messenger bag for riding?

[ST Guy]

Messenger bags are always flopping around.

Backpacks don't, but then if you put hard objects of any size in there, even books, if you crash and land on your back, you risk serious back injury. I think wearing a backpack while riding is not only uncomfortable but adds risk that really doesn't have to be added.

The best options are to strap it to your bike. Seat or tail pack. Or a good tank bag. Once the bike is set up properly, all you do is put the bag on your bike and snap 3 or 4 quick disconnect connectors and you're off. No safety risk. You're more comfortable. And the added weight is closer to the center of gravity where it's effects on handling are minimized.

Before I got a bike with hard bags, I used a tankbag for years. It took me all of 5 seconds to put it on and less to take it off. It had a carrying handle and a shoulder strap. And for funky weather I had it heavily sprayed with waterproofing and for real downpours, I had a rain cover.

 

[Roadstergal]

For shorter trips and lighter loads, I really prefer a

...tank bag.

 

[Traq]

...and I've just never liked top cases from a purely aesthetic point of view.

Function > form.

 

[DWC]

With Gabe here...

Messenger bags (proper ones) do not flop around in the wind if you pull the straps tight. They are great for light or flexible loads. I think we have about six various Chrome bags here dating back to the Galaxy. I grab one for cross-town trips. Large top opening means you can get things in and out easy, and close up quickly.

When you overload a messenger bag with heavy stuff it gets unwieldy. As soon as you lean or bend over at a stoplight to adjust or look at someting low (tighten a boot buckle, adjust a cuff) the whole rig will make an attempt to come around front. Same thing happens off the bike.

So for heavy loads I use the backpack. MW Vandal. It it built to carry weight.

+1 for Mission Workshop

 

[ST Guy]

One evening after work I was nailed by a left-turning car, flew a ways, and came down on my back, helmet, and messenger bag. The metal water bottle in the bag compressed between my back and the pavement, bruising the hell out of my back and left kidney, though luckily not breaking a rib. If you're gonna carry a messenger bag, keep the hard objects out of it.

If you think about it, y'all carry all kinds of shit in your bags/backpacks that you really wouldn't want to land on. Even if it doesn't break your back, it can still fuck up up. Keep that shit off your body completely.

 

[oorahduc]

I'm so jealous of this. =P I know someone that works in Timbuk2 and I get a ton of experimental and sample stuff from them, but this still takes the cake.

Another vote for the Timbuk2 bag. It is easier to put on and take off than a backpack. I don't wear it on the side though, as I just slide it around to my back, and then cinch on the third strap. And as stated already, with the third strap, no problems with it moving at all.

Another nice thing about the Timbuk2 is you can order it direct from the factory in the exact size, color combination, and features that you want. Mine arrived in less than a week. Check it out on their website.