Messenger type vs backpacks for cycling?

[ambuletz]

seems to be abit of a debate on which is better. Many seem to say that after going to a messenger/courier type bag they would never go back. But there are some who just prefer a normal backpack.

I'm in the market for a new bag to use for while cycling. General consensus is get yourself a Timbuk2 classic messenger bag. All purpose, comfty and will fit gym clothing too. Maybe I'm just being abit too prudent, but £60 or so is abit much incase I don't like it. Having said that, if I do, reviews say it will last me decades. (I used a laptop backpack that lasted me about 4-5years before it started tearing up).

What are people's thoughts on which they think is best? Also if there is anyone that owns a Timbuk2 I'd be more then welcome to hear from them. Thanks.

[Gizmoish]

I wouldn't wear a messenger-type bag on a road bike. Sit-up-and-beg, maybe.

[Jayfish]

Messenger bags will mean less sweaty back syndrome but on anyting where you lean forwards are a PITA if you carry anything weighty as they consantly try to swing forwards.

[Daveyraveygravey]

Much prefer rucksacks, you don't notice the sweaty back unless you take it off and put it back on. Keeps the weight in the best place and you can get all kinds of size, can ride for hours if necessary.
The only messenger bags I have used have slid around like a bugger, and end up under my arm pit. They were cheap though and maybe better ones stay put.

[Captain Answer]

Messenger type bags are a complete PITA, rucksack for me everytime. Got one from Lidl/Aldi a few years ago that's super comfy padded back and straps and even had a luminous rain cover with it.

[Jimbo.]

Messenger bags are good if you get a, well...good...one. I've a Chrome of some description, and once you get past the whole fixiehipstertt-ism and the price tag, they're very clever bits of bit. A secondary strap to stabilise the bag and stop it spinning around, a main strap you can open up with an easy-to-use buckle (rather than have to thread your head and arm through the strap), VERY durable (truck tarpaulin) and lots of space.

[ambuletz]

Jimbo. said:

Messenger bags are good if you get a, well...good...one. I've a Chrome of some description, and once you get past the whole fixiehipstertt-ism and the price tag, they're very clever bits of bit. A secondary strap to stabilise the bag and stop it spinning around, a main strap you can open up with an easy-to-use buckle (rather than have to thread your head and arm through the strap), VERY durable (truck tarpaulin) and lots of space.

Indeed, I was thinking of making sure I buy one that has the stabilising strap.

I'm not sure if I am wearing my backpack properly, but whenever I use it, I eventually get some mild backpack where ever it ends up sitting on my back. Perhaps I need to strap it much tighter. There is the arguement that backpacks are made for walking, not cycling.

[uncinqsix]

Jimbo. said:

Messenger bags are good if you get a, well...good...one. I've a Chrome of some description, and once you get past the whole fixiehipstertt-ism and the price tag, they're very clever bits of bit. A secondary strap to stabilise the bag and stop it spinning around, a main strap you can open up with an easy-to-use buckle (rather than have to thread your head and arm through the strap), VERY durable (truck tarpaulin) and lots of space.

I use a backpack, but I have a good Freitag messenger that I haven't tried. I might have to give it a go and see how it works.

[Camera man]

I use a Crumpler messenger bag.

Ideal for cycling. Using the stabilising strap means it stays in place better than a rucksack & you keep any weight lower on your back

[nagsheadwarrior]

Captain Answer said:

Messenger type bags are a complete PITA, rucksack for me everytime. Got one from Lidl/Aldi a few years ago that's super comfy padded back and straps and even had a luminous rain cover with it.

Think ive got the same one,excellent bit of kit for no money.
Wish theyd do them again as the exterior pocket zips given up on mine.

[bakerstreet]

I've ridden with a messanger back once and as others have said it was a PITA. I now ride with a Karrimor 25ltr rucksack from Sports Direct. Had it for years and its been fine. Its cheap, basic and because of that its quite light and every little bit helps

I do get tempted by some of the funky North Face bags that I see people using. Also some of the DHB ones do look a bit more aero

[bigtomski]

ambuletz said:

Also if there is anyone that owns a Timbuk2 I'd be more then welcome to hear from them. Thanks.

I've had my Timbuk messenger bag I reckon for almost 20 years and it's still brilliant.
Just a tiny amount of fraying on the strap but that's all.
It's still waterproof, no breakages or rips or anything, the velcro and catches still work perfectly, it's an absolutely excellent bag.
Seeing as it get used almost 5 days a week then I think that's incredible with over 20 years usage and I think it'll last another 20 years it's that good a bag.
Highly recommended.

[otolith]

You can get rucksacks which have an arched design that sits clear if your back.

[Jayinjapan]

I use either a Timbuktu messenger or a Deuter cycling backpack for going to work everyday along with Ortlieb panniers (when needed).

All are good but it depends on what you want to carry. Heavier stuff, the panniers, mildly heavy, the back pack, not so heavy, the messenger. In inclement weather, the panniers are heavy duty and waterproof whatever the weather, the backpack has a waterproof cover that's not too bad, the messenger is easy to wear under a waterproof jacket.

The Deuter backpack also has an mesh aero-back type design that keeps the pack off your back allowing air to circle through resulting in less sweatiness on hot days....

All have lasted me over 3 years each so far in ridiculously hot / cold / wet / humid Japan without any problems.

I like and use all 3 weekly, but if you have a rack on the back of your bike and don't need to lug stuff about too much when you get where you're going, the Ortlieb backroller panniers are probably the easiest of all....

[abbotsmike]

ambuletz said:

There is the arguement that backpacks are made for walking, not cycling.

I find my Jack Wolfskin Moab Jam comfy for cycling. It is designed as a hiking& cycling pack. Doesn't have mesh, so sweaty back syndrome does strike when it's hot, but it's very well built, comfy and can take a lot of weight!

[Daveyraveygravey]

Camera man said:

I use a Crumpler messenger bag.

Ideal for cycling. Using the stabilising strap means it stays in place better than a rucksack & you keep any weight lower on your back

I always thought the weight should be further up shouldn't it, between your shoulders, where it is better for your back? I'm talking about it in terms of carrying weight, rather than an ideal position for cycling.

I would guess a messenger bag makes sense if you are stopping every mile or so and taking stuff out and putting it back, but most commutes you pack the bag at the start and leave it alone til you get to your destination.

[shouldbworking]

Pannier(s). much easier and more comfortable than both messenger bags or backpack. The only problem is finding a rack that doesn't look too offensive if you're just riding for fun rather than carrying stuff.

[yellowjack]

Daveyraveygravey said:

I always thought the weight should be further up shouldn't it, between your shoulders, where it is better for your back? I'm talking about it in terms of carrying weight, rather than an ideal position for cycling.

You are correct to say that the weight should be distributed differently when 'hiking'. In the military one of the first things you learn is how to pack your kit right. Light but bulky stuff like sleeping bag and clothing at the bottom, and ammo and spare radio batteries toward the top, so that when you 'lean in' to the trail, you keep the heaviest part of your load up around your shoulder blades. If you wear the weight too low, it tends to pull you back and does bad things to the shape of your spine.

I haven't done too much cycling with a backpack, usually only mountain biking with a CamelBak, with water and a few tools/spares. I imagine when carrying stuff like a laptop, etc, that it's a bad idea to wear the load near the top of your back because that increases fatigue in your shoulders, arms, and hands, and sets your centre of gravity too high. Which means that you'd have to wear a rucksack with the straps loosened to allow it to sit low in the small of your back. Better still, use one of those wretched messenger man bag things as they are designed to keep the load as low as possible. From an aesthetic point of view, I loathe messenger bags, but that's probably a result of the 'hipster' look. In practical terms I imagine they are the best answer to load carrying on a bicycle without straying into the 'bike luggage' market, with panniers and such like.

[SkinnyBoy]

I've done both. I have a crumpler messenger which is ok on the mountain bike tootling around town but the shimano unzen backpack owns it. I find the messenger bag slips round under your pits and makes you conscious that it's there where as my shimano backpack is moulded to lift off your back when in a prone ass up head down position. If you are carrying a bit of weight then a backpack is the only viable option with the exception of Sheldon bags (panniers)

[otolith]

SkinnyBoy said:

I find the messenger bag slips round under your pits and makes you conscious that it's there

I was looking at pictures of them and thinking that must happen.