Messenger Bags Vs Back Packs

[Ike Levens]

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.

I did the same thing, I used to have a Pacific Design messenger bag, but I wasn't happy with it. Now I have a High Sierra Access, and it keeps me feeling ok even though I'm carrying 20 pounds of stuff around every day.

[LinnT]

I know the OP has said he has found his messenger bag, but I want to put a plug in for Seagull bags out of Columbus, Ohio. My son would destroy a backpack a year during high school. He would cram so much into it the seams would pull out. For college we bought him a custom bag with a strap inside to secure a protective laptop bag. After a hard year and a half, it is still going strong, through many commutes on the bus and walking back and forth to his job six blocks away, through rain and snow. He fills it till it bulges at least twice its size and weighs at least twenty pounds with computer and books. The strapping system uses a wide padded shoulder strap with a corresponding underarm strap on the opposite side. It seems to balance the load across his back.

 

We live about two hours from Seagull and went up to order the bag. They were great to work with and build a hard working messenger bag.

[MKeith]

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.

 

I also favor a sling bag (see below), particularly when travelling. With a bad back it is more comfortable than a single shoulder strap. When sitting you just pull it to the front. Admittedly not for "formal" situations or for show, but carries a load comfortably.

 

http://www.theopsdeck.com/PACKS%20-%20TACTICAL/PROD%20-%20RR%2080201%20Rambler%20Sling%20Pack.htm

Edited January 25, 2014 by MKeith

[Blade Runner]

Thanks for the additional bag ideas. Keep'em coming please. I'm sure they will help others.

 

Just a note: I estimate my total commute carry weight, including the new messenger bag will be 7 lbs or slightly > 3 kg. More of course when traveling.

[Ted A]

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.......

It's also a knocking things over or hindering others' movements. I was asked in one museum to check a messenger style camera bag because the particular guard thought if was in the way of others.

[my63]

I thought I would add a picture of my bag it is Italian leather but is very light considering its size it will hold a 17 inch laptop (which i dont have)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/12156132965_f04718cabc_o.jpg

bag by my0771, on Flickr

Michael

[orfew]

I have a few different bags. I have a backpack that I use if I have to carry a lot. If not I use one of my messenger bags. I have a couple of coach messenger bags that are perfect for my Macbook Air, some file folders, and lots of room for pens.

[Ted A]

I use both plus smaller bags. I'm not sure I've ever had a good, high quality messenger. If I did that might make a difference. I prefer the backpack, as others have said, when I'm carrying a large load or having to go a fair distance. For cummuting, which does not require long distances, the messenger works well.

 

The WORST are the laptop bags that are provided with every computer. Awkward, heavy, ugly. But cheaper by the hundreds..

[robynsnest]

I love messenger bags but I have to have something that is somewhat girly and not too big but big enough. In the end I made my own.

[AndrewC]

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!

My wife takes hers to the office. Not the largest size, so even when not full it does not bell out or flop about. You can also get the bag customized so it looks smarter/less casual for work.

[Blade Runner]

Got the bag today. So cool!

[panpan]

Got the bag today. So cool!

 

 

Congrats!!!! Put it through its paces!!!!!!!!

[onepuff]

Knog messenger bags have the most comfortable strap I've ever tried. The strap is very wide - 75mm - which really helps when carrying anything weighty. My Franks Dog model is really sturdy and capacious with a separate padded compartment large enough for a notebook computer and it also came with a waist strap. They're designed for cycle messengers but in black they're sober enough looking for business use.

[wallylynn]

just saw that timbuk2 has a few bags on sale.

[Keyless Works]

My commute in total is 20 blocks a day on foot and I changed to a backpack from a messenger bag/briefcase and have never wanted to go back. The issue for me with the messenger bag is that the weight is on one shoulder and the bag depending on how you carry it rubs up against you as you walk. I wear wool slacks to work and having a bag rub against them feels unpleasant, like I am hurting my pants.

 

With a backpack the weight is better distributed and as a result you can carry more, more easily. The downside is that they tend to look less professional.

 

I know you bought a Timbuk2 which is a great bag but if you decide you want another one I suggest you look at Tom Bihn, the quality is the best I have seen (be careful though it is hard to buy just one Tom Bihn bag). I believe they are better than a Tumi bag back when Tumi actually made quality products in the USA. They have somewhat of a cult following and a surprisingly active forum: http://www.tombihn.com/forums/

 

If you want something other than a modern nylon bag I would suggest you look at Filson for cotton canvas and Swaine Adeney Brigg for leather. I have/have had both and while they look great the weight of both of these materials just isn't worth it for me.

Edited January 29, 2014 by Keyless Works

[AndrewC]

Got the bag today. So cool!

Excellent! Let us know later how it works for you?

[alex137]

I prefer satchels to messenger bags. I absolutely loathe the large flap on the latter. It seems to work fine for other people, but whenever I carry one and try to access my stuff I want to throw the darned thing across the room. Is there some trick I'm missing?

 

Anyway, I use a lightweight canvas satchel when just running errands or whatever, and a slim PacSafe backpack for when I'll be carrying a bag longer. With the PacSafe, the bottom or straps can't be slashed or the zipper opened easily, and I'm paranoid enough to want that in a bag. I like PacSafe's shoulder bags, too, but I have mild scoliosis so I always have to wear them (and my satchel) cross-body and that hurts after a bit...

[Ike Levens]

I love messenger bags but I have to have something that is somewhat girly and not too big but big enough. In the end I made my own.

This is unfair, you can't say "I made my own" on a forum like this without posting photos.

[robynsnest]

This is unfair, you can't say "I made my own" on a forum like this without posting photos.

I'll get some uploaded then. Warning though it's probably too girly for you.

[robynsnest]

I don't know how to upload the pics. I tried entering a URL but it came up with a black box. Here is the link to the photos. These are just quick shots with a camera phone, nothing fancy. I customized this bag to fit my needs. I didn't want a huge bag and I wanted something a bit more feminine but still large enough to carry everything.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/44502393@N03/sets/72157640361192315/