Edited January 24, 2014 by ac12

[legume]

I carried a messenger bag my first year of undergrad because I wanted a change from backpacks. So keeping in mind that I was young, perfectly healthy, fit, and with good endurance, I hated messenger bags. They hurt not only my shoulders, but my back as well. I was carrying a laptop (~4 lbs), a binder, a few notebooks, and a pencil case. After a semester of use and chronic back pain I switched back to backpacks. I had another messenger bag which eliminated the back and shoulder pain, but it still ended up too bulky and heavy for school. Unless you can keep everything under ~8 lbs I would say you're better off with a backpack.

Edited January 24, 2014 by legume

[Elyptic]

I carried a range of messenger bags over the years (mainly Timbuk2) and really liked their designs and function. Then I started traveling more for work. Given that a typical business trip required me to carry upwards of 20 lbs, I soon found that my back and shoulders just weren't up to the long treks through airports and the like.

 

I've since switched to backpacks and my shoulders thank me immensely. Yes, I do miss the ease of access with a messenger bag (don't have to take it off), but a happy back and neck are critical. Currently, I'm carrying a backpack from North Face. I know, hippy type brand, but it's proven to be seriously durable, fits my back well and actually offers a decent harness system with some support. Couldn't be happier.

 

I'm sure when it dies I'll do more research, but after three years it still looks new... so I may have to hold off on getting something nicer..

[wallylynn]

Have you considered a sling pack? I think that's what it's called. I used one for several years. It's kinda halfway between a backpack and messenger bag. You get the ease of use like the messenger bag, but the weight is behind, like a pack.

[Blade Runner]

Thanks for all the input. I chose the following hi tech messenger bag (small size). I can use it on the bike commute when I don't want to use my panniers. Of course it will be good to carry stuff on snow days when I have to drive, as a carry on, and day trips. One of the most impt. features for me is the high level of protection against water. Not shown, but there is a another smaller strap that goes under the arm and connects to the main strap for even more stability. Also the side pockets can be accessed without lifting the big flap ("Bonaparte pocket"). Should be an outstanding piece of gear and i like the Ninja aesthetics.

 

Edited January 24, 2014 by Blade Runner

[panpan]

Good choice

[Blade Runner]

Good choice

Thanks for your input. It's similar to the ones you recommended.

[Mr. Pentulant]

I will say, it's hard to go wrong with Timbuk2.. I have a backpack purchased about 5 years ago that's gone through my entire undergrad career, too many cross-country flights to count, and now graduate school. It literally looks brand new.. no scratches to the material even on the bottom of the bag.

 

I'm looking for a messenger bag for the office, though.. while wearing a backpack to work might not be that uncommon in San Francisco, it feels a little out of place to me. I need something a bit more structured than most of the Timbuk2 messenger bags I've seen, though.. from what I can tell, they look a little sloppy when they're not full. Post some pics of yours when you get it!

[Blade Runner]

Good to hear about the durability Mr. Pentulant. A number of these outdoor gear companies have superior warranty policies. I've had Northface, Vaude, Patagonia stuff fixed for free years after purchase, and the Timbuktu has a lifetime warranty. An aesthetic feature that I like about the Especial, is that unlike many Timbuktu bags, there isn't a marked disparity in the bag's width from top to bottom, giving it a tighter look.

Edited January 24, 2014 by Blade Runner

[Elyptic]

You can't go wrong with Timbuk2. I have two of their messenger bags that were used extensively that still look brand new.

[kingcobradude]

I use a Sharper Image messenger bag with zip closures I got for carrying my laptop around originally, and during college I carried all my books and stuff in it

[bogiesan]

Timbuk2 makes great stuff, I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

 

I've tried every type of masculine carrying thing over four decades. I eventually ended up preferring a leather shoulder bag in a style that some would call a satchel. I've gone from carrying 15-20 pounds on my back or over my shoulder to only carrying the necessities: glasses, lip balm. keys, notebook, fountain pens, phone, wallet, ID badge, and the odd accessory. If I need more room or more gear, I add one of my many camera bags, of different sizes and materials.

[my63]

I had this exact same problem around Christmas but wanted something a little smarter for the odd business thing where a sports/casual type bag would not be appropriate I found an excellent bag on amazon from hide online excellent quality and not too heavy.

Michael

[da vinci]

I think care does have to be taken with the choice of bag. I have a wonderful Tumi which seems indestructable. Unfortunately it is varry heavy when empty, and its capricious interior tempts me to fill it with all sorts of stuff I do not really need.

 

Have been bought a Sandqvist as a gift, and am looking forward to trying it out.

 

http://www.sandqvist.net/en/messenger-bag-sandqvist-izzy-khaki-sqa233.html

[Blade Runner]

Weight is a crucial factor for me. As beautiful as leather is, I won't use it for larger items such as briefcase, carryon, etc. Pen cases, folios, small notebooks OK.

Edited January 25, 2014 by Blade Runner